Competitive Exams After Graduation in India: Complete List, Eligibility & Career

Every year, millions of graduates in India face the same dilemma: what's next? While some pursue higher education and others explore private sector jobs, a significant number turn towards competitive exams after graduation. These government exams after graduation offer unmatched job security, attractive salaries, and prestigious career paths. Whether you're from arts, science, or commerce background, understanding the list of competitive exams after graduation can be your first step toward a rewarding career. This comprehensive guide covers the best competitive exams after graduation in 2025, eligibility criteria, and how to choose the right path for your future.

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Why Appear for Competitive Exams After Graduation?

The appeal of government jobs exams after graduation goes beyond just employment. Here's why lakhs of students prepare for these competition exams after graduation:

Job Security: Unlike private sector positions, government job exams after graduation lead to permanent positions with minimal layoff risks, providing stability throughout your career.

Salary & Perks: Central government exams and state level tests offer competitive pay scales, regular increments, allowances, pension benefits, and healthcare facilities that often surpass private sector packages.

Social Status: Clearing prestigious exams after graduation for jobs like UPSC or banking exams brings respect and recognition in society.

Growth Opportunities: Government exams provide structured career progression with clearly defined promotion paths based on seniority and performance.

Nationwide Eligibility: Most competitive exams in India are open to candidates from all states, offering equal opportunities regardless of your location.

Top Competitive Exams After Graduation (All Streams)

UPSC Exams After Graduation

The Union Public Service Commission conducts some of the most prestigious competitive exams after graduation for government job positions:

Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS): The ultimate exam for job after graduation, offering positions in Indian Administrative Service, Police Service, and Foreign Service. Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Starting salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000 at senior levels.

Indian Economic Service (IES): Perfect for economics graduates, this exam leads to economist positions in various ministries. Candidates need a degree in economics or related fields.

Indian Statistical Service (ISS): For statistics and mathematics graduates, offering roles in planning and data analysis across government departments.

Combined Defence Services (CDS): For graduates aspiring to join the Armed Forces as officers in Army, Navy, or Air Force. Age limit is crucial here—typically 19 24 years.

Banking & Finance Exams After Graduation

These are among the best government exams after graduation for commerce and economics students:

SBI PO/Clerk: State Bank of India's Probationary Officer exam is highly competitive, with PO positions starting at ₹36,000 40,000 monthly. The clerk position offers ₹19,900 20,200.

IBPS PO/Clerk: Conducted for multiple public sector banks simultaneously, this exam is ideal for those targeting banking careers. Similar salary structure to SBI with placement in various banks.

RBI Grade B: Reserve Bank of India's Grade B officer exam offers one of the highest starting salaries at ₹67,000+ monthly, making it among the best government exam options after graduation.

NABARD Grade A & B: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development recruits for development banking roles. Grade A officers start at ₹42,000 48,000 monthly.

SEBI Officer Grade A: Securities and Exchange Board of India offers regulatory roles with excellent career prospects and starting pay around ₹60,000 monthly.

SSC Exams After Graduation

Staff Selection Commission conducts various govt job exams after graduation across departments:

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level): One of the most popular government jobs exams, offering positions in Income Tax, Central Excise, Audit, and Accounts departments. Salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹81,100.

SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level): For 12th pass candidates, but graduates can also apply for data entry and clerical positions.

SSC CPO (Central Police Organization): Recruits Sub Inspectors in Delhi Police, CAPF. Physical standards and medical fitness required.

SSC JE (Junior Engineer): Specifically for engineering graduates targeting technical government positions across departments.

Defence Competitive Exams After Graduation

For those passionate about serving the nation:

Combined Defence Services (CDS): Twice yearly exam for Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test): Specifically for Indian Air Force officer positions, conducted twice annually.

Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET): For various officer level positions in the Indian Navy.

CAPF Assistant Commandant: For paramilitary forces including BSF, CRPF, CISF, with attractive salary and service conditions.

Engineering Exams After Graduation

Technical graduates have specialized competitive exams after graduation in science streams:

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering): Opens doors to PSU recruitment, higher studies, and research positions. Companies like ONGC, NTPC, BHEL recruit through GATE scores.

Engineering Services Examination (ESE): Conducted by UPSC for recruiting engineers in central government departments. Offers Group 'A' positions with excellent pay scales starting at ₹56,100.

ISRO/DRDO Exams: Space and defence research organizations conduct specialized recruitment for technical roles with challenging work and competitive salaries.

Teaching & Academic Exams After Graduation

For those inclined towards education:

CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test): Mandatory for teaching in central government schools. Valid across India for primary and upper primary levels.

State TETs: Individual state level teacher eligibility tests for government school positions.

UGC NET: For assistant professor positions in universities and colleges, also qualifying for research fellowships. One of the best competitive exams after graduation for academic careers.

CSIR NET: Specifically for science graduates aspiring for lectureship or research in scientific disciplines.

Stream Wise Competitive Exams After Graduation

Competitive Exams After Graduation in Arts

Arts graduates have extensive options in competitive exams after graduation in arts streams:

• UPSC Civil Services: Open to all graduates, arts students excel in subjects like history, geography, political science

• SSC CGL/CHSL: No stream restriction, focuses on general awareness and reasoning

• State PSC Exams: Each state conducts its own competitive exams after graduation for government job positions

• Banking Exams: SBI, IBPS recruit extensively from arts backgrounds

• Railway Recruitment: NTPC and Group D exams are accessible to arts graduates

Competitive Exams After Graduation in Science

Science graduates can target specialized competitive exams after graduation in science:

• UPSC CSE: With science optional subjects giving an analytical edge

• Defence Services: CDS, AFCAT highly suitable for science backgrounds

• Research Exams: CSIR NET, ICMR, DBT JRF for scientific research careers

• GATE: For engineering and science postgraduates

• Technical PSUs: BARC, DRDO, ISRO conduct dedicated science recruitment

Competitive Exams After Graduation in Commerce

Commerce students have targeted competitive exams after graduation in commerce specializations:

• Banking Exams: SBI PO, IBPS PO, RBI Grade B particularly suited for commerce graduates

• RBI/SEBI: Financial regulatory bodies prefer commerce backgrounds

• SSC CGL: Accounting and audit positions ideal for commerce students

• CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General): Audit positions through UPSC/SSC

• Company Secretary/CMA: Professional exams leading to government advisory roles

Competitive Exams After Graduation Without Maths

Many students search for competitive exams after graduation without maths requirements:

• UPSC Civil Services: Mathematics not mandatory; choose from humanities optional subjects

• SSC CHSL: Basic arithmetic only, no advanced mathematics

• Banking Clerk positions: Minimal quantitative aptitude

• State PSC exams: Many states offer non mathematical optional subjects

• UGC NET: In humanities and social sciences, no mathematics required

• Indian Foreign Service: Focus on international relations, no maths dependency

Competitive Exams After Graduation for Government Jobs

Understanding what are the competitive exams after graduation specifically for government employment:

Central Government Exams include UPSC, SSC, Railway RRB, Banking (for PSBs), Defence services, and various ministry specific recruitments.

State Government Exams comprise State PSC exams, State Police recruitment, State Education Department exams, and Local body recruitment tests.

PSU Exams like ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, Coal India conduct graduate level recruitment through GATE scores or dedicated exams.

If you're actively searching for government opportunities while preparing for these exams, platforms like OnJob.io can help you discover the latest openings across various sectors. This portal aggregates government job notifications, making it easier to track application deadlines and exam schedules for multiple competitive exams simultaneously.

Upcoming Competitive Exams After Graduation (2025 2026)

Staying updated with exam calendars is crucial for the list of competitive exams after graduation:

UPSC Calendar 2025:

• Civil Services Preliminary: May 2025

• Engineering Services: June 2025

• CDS I: April 2025, CDS II: September 2025

SSC Schedule:

• CGL: July August 2025

• CHSL: May June 2025

• CPO: Throughout the year

Banking Exams:

• IBPS PO/Clerk: September November 2025

• SBI PO: April May 2025

• RBI Grade B: June 2025

Defence Exams:

• AFCAT I: February 2025

• CDS I: April 2025

• NDA I: April 2025

For those preparing while managing current employment or seeking internship experience to strengthen their resume, Palify.io/jobs offers curated job listings and internship opportunities. Building relevant work experience alongside exam preparation can provide a backup plan and enhance your candidature for positions requiring practical knowledge.

How to Choose the Right Competitive Exam After Graduation?

Selecting from the vast list of government exams after graduation requires strategic thinking:

Consider Your Stream: Align exams with your educational background. Engineering graduates should prioritize GATE and ESE, while commerce students benefit from banking and finance exams.

Age Factor: Check age limits carefully. UPSC CSE allows attempts until 32 years (general category), while banking exams typically require candidates between 20 30 years.

Number of Attempts: UPSC allows 6 attempts for general category, unlimited for SC/ST. Plan your preparation timeline accordingly.

Career Goals: If you want administrative roles, target UPSC/State PSC. For financial sector careers, banking exams are ideal. Defence aspirants should focus on CDS/AFCAT.

Preparation Time: Banking exams require 6 12 months preparation, while UPSC may need 12 18 months of dedicated study.

Preparation Tips for Competitive Exams After Graduation

Succeeding in govt jobs exams after graduation demands smart preparation:

Identify Common Syllabus: Many exams overlap in General Knowledge, Reasoning, and English. Prepare these foundational subjects thoroughly to maximize efficiency across multiple exams.

Standard Books: Refer to recommended textbooks like Laxmikant for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and R.S. Aggarwal for Quantitative Aptitude.

Coaching vs Self Study: Evaluate based on your self discipline and guidance needs. Self study works well for motivated students with good resources, while coaching provides structure and peer motivation.

Online Resources: Utilize platforms like Unacademy, BYJU's Exam Prep, and official exam websites for previous year papers, mock tests, and current affairs updates.

Current Affairs: Dedicate 1 2 hours daily to newspapers and monthly current affairs magazines, as these questions dominate most government exams.

Mock Tests: Regular practice with timed mock tests improves speed and accuracy, crucial for competitive exam success.

FAQs

Q1. Which competitive exam is best after graduation?

UPSC Civil Services is considered the most prestigious, while banking exams like SBI PO and SSC CGL offer excellent career prospects with faster results. The "best" exam depends on your stream, interests, and career goals.

Q2. Can arts students apply for government exams?

Absolutely. Arts graduates are eligible for UPSC, SSC, banking, railway, and state PSC exams. Many toppers in these exams come from arts backgrounds.

Q3. What is the easiest competitive exam after graduation?

Railway NTPC and SSC CHSL are relatively easier with lower competition ratios. However, "easy" is subjective and depends on individual preparation levels.

Q4. Which exam has the highest salary?

RBI Grade B offers starting salary around ₹67,000+ monthly, followed by IAS/IPS positions that reach ₹2,50,000 at senior levels with allowances.

Q5. How many attempts are allowed in competitive exams?

 UPSC CSE allows 6 attempts (general category), banking exams have no attempt limits, and SSC exams can be attempted multiple times with age restrictions.

Conclusion

The journey through competitive exams after graduation in India is challenging but immensely rewarding. With proper planning, consistent preparation, and strategic exam selection, you can secure a prestigious government position that offers career stability, growth, and respect. Whether you're targeting administrative services through UPSC, banking careers through IBPS, or technical positions through GATE, the opportunities are abundant across all streams.

Start by identifying exams aligned with your educational background and career aspirations. Utilize the comprehensive list of competitive exams after graduation provided here to shortcut your research time. Remember, success in these tests for government jobs requires dedication, but the benefits—both personal and professional—make every hour of preparation worthwhile.

Begin your focused preparation today, stay updated with exam calendars, and approach each test with confidence. Your dream government job is just one successful exam away!