In today’s competitive job market, securing a stable, well-paying government job is the dream of many fresh graduates in India. With perks like job security, pensions, and work-life balance, “sarkari naukri” remains a golden ticket to a secure future. If you’ve just graduated or are about to, now is the perfect time to gear up for the top sarkari exams. These exams open doors to prestigious roles in civil services, banking, railways, and more.
The good news? Most of these exams recruit thousands of candidates annually, and with the right preparation, you can crack them. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 7 sarkari exams after graduation, their eligibility, key details, and why you should start applying now. Let’s get started!
1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
The crown jewel of sarkari exams, UPSC CSE is your gateway to becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer. It’s not just a job—it’s a career shaping India’s future.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university; age 21-32 years (relaxations for reserved categories).
- Exam Pattern: Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Interview.
- Vacancies: Around 1,000+ per year.
- Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 (plus allowances).
- Why Apply Now? The 2025 notification is expected soon—don’t miss the Prelims in May/June!
Pro Tip: Start with NCERT books and current affairs from The Hindu.
2. SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam
SSC CGL is a favorite for graduates eyeing administrative roles in ministries and departments. It’s less intense than UPSC but offers diverse postings.
- Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline; age 18-32 years (post-specific).
- Exam Pattern: Tier 1 (MCQ), Tier 2 (MCQ + descriptive), and skill tests.
- Vacancies: Over 10,000 annually.
- Salary: ₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100.
- Why Apply Now? Tier 1 for 2025 is slated for June—registration opens in February!
Pro Tip: Focus on quantitative aptitude and English; practice with previous years’ papers.
3. IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) Exam
For banking enthusiasts, IBPS PO is the go-to for public sector banks. It’s a fast-track to a dynamic career with growth opportunities.
- Eligibility: Graduation; age 20-30 years.
- Exam Pattern: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
- Vacancies: 4,000-5,000 per cycle.
- Salary: ₹23,700 – ₹42,020 (basic pay).
- Why Apply Now? The 2025 prelims are in October—apply by August!
Pro Tip: Master reasoning and data interpretation; mock tests are your best friend.
4. RBI Grade B Officer Exam
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B is for those who want to influence monetary policy. It’s prestigious and pays handsomely.
- Eligibility: Graduation with 60% marks; age 21-30 years.
- Exam Pattern: Phase 1 (objective), Phase 2 (objective + descriptive), and Interview.
- Vacancies: 200-300 per year.
- Salary: ₹55,200 – ₹99,750.
- Why Apply Now? Notification drops in June/July 2025—prep for Phase 1 in September.
Pro Tip: Dive into economic and social issues; ESI (Economic & Social Issues) is crucial.
5. RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)
Indian Railways’ RRB NTPC recruits for clerical and supervisory roles—perfect if you love travel and stability.
- Eligibility: Graduation; age 18-33 years.
- Exam Pattern: CBT 1, CBT 2, Typing Skill Test, and Document Verification.
- Vacancies: 35,000+ in recent cycles.
- Salary: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400.
- Why Apply Now? The next mega drive could be announced mid-2025—stay alert!
Pro Tip: General awareness on railways and current events scores big.
6. State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
Don’t overlook state-level PSCs like UPPSC, MPPSC, or BPSC. They mirror UPSC but focus on state services.
- Eligibility: Graduation; age varies (21-40 years typically).
- Exam Pattern: Similar to UPSC—Prelims, Mains, Interview.
- Vacancies: 500-2,000 per state annually.
- Salary: Comparable to UPSC (₹44,900+).
- Why Apply Now? Most states notify in early 2025—tailor prep to your home state.
Pro Tip: Prioritize state-specific history and polity.
7. GATE for PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings)
If engineering or tech is your field, GATE qualifies you for jobs in ONGC, IOCL, and other PSUs.
- Eligibility: Final-year or graduated students in relevant streams.
- Exam Pattern: Single online test (subject-specific).
- Vacancies: Thousands through PSU recruitments.
- Salary: ₹50,000 – ₹1,80,000.
- Why Apply Now? GATE 2026 registration starts in August 2025—begin syllabus coverage today.
Pro Tip: Solve GATE mocks; it’s more technical than general exams.
Preparation Roadmap: Your Path to Success
Cracking these exams requires strategy, not just hard work. Here’s a quick 6-month plan:
- Months 1-2: Build basics (NCERTs, standard books like Laxmikant for Polity).
- Months 3-4: Intensive practice (daily mocks, error analysis).
- Months 5-6: Revision + current affairs (apps like Vision IAS).
- Resources: Free YouTube channels (Unacademy, BYJU’s), apps (Testbook), and coaching if needed.
Remember, consistency beats intensity. Join online forums like Reddit’s r/UPSC or Telegram groups for motivation.
Final Thoughts: The Time to Act is Now!
Government jobs aren’t just about paychecks—they’re about impact, respect, and legacy. With notifications rolling out soon for 2025-26 cycles, delaying your prep could mean missing out. Visit official sites like upsc.gov.in, ssc.nic.in, or ibps.in to check eligibility and apply. Start today, and who knows? Your name could be on that merit list next year.
What’s your target exam? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story. Good luck, future officer!
Disclaimer: Exam dates and vacancies are based on recent trends; always verify on official websites.