UPSC: If you do not get success in UPSC then do not be disappointed, you can easily make a career in these six government jobs..

Plan B After UPSC: The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission is one of the toughest examinations in the world including India. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the exam, but only a few hundred candidates can make it to the final list. This time too, lakhs of candidates appeared in the preliminary examination, out of which a total of 14161 candidates have been declared qualified for the main examination.
However, candidates whose names have not appeared in the merit list of the UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam 2025 need not be disappointed. Remember, not clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam is not the end all. With smart planning and a little research, you can still have a satisfying and respectable career in the government sector. Here are some options that UPSC aspirants can try their hand at.
State PSC: State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exam
Each state has its own Public Service Commission which conducts examinations for administrative roles including Deputy Collector, Block Development Officer (BDO), and other Group A and B posts. State PSC recruitment exams are similar to UPSC in structure and include general studies, Indian politics, and history subjects.
SSC Jobs: Staff Selection Commission Recruitment Exams
The Staff Selection Commission conducts various examinations for central government posts. One of the most popular exams is SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level). Recruitment is done to fill several posts including Income Tax Officer, CBI Inspector, and Assistant Section Officer. It is worth noting that the registration process for the SSC CGL 2025 exam is on. You can apply for it if you want.
SSC CHSL is a combined higher secondary level exam conducted for 12th-pass candidates. Since the exam pattern is simpler than UPSC, it can be a great backup plan.
Railway Jobs: Railway Recruitment Exams
The Railway Recruitment Board conducts various recruitment exams including RRB NTPC (non-technical popular categories), RRB JE (junior engineer), and RRB ALP (assistant loco pilot). Candidates interested in technical or operational roles can apply for these jobs.
Banking Jobs: Banking Exams
This is one of the most preferred fields for government job aspirants. IBPS PO, Clerk, SBI PO and RBI Grade-B exams are conducted annually. People often prefer banking jobs for fixed leaves and work-life balance. If you want, you can also try your luck in this field.
Defense Services: Defense Services Exams
CDS (Combined Defense Services) exams are conducted for entry as officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
AFCAT (Air Force Common Entrance Test) is conducted for flying and technical branches in the Indian Air Force.
Intelligence Bureau and other security agencies
The Intelligence Bureau ACIO, or Assistant Central Intelligence Officer exam is a great alternative exam. It can be an ideal choice for candidates interested in intelligence and national security roles. The National Investigation Agency and Enforcement Directorate also recruit candidates through special recruitment notifications.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.