Top Government Exams in India Other Than UPSC: Complete Guide for High-Paying Careers

When we think of government jobs in India, UPSC Civil Services Examination often tops the list. However, UPSC is not the only gateway to prestigious and secure positions in the public sector. India has a wide array of government exams that cater to different educational backgrounds, skill sets, and career aspirations. From banking and railways to defence and state-level administration, these exams open doors to lucrative salaries, job security, and societal respect.

In this guide, we will explore top government exams other than UPSC, their eligibility, syllabus, selection process, preparation tips, and career prospects. Whether you are a graduate, a 12th pass student, or a professional looking for a career shift, this comprehensive resource will help you find the perfect opportunity.

Top Government Exams in India Other Than UPSC

1. SSC (Staff Selection Commission) Exams

1.1 SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Exam)

Purpose: Recruitment for Group B and C posts in various ministries and departments.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline.
Age Limit: 18–32 years (varies by post and category).
Selection Process: Tier-I, Tier-II, Tier-III (descriptive), Tier-IV (skill test/document verification).
Popular Posts: Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Audit Officer, Customs Officer, CBI Sub-Inspector.
Salary: ₹35,000–₹70,000 per month plus allowances.

Why Choose SSC CGL?

It offers stable jobs, timely promotions, and opportunities to work in diverse departments across India.

1.2 SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam)

Purpose: Recruitment for clerical and data entry posts.
Eligibility: 12th pass.
Selection Process: Tier-I (online), Tier-II (descriptive), Tier-III (skill test/typing test).
Popular Posts: Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Data Entry Operator (DEO).
Salary: ₹25,000–₹40,000 per month.

2. Banking Exams

2.1 IBPS PO (Probationary Officer Exam)

Purpose: Recruitment for officer posts in public sector banks.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline.
Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Interview.
Salary: ₹40,000–₹55,000 per month.
Career Growth: PO → Manager → Senior Manager → Chief Manager → General Manager.

2.2 SBI PO & SBI Clerk

SBI PO: Similar to IBPS PO but for State Bank of India, with slightly higher pay and perks.
SBI Clerk: Entry-level clerical positions; offers stable work-life balance.

2.3 RBI Grade B Officer

Purpose: Recruitment for officers in Reserve Bank of India.
Eligibility: Graduation with minimum marks requirement.
Selection Process: Phase-I, Phase-II, Interview.
Salary: ₹80,000+ per month.
Perks: Best allowances, housing benefits, international exposure.

3. Railway Exams (RRB)

3.1 RRB NTPC

Purpose: Recruitment for non-technical posts.
Eligibility: 12th pass or graduation (varies by post).
Salary: ₹25,000–₹60,000 per month.

3.2 RRB Group D

Purpose: Recruitment for track maintainers, helpers, etc.
Eligibility: 10th pass or ITI.

3.3 RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot)

Eligibility: ITI/Diploma in relevant trades.
Salary: ₹30,000–₹50,000 per month.

4. Defence Exams

4.1 NDA (National Defence Academy)

Purpose: Entry into Army, Navy, Air Force.
Eligibility: 12th pass with PCM (for Navy/Air Force).
Age Limit: 16.5–19.5 years.

4.2 CDS (Combined Defence Services)

Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline (specific for each service).

4.3 AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

Purpose: Recruitment in Indian Air Force.

5. State Government Exams

5.1 State PSC Exams

Examples: UPPCS, MPPSC, BPSC, RPSC, TNPSC, etc.
Purpose: Recruitment for state administrative services.
Eligibility: Graduation.

5.2 State Police Exams

Posts: Sub-Inspector, Constable, DSP.

6. Teaching & Academic Exams

6.1 CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)

Purpose: Qualification for teaching posts in central schools.

6.2 State TET

Purpose: State-level teacher recruitment.

6.3 UGC NET/JRF

Purpose: Recruitment for Assistant Professors and Junior Research Fellowship.

7. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Jobs via GATE

Examples: BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, IOCL.
Eligibility: Engineering degree + valid GATE score.
Salary: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 per month.

8. Insurance Sector Exams

8.1 LIC AAO

Purpose: Administrative posts in Life Insurance Corporation.
Salary: ₹60,000+ per month.

8.2 NIACL AO

Purpose: Administrative Officer posts in New India Assurance Company.

9. Other Notable Exams

ESIC UDC
FCI Manager
EPFO Enforcement Officer
DRDO Scientist

Preparation Tips for Government Exams Other Than UPSC

Understand Exam Pattern & Syllabus before starting.
Practice previous year papers to get exam familiarity.
Focus on time management during preparation and exams.
Stay updated with current affairs (especially for banking and state PSC).
Use standard books and online mock tests for accuracy and speed.

Career Benefits of Government Jobs

Job security
Regular salary increments
Pension and retirement benefits
Work-life balance
Respect in society

Top 10 FAQs on Government Exams Other Than UPSC

Q1. Which is the easiest government exam in India other than UPSC?
The SSC CHSL and RRB Group D are considered easier due to their syllabus level and competition intensity.

Q2. Which government job gives the highest salary without UPSC?
RBI Grade B Officer and PSU jobs via GATE offer some of the highest salaries.

Q3. Can I get a government job after 12th without UPSC?
Yes, through SSC CHSL, RRB Group D, and NDA.

Q4. Are banking exams easier than UPSC?
Banking exams are generally shorter in duration and less syllabus-heavy but require high speed and accuracy.

Q5. Which state-level exam is best for administrative jobs?
State PSC exams like BPSC, UPPCS, and RPSC are top choices.

Q6. How many attempts can I give for SSC CGL?
No fixed attempt limit; restrictions are based on age eligibility.

Q7. Can engineers apply for non-technical government exams?
Yes, engineers can apply for SSC, banking, insurance, and state PSC exams.

Q8. Which exam has the fastest recruitment process?
Banking exams like IBPS PO and SBI Clerk have relatively faster processes.

Q9. Which government job has the least workload?
Clerical jobs in banking and SSC often have a lighter workload compared to field jobs.

Q10. Are PSU jobs better than central government jobs?
Both have advantages; PSU jobs offer higher salaries, while central government jobs offer better job security and pensions.