Upcoming Government Exams 2025–26: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspirants
In India, government jobs are not just employment opportunities—they symbolize stability, prestige, and security. Every year, lakhs of aspirants prepare for a variety of government exams to secure a place in the country’s vast public sector. With the year 2025-26 approaching, it’s crucial for candidates to have a roadmap of the major upcoming government exams, their eligibility criteria, application dates, and selection procedures.
This article provides a detailed overview of the top upcoming government exams in 2025-26, including those conducted by UPSC, SSC, IBPS, RRB, State PSCs, and more.
Why Government Exams Remain a Top Choice in 2025-26
Government exams offer a gateway to some of the most respected positions in the country. Key reasons why they remain highly sought-after include:
- Job security and stability
- Attractive salary with regular increments
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Opportunities for career progression
- Work-life balance
As competition intensifies, aspirants must be well-informed and start early preparation.
Major Government Exams to Watch Out For in 2025-26
1. UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS)
Overview:
The Civil Services Exam is the most prestigious exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It recruits officers for administrative positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.
- Notification Release: February 2025
- Preliminary Exam: June 2025
- Mains Exam: September–October 2025
- Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline
- Age Limit: 21–32 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
- Selection Stages: Prelims, Mains, Interview
2. SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam
Overview:
SSC CGL is conducted to recruit candidates for Grade “B” and “C” posts in central government departments like Income Tax, CBI, Customs, and others.
- Notification Date: September 2025
- Tier-I Exam: November 2025
- Tier-II & III Exams: Early 2026
- Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline
- Selection Stages: Tier I, Tier II, Skill Test/Document Verification
3. RRB NTPC & Group D Exams
Overview:
The Indian Railways is one of the largest recruiters. RRB conducts exams for technical and non-technical posts like NTPC, Group D, ALP, and Technician.
- Expected Vacancies: Over 1 lakh+
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass or graduate depending on post
- Age Limit: 18–33 years
- Selection: CBT-1, CBT-2, PET (for some posts), Document Verification
4. IBPS Banking Exams (PO, Clerk, SO, RRB)
Overview:
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) organizes recruitment for various public sector banks.
- IBPS PO: Notification in August 2025
- IBPS Clerk: Notification in September 2025
- IBPS RRB Officer/Assistant: Notification in June 2025
- Eligibility: Graduate in any stream
- Age: 20–30 years (varies by post)
- Selection: Prelims, Mains, Interview (for PO/SO)
5. SBI PO & Clerk Exams
Overview:
State Bank of India conducts its own exams for recruitment. These posts are highly competitive due to the bank’s reputation and career growth.
- SBI PO Notification: Expected by July 2025
- SBI Clerk Notification: October 2025
- Eligibility: Graduation
- Selection: Prelims, Mains, and Interview (for PO)
6. RBI Grade B & Assistant Exams
Overview:
The Reserve Bank of India conducts Grade B and Assistant exams to recruit officers and clerical staff.
- RBI Grade B Notification: January–February 2026
- Eligibility: Minimum 60% marks in Graduation
- Selection: Phase I, Phase II, Interview
7. SSC CHSL (10+2 Level Exam)
Overview:
SSC CHSL recruits for LDC, DEO, and postal assistants.
- Notification: January 2026
- Eligibility: 12th pass
- Age: 18–27 years
- Selection: Tier I (Objective), Tier II (Descriptive), Typing/Skill Test
8. SSC MTS & GD Constable
Overview:
For candidates with a 10th pass qualification, SSC MTS and GD Constable are excellent opportunities.
- MTS Notification: Mid-2025
- GD Constable: September 2025
- Departments: CAPFs, Assam Rifles, NIA
- Selection: Written Exam, PET/PMT, Medical
9. State Public Service Commission Exams
Each state conducts its own PSC exams for administrative and allied services.
Examples:
- UPPSC PCS 2025
- BPSC Combined Exam
- MPPSC, RPSC, MPSC, TNPSC, TSPSC
- Eligibility: Graduate
- Selection: Prelims, Mains, Interview
10. CTET & State TETs for Teachers
Overview:
Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) and state-level TETs are essential for becoming a teacher in government schools.
- CTET 2025 Exam Dates: July and December
- Eligibility: D.Ed/B.Ed + relevant subject qualification
- Paper I: For Classes I-V
- Paper II: For Classes VI–VIII
11. Defence & Paramilitary Exams
Exams to Watch:
- NDA & CDS (UPSC)
- AFCAT (Indian Air Force)
- Indian Army Agniveer
- CAPF Assistant Commandants (UPSC)
- BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP Recruitments
- Eligibility: 10+2 or graduate depending on post
- Physical and Medical Tests are critical for selection
12. Teaching & Education Recruitments
Bodies Involved:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS)
- Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)
- DSSSB (Delhi)
- State School Education Departments
- Posts: PRT, TGT, PGT, Principal, Librarian
- Eligibility: B.Ed + CTET/TET
13. Insurance Exams (LIC, NIACL, UIIC)
Exams:
- LIC AAO/ADO
- NIACL AO
- UIIC Assistant
- Eligibility: Graduation
- Selection: Prelims, Mains, Interview
14. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Jobs via GATE 2025
Several PSUs recruit based on GATE scores for technical and managerial posts.
Popular Recruiters:
- BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, GAIL, IOCL, HPCL, SAIL
- Eligibility: Engineering Degree
- GATE 2025: Scheduled for February 2025
15. Apprenticeships in Government Sectors
Organizations like DRDO, ISRO, BHEL, SECL, and Railways offer apprentice opportunities for diploma/ITI holders and graduates.
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Stipend: As per government norms
Tips to Prepare for Government Exams 2025-26
- Start Early: Begin preparation at least 6–8 months before the exam.
- Follow the Syllabus: Download and understand the official syllabus.
- Choose the Right Resources: Prefer NCERTs, standard books, and trusted online platforms.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regular practice improves accuracy and time management.
- Stay Updated: Read daily news for current affairs.
- Revise Regularly: Don’t wait till the end—revise often to retain information.
- Stay Healthy: A healthy mind and body are essential during preparation.
Final Thoughts
The year 2025-26 brings a basket of opportunities for government job aspirants. Whether you are a graduate aiming for UPSC or SSC CGL, a 12th-pass candidate targeting CHSL or Defence services, or an engineer planning to crack PSU exams via GATE, there’s something for everyone. The key lies in consistent preparation, proper planning, and staying updated with official notifications.
To make the most of these opportunities, stay organized, monitor exam timelines, and put in dedicated efforts. A government job is not just a career choice—it’s a commitment to serve the nation with integrity.
