Top 5 Government Exams After Graduation (With Salary, Eligibility & Career Scope)

Have you just graduated and are confused about your career options? If you are dreaming of a secure, high-paying and respectable job, then government jobs are still one of the best career options for job seekers in India.

In this blog, we will inform you about the top 5 government exams that you can prepare for immediately after graduation, along with complete details such as eligibility, salary, exam pattern, and career growth opportunities.

Top 5 Government Exams After Graduation

1. UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS, IPS, IFS)

This is the most prestigious exam in India. Lakhs of UPSC aspirants appear in it every year, aiming to become top-level administrators and officers like IAS, IPS, IRS and IFS.

Eligibility:

• Graduation in any stream (No minimum marks required)
• Age: 21–32 years (Relaxation for OBC/SC/ST)

Roles Offered:

• Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
• Indian Police Services (IPS)
• Indian Foreign Services (IFS)
• IRS, IRTS, and more

Salary & Perks:

• Starting Salary: ₹56,100/month (Level 10)
• Perks: Government bungalow, car, staff, travel allowance, pension
• Long-term: ₹2,50,000/month (Cabinet Secretary level)

Preparation Tips:

• Start with NCERTs (6–12)
• Read The Hindu daily.
• Take mock tests from platforms like Vision IAS and Unacademy.
• Need at least 10–12 months of focused preparation.

Ideal for: The UPSC is for highly ambitious students with leadership skills and a passion for serving the country.

2. SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level)

SSC CGL is a national-level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), whose purpose is to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and organisations of the Government of India.

This exam is open to graduates and is considered a highly competitive and popular means of securing a government job.

Eligibility:

• Graduate in any stream
• Age limit: 18 to 32 years (varies by post)

Popular Job Roles:

• Income Tax Inspector
• CBI Sub Inspector
• Auditor
• Assistant in MEA, Ministry of Railways, etc.

Salary:

• ₹25,000–₹81,000/month depending on post
• Plus HRA, DA, medical, travel & pension benefits

Exam Pattern:

• Tier 1: Online MCQ (General Awareness, Reasoning, Maths, English)
• Tier 2: Subjective + computer proficiency

Why Choose SSC CGL?

• A vast number of vacancies
• Fast promotions + department change options
• No interview for most posts

3. IBPS PO & Clerk (Banking Exams)

IBPS PO and Clerk are popular competitive banking exams in India conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Their purpose is to recruit candidates for the posts of Probationary Officer (PO) and Clerk in public sector banks.

These exams are crucial for individuals seeking a career in the banking sector, as they offer not only a good salary but also numerous opportunities for growth and advancement.

Eligibility:

• Graduate in any discipline
• Basic computer knowledge
• Age: 20–30 years (Relaxation as per category)

Job Roles:

• IBPS PO: Bank Officer Trainee
• Clerk: Back-office executive

Salary:

• PO: ₹52,000/month (includes allowances)
• Clerk: ₹28,000/month

Preparation:

• Focus on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English
• Practice from Oliveboard, PracticeMock, Adda247

Why it’s good for students:

• Quick selection process
• Easy to switch banks later
• Work culture is decent and well-regulated

4. RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment – Non-Technical Popular Category)

This exam is conducted by RRBs (Railway Recruitment Boards) for various non-technical posts of Indian Railways. Through this exam, you can appear for clerks, station masters, and other non-technical posts. This exam is for both graduate and undergraduate level candidates.

If you want a central government job with no interviews and minimal pressure? Then, RRB NTPC is one of the best options for non-technical candidates.

Eligibility:

• Graduation (for most posts)
• Age: 18–33 years

Job Roles:

• Station Master
• Traffic Assistant
• Junior Clerk
• Goods Guard
• Typist, Accounts Assistant

Salary:

• ₹25,000–₹35,000/month
• Benefits: Pension, free travel, accommodation, family health care

Preparation Strategy:

• Focus on GK (static + current affairs)
• Maths and Reasoning
• Mock tests are very helpful.

Why it suits freshers:

• A very high number of posts
• Easy syllabus
• No interview round

5. State PCS (UPPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, etc.)

State PCS (Provincial Civil Service) refers to state-level civil services, which are administered by the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) of each state.

Its primary role is to handle administration and governance within the state. PCS officers are recruited through state-level examinations, and these officers implement government policies, address public grievances, and play a crucial role in maintaining law and order.

Eligibility:

• Graduation from a recognised university
• Fluency in the local language is often required.
• Age: 21–40 years (varies)

Job Roles:

• SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate)
• Deputy Collector
• Assistant Commissioner
• DSP, Labour Officer, Excise Officer

Salary:

• ₹56,000/month to ₹70,000/month initially
• Perks: House rent, travel, medical, staff, government car

Preparation:

• State-specific syllabus (history, polity, geography)
• Regular current affairs from local & national sources

Why it’s ideal:

• Postings near your hometown
• Social impact in your own language and culture
• Growth to top posts within the state

Quick Comparison Table

Final Tips for Aspirants

• Start preparation during or right after graduation
• Choose your exam based on interest, not just salary
• Stay updated with exam notifications
• Use trusted YouTube channels and apps for mock tests
• Be consistent — “One hour daily for one year can change your life!”

Bonus Section: Top Free Resources

Government job = Long-term career + dignity + benefits + early retirement.

If you’re serious, start today. You don’t have to be perfect — just consistent.