Are you a 12th pass student looking for a stable career in the government sector? Good news, there are plenty of government exams you can apply for right after your higher secondary. These exams open doors to jobs in railways, defence, banking, and state government departments.
In this guide, you’ll find the top government exams after 12th pass, divided into categories like SSC, Railways, Defence, Police, and Postal jobs. Let’s check them out!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Government Exams After 12th?
Government jobs are considered one of the safest and most respected career choices in India. Even after 12th, you can apply for different competitive exams and secure a good position.
Key Benefits:
- Permanent job with pension and allowances
- Decent starting salary with regular hikes
- Job security and social respect
- Growth opportunities through promotions
- Eligibility right after 12th pass
List of Government Exams After 12th Pass
1. SSC Exams After 12th
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts various exams for 12th pass candidates. Some of the major ones are:
(a) SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)
- Eligibility: 12th pass in any stream
- Posts: LDC, DEO, Postal Assistant, Court Clerk
- Selection Process: Tier I (Online), Tier II (Descriptive), Typing/Skill Test
- Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000/month
(b) SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass
- Posts: Group C posts in ministries and departments
- Selection Process: CBT (Tier I & Tier II)
- Salary: ₹18,000 – ₹22,000/month + allowances
(c) SSC GD Constable
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass
- Posts: Constable in BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, NIA, SSF, Assam Rifles
- Selection Process: CBT + PET/PST + Medical Test
- Salary: ₹21,700 – ₹69,100/month
2. Railway Exams After 12th
Railways is one of the biggest recruiters in India. After the 12th, you can apply for several RRB and RRC exams.
(a) RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)
- Eligibility: 12th pass
- Posts: Clerk, Typist, Ticket Clerk, Junior Time Keeper
- Selection Process: CBT I & II, Typing/Skill Test
- Salary: ₹19,900 – ₹25,500/month
(b) RRC Group D
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass + ITI for some posts
- Posts: Track Maintainer, Helper, Pointsman
- Selection Process: CBT, PET, Document Verification
- Salary: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000/month
(c) RRB ALP/Technician
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass with ITI/Diploma in relevant trade
- Posts: Assistant Loco Pilot, Technician
- Selection Process: CBT I & II, Computer Aptitude Test
- Salary: ₹19,900 – ₹35,000/month
3. Defence Exams After 12th
Defence jobs are highly respected and adventurous. After the 12th, multiple defence exams are open for candidates.
(a) NDA (National Defence Academy)
- Eligibility: 12th pass (PCM for Navy/Air Force, any stream for Army)
- Posts: Officer Training (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Selection Process: Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical
- Salary/Stipend: ₹56,100/month (after training, officer’s salary increases)
(b) Indian Army Soldier (GD)
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass
- Posts: Soldier General Duty
- Selection Process: PET, Medical, Written Test
- Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000/month
(c) Indian Navy SSR/AA
- Eligibility: 12th pass with Physics & Maths
- Posts: Sailor (SSR/AA)
- Selection Process: CBT, PET, Medical
- Salary: ₹21,700 – ₹47,600/month
(d) Indian Air Force Group X and Y
- Eligibility: 12th pass (Science for X, any stream for Y)
- Posts: Airmen (Technical & Non-Technical)
- Selection Process: Online Exam, PFT, Medical
- Salary: ₹33,000 – ₹40,000/month
4. State Police Exams After 12th
Every state conducts its own constable recruitment for 12th pass candidates.
- Eligibility: 12th pass (varies by state)
- Posts: Constable, Driver Constable, Armed Constable
- Selection Process: Written Test + PET + PST + Medical
- Salary: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000/month
5. Indian Post Exams After 12th
Postal jobs are one of the easiest entry-level government jobs after 12th.
(a) Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS)
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass
- Posts: Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster, Dak Sevak
- Selection Process: Merit-based (10th/12th marks)
- Salary: ₹10,000 – ₹24,000/month
(b) Postal Assistant
- Eligibility: 12th pass
- Posts: Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant
- Selection Process: Written Test/ Merit List
- Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000/month
Comparison Table
| Category | Exam | Eligibility | Posts | Salary (Approx.) | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC | CHSL | 12th Pass | LDC, DEO, PA | ₹25k–₹40k | CBT + Descriptive + Skill |
| SSC | MTS | 10th/12th | MTS (Group C) | ₹18k–₹22k | CBT |
| SSC | GD Constable | 10th/12th | Constable in CAPFs | ₹21k–₹69k | CBT + PET + Medical |
| Railway | RRB NTPC | 12th Pass | Clerk, Typist | ₹19k–₹25k | CBT + Skill Test |
| Railway | RRC Group D | 10th/12th | Helper, Track Maintainer | ₹18k–₹25k | CBT + PET |
| Railway | RRB ALP | 10th/12th + ITI | ALP, Technician | ₹19k–₹35k | CBT + Aptitude |
| Defence | NDA | 12th Pass | Officer Cadet | ₹56k+ | Written + SSB + Medical |
| Defence | Army GD | 10th/12th | Soldier GD | ₹25k–₹30k | PET + Written |
| Defence | Navy SSR/AA | 12th PCM | Sailor | ₹21k–₹47k | CBT + PET |
| Defence | Airforce X/Y | 12th PCM/Any | Airmen | ₹33k–₹40k | CBT + PET |
| State Police | Constable | 12th Pass | Constable | ₹20k–₹30k | Written + PET + PST |
| India Post | GDS/PA | 10th/12th | GDS, PA | ₹10k–₹30k | Merit/Exam |
Preparation Tips for 12th Pass Government Exams
- Go through the syllabus and previous papers
- Build strong basics in Maths, GK, English & Reasoning
- Practice mock tests regularly
- Stay updated with current affairs (newspaper, apps)
- Maintain physical fitness (important for defence/police)
FAQs: Best 5 Government Exams After 12th Pass in 2025
Which SSC exam is best after 12th?
SSC CHSL is the best exam after 12th for posts like LDC, DEO, and Postal Assistant.
Can I join the Indian Army after 12th?
Yes, through NDA (officer rank) or Army GD (soldier rank).
Which railway exams can I apply for after 12th?
You can apply for RRB NTPC, RRC Group D, and RRB ALP/Technician after 12th.
Is the NDA exam tough?
Yes, NDA is competitive, but with proper preparation in Maths, English, and General Knowledge, you can crack it.
Which government job has the highest salary after 12th?
NDA offers the highest salary package after training, followed by SSC CHSL and Railway NTPC.
Which government exam is best after 12th?
The best exam depends on your career goals. Popular choices are SSC CHSL, Railway RRB Group D, NDA, Indian Army Agniveer, and State Police Constable exams.
Can I prepare for UPSC after 12th pass?
You cannot apply for UPSC Civil Services just after 12th, but a graduation degree is required. However, you can start preparation early.
Which government job gives the highest salary after 12th?
NDA officers (after training), Indian Navy SSR, and Air Force Agniveer provide higher salaries compared to clerical or assistant posts.
Is there any government job for 12th pass girls?
Yes, girls can apply for SSC CHSL, Railways, State Police, NDA, and various clerical posts. Opportunities are equally available.
Which defence exam is best after 12th?
NDA, Indian Army Agniveer, Indian Navy SSR/AA, and Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu are the top defence exams after 12th pass.
Can I apply for bank jobs after 12th pass?
Most major bank exams like IBPS Clerk and PO require graduation, but some cooperative banks and clerical posts may allow 12th pass candidates.
What is the age limit for NDA after 12th?
Generally, the age limit for NDA is 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of joining.
Is the NDA exam only for boys after 12th?
No, both boys and girls can apply for NDA after 12th pass. Female candidates are also eligible for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings under NDA.
Can I give SSC exams after 12th pass?
Yes, you can appear for SSC CHSL (10+2 level) after 12th pass. It offers posts like Data Entry Operator, LDC, and Postal Assistant.
Conclusion
After 12th, government exams like SSC CHSL, RRB NTPC, NDA, and State Police Constable are the most popular choices for students. Whether you dream of joining the defence, railways, or central departments, these exams offer a secure job, decent salary, and career growth.
With the right preparation, determination, and strategy, you can start your career in the government sector right after 12th pass.
