Syllabus overlap, salary & exam pattern
5-minute high-yield practice MCQs
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is widely considered India's most prestigious and competitive examination. Annually conducted in three successive phases — Preliminary, Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview) — it determines appointments to premier all-India services including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Conducted annually by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination (popularly known as UP PCS) recruits administrative leadership for the state of Uttar Pradesh. With the recent syllabus overhaul, Optional Subjects have been replaced by two specialized Uttar Pradesh General Studies papers (GS Papers 5 & 6), making local state knowledge decisive.
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) conducts the State Services Examination (SSE) to recruit gazetted administrative and executive officers in MP. Known for its heavy emphasis on Madhya Pradesh state geography, tribal culture, economy, and heritage, the examination follows a three-stage format with 6 descriptive papers in Mains and no negative marking in the Preliminary examination.
The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination for the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) and Rajasthan Police Service (RPS). Featuring a single comprehensive Preliminary paper with 150 questions and four intensive descriptive Mains papers — notably Paper 4 comprising General Hindi (120 marks) and General English (80 marks) — RPSC RAS tests deep Rajasthan regional geography, art, architecture, princely history, and administrative efficiency.
The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) conducts the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Executive Branch and Allied Services Examination to recruit officers for key governance posts in Haryana. Closely following the UPSC Prelims model with GS and CSAT (qualifying 33%), HPSC Mains features four papers: English, Hindi, General Studies, and one Optional Subject, culminating in a 75-mark personality test.
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) conducts the Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) to recruit Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM), DSPs, Tehsildars, and Food & Supplies Officers. Uniquely in Prelims, both Paper 1 (GS) and Paper 2 (CSAT) count toward the merit cutoff with no negative marking. The Mains consists of 7 descriptive papers (1350 marks) including mandatory Punjabi in Gurmukhi script.
The Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) conducts the Combined State Civil / Upper Subordinate Services Examination for recruitment to Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Finance Officer, and District Commandant posts in Uttarakhand. Featuring 7 descriptive papers in Mains (1500 marks) including a mandatory Language paper and state-specific Uttarakhand history, geography, and disaster management questions, UKPSC tests comprehensive regional expertise.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) conducts the HPAS Combined Competitive Examination annually to recruit administrative leadership for Himachal Pradesh. Featuring a Prelims model with GS and CSAT (qualifying 33%), HPPSC Mains consists of 8 papers (English and Hindi qualifying; Essay, GS 1 to 3, and two Optional Subject papers counting for 900 marks merit), followed by a 150-mark interview.
The Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) to recruit Junior Scale administrative officers for the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), J&K Police Service (JKPS), and J&K Accounts Service. Fully aligned with the UPSC Civil Services format, JKPSC features a 2-paper Prelims and a 1750-mark Mains (7 merit papers and 1 qualifying English paper) plus a 250-mark interview.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for administrative appointments in the state of Bihar. Under recent administrative reforms, negative marking of 1/3rd has been standardized, Prelims options have been streamlined from 5 to 4 choices, and Mains optional subjects are now objective and qualifying in nature, with the Essay paper (300 marks) carrying decisive merit weightage.
The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination (CCE) for administrative appointments in Jharkhand. Prelims features two objective papers (Paper 1 General GS and Paper 2 Jharkhand Specific GS) with zero negative marking. Mains comprises 6 descriptive papers (1050 marks) with heavy emphasis on tribal customary laws (CNTA / SPTA) and regional languages.
The Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) conducts the State Service Examination (SSE) annually to recruit administrative leadership for Chhattisgarh. Prelims follows a 2-paper objective model (Paper 1 General GS and CG GK; Paper 2 Aptitude qualifying at 33%). Mains comprises 7 comprehensive descriptive papers (200 marks each = 1400 marks) including Chhattisgarhi language, tribal traditions, and philosophy, followed by a 100-mark interview.
Conducted by the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC), the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) etc. Examination recruits administrative leadership across four service groups (Groups A, B, C, and D). Featuring a 200-question single Preliminary paper divided into 8 distinct 25-mark modules, WBCS Mains includes 6 compulsory papers (1200 marks) and one Optional Subject (400 marks) for Group A and B services, followed by a 200-mark personality test.
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination to recruit officers for the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS Group A), Odisha Police Service (OPS Group A), and Odisha Finance Service (OFS Group A). Fully aligned with the modern UPSC Civil Services format, OPSC features a 2-paper Prelims and a 1750-mark Mains (Odia and English qualifying; Essay, GS 1 to 4, and one Optional Subject counting for merit) plus a 250-mark interview.
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) conducts the Maharashtra Gazetted Civil Services Combined Examination (popularly known as Rajyaseva) to recruit Sub-Divisional Magistrates (Deputy Collectors), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySP), Tehsildars, and Block Development Officers. Formatted to match UPSC Civil Services, it features a 2-paper Prelims and a 1750-mark descriptive Mains with Marathi and English qualifying papers, followed by a 275-mark interview.
The Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination for Gujarat Administrative Service (GAS Class 1), Gujarat Police Service (GPS Class 1), and District Registrar posts. Featuring a 2-paper objective Prelims (400 marks total) with 0.3 negative marking, GPSC Mains consists of 6 descriptive papers of 150 marks each (900 marks total) including Gujarati and English language papers, followed by a 100-mark interview.
The Goa Public Service Commission (Goa PSC) conducts the recruitment for the Junior Scale of the Goa Civil Service (JSO / Deputy Collector). Featuring a Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT / Pre-Screening) followed by a Written Examination (250 marks) and Oral Interview (50 marks), Goa PSC tests deep knowledge of Goa's Portuguese civil code, liberation movement, coastal ecology, and mandatory Konkani language proficiency.
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) conducts the Gazetted Probationers Examination to recruit officers for the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS - Assistant Commissioner Group A), Karnataka Police Service (DSP Group A), and Commercial Tax Officers. Featuring a 2-paper objective Prelims (400 marks total) with 0.25 negative marking, KPSC Mains comprises 7 descriptive papers (1250 marks merit + 2 qualifying language papers), culminating in a 50-mark personality test.
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination I (Group 1 Services) to recruit leadership for Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes posts. Prelims features a single 200-question paper (300 marks) with zero negative marking. Mains includes a qualifying Tamil Eligibility Test (100 marks) and three descriptive General Studies papers (250 marks each = 750 marks), followed by a 100-mark interview.
The Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) conducts the Group 1 Services Examination to recruit Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), Commercial Tax Officers, and District Panchayat Officers across Telangana. Featuring a single 150-question Prelims (150 marks) with 1/3rd negative marking, TGPSC Mains consists of 6 descriptive papers of 150 marks each (900 marks total) with heavy emphasis on the Telangana Movement and state formation. Notably, the interview has been completely scrapped, making final selection 100% based on Mains written merit.
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) conducts the Group 1 Services Examination to recruit administrative leadership for Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Commercial Tax Officer, and District Registrar posts. Featuring a 2-paper objective Prelims (240 marks total) with 1/3rd negative marking, APPSC Mains comprises 5 descriptive merit papers of 150 marks each (750 marks total) and two qualifying language papers (Telugu and English), culminating in a final merit list.
The Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) conducts the prestigious Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) Examination to create a premier second-tier executive managerial cadre for the Government of Kerala. Structured across three applicant streams (Stream 1 Direct Open, Stream 2 Non-Gazetted Employees, Stream 3 Gazetted Officers), KAS features a 2-paper objective Prelims (200 marks total) with 1/3rd negative marking, a 3-paper descriptive Mains (300 marks total), and a 50-mark interview.
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for administrative leadership across Assam. Fully restructured on the UPSC Civil Services model, APSC features a 2-paper Prelims and a 6-paper descriptive Mains (1500 marks total) with no optional subjects, notably featuring Paper 6 (GS 5) dedicated exclusively to Assam history, culture, biodiversity, and tea economy, followed by a 180-mark interview.
The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for administrative recruitment to the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS - Circle Officer / EAC) and Arunachal Pradesh Police Service (APPS - DySP). Formatted on the UPSC Civil Services model, it features a 2-paper Prelims and a 1750-mark descriptive Mains (qualifying English; Essay, GS 1 to 4, and one Optional Subject counting for merit) plus a 275-mark interview, with 80% reservation for APST candidates.
The Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for administrative appointments to the Manipur Civil Service (MCS - Sub-Divisional Officer), Manipur Police Service (MPS - DySP), and Sub-Deputy Collector posts. Fully patterned after the UPSC Civil Services model, it comprises a 2-paper Prelims and a 1750-mark descriptive Mains (qualifying English; Essay, GS 1 to 4, and one Optional Subject counting for merit) plus a 250-mark interview.
The Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC Meghalaya) conducts the Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) Examination to recruit Extra Assistant Commissioners (EAC / Sub-Divisional Magistrates) and Block Development Officers. Featuring a 2-paper objective Prelims (400 marks total) with 1/3rd negative marking, Meghalaya MCS Mains consists of 7 descriptive papers (1750 marks merit + qualifying General English) including one Optional Subject, followed by a 250-mark interview, with strong reservation for Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities.
The Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC Mizoram) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination for recruitment to the Junior Grade of the Mizoram Civil Service (MCS - Sub-Divisional Officer / SDO) and Mizoram Police Service (MPS - DySP). Prelims features a 2-paper objective test (Paper 1 GS and Paper 2 CSAT qualifying at 33%). Mains comprises 6 descriptive papers (1000 marks total) including Mizo language / Alternative English, followed by a 100-mark interview.
The Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination (CTSE / CCSE) for recruitment to the prestigious Nagaland Civil Service (NCS Class-I Gazetted - Extra Assistant Commissioner) and Nagaland Police Service (NPS Class-I Gazetted - DySP). Featuring a single 200-question objective Prelims (200 marks, 3 hours) with 0.25 negative marking, NPSC Mains consists of 3 descriptive papers (600 marks total) with no optional subjects, followed by a 75-mark viva-voce.
The Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) conducts the Sikkim State Civil Services Examination (SCCS) for recruitment to the Junior Grade of the State Civil Service (Under Secretary / Sub-Divisional Magistrate) and Sikkim Police Service (DySP). Formatted on the UPSC Civil Services model, it features a 2-paper Prelims and a 1750-mark descriptive Mains (qualifying English; Essay, GS 1 to 4, and one Optional Subject counting for merit) plus a 250-mark interview, with protection for Certificate of Identification (COI) holders.
The Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination for recruitment to the Tripura Civil Service (TCS Grade-II - Deputy Collector / Sub-Divisional Magistrate) and Tripura Police Service (TPS Grade-II - DySP). Featuring a single 200-question objective Prelims (200 marks, 2.5 hours) with 0.25 negative marking, TPSC Mains consists of 5 compulsory papers (500 marks) and 3 optional papers (300 marks) totaling 800 marks, followed by a 100-mark interview.
SSC CGL is India's premier graduate-level competitive exam for recruitment into prestigious Group B and C posts across central government departments, ministries, and intelligence wings. Posts include Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in MEA, CSS, and IB, Inspector of Central Excise/GST, Income Tax Inspector, and Preventive Officer.
Conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission, the Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination recruits Lower Division Clerks (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistants (JSA), and Data Entry Operators (DEO) across ministries and constitutional bodies. Under the updated pattern, CHSL closely mirrors CGL with a 2-Tier objective CBT architecture and mandatory typing skill tests.
Conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination recruits personnel for prestigious supervisory, operational, and clerical positions across all 21 Indian Railway zones. The exam includes Graduate-level posts (Level 5 & 6 like Station Master, Goods Train Manager) and Undergraduate posts (Level 2 & 3 like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk).
RRB Group D (RRC Level-1) is the world's largest public recruitment drive, appointing over 1,00,000 personnel in each cycle across Indian Railways. Appointees maintain railway tracks, signaling gear, workshop bogies, and station points, forming the operational backbone of Indian Railways.
Conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this examination recruits Probationary Officers (Scale-I Management Trainees) and Clerks for 11 participating Public Sector Banks including Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, and Indian Bank. Renowned for its strict sectional timing, complex analytical puzzles, and rapid selection timeline.
The SBI PO recruitment is widely regarded as the most prestigious and challenging commercial banking examination in the country. Selected officers enter directly into Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) with four advance increments, enjoying rapid promotion pathways that lead all the way to Chief General Manager, Managing Director, and Chairman. SBI sets the trend for innovative question patterns across all banking examinations.
Conducted annually by the State Bank of India, the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) recruitment fills thousands of clerical positions across SBI branch networks in all states and union territories. The selection is purely objective through two stages (Prelims and Mains) with NO interview. Selected associates handle front-office operations, deposits, withdrawals, and digital onboarding.
Conducted annually by the Reserve Bank of India Services Board, the RBI Grade B (General) examination recruits top intellectual talent into the nation's central banking leadership. Directly appointed as Officers in Grade 'B', selected candidates work in monetary policy formulation, financial markets regulation, foreign exchange reserve management, and banking supervision, with salaries and perks matching premier global central banks.
Conducted twice a year (NDA-I and NDA-II) by the Union Public Service Commission, the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination is the premier entry point for young male and female aspirants after 10+2. Successful candidates undergo rigorous 3-year tri-service academic and physical military training at NDA Khadakwasla, Pune, followed by 1 year at respective service academies, graduating with a prestigious permanent commission as Lieutenant, Sub-Lieutenant, or Flying Officer.
Conducted twice a year by UPSC, the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) recruits graduate men and women as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (INA Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (AFA Dundigal Hyderabad), and Officers Training Academy (OTA Chennai). Successful officers receive direct commission as Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, or Flying Officers.
The Staff Selection Commission General Duty (SSC GD) Constable Examination is India's largest armed recruitment event, deploying tens of thousands of young patriotic 10th-pass men and women into the nation's frontline border guarding and internal security forces. Successful candidates serve as General Duty Constables in BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, SSF, and Riflemen in Assam Rifles, securing international borders, critical infrastructure, and internal peace.
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) examination conducted by UPSC is the apex direct entry for young graduates to lead combat companies as Group 'A' Gazetted Officers. Equivalent in rank to an Army Captain or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Assistant Commandants serve as Company Commanders leading 100-135 armed troops in counter-insurgency, high-altitude border vigil, anti-Naxal operations, and vital asset protection.
The Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisation (SSC CPO) examination is the premier national pathway for graduates to don the coveted two-star uniform as Sub-Inspectors (Executive) in the elite Delhi Police and Sub-Inspectors (General Duty) in Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB). Officers wield statutory investigation powers, lead armed squads, and maintain law and order across national and metropolitan jurisdictions.
Conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force, the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the premier direct entry for graduate men and women to earn the prestigious sky-blue uniform as Commissioned Officers. Cadets undergo world-class flight and military leadership training at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal, Hyderabad, graduating as Flying Officers in Fighter, Transport, Helicopter, Weapon Systems, Aeronautical Engineering, and Logistics branches.
Enacted under the Agnipath Scheme by the Ministry of Defence, Indian Army Agniveer recruitment offers patriotic youth a prestigious 4-year active military tenure in combat arms and specialized services. Featuring an online Common Entrance Examination (CEE) followed by open recruitment rallies, Agniveers receive world-class combat training, high risk-hardship compensation, an ₹11.71 Lakh tax-free Seva Nidhi exit package, with 25% absorbed into the permanent regular cadre.
The Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT) recruits candidates into the Indian Coast Guard under the Ministry of Defence as Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), and Yantrik (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics). Operating fast patrol vessels, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), hovercrafts, Dornier aircraft, and ALH Dhruv helicopters, ICG personnel protect high-seas national interests, counter contraband smuggling, and execute heroic search-and-rescue operations.
Conducted biannually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) certifies candidates for eligibility as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges, as well as awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) with full central research funding. Covering 83 subjects across Humanities, Commerce, Computer Applications, and Social Sciences, UGC NET is the mandatory gateway for academic and doctoral research careers in India.
Conducted twice a year by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is the mandatory eligibility benchmark under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for appointment as a primary or upper-primary teacher in central government schools (KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, Army Public Schools) and schools under the Union Territories. Paper-I certifies teachers for Classes I-V, while Paper-II certifies teachers for Classes VI-VIII.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India's most prestigious management entrance examination conducted annually by one of the premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A high percentile in CAT opens doors to flagship 2-year MBA / PGP programs at 21 IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, etc.) and India's elite B-schools like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and IIT DoMS.
Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) is India's singular gateway for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and AYUSH courses. Over 24 Lakh students compete for ~1,08,000 MBBS seats across AIIMS, JIPMER, Central Universities (BHU, AMU), state government medical colleges (15% All India Quota + 85% State Quota), and premier military/private medical institutions.
Conducted in two sessions (January and April) annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main is India's flagship engineering entrance test. It serves a dual role: first, deciding admissions to premier National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) via JoSAA counseling; second, acting as the strict screening test shortlisting the top 2,50,000 candidates eligible to appear for JEE Advanced for admission into the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
