After completing graduation, there are several competitive exams that one can appear for to kick-start their career. These exams include various fields like banking, civil services, engineering, management, law, and much more.
Upcoming Competitive Exams after Graduation 2023-24
| Exam | Notification | Submission of Application | Admit Card | Date of Examination | |
| SSC CGL | 1st April 2023 | 1st May 2023 | — | June/July 2023 | To be updated |
| IBPS RRB | June 2023 | July 2023 | To be released soon | Prelims: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th & 19th Aug 2023 Main Exam Date: 16 Sep 2023 | To be updated |
| LIC AAO | 15th January 2023 | 31st January 2023 | 10th February 2023 | 17 and 20 Feb 2023 Main Exam: 18 March 2023 | March 2023 |
| NIACL AO | To be released soon | To be released soon | To be released soon | To be released soon | To be updated |
| CAT | 30th July 2023 | — | — | 26 November 2023 | To be updated |
| MAT CBT 1 (Online) | — | 21st February 2023 | 24th February 2023 | 26 February 2023 | 3rd week of March 2023 |
| MAT CBT 2 | — | 27th February 2023 | 2nd March 2023 | 4 March 2023 | |
| XAT | August 2023 | November 2023 | December 2023 | January 2024 | 3rd or 4th week of January 2024 |
| UPSC | 1st February 2023 | 21st February 2023 | — | Prelims: 28 May 2023 Mains: 15 September 2023 | To be updated |
| UPPSC | February 2023 | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
| AFCAT | 1st December 2022 | 31st December 2022 | 8th February 2023 | 24 Feb – 26 Feb 2023 | March 2023 |
| AP Forest Department Recruitment APPSC FRO | — | — | — | 17th, 18th, 19th March 2023 | — |
| CG Police Constable Exam | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
| BSPHCL Assistant Exam | May 2023 | May 2023 | — | Prelims: July 2023 Main: Aug 2023 | Aug 2023 |
| HSSC Clerk Recruitment | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
| TSCAB Staff Assistant Recruitment | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
| IESE | — | — | 27 January 2023 | Prelims: 19 February 2023 Mains: 25 June 2023 | To be updated |
| IIFT | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
| SBI PO | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
| IBPS PO | August 2023 | August 2023 | Prelims-September 2023 Mains-October 2023 | 23rd & 30th September 2023 and 1st October 2023 5th November 2023 | To be updated |
| GATE | — | — | — | 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th February | 16th March 2023 |
| CEED | — | — | — | — | 7th March 2023 |
Now, start the list of competitive exams in India that you can pursue after graduation.
1. SSC CGL
The SSC CGL examination is held for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognized board or university. Candidates are selected for the post of Group-B and Group-C posts. For the different departments/organizations/ ministries of the Government of India. The exam consists of three tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. The pay range for this job varies from Rs 25,500 to Rs 1,51,100.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | Tier-I/Objective: 60 minutes, Tier-II/Objective: 4 papers(2 hours each), Tier-III/Descriptive test: 60 minutes, Tier-IV/Computer Skill test: 15 minutes |
| Exam type | Tier-I: Online, Tier-II: Online, Tier-III: Offline, Tier-IV: Computer proficiency test |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs |
| Subjects covered | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension |
2. Banking & Insurance
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Regional Rural Bank Officer & Office Assistant Exam (IBPS RRB) is conducted for aspirants who wish to have a future career in banking. The eligibility criteria for Office Assistant/Clerk and Officer Scale I are 18-28 years. However, only a graduate can apply.
The four insurance companies under the government are LIC, New India Assurance, National Insurance, United Insurance, and Oriental.
The LIC holds 5 exams: the LIC AAO exam, LIC Assistant Engineer (LIC AE), LIC Assistant 2020, LIC ADO (Apprentice Development Officer), and LIC HFL 2019 exam. Whereas the New India Assurance holds two exams namely, NIACL AO 2018 and NIACL Assistant 2018
The eligibility criteria for each exam vary accordingly.
3. MBA Entrance Exams
MBA Entrance exams aren’t a piece of cake, yet with determination & hard work one can clear them tactfully. These exams are to measure the effectiveness of students. Entrance Exams like CAT/MAT/XAT can help graduate students get admission to some of the most prestigious MBA programs.
CAT, MAT & XAT Exam Pattern:
| CAT | MAT | XAT | |
| Exam duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Institutes | IIMs, IITs, and many top colleges in India | BIMTECH, IMT, Indus Business Academy, ISBM and many top colleges in India | XLRI, IMI, IMT, XIME, IRMA, MICA, TAPMI, Great Lakes, BIMTECH, and many top colleges in India |
| Exam type | Offline | Offline | Online |
| Total Questions | 64-76(MCQs + Descriptive) | 200 MCQs | 100 MCQs + 1 Descriptive |
| Subjects covered | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude | Language Comprehension, Intelligence, Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and the Indian and Global Environment | Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge |
4. UPSC Civil Services Examination
The Union Public Service Commission conducts UPSC, UPPSC, NDA, and CDS exams. The motive of the examination is to select candidates for
- Civil Services
- National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)
- Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
5. Indian Air Force
The Indian Air force conducts the AFCAT ( Air Force Common Admission Test). The exam is held twice a year to select Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The pay range for this job varies from Rs 7 lakhs to 10 lakhs per annum.
Indian Air Force Exam Pattern:
| Technical grade(Group X) | Non-Technical grade(Group Y) | Group X & Y | |
| Exam duration | 1 hour | 45 minutes | 85 minutes |
| Exam type | Online | Online | Online |
| Total Questions | 70 MCQs | 50 MCQs | 100 MCQs |
| Subjects covered | English, Physics, Mathematics | Reasoning and General Awareness, English | English, Physics, Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness |
6. State-level Examinations
The state-level examinations are crucial as they include job security, and a good salary & come with numerous perks & benefits. Some state-level examinations are:
- AP Forest Department Recruitment
- CG Police Constable Exam
- BSPHCL Assistant Exam
- HSSC Recruitment
- TSCAB Staff Assistant Recruitment
7. Indian Economic Service Examination
United Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts a national-level examination – Indian Economic Service(IES), to recruit for various positions. Engineers or candidates having a degree in economics/ statistics can apply. Here are the popular positions that get filled by the IES exam:
| S.No. | Name of IES Posts | Requirement |
| 1 | Indian Railway Service of Engineers | Civil Engineering |
| 2 | Indian Railway Stores Service | Civil Engineering |
| 3 | Central Engineering Service | Civil Engineering |
| 4 | Indian Ordnance Factories Service AWM/ JTS | Civil Engineering |
| 5 | Central Engineering Service (Roads), Gr ‘A’ | Civil Engineering |
| 6 | Central Water Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ | Civil Engineering |
| 7 | Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service | Civil Engineering |
| 8 | AEE(Civil Engg Posts)in Border Roads Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ | Civil Engineering |
| 9 | AEE(Civil) of P&T Building Works Gr ‘A’ | Civil Engineering |
| 10 | Indian Defence Service of Engineers | Civil Engineering |
| 11 | AEE(QS&C) in Military Engineer Service (MES)Surveyor Cadre | Civil Engineering |
| 12 | Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers | Mechanical Engineering |
| 13 | Indian Railway Stores Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts) | Mechanical Engineering |
| 14 | Indian Ordnance Factories Service AWM/ JTS (Mechanical Engineering Posts) | Mechanical Engineering |
| 15 | Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts) | Mechanical Engineering |
| 16 | Geological Survey of India Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ | Mechanical Engineering |
| 17 | Central Engineering Service (Roads), Gr ‘A’ | Mechanical Engineering |
| 18 | Central Water Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ | Mechanical Engineering |
| 19 | Indian Naval Armament Service | Mechanical Engineering |
| 20 | Indian Defence Service of Engineers | Mechanical Engineering |
| 21 | Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘B’ | Mechanical Engineering |
| 22 | AEE(Mech Engg Posts) in Border Roads Engineering Service Gr ‘A’ | Mechanical Engineering |
| 23 | Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers | Electrical Engineering |
| 24 | Indian Railway Stores Service | Electrical Engineering |
| 25 | Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service | Electrical Engineering |
| 26 | Indian Ordnance Factories Service AWM/JTS | Electrical Engineering |
| 27 | Indian Inspection Service (Asstt. Dir. Grade I) | Electrical Engineering |
| 28 | Indian Supply Service Gr ‘A’ | Electrical Engineering |
| 29 | AEE(Electrical) of P&T Building Works Gr ‘A’ | Electrical Engineering |
| 30 | Indian Defence Service of Engineers | Electrical Engineering |
| 31 | Indian Naval Armament Service | Electrical Engineering |
| 32 | Central Power Engineering Service Gr ‘B’ | Electrical Engineering |
| 33 | Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 34 | Indian Railway Stores Service | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 35 | Indian Inspection Service (Asst.Dir.Grade-I) | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 36 | Indian Telecommunication Service, Group ‘A’ | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 37 | Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr ‘A’ | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 38 | Indian Ordnance Factories Service AWM/ JTS | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 39 | Indian Naval Armament Service | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 40 | Junior Telecom Officer (General Central Service Group ‘B’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| 41 | Central Power Engineering Service Group ‘B’ | Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
8. Food Corporation Of India Examination
The Food Corporation of India(FCI) manages the supply and pricing of food grains. They also work to support farmers’ interests. FCI recruits for many positions like Manager (General Administration, Technical, Accounts, Law), Engineer, Typist, Medical Officer, etc. The exam pattern depends on the role.
9. GRE
The Graduate Record Examinations is the entrance exam for graduate schools in the U.S., Canada, and other countries. Many top-ranked M.B.A. programs accept GRE scores, so students who wish to study abroad opt for GRE as their first choice.
GRE Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | Online – 3 hours 45 minutes, Paper-based – 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Institutes | Top international B schools like Stanford University, University of Virginia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, University of California, and many other reputed schools |
| Exam type | Both Online and paper-based |
| Total Questions | Online – 82Paper-based – 102 |
| Subjects covered | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning |
10. IIFT
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada conduct a separate management exam for admission to their M.B.A. International Business course. IIFT is counted amongst the top B-schools of India, and its M.B.A. programs specialize in international trade and business.
IIFT Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | 2 hours |
| Institutes | Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi School of Professional Studies and Research, IPS Business School, IFIM Business School |
| Exam type | Online |
| Total Questions | 110 MCQs |
| Subjects covered | Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge |
11. State Bank Of India – PO
State Bank of India conducts the SBI PO exam to recruit probationary officers for their branches. SBI is India’s largest bank and gives you the opportunity to work in many areas. A Probationary Officer(PO) is an entry-level employee or junior manager in a bank who handles management work at a bank.
SBI PO Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | Prelims: 1 hour, Mains: 3 hours, 30 minutes |
| Exam type | Online |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 MCQs(Prelims)Mains: 155 MCQs + 2 Descriptive(Mains) |
| Subjects covered | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, Data Interpretation & Analysis, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. |
12. IBPS – PO
With so much competition, no list of the toughest competitive exams in India can skip IBPS-PO. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducts the IBPS PO exam to select Probationary Officers in different public sector banks in India. Banks participating in IBPS PO are:
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- UCO Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Punjab & Sind Bank
- Central Bank of India
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Bank
IBPS PO Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | 1 hour(Prelims) and 3 hour, 30 minutes(Mains) |
| Exam type | Online and Offline |
| Total Questions | 100(Prelims) and 157(Mains) |
| Subjects covered | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, English, Economy/Banking Awareness |
13. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
Students who wish to pursue further Master’s or Doctoral courses in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science take the GATE exam. Candidates with an engineering degree or master’s degree in mathematics/science/statistics/computer applications are eligible for the exam. Many PSUs also accept exam scores for their recruitment.
GATE Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | 3 hours |
| Institutes | IIT, NIT, VIT, and many other top institutes |
| Exam type | Paper-based |
| Total Questions | 10 (General Aptitude) + 55 (subject wise) = 65 Questions |
| Subjects covered | You can choose one or two subjects from the below list: 1. Aerospace Engineering (AE) 2. Agricultural Engineering (AG) 3. Architecture and Planning (AR) 4. Biotechnology (BT) 5. Civil Engineering (CE) 6. Chemical Engineering (CH) 7. Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) 8. Chemistry (CY) 9. Electronics and Communication Engg (EC) 10. Electrical Engineering (EE) 11. Ecology and Evolution (EY) 12. Geology and Geophysics (GG) 13. Instrumentation Engineering (IN) 14. Mathematics (MA) 15. Mechanical Engineering (ME) 16. Mining Engineering (MN) 17. Metallurgical Engineering (MT) 18. Petroleum Engineering (PE) 19. Physics (PH) 20. Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) 21. Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) 22. Statistics (ST) 23. BioMedical Engineering (BM) 24. Engineering Sciences 25. Life Sciences (XL) 26. Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) 27. Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) 28. Geomatics Engineering (GE) 29. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) |
14. CEED
IIT Bombay conducts the Common Entrance Examination for Design(CEED) for admission to the Master of Design (M.Des) and Ph.D. programs in IITs/IISC/Symbiosis and many other colleges.
CEED Exam Pattern:
| Exam duration | Part A(Objective) – 3 hours, Part B(Descriptive) – 2 hours |
| Institutes | IIT, IIDM, IISC, VIT, Symbiosis, LPU, and many other colleges |
| Exam type | Part A- Computer Based TestPart B- Offline |
| Total Questions | 46 |
| Subjects covered | Part A: Visualisation and Spatial Ability Environmental and Social AwarenessAnalytical and Logical Reasoning Language and CreativityDesign Thinking and Problem Solving Observation and Design Sensitivity, Part B: Drawing CreativityCommunication Skills Analytical and Problem Solving Skills |
Read More: Tips to Prepare for Any Competitive Exam Effectively