Competitive Exams After Graduation: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Have you graduated recently? Trying to figure out the next step? Or are you pursuing your graduation while preparing for the competitive entrance exams? Regardless, India has several competitive exams for which graduates are eligible to appear. This can be for a government job or for admission to premier educational institutes.

Millions of students appear for competitive exams after graduation. The entrance exams open doors for government jobs and help students build bright careers. However, having so many competitive exams can be confusing for students. So, making the right decision might be a little tough.

Exploring competitive exams after graduation in India? This comprehensive guide covers 15 top exams for 2024, including eligibility criteria, exam dates, and preparation tips to help you make informed decisions about your post-graduation career path.

List of Competitive Exams after Graduation

Here is the competitive exams after graduation list:

• Civil Services Examination (CSE): Conducted by the UPSC, this is the most prestigious exam leading to roles like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others.
• Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE): For entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Exams: Offers various posts in government departments.
• Railways Recruitment Board (RRB) Exams: For jobs in the Indian Railways.
• Banking Exams: Conducted by IBPS and SBI for various banking roles.
• Insurance Exams: For positions in public sector insurance companies.
• Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET): For teaching positions in central government schools.
• State Teacher Eligibility Tests (STET): For teaching jobs in state government schools.
• Common Admission Test (CAT): For admission to top MBA programs.
• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT): Another popular management entrance exam.
• Management Aptitude Test (MAT): A national-level entrance test for management programs.
• Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE): For admission to M.Tech programs and PSU jobs.
• Engineering Services Examination (ESE): For engineering services under the Government of India.
• Law Entrance Exams: CLAT, LSAT, AILET for law schools.
• Medical Entrance Exams: NEET PG, AIIMS PG for medical postgraduate studies.

Comparison of Competitive Exams after Graduation

A detailed comparison of competitive exams after graduation, focusing on eligibility and difficulty levels to help you make an informed decision.

Exam Name	Eligibility	Tentative Dates 2024	Difficulty Level
Civil Services Examination (CSE)	Graduate, 21-32 years	May (Prelims), September (Mains)	Very High
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)	Graduate, 19-24 years	April and September	High
SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL)	Graduate, 18-32 years	Throughout the year	Moderate to High
Railways Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC	12th/Graduate, 18-33 years	To be announced	Moderate
IBPS PO	Graduate, 20-30 years	October (Prelims)	High
SBI PO	Graduate, 21-30 years	November-December (Prelims)	High
LIC AAO	Graduate, 21-30 years	To be announced	Moderate to High
Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)	12th/Graduate with teaching diploma	July and December	Moderate
State Teacher Eligibility Tests (STET)	Varies by state	Varies by state	Moderate
Common Admission Test (CAT)	Graduate with 50% marks	November-December	Very High
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)	Graduate	Early January	High
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)	Graduate	Feb, May, Sep, Dec	Moderate to High
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)	B.E./B.Tech	February	High
Engineering Services Examination (ESE)	B.E./B.Tech, 21-30 years	June (Prelims), November (Mains)	Very High
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)	12th (UG), LLB (PG)	May	High
Law School Admission Test—India (LSAT)	12th (UG), LLB (PG)	Multiple sessions	High
All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)	12th (UG), LLB (PG)	May	High
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG	MBBS	January	Very High
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) PG	MBBS	November	Very High

Now let’s see these competitive exams after graduation in detail.

Government Exams after Graduation

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE)

• Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Positions: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others
• Exam Structure:
  • Preliminary Examination (objective)
  • Main Examination (written)
  • Personality Test (interview)
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 21-32 years (with relaxations for reserved categories)
  • Educational Qualification: Graduate degree in any discipline
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on NCERT books for foundation
  • Regular newspaper reading for current affairs
  • Practice answer writing for mains
  • Develop a holistic understanding of Indian society, polity, and economy

2. Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)

• Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Positions: Entry into Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy
• Exam Structure:
  • Written Examination
  • SSB Interview
  • Medical Examination
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19-24 years (varies for different services)
  • Educational Qualification: Graduate for Army, B.Tech for Air Force (Flying Branch)
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge
  • Improve physical fitness
  • Develop leadership qualities and situation handling skills

3. Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Exams

• Conducted by: Staff Selection Commission
• Positions: Various Group B and C posts in government departments
• Major Exams:
  • Combined Graduate Level (CGL)
  • Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL)
  • Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)
• Exam Structure (for CGL):
  • Tier I: Computer Based Examination
  • Tier II: Computer Based Examination
  • Tier III: Pen and Paper Mode
  • Tier IV: Computer Proficiency Test/Data Entry Skill Test (where applicable)
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 18-32 years (varies for different posts)
  • Educational Qualification: Graduate (for most exams)
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness
  • Practice speed and accuracy for the online exam
  • Stay updated with current affairs

👉 Related Read: Top 10 Competitive Exams after 10th/ SSC

4. Railways Recruitment Board (RRB) Exams

• Conducted by: Railway Recruitment Boards
• Positions: Various technical and non-technical posts in Indian Railways
• Major Exams:
  • RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)
  • RRB Group D
  • RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) & Technician
• Exam Structure (for NTPC):
  • Computer Based Test (CBT) – 1
  • Computer Based Test (CBT) – 2
  • Skill Test (where applicable)
  • Document Verification & Medical Examination
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 18-33 years (varies for different posts)
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 to Graduate (depends on the post)
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning
  • Practice previous year questions
  • Stay updated with railway-related current affairs

5. Banking Exams after Graduation

• Conducted by: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and State Bank of India (SBI)
• Positions: Probationary Officers, Clerks, Specialists Officers in various banks
• Major Exams:
  • IBPS PO/MT
  • IBPS Clerk
  • SBI PO
  • SBI Clerk
• Exam Structure (for IBPS PO):
  • Preliminary Examination
  • Main Examination
  • Interview
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 20-30 years (varies for different posts and banks)
  • Educational Qualification: Graduate in any discipline
• Tentative Dates for 2024:
  • IBPS PO Prelims: October 2024
  • SBI PO Prelims: November-December 2024
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness
  • Stay updated with banking and financial news
  • Practice mock tests regularly

6. Insurance Exams after Graduation

• Conducted by: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and various insurance companies
• Positions: Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO), Assistants in public sector insurance companies
• Major Exams:
  • LIC AAO
  • NICL AO
  • UIIC AO
• Exam Structure (for LIC AAO):
  • Preliminary Examination
  • Main Examination
  • Interview
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 21-30 years (varies for different companies)
  • Educational Qualification: Graduate in any discipline
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness
  • Study insurance-related topics and current affairs
  • Practice previous year questions and mock tests

Teaching Exams after Graduation

The teaching competitive exams after graduation that can pursued by career driven individuals are

7. Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)

• Conducted by: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Positions: Teaching positions in central government schools (Classes I to VIII)
• Exam Structure:
  • Paper I: For teaching Classes I to V
  • Paper II: For teaching Classes VI to VIII
• Eligibility:
  • Educational Qualification:
    • For Paper I: Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
    • For Paper II: Graduation and 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or B.Ed
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I and II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies
  • Stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies
  • Practice previous year questions

8. State Teacher Eligibility Tests (STET)

• Conducted by: Various state governments
• Positions: Teaching jobs in state government schools
• Exam Structure: Similar to CTET, but may vary by state
• Eligibility:
  • Varies by state, generally similar to CTET
• Preparation Tips:
  • Similar to CTET, but focus on state-specific curriculum and educational policies
  • Practice state-specific previous year questions

Management Exams after Graduation

9. Common Admission Test (CAT)

• Conducted by: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on rotation basis
• Purpose: Admission to top MBA programs in India
• Exam Structure:
  • Computer-based test with sections on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data
  • Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability
• Eligibility:
  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on improving speed and accuracy in all sections
  • Practice a variety of question types
  • Take regular mock tests to improve time management

10. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

• Conducted by: XLRI Jamshedpur
• Purpose: Admission to XLRI and other top management institutes
• Exam Structure:
  • Computer-based test with sections on Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
• Eligibility:
  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on Decision Making and General Knowledge sections, which are unique to XAT
  • Practice time management, as XAT is known for its tough time constraints
  • Solve previous year papers and mock tests

11. Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

• Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
• Purpose: Admission to various B-schools across India
• Exam Structure:
  • Computer-based or Paper-based test with sections on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Indian and Global Environment
• Eligibility:
  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on all sections equally, as MAT has a balanced difficulty level
  • Stay updated with current affairs for the Indian and Global Environment section
  • Practice with previous year papers and mock tests

Technical Exams after Graduation

12. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

• Conducted by: IISc Bangalore and seven IITs on rotation basis
• Purpose: Admission to M.Tech programs and recruitment in PSUs
• Exam Structure:
  • Computer-based test with General Aptitude section and subject-specific section
• Eligibility:
  • Educational Qualification: B.E./B.Tech degree or in final year
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on core engineering subjects and general aptitude
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Understand the relative weightage of topics and plan your preparation accordingly

13. Engineering Services Examination (ESE)

• Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Positions: Various engineering services under the Government of India
• Exam Structure:
  • Preliminary Examination
  • Main Examination (Objective + Conventional Type)
  • Personality Test
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 21-30 years
  • Educational Qualification: B.E./B.Tech degree in relevant discipline
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on core engineering subjects and general studies
  • Practice conventional (descriptive) type questions for the mains
  • Stay updated with current affairs related to technology and engineering

👉 Related Read: Top 10 Entrance Exams after Graduation in India

Entrance Exam after Graduation

14. Law Entrance Exams

• Major Exams:
  • Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
  • Law School Admission Test—India (LSAT)
  • All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
• Purpose: Admission to top law schools for undergraduate and postgraduate law programs
• Exam Structure: Varies by exam, but generally includes sections on English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Aptitude
• Eligibility:
  • For UG programs: 10+2 with minimum 45-50% marks
  • For PG programs: LLB degree
• Tentative Dates for 2024:
  • CLAT: Usually in May
  • LSAT: Multiple sessions throughout the year
  • AILET: Usually in May
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on improving reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills
  • Stay updated with current legal affairs
  • Practice mock tests to improve time management

👉 Click here to check the: 10 Law Entrance Exams for Top Colleges

15. Medical Entrance Exams

• Major Exams:
  • National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) PG
• Purpose: Admission to postgraduate medical courses
• Exam Structure:
  • NEET PG: Computer-based test with multiple choice questions
  • AIIMS PG: Computer-based test with multiple choice questions
• Eligibility:
  • MBBS degree and completion of internship
• Tentative Dates for 2024:
  • NEET PG: Usually in January
  • AIIMS PG: Usually in November
• Preparation Tips:
  • Focus on all subjects covered in MBBS curriculum
  • Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests
  • Stay updated with the latest developments in medical field

👉 Click here to check the: Top 40 Best Medical Colleges in India

Remember, the dates mentioned are tentative and based on previous years’ patterns. Always check the official websites of respective examination bodies for the most up-to-date information on exam dates, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Good luck with your preparation.

Preparation Strategies

The preparation steps for competitive exams after graduation are as follows:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the structure, syllabus, and marking scheme of your chosen exam(s).
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic schedule that covers all subjects and allows time for revision.
• Use Quality Study Materials: Rely on recommended books, online resources, and coaching if needed.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs, especially for exams like UPSC CSE.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on your weak subjects or topics.
• Maintain Physical and Mental Health: Balance your study with proper diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques.

Conclusion

Competitive exams after graduation open doors to diverse career opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a government job, defense services, or higher education, each exam offers unique pathways. Success requires a clear understanding of the exam, focused preparation, and consistency.

Choose the exam that aligns with your career goals, prepare strategically, and stay committed. With the right approach, these exams can be your stepping stone to a bright future.

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