Top 10 Government Exams in India (2025) – Complete Guide
Introduction
In India, government jobs are considered one of the most secure and respected career options. Every year, millions of aspirants appear for competitive exams to get placed in different sectors such as banking, railways, defense, civil services, and teaching. A government job not only ensures job stability but also offers financial security, social respect, and additional benefits like pensions, allowances, and promotions.
If you are planning to build a career in the government sector, this article will provide you with a complete guide to the top 10 government exams in India (2025), along with eligibility criteria, exam pattern, salary, and preparation tips.
1. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC Civil Services Exam)
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Conducted by: UPSC
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Posts: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.
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Eligibility: Graduate from any recognized university, Age limit 21–32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories).
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Exam Pattern:
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Prelims (Objective type – General Studies & CSAT)
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Mains (Descriptive – 9 Papers)
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Interview (Personality Test)
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Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 per month (depending on post).
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Why popular? It is considered the most prestigious exam in India with huge respect, power, and authority.
2. Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL)
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Conducted by: SSC
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Posts: Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, Assistant Section Officer, etc.
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Eligibility: Graduate degree
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Exam Pattern:
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Tier I (Objective)
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Tier II (Objective)
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Tier III (Descriptive – Essay/Letter)
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Tier IV (Skill Test/Computer Proficiency)
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Salary: ₹35,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month
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Why popular? SSC CGL offers a wide range of posts with decent salary and job security.
3. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS PO)
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Conducted by: IBPS
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Posts: Probationary Officer (PO) in Public Sector Banks
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Eligibility: Graduate degree
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Exam Pattern:
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Prelims (Objective)
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Mains (Objective + Descriptive)
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Interview
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Salary: ₹52,000 – ₹65,000 per month (including allowances)
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Why popular? Banking sector jobs are attractive because of growth opportunities, promotions, and job security.
4. State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO)
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Conducted by: State Bank of India
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Posts: Probationary Officer
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Eligibility: Graduation from any discipline
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Exam Pattern:
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Prelims
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Mains
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Group Discussion & Interview
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Salary: ₹45,000 – ₹70,000 per month
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Why popular? SBI is India’s largest public sector bank, offering better perks and exposure compared to other banks.
5. Railway Recruitment Board (RRB NTPC & Group D)
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Conducted by: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
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Posts: Clerks, Station Master, Goods Guard, Technical Assistants, etc.
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Eligibility: 12th Pass or Graduate (depending on post)
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Exam Pattern:
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Computer Based Test (CBT – 1 & 2)
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Skill Test/Typing Test
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Document Verification & Medical Exam
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Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per month
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Why popular? Indian Railways is the largest recruiter, offering job stability and perks like free travel concessions.
6. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection – Clerk (IBPS Clerk)
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Conducted by: IBPS
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Posts: Clerk in Public Sector Banks
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Eligibility: Graduation
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Exam Pattern:
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Prelims
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Mains
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Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month
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Why popular? Entry-level job for graduates in banking with good promotion opportunities.
7. National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy Exam
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Conducted by: UPSC
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Posts: Army, Navy, Air Force officers through NDA & NA
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Eligibility: 12th Pass (PCM required for Air Force/Navy)
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Exam Pattern:
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Written Exam (Mathematics & General Ability)
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SSB Interview (5 Days)
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Medical Test
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Salary (after training): ₹56,100 per month + allowances
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Why popular? NDA offers a prestigious career in defense forces with discipline, honor, and patriotism.
8. Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET & State TET)
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Conducted by: CBSE (for CTET) and state boards (for TET)
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Posts: Primary Teacher, Secondary Teacher in govt schools
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Eligibility: B.Ed./D.El.Ed. degree with graduation
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Exam Pattern:
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Paper I (for Primary Teachers – Class I to V)
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Paper II (for Secondary Teachers – Class VI to VIII)
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Salary: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per month
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Why popular? Teaching is a stable and respected career with fixed working hours.
9. LIC Assistant Administrative Officer (LIC AAO)
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Conducted by: Life Insurance Corporation of India
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Posts: Assistant Administrative Officer
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Eligibility: Graduate degree
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Exam Pattern:
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Prelims
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Mains
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Interview
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Salary: ₹60,000 – ₹85,000 per month (with allowances)
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Why popular? LIC is one of the largest financial organizations, providing job security and perks.
10. Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)
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Conducted by: DSSSB (Delhi Govt.)
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Posts: Teachers, Clerks, Assistants, Engineers, etc.
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Eligibility: Varies by post (12th pass/graduate/degree holders)
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Exam Pattern:
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Tier I
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Tier II
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Skill Test/Interview
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Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹80,000 per month
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Why popular? Wide variety of posts with decent salary under Delhi Government.
Also Know –
Preparation Tips for Government Exams in 2025
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Know the syllabus & exam pattern before starting preparation.
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Make a daily study schedule and follow it strictly.
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Practice mock tests & previous year papers regularly.
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Focus on time management and accuracy in MCQs.
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Stay updated with current affairs & general knowledge.
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Use standard books (NCERTs, Lucent GK, R.S. Aggarwal, etc.).
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Stay consistent – preparation takes 1–2 years for most exams.
Conclusion
Government exams in India are highly competitive, but with the right preparation strategy, hard work, and dedication, you can secure your dream job. Whether you aim for UPSC Civil Services, Banking, Railways, or Teaching, every exam offers stability, respect, and long-term career growth.
Choose the exam that matches your interests, strengths, and eligibility. Start early, stay focused, and success will follow.