by Rohit Gupta, Co-founder and COO, College Vidya The journey toward securing a prestigious public-sector undertaking (PSU) job begins with a vision and the right guidance. A there are many competitive exams which can to written by students after 10th/12th for getting a government job. An inspiring example is Priya Sharma, who walked into her first banking job at SBI last year. Three years ago, she was just another confused 12th graduate who stood at the crossroads of making critical career decisions. Today, at 23, she has not only secured a prestigious PSU position but also completed her B.Com degree.

Priya’s story resonates with millions of Indian students who stand at this crucial crossroads annually. In 2024 alone, more than 13.4 lakh students appeared for the Civil Services exams competing for approx. 1000 jobs. While the competition is fierce, success is achievable for those equipped with a comprehensive strategy and determined mindset. 

Understanding your PSU options

The landscape of PSU opportunities is vast and diverse. While the Civil Services Examination (UPSC) remains the crown jewel, attracting over 8 lakh applications annually, other equally rewarding exams open doors to dynamic careers in Governance, Defence, Education, Banking, and Technology. 

1. Civil Services Examination (UPSC)

The UPSC is India’s premier gateway to administrative roles, encompassing All India (Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Police Service), Group A, and Group B services. It is conducted in three stages to select candidates for diverse governance and policy-making roles, demanding dedication, strategic preparation, and expertise in varied subjects.

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

2. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA)

The NDA & NA exam, conducted by UPSC, represents the foundation of India’s military leadership development. Conducted biannually, this intensive selection process evaluates 12th-pass candidates through Mathematics, General Ability Tests, and SSB (Service Selection Board) interviews, providing an esteemed pathway for young minds to enter the armed forces. 

Eligibility: 12th pass (Physics & Mathematics for Navy)

3. Combined Defence Services (CDS)

CDS is a biannual national-level exam conducted by UPSC. It is a gateway for graduates to join the Indian Military, Air Force, or Navy through a rigorous selection process involving written exams and SSB interviews. The comprehensive assessment evaluates candidates through subjects like Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge, followed by personality and leadership evaluation through SSB. 

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree

4. IBPS PO (Probationary Officers)

The IBPS PO examination is a prestigious national-level recruitment process for Probationary Officers in Public Sector Banks. It offers graduates a structured banking career through a multi-tiered comprehensive assessment. It evaluates them through reasoning, quantitative, language, and banking awareness, making it a gateway to India’s banking sector.

Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline

5. Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)

The CTET represents CBSE’s cornerstone assessment for aspiring educators in central government schools. Mandatory for teaching in central government schools, CTET tests teaching aptitude through two papers for primary and secondary levels, ensuring qualified educators for India’s classrooms. This national-level examination validates teaching competency and maintains quality standards in education recruitment.

Eligibility: 12th pass with D.Ed/B.Ed

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6. SBI PO (Probationary Officers)

SBI PO stands as India’s most coveted banking recruitment examination, conducted annually by the State Bank of India. This recruitment exam tests candidates’ aptitude through Prelims, Mains, and Interviews, offering dynamic career growth in banking. This rigorous selection process, followed by two years of probation, shapes future banking leaders with opportunities for international postings and rapid career advancement.

Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline

7. ISRO Recruitment

ISRO recruits talented tech enthusiasts for diverse roles in space research and development through the ICRB exam. This rigorous process, including written tests and interviews, identifies talented scientists and engineers for roles in advancing India’s space missions offering a fulfilling career shaping global space research and development. 

Eligibility: Varies by position (Generally B.Tech/BE)

8. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

ESIC conducts national-level recruitment for healthcare and administrative roles through written exams and interviews. It selects candidates for diverse roles like Stenographer, UDC, and Medical Officers to manage employee insurance and welfare programmes, promoting health and social security for Indian workers across various sectors.

Eligibility: Varies by position

9. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

The R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, pioneers advancements in defence and technology. It recruits engineers and scientists for research-oriented roles in defence technology, focusing on innovation via written exams and interviews, shaping India’s defence advancements.

Eligibility: B.Tech/BE/M.Sc in relevant disciplines

10. Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)

RRB, under the Ministry of Railways, oversees recruitment for diverse railway roles, including Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Junior Engineer (JE), and NTPC. The assessment is done using computer-based tests and skill assessments to select candidates for operations, maintenance, and administration across 21 zonal boards in India. 

Eligibility: 10th/12th/Diploma/Degree (varies by position)

Building a Sustainable Success Strategy

Success comes not just from what you study but from how you approach your preparation. Competitive exams demand strategic planning and resilience. Key recommendations include: 

• Starting early and following a structured plan
• Prioritizing mock tests and practice over passive reading
• Focusing on core subjects and solving previous years’ papers
• Staying updated with current affairs
• Taking care of mental health- it’s a marathon, not a sprint!

Apart from these recommendations, it’s wise to keep a backup plan ready. Aspirants can pursue a regular degree while preparing for the exam. Degrees like BA in Political Science for UPSC aspirants, BCA for technical PSUs, or BCom for banking exams not only provide a safety net but also strengthen subject knowledge. While there is an option to pursue a regular degree, pursuing an online BA program will offer added flexibility and access to digital resources, enabling aspirants to manage their studies alongside exam preparation efficiently.

Conclusion

Remember, securing a PSU job is a remarkable achievement, but it’s not the end of the world if things don’t work out immediately. With persistent effort and a strong academic foundation, aspirants can confidently approach their dreams, knowing success is just a matter of time. 

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