10 most popular government exams in India and their preparation

Government jobs are the most sought-after jobs in India due to the job security, financial stability, professional growth and better career growth they offer. On top of all this, government employees also get additional perks and an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s growth.

But how to get these jobs? Well, you must pass competitive, centralized entrance exams and fulfil specific eligibility criteria to secure a job in the government sector.

And in this blog, we will talk about the top 10 most popular exams for landing government jobs in India and some effective strategies to prepare for them. So, if you are a recent graduate or someone who is looking to switch careers to the government sector, these popular exams can be the best option for you.

From the most challenging yet prestigious civil services exams offering post of IAS, IPS, IFS to a bank probationary officer or a railway engineer, each exam offers a stable and rewarding career. Every exam has different significance, eligibility criteria, exam pattern and a different approach. So a strategic preparation is required to help you succeed. Let’s delve into some popular exams ranging from officer level to junior engineer level.

The Basics of Government Exams in India

Government jobs are considered the safest career choice in India because of their unparalleled job security, excellent post-retirement security, structured work-life balance and other perks like house rent allowance and dearness allowance. Additionally, this sector offers vast and varied choices, having vacancies in central and state departments, public sector undertakings [PSUs], and other autonomous bodies.

Candidates with educational qualifications ranging from high school to master’s degree are eligible to work in various government sectors based on their profiles.

As a result, lakhs of students appear for the exams to qualify for these jobs.

Different job profiles require different exam structures. For core central and state-level jobs, a single written exam is enough. However, highly competitive and in-demand jobs include at least two stages: Tier I and Tier II, followed by interview sessions, document verification and medical examination [if needed]. Mostly, these multi-stage processes are for vacancies that are limited in number but have the maximum number of candidates.

10 Most Popular Government Exams in India

From the most challenging yet prestigious civil services exams offering posts of IAS, IPS, IFS to a bank probationary officer or a railway engineer, every exam presents a stable and rewarding career. Each of these has different significance, eligibility criteria, exam pattern and a different approach. This means strategic preparation is necessary to help you succeed.

Now, let’s delve into some popular exams ranging from officer-level to junior engineer-level.

1. Union Public Service Commission [UPSC] Civil Services Exam

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of the most challenging exams in the government sector. Yet these are also the most prestigious ones.

Candidates are attracted to positions like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central exams, as these roles signify great authority and power in the administration and the diplomacy of the country.

These profiles provide excellent job security, a handsome pay scale and various other perks and benefits.

Eligibility criteria:

• Indian citizens can appear for this exam. Along wth that, aspirants from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees who migrated before January 1, 1962 can also apply.
• For unreserved categories, the age limit is 21 years to 32 years, but category-based relaxation is given.
• Anyone with a bachelor’s degree from a government-recognised university is eligible.

Exam Pattern:

• Preliminary Exam consists of two sets of objective-type questions
• Mains: A descriptive exam consisting of 9 subjective (essay-type) papers
• Personality Test (interview)

Approach:

• Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly
• Create a study plan
• Making notes
• Referring to reliable sources
• Practice answer writing
• Regular revision and mock test
• Staying updated with current affairs

2. UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE)

ESE, short for Engineering Services Examination, is annually conducted by UPSC to hire engineers for several technical and managerial positions.

The roles and responsibilities of a qualifying candidate depend on the engineering branch and the department they are recruited to. They take diverse roles such as project management, technical supervision, and infrastructure development for various government departments like railways, CPWD, telecommunication, Border Roads, CWC, CPES, NHAI, Naval Armaments, IDSE, MES, Ordnance Factories, etc.

However, they can move to any cadre, organisation, agency, department, ministry, or PSU of the Government of India depending upon certain criteria and vacancies.

Eligibility criteria:

• The candidate should be of Indian origin. Nepal/Bhutan aspirants can also apply (Terms and Conditions applied)
• The candidate’s age should be between 21 and 30 years as of January 1 of the exam year. Relaxation for OBC, SC/ST, and government servants, as per government norms
• A degree in engineering from a recognised university.

Exam Pattern:

• Preliminary exam: Includes 2 papers and consists of objective questions.
• The Mains exam: Includes 2 papers and consists of descriptive questions.
• Personality exam (Interview)

Approach:

• Understand the syllabus well
• Invest in reliable study material and resources
• Create a realistic study plan
• Focus on conceptual clarity
• Practise mock tests and regular revision
• Practise answer writing
• Keep up with current affairs and general knowledge

3. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) jointly conduct the GATE exam. It is conducted annually. Qualifying the GATE examination offers engineering candidates eligibility to enroll for higher studies like M.Tech, M.E and direct PHD admission in institutes like IITs, NITs and other premier institutes, research opportunities and a brilliant professional career in various PSUs of government.

Eligibility criteria:

• Open to Indians as well as students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, and the UAE
• There is no specified age limit to appear for GATE
• The candidate must have at least a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Architecture, Science, Arts, or Commerce from a reputable university

Exam Pattern:

• Objective questions including MCQs, MSQs and NAT.
• There are 65 questions worth 100 marks

Approach:

• Understand the GATE syllabus thoroughly
• Well-researched study material and resources
• Structured study plan
• Solving previous-year questions and regular revision

Focus equally on general aptitude and engineering mathematics

4. Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam

SSC, aka, Staff Selection Commission organized the CGL exam to recruit for Group B and Group C (non-gazetted) posts in ministries, departments, and organizations

Aspirants compete for different roles like Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, and Sub-Inspector, among others. This sector offers job security and stability, an attractive salary along with numerous perks and benefits.

Eligibility criteria:

• Must be a citizen of India
• Candidates must be above the age of 18 and below 32. The requirements vary according to the posts. Generally, they are in the bracket of18–27, 20–30, and 18–32.
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

Exam Pattern:

• Tier I is a computer-based test [CBT], 100 MCQs for 200 marks
• Tier II is also a computer-based test [CBT], consisting of 200-300 questions, depending on your post.
• Tier III has exactly 2 descriptive questions
• Tier IV is a Data Entry Skill Test

Approach:

• Understanding the exam syllabus and pattern.
• Create a study plan.
• Reliable study material and sources
• Thorough practice of previous year question papers.
• Regular revision and mock test
• Improving English and quantitative aptitude
• Stay updated with general awareness
• Practice writing

5. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)

IBPS releases vacancies for various banking roles every year for the aspirants interested to join this sector. These exams are considered highly competitive and it includes responsibilities such as administration, clerical, and improving bank’s activities. IBPS Probationary Officer, IBPS clerk, IBPS specialist officer, IBPS Regional Rural Bank Officer etc are some major roles recruited through this exam.

Exam eligibility:

• A candidate must be an Indian citizen or meet IBPS nationality norms
• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
• 20 to 30 years is the age limit (relaxations for SC/ST, OBC and PwD candidates per government guidelines)

Exam Pattern:

For IBPS (PO)

• Preliminary exam includes 100 objective questions
• Main exam consists of 155 objective + 2 descriptive questions
• Personality test (interview) carries 100 marks

For IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern

• Preliminary exam (online) includes 100 objective questions
• Mains exam (online) consists of 190 objective questions
• No interview for the Clerk Cadre

Approach:

• Understand the syllabus well
• Reliable study material and resources
• Realistic study plan
• Regular revision
• Practice previous-year questions and mock tests
• Stay updated on current affairs and general knowledge

6. Railway Recruitment Board Junior Engineer (RRB JE)

RRB conducts an exam to recruit junior engineers in Indian Railways. Being a competitive exam, it also offers several perks and benefits. After a long wait, this year RRB has released vacancies for technical positions. The exam dates are supposed to be released soon. The junior engineers are responsible for maintenance and supervision of technical aspects for various departments.

Exam eligibility:

• Aspirants must be citizens of India
• Age limit is 18 to 33 years (3 years, 5 years and 10 years relaxation for OBC, SC/ST and PwBD candidates respectively)
• Degree/ diploma holder in engineering from a recognised university

Exam pattern:

• CBT stage 1 has 100 questions
• CBT stage 2 includes 150 questions
• Medical examination and document verification

Approach:

• Thoroughly review the RRB JE Syllabus
• Reliable study material and resources
• Create and follow the study plan
• Focus on building a strong foundation
• Practice mock tests and regular revision are a must
• Time management and accuracy while attempting the questions
• Stay updated on the latest current affairs and strong general knowledge
• Focus on core engineering disciplines

7. State Engineering Services (SES) Exam

The State Engineering Services exam is conducted by state public service commissions to recruit for technical positions, especially engineers for state government departments. This exam offers candidates a stable government job with several perks and benefits with significant roles and responsibilities. SES engineers will be recruited in various departments such as PWDs, Water Resources, Irrigation Department, Municipal Corporation, etc.

Exam eligibility:

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Age limit varies between 21 and 40 years (upper age relaxation for reserved categories)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.E / B.Tech) from a recognised university

Exam pattern:

• Preliminary Exam is MCQ-based and is divided into two sections; one covers General knowledge and the other tests core engineering.
• Main Exam consists of descriptive questions
• The Personality Test is an interview round

Approach:

• A detailed knowledge of the syllabus, including both stages
• Well-rounded study material and resources
• Developing and following a study plan
• Focusing on fundamental concepts
• Regular revision, practising PYQs, and mock tests
• Stay updated with current affairs, especially with the state you are applying from
• Regular practice of technical concepts
• Practice answer writing, which should be detailed and well-structured
• Work on communication skills for the interview round

Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Engineering Services, Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Assistant Engineer Exam, Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Combined State Engineering Services, Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, etc, are some different state engineering examinations.

8. Staff Selection Commission Junior Engineer (SSC JE) Examination

Staff Selection Commission conducts SSC JE exam to recruit engineers for various government departments and ministries. It is the most demanding exam among the engineering grads who are seeking a stable government job. The role of junior engineer is looking after the maintenance of infrastructure, supervision of electrical installments, maintaining the mechanical systems depending on the departments they are recruited in.

Exam eligibility:

• The candidate must be a citizen of India
• The age limit is 18 to 32 years. The upper limit varies by department. 32 years for CPWD / CWC, and 30 years for MES / BRO / NTRO / others
• 3-year degree or diploma in engineering in a relevant discipline: Civil, Mechanical and Electrical

Exam Pattern:

• Prelims: Tier I (CBT) consisting of 200 questions carrying 200 marks
• Mains: Tier II (CBT) subject-specific: 100 questions / 300 marks

Approach:

• Thorough knowledge of both Tier I and Tier II syllabus.
• Use reliable study material and resources.
• Follow a realistic study plan.
• Regular revision.
• Practicing PYQs and attempting mock tests.
• Time management
• Latest current affairs and general knowledge.

9. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Scientist/Engineer Examination

ISRO conducts examinations to recruit scientists/engineers for various technical roles and responsibilities within the organization. This is a prestigious role and competitive as well, offering opportunities to engineering grads to work on space technology and research projects. Scientists/Engineers are responsible for the design, development, testing, implementation of space missions and projects.

Exam eligibility:

• A candidate must be a citizen of India
• The upper age limit is 28 years (as of application closing date)
• Bachelor’s degree in respective Engineering branch with first class with aggregate of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10

Exam pattern:

• Written Test along with General Aptitude (Part A) includes 80 questions, one mark each
• Written Test along with General Aptitude (Part B) consists of 15 questions / 20 marks
• Personal interview carrying 100 marks

Approach:

• Thorough knowledge of ISRO scientist/engineer syllabus from the official notification.
• Reliable ISRO scientist/engineer study material and resources.
• Developing a realistic study plan and following it
• Understanding fundamental concepts.
• Practicing ISRO previous year questions and attempting mock tests.
• Regular revision is very important.
• Practice solving the questions within the given time accurately.
• Focus on technical concepts and practice them regularly.
• Improve your problem solving skills and critical thinking ability.
• Focus on communication skills as well as personality development.

Note: If you want to get detailed information about ISRO then click on the link given below:

👉🏻 All you need to know about ISRO

10. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Scientist Examination

DRDO conducts examinations to recruit scientists for various technical roles and responsibilities within the organization. This prestigious role offers reputation with several perks and benefits. So the competition is very difficult, bringing opportunities for engineering grads and post- grads to work with advanced defense technologies. Scientist ‘B’ role is associated with research, design, development, testing, and evaluation of various technologies.

Exam eligibility:

• Indian nationality
• The age limit is 35 years for unreserved categories, 38 years for OBSc and 40 years for SC/ST candidates
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering in the relevant discipline with a valid GATE score

Exam pattern:

• Paper 1: Core Engineering Discipline (Part 1) carrying 300 marks. 5 out of 8 questions need to be answered
• Paper 2: Core Engineering Discipline (Part 2) carrying 300 marks. 5 out of 8 questions need to be answered
• Personal interview worth 100 marks

Approach:

• Know the thorough syllabus of DRDO from official job notification.
• Reliable study material and resources for DRDO scientist ‘B’.
• Follow structured study plan
• Strong fundamental concepts.
• Regular revision
• Practicing DRDO previous year questions and attempting mock tests.
• Time management and accuracy while attempting the questions.
• Regular practice of technical concepts.
• Improving logical reasoning, analytical skills, numerical skills and general awareness.
• Working on problem solving skills and communication skills.

Note: If you want to get detailed information about DRDO then click on the link given below:

👉🏻 All you need to know about DRDO

Additional Government Recruitment Exams 

Above, we have talked about the 10 most popular exams among the candidates, especially after graduation. But the list doesn’t end here; there are several popular government exams that candidates prefer attempting, as listed below:

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Probationary Engineer
• National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Executive Trainee
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) Assistant Engineer Trainee
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Graduate Engineers
• RBI Grade B Officer
• SSC CHSL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level)
• National Defence Academy (NDA)
• Combined Defence Services (CDS)
• NABARD Grade A and B Officer
• CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)
• KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan) Teacher Recruitment
• Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) Exam
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Recruitment Exam
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) Recruitment Exam

The above-mentioned exams cover various fields from engineering, to defense, public sector undertaking (PSUs), administrative services and others, providing numerous perks and benefits of qualifying a government exam. And so the list of government exams is longer. Further we’ll talk about the benefits of government jobs.

Why Indians Choose Government Jobs?

Many candidates choose to work in government jobs because it offers great job opportunities, good salaries, and several perks and benefits. From work-life balance, to various roles, along with the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s growth. Here are some key reasons why anyone would opt for a government job:

• Job security
• Attractive salary and perks
• Fixed working hours and paid holidays and leaves
• Professional growth and opportunity
• Social reputation
• Diverse job opportunities
• Social security
• Contribution to the nation’s growth

Top Books for Government Job Preparation?

As we have mentioned, reliable study material for competitive exams is one of the important approaches. MADE EASY Publications team have qualified and experts in Civil and Engineering services who are being supported by the technical team to provide high quality reading material and learning solutions across a wide range of disciplines. Our book ranges from civil services to state engineering services books. We also recognize the language barriers faced by Hindi medium students preparing for CSE. And to ensure that students have access to quality reading material, our CSE books are available in Hindi medium.

Click down below the link to explore more high quality and reliable study material.

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FAQs:

1. Which is the most popular government exam in India?

Ans. UPSC CSE is the most popular government exam in India.

2. What are the top 10 toughest exams in India?

• UPSC
• IIT JEE
• NDA
• UGC-NET
• Indian Engineering Services (IES)
• CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
• Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam
• NEET
• CAT: Common Admission Test
• GATE: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

3. Which exam is best for a government job?

Ans. UPSC CSE, SSC CGL, banking exams, and railway exams are the most in-demand exams for government jobs among students.

4. Which is the No. 1 government service in India?

Ans. Indian Administrative Services (IAS) is the No. 1 government service in India.

5. What are the top 3 All India Services?

Ans. Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) are the top 3 All India Services

6. What are the top 5 civil services in India?

Ans. IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), IRTS (Indian Railway Traffic Service), and IRS are the top 5 civil services in India.

7. Which job is equal to IAS?

Ans. Indian Administrative Services (IAS) is the most powerful and authoritative job, and there is no job equal to IAS.

8. Which coaching should I take to prepare for the exam?

Ans. Coaching that focuses on providing quality lectures by experts and giving strong support to the students in their preparation journey is considered ideal coaching. MADE EASY has been preparing students for highly competitive exams such as GATE, ESE, SSC JE, and SES and providing study material for exams like ISRO, DRDO, and RRB JE. Click on the link to know more: MADE EASY