10 Best Government Exams to Apply for in 2025

In a world buzzing with startups and business dreams, India’s love affair with best government exams remains strong.

Every year, over 50 government exams light up the aspirations of lakhs of candidates, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals, all vying for roles in the Civil Services, SSC, Railways, Banking, and beyond.

In an era glorifying entrepreneurship and risk-taking, government jobs offer something timeless: stability in chaos, dignity in service, and a safety net in uncertain times.

They promise more than a paycheck, they deliver pride, pensions, and a chance to shape the nation’s future. While the corporate world thrives on “hustle culture,” these roles appeal to those craving work-life balance, societal respect, and the joy of contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Top 10 best government exams in India

Here, we look at the 10 best government exams to target in 2025—a blend of prestige, security, and purpose.

Whether you’re drawn to policy making, defending borders, or managing the economy, this list is your compass to a career that matters. Let’s look out!

1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

The Most Prestigious Exam for Top Administrative Roles

Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

Age Limit: 21–32 years (OBC: +3 years, SC/ST: +5 years)

Selection Process:

• Prelims: General Studies (GS) & CSAT
• Mains: 9 Descriptive Papers
• Personality Test (Interview)

Expected Exam Date: Prelims – June 2025 | Mains – September 2025

Salary Range: ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 per month (varies by post)

2. SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination

The Gateway to Group B & C Bureaucratic Roles

Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

Age Limit: 18–32 years (varies by post)

Selection Process:

• Prelims: Quant, Reasoning, English, GK (Objective)
• Mains: Advanced Maths/Statistics, English
• Personality Test (Interview): Not Applicable

Expected Exam Date: April–June 2025

Salary Range: ₹35,000 – ₹1,12,400 per month (depends on post)

3. SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) Examination

Best for Entry-Level Government Jobs After 12th

Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Eligibility: 12th Pass

Age Limit: 18–27 years

Selection Process:

• Prelims: Objective (Quant, Reasoning, English, GK)
• Mains: Descriptive (Essay, Letter Writing)
• Personality Test (Interview): Not Applicable

Expected Exam Date: February–March 2025

Salary Range: ₹25,000 – ₹81,100 per month

4. Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC Exam

A High-Demand Exam for Indian Railways

Conducting Body: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)

Eligibility: Graduation or 12th Pass (varies by post)

Age Limit: 18–30 years (some posts extend up to 33 years)

Selection Process:

• Prelims: CBT 1 (General Awareness, Math, Reasoning)
• Mains: CBT 2 (Subject-Specific Test)
• Personality Test (Interview): Not Applicable

Expected Exam Date: August–October 2025

Salary Range: ₹29,200 – ₹93,000 per month

5. IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) Examination

Enter the Banking Sector as a Manager

Conducting Body: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)

Eligibility: Graduation

Age Limit: 20–30 years

Selection Process:

• Prelims: English, Quant, Reasoning
• Mains: Data Analysis, Economy, English Essay
• Personality Test (Interview)

Expected Exam Date: October 2025

Salary Range: ₹52,000 – ₹70,000 per month

6. SBI PO (State Bank of India – Probationary Officer)

The Most Sought-After Banking Exam

Conducting Body: State Bank of India (SBI)

Eligibility: Graduation

Age Limit: 21–30 years

Selection Process:

• Prelims: Objective Test
• Mains: Descriptive and Objective Test
• Personality Test (Interview)

Expected Exam Date: November 2025

Salary Range: ₹65,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month

7. RBI Grade B Officer Exam

Work in the Central Bank of India

Conducting Body: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Eligibility: Graduation (Economics/Finance background preferred)

Age Limit: 21–30 years

Selection Process:

• Prelims: GK, English, Reasoning
• Mains: Economic Trends, Essay
• Personality Test (Interview)

Expected Exam Date: September 2025

Salary Range: ₹81,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month

Read This Also ➡ From Benefits to Growth: Government Job Benefits in India

8. LIC AAO (Assistant Administrative Officer) Exam

Secure a Career in Insurance with LIC

Conducting Body: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (specialization required for certain posts like IT, Actuarial, and Legal)

Age Limit: 21–30 years (relaxations for reserved categories)

Selection Process:

• Prelims: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language
• Mains: Professional Knowledge, Insurance & Financial Market Awareness, Descriptive English
• Personality Test (Interview)

Expected Exam Date: April 2025

Salary Range: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per month

9. Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force Exams

Serve the Nation with Honor and Prestige

Conducting Body:

NDA (National Defence Academy) & CDS (Combined Defence Services): Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test): Indian Air Force

Eligibility:

• NDA: 12th pass (PCM for Air Force & Navy, any stream for Army)
• CDS: Graduation (Engineering for technical posts)
• AFCAT: Engineering or Science stream for certain branches

Age Limit:

• NDA: 16.5–19.5 years
• CDS: 19–25 years
• AFCAT: 20–26 years

Selection Process:

• Written Test: Subjects vary by exam (Math, GK, English, Science)
• SSB Interview: Psychology, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview
• Medical Test: Physical fitness and medical examination

Expected Exam Date:

• NDA: April & September 2025
• CDS: February & November 2025
• AFCAT: February & August 2025

Salary Range: ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 per month (varies by rank and allowances)

10. State PCS (Public Service Commission) Exams

Shape Your State’s Future by Becoming a Civil Servant

Conducting Body: Respective State Public Service Commissions (UPPSC, MPPSC, RPSC, etc.)

Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline

Age Limit: 21–40 years (varies by state; relaxations for reserved categories)

Selection Process:

• Prelims: General Studies, State-Specific GK
• Mains: Descriptive papers covering History, Economy, and State Affairs
• Personality Test (Interview)

Expected Exam Date: Varies by state, generally between March–December 2025

Salary Range: ₹55,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month

FAQs for Best Government Exams:

1. Which Exam is Best for a Government Job?

The best government exam depends on your qualifications, career goals, and interests. However, some of the most sought-after exams include:

• UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) – For top administrative roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS.
• SSC CGL – Best for mid-level bureaucratic jobs.
• IBPS PO & SBI PO – Ideal for banking careers.
• RRB NTPC – Secure a job in Indian Railways.
• State PCS Exams – Work in state government administration.

2. Which Government Exam Has the Highest Salary?

The government exams offering the highest salaries are:

• UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.) – ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000 per month.
• RBI Grade B Officer – ₹81,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month.
• State PCS (Top Administrative Roles) – ₹55,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month.
• Indian Defence Services (NDA, CDS, AFCAT) – ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000 per month.

3. Which Exam is Easy to Crack?

The easiest government exams in terms of competition and syllabus include:

• RRB Group D & NTPC – Basic math, reasoning, and general awareness.
• SSC CHSL – Suitable for 12th-pass candidates.
• State-Level Police Constable Exams – Requires basic knowledge and physical fitness.
• LIC Assistant & IBPS Clerk – Simple aptitude tests.

4. Which is the No. 1 Exam in India?

The No. 1 government exam in India in terms of prestige, difficulty, and career opportunities is:

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) – Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it selects IAS, IPS, and IFS officers who lead the country’s administration.