One app for all your study abroad needs
Choosing the right path after graduation can be overwhelming, especially with so many competitive exams to consider. This blog on the Top Government Exams After Graduation is designed to give you clear and updated information on the most reliable career options in the public sector. This guide covers eligibility, salary, exam structure, and important dates all in one place. If you’re looking for job security, steady income, and growth, this blog will help you understand which exam aligns best with your goals.
Contents
Top Government Exams After Graduation: Overview
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Age Limit | Average Salary |
| UPSC CSE | Union Public Service Commission | 21–32 years | 10–12 LPA |
| SSC CGL | Staff Selection Commission | 18–32 years | 6 LPA |
| IBPS PO | IBPS | 20–30 years | 9 LPA |
| SBI PO | State Bank of India | 21–30 years | 10 LPA |
| RRB NTPC | Railway Recruitment Board | 18–36 years | 5.4 LPA |
| CDS | Union Public Service Commission | 19–25 years | 8.5 LPA |
| State PSC | Respective State Commissions | 21–40 years | 8–9 LPA |
UPSC Civil Services Exam
The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is India’s most important exam for top government jobs like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. It is conducted once a year and selects candidates for high-level administrative roles in the central government. The exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age Limit: 21 to 32 years (as of 1st August 2025)
- OBC: up to 35 years
- SC/ST: up to 37 years
- PwBD: up to 42 years
- OBC: up to 35 years
- Education: Graduation in any stream from a recognised university
- Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)
- General/EWS: 6
Important Dates for UPSC 2025
| Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date to Apply | Date of Commencement |
| UPSC CSE (Prelims) | January 22, 2025 | February 21, 2025 | May 25, 2025 |
| UPSC CSE (Mains) | January 22, 2025 | June 25, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
Examination Structure
- Prelims:
- Two papers (General Studies & CSAT)
- MCQ format, Paper 2 is qualifying (33%)
- Two papers (General Studies & CSAT)
- Mains:
- Nine written papers (7 count for merit)
- Includes Essay, General Studies I–IV, two Optional Subject papers
- Two qualifying papers in English and the regional language
- Nine written papers (7 count for merit)
- Interview:
- Personality Test of 275 marks
- Conducted in Delhi at UPSC Bhavan
- Personality Test of 275 marks
Application Process
- Apply online at upsc.gov.in
- Fee: ₹100 for General/EWS/OBC (free for SC/ST/PwBD/Female)
- One Time Registration (OTR) is required
- Upload photo, signature, and caste certificate if applicable
High-Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Role | Service | Starting Salary (Approx.) | Highest Salary (Approx.) |
| IAS Officer | Indian Administrative Service | ₹56,100/month + allowances | ₹2,50,000/month (Cabinet Secy.) |
| IPS Officer | Indian Police Service | ₹56,100/month + allowances | ₹2,25,000/month (DGP/IG) |
| IFS Officer | Indian Foreign Service | ₹56,100/month + foreign posting perks | ₹2,25,000/month (Ambassador) |
| IRS Officer | Indian Revenue Service | ₹56,100/month + allowances | ₹2,25,000/month (Chief Commissioner) |
Also Read: UPSC Exams
SSC CGL Exam
The SSC CGL exam is a national-level test for government jobs in Group B and C. It fills roles in departments like Income Tax, CBI, Customs, and Accounts. The exam has multiple stages: Tier I (Prelims), Tier II (Mains), and Tier III/IV (Skill or Descriptive) where needed.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age: Typically 18–30 years; varies by post and category (some relaxation available).
- Education: Graduation in any stream from a recognized university is required before joining. Final-year students can apply provisionally.
- Attempts: No fixed limit—attempts allowed within the age range.
Important Dates for SSC CGL 2025
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | June 9, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | June 9, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 4, 2025 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | July 5, 2025 |
| Correction Window | July 9–11, 2025 |
| Tier I Exam Date (Computer-Based) | August 13–30, 2025 |
| Tier II Exam Date (Tentative) | December 2025 |
Examination Structure
- Tier I (Prelims): Objective test, Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative, and English.
- Tier II (Mains): Multiple papers based on job roles, Maths, Statistics, Economics, English, and Finance.
- Tier III/IV: Descriptive or skill test for specific posts. No interview for most posts.
Application Process
- Apply online at the official SSC website.
- Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC; waived for SC/ST/Women/PwBD.
- Upload scanned documents if needed.
- The correction window opens from July 9 to 11.
High-Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Role / Post | Pay Level & Estimated Salary |
| Assistant Section Officer (CSS, IB, Railways) | Level-7: ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 per month |
| Inspector of Income Tax / CBI Sub-Inspector | Level-7: ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 per month |
| Assistant Audit Officer / Accounts Officer | Level-8: ₹47,600–₹1,51,100 per month |
| Junior Statistical Officer / Tax Assistant | Level-6 & Level-4: ₹29,200–₹1,12,400 per month |
Also Read: Best Online Coaching for SSC CGL
IBPS PO Exam
The IBPS PO exam is the national test for hiring Probationary Officers or Management Trainees in 11 public sector banks (excluding SBI). In 2025, IBPS announced 5,208 vacancies across these banks. This is a major gateway for graduates entering the banking sector.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age Limit: 20 to 30 years (relaxations apply for OBC, SC/ST, and PwBD categories).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university; final-year students may apply provisionally.
- Attempts: No fixed limit; applicants can apply as long as they meet the age criterion.
Important Dates for IBPS PO 2025
| Event | Dates (2025) |
| Notification Released | June 30 |
| Online Application Window | July 1 – July 28 (extended from 21) |
| Correction Window | July 31 – August 1 |
| Prelims Exam | August 17, 23 & 24 |
| Mains Exam | October 12 |
| Interview | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Provisional Allotment | January – February 2026 |
Examination Structure
- Prelims (Tier I): Objective test with sections on English Language, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Mains (Tier II): Includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, and an Essay/Letter Writing paper.
- Interview (Personality Test): Final stage for shortlisted candidates to assess suitability for banking roles.
Application Process
- The form is submitted online via the official IBPS website.
- Application fee: ₹850 for General/OBC; ₹175 for SC/ST/PwBD/Female.
- Applicants must upload scanned documents (photo, signature) and fill in details accurately.
- A two-day edit window (July 31 – August 1) allows corrections for submitted forms.
High-Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Role | Basic Pay | Estimated Gross Salary | Estimated In‑Hand Salary |
| IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) | ₹48,480/month | ₹90,700/month (with allowances) | ₹74,000–₹76,000/month |
| Assistant Manager (Scale I) | ₹48,480/month | ₹88,000–₹91,000/month | ₹72,000–₹75,000/month |
| Deputy Manager (Scale II)* | ₹63,840/month | ₹1,05,000–₹1,10,000/month | ₹88,000–₹92,000/month |
Also Read: IBPS PO Exam Date
SBI PO Exam
The SBI PO exam is the national recruitment test for Probationary Officers (Assistant Managers) in State Bank of India. In 2025, SBI announced 541 PO vacancies. Success in this exam leads to a stable career with attractive pay and perks.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age Limit: 21 to 30 years as of April 1, 2025 (relaxation for OBC, SC/ST, PwBD)
- Education: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final-year students can apply provisionally
- Attempts: Unlimited, as long as age criteria are met
Important Dates for SBI PO 2025
| Event | Date (2025) |
| Notification Released | June 24 |
| Application Window Ends | July 14 |
| Prelims Exam | August 2, 4 & 5 |
| Mains Exam | September (tentative) |
| Interview / Group Exercises | October – November |
Examination Structure
- Prelims (Tier I): Objective questions on English, Reasoning, Quant, and General Awareness
- Mains (Tier II): Papers include Data Analysis, English, and Essay/Letter Writing
- Interview / Group Exercise: Final round to assess personality and suitability for banking roles
Application Process
- Submit application online on SBI’s official site
- Fee: ₹750 for General/OBC; waived for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates
- Upload scanned photo and signature; ensure all details are correct
High-Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Role | Basic Pay | Gross Salary (Est.) | In‑Hand Salary (Est.) |
| SBI Probationary Officer (Scale I) | ₹48,480/month | ₹90,000–₹93,000/month | ₹80,000–₹82,000/month |
| Assistant Manager (Post-Training) | ₹48,480–₹56,480 | ₹92,000–₹95,000/month | ₹82,000–₹85,000/month |
| Deputy Manager (Scale II, later) | ₹63,840/month | ₹1,05,000–₹1,10,000/month | ₹88,000–₹92,000/month |
Also Read: SBI PO Exam Date 2025
RRB NTPC Exam
The RRB NTPC exam is held to recruit graduates for roles like Station Master, Ticket Supervisor, Junior Accountant, and others in Indian Railways. In 2025, over 11,500 graduate-level vacancies were announced across railway zones in India.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age Limit: 18 to 36 years
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university
- Attempts: No fixed limit; you can apply as long as you’re within the age limit
Important Dates for RRB NTPC 2025
| Event | Date (2025) |
| Notification Release | Expected September 2025 |
| Application Window | Expected Late Sept – Oct 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Around 5–7 days before exam |
| CBT-I Exam Date | June 5–24, 2025 (confirmed) |
Examination Structure
- CBT‑I (Stage 1):
- 100 MCQs on General Awareness, Maths, and Reasoning
- 90 minutes total, with negative marking
- 100 MCQs on General Awareness, Maths, and Reasoning
- CBT‑II (Stage 2):
- Higher difficulty level
- Paper pattern varies slightly by post
- Higher difficulty level
- Skill/Typing Test (if required), followed by Document Verification and Medical Test
Application Process
- Apply online through the official RRB regional websites
- Pay the application fee based on your category
- Upload scanned documents and correct details during the correction window if needed
High‑Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Post / Role | Basic Pay | Gross Salary | In‑Hand Salary |
| Station Master / Ticket Supervisor | ₹35,400/month | ₹50,000–₹55,000/month | ₹41,500–₹45,000/month |
| Junior Accountant / Sr. Clerk | ₹29,200/month | ₹45,000–₹48,000/month | ₹37,000–₹40,000/month |
| Goods Train Manager | ₹29,200/month | ₹45,000–₹48,000/month | ₹37,000–₹40,000/month |
Also Read: Top Railway Jobs After 12th
CDS Exam
The CDS Exam is held twice a year by UPSC to select officers for the Indian Army (IMA), Navy (INA), Air Force (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). It’s a prestigious gateway for graduates aiming to serve in defence.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age Limits (as of exam date):
- IMA: 19–24 years
- INA: 19–22 years
- AFA: 19–23 years
- OTA (Men): 19–25 years
- IMA: 19–24 years
- Education:
- IMA/OTA: Graduation in any stream
- INA: Engineering degree
- AFA: Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level or an engineering degree
- IMA/OTA: Graduation in any stream
- Gender & Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates can apply
- Attempts: Unlimited attempts are allowed within the age criteria
Important Dates for CDS 2025
| Stage | CDS‑1 2025 | CDS‑2 2025 |
| Notification | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Application End | December 31, 2024 | June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
Examination Structure
- Written Exam:
- Three papers — English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Maths
- Objective MCQs; each paper is 2 hours
- Three papers — English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Maths
- SSB Interview (Personality Test):
- Stage I (screening) + Stage II (5 days)
- Includes group tasks, personal interview, and physical fitness assessment
- Stage I (screening) + Stage II (5 days)
- Final Selection: Based on combined written and interview performance followed by medical checks
Application Process
- Online application on UPSC official site
- Application fee: ₹200 (waived for SC/ST/Female)
- Upload graduation or eligibility certificate and photo/signature
- Ensure data is correct before final submission; edits may not be allowed later
High-Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary Range/month | Estimated In‑Hand Pay |
| Lieutenant (entry-level) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹68,000–₹75,000 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 | ₹75,000–₹85,000 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 | ₹95,000–₹1,10,000 |
Also Read: CDS Study Plan | GK, Maths and English
State PSC Exams
State Public Service Commission (PSC) exams are held by each Indian state to hire officers for state-level administrative, police, revenue, forest, and specialist services. These exams recruit for roles like Provincial Civil Services Officer, Tehsildar, & DSP across states like UPPSC, MPPSC, TNPSC, BPSC, OPSC, and more. The usual process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.
Eligibility & Number of Attempts
- Age Limit: Ranges commonly between 21 and 40 years, varying by state. Reserved categories may enjoy age relaxations.
- Education: Graduation in any stream is mandatory; some specialised roles may require specific degrees like engineering or law.
- Attempts: No fixed number—candidates can apply as long as they meet state-specific eligibility like age and domicile requirements.
- Residency: Most PSCs require state domicile or residency for applications.
Important Dates (Typical 2025 Timeline)
| State PSC Exam | Notification | Application Window | Prelims Exam |
| UPPSC PCS | Jan–Feb 2025 | Feb–Mar 2025 | May–June 2025 |
| MPPSC SSE | August 2025 | Aug–Sept 2025 | Nov–Dec 2025 |
| TNPSC Group 1 | April 2025 | April–May 2025 | June 15, 2025 |
| OPSC (OAS) | June–July 2025 | July–August 2025 | Late 2025 |
Examination Structure
- Prelims: Objective-type question paper to shortlist candidates.
- Mains: Descriptive papers in General Studies, optional or language subjects.
- Interview: Personality test to judge leadership, suitability, and communication.
High-Paying Job Roles & Salary
| Role / Service | Basic Pay Level | Estimated Gross Salary | Estimated In‑Hand Salary |
| PCS Officer / Deputy Collector (UPPSC MPPSC, etc.) | Level 10 | ₹56,100–₹1,32,000/month | ₹68,000–₹80,000/month |
| DSP / State Police Service (MPSC, UPPSC, etc.) | Level 10 | ₹56,100–₹1,32,000/month | ₹68,000–₹85,000/month |
| Deputy Collector / Revenue Officer (TNPSC Group 1) | Level 9–10 | ₹47,600–₹1,42,400/month | ₹60,000–₹75,000/month |
| Range Forest Officer (UPPSC, MPPSC) | Level 8 | ₹47,600–₹1,51,100/month | ₹55,000–₹65,000/month |
Also Read: How to Become a PCS Officer in India?
FAQs
The best exam depends on your goal. For administrative power and prestige, UPSC Civil Services is top. For high-paying stable jobs, SBI PO, SSC CGL, and State PSCs are excellent.
In 2025, major government vacancies include UPSC CSE, SSC CGL, IBPS PO, SBI PO, RRB NTPC, CDS, and various State PSC exams like UPPSC, MPPSC, and TNPSC.
Most exams have age limits, but some like UGC NET (for lectureship only) and PhD entrance exams have no strict upper age limit, making them accessible to older candidates.
Jobs through SSC CGL (e.g. Income Tax Inspector), IBPS PO, and RRB NTPC (like Station Master) offer monthly salaries between ₹45,000 to ₹55,000 starting, including allowances.
This was all about the top government exams after graduation, their eligibility, salaries, dates, and what makes each one worth a shot. For more such clear breakdowns of competitive exams, careers, and government job updates, be sure to check out the Indian Exams section on Leverage Edu and stay ahead.
Related Articles
Leave a Reply
-
Is there any simple government for graduate not like this much of government jobs
-
Hi Anjali Panduga, clearing any government exam can be an easy if you are prepared well. A few government exam which are easier to crack other than UPSC, Banking exams and Defence exams are RRB Group D, SSC Steno Grade C & D, RRB NTPC, IBPS SO, IBPS RRB Clerk etc. To learn more about these exams in details, you can read our blog: https://leverageedu.com/blog/easiest-government-exams-to-crack-in-india/.
-
0 comments
Is there any simple government for graduate not like this much of government jobs
Hi Anjali Panduga, clearing any government exam can be an easy if you are prepared well. A few government exam which are easier to crack other than UPSC, Banking exams and Defence exams are RRB Group D, SSC Steno Grade C & D, RRB NTPC, IBPS SO, IBPS RRB Clerk etc. To learn more about these exams in details, you can read our blog: https://leverageedu.com/blog/easiest-government-exams-to-crack-in-india/.