Introduction
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) with a graduate degree in any stream have a wide array of lucrative government job opportunities in Central and State Government departments, PSUs, and Public Sector Banks. Many of these jobs come with excellent pay scales, job security, and allowances. Here’s a detailed guide on competitive exams, post details, and exam structures that open doors for Ex-Servicemen after graduation. Matriculate Exserviceman with minimum 15 years of service is treated as Graduate and accepted in all Central Govt/PSU jobs.
List of Competitive Exams for Ex-Servicemen Graduates
Below is a structured chart of job opportunities and exams you can pursue after graduation:
1. SSC CGL – Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Exam
- Post Details: Central Govt. posts in various departments (Pay Level 4 to 8).
- Total Salary Range: ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000/month.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, Reasoning.
- Mains: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, IT.
2. IBPS PO – Probationary Officer (Public Sector Banks)
- Post Details: Probationary Officer in nationalized banks.
- Total Salary: Basic Pay ₹48,400 + allowances; approx. ₹1 lakh/month.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, Reasoning.
- Mains: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, Reasoning, Banking, IT.
3. SBI PO – State Bank of India Probationary Officer
- Post Details: PO in SBI (more perks than IBPS).
- Total Salary: Basic ₹48,400 + allowances; approx. ₹1 lakh/month.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims & Mains: Similar to IBPS PO (MCQ format).
4. RBI Grade B Officer
- Post Details: Grade B Officer in RBI – a prestigious banking role.
- Total Salary: Basic Pay ₹55,500 + allowances; approx. ₹1.2 lakh/month.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, Reasoning.
- Mains: MCQ – Maths, English, Finance, Economics.
5. IBPS Clerk
- Post Details: Clerk in nationalized banks.
- Total Salary: Basic ₹26,730; approx. ₹45,000/month in metro cities.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims & Mains: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, Reasoning, Banking.
6. SBI Clerk
- Post Details: Junior Associate in SBI branches.
- Total Salary: Basic ₹26,730; approx. ₹45,000/month in metro cities.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern: Similar to IBPS Clerk.
7. Railway NTPC – Non-Technical Popular Categories
- Posts: Booking Clerk, Goods Guard, ASM, etc.
- Pay Level: Level 4 to 8 (₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh/month).
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, Reasoning.
- Mains: MCQ – Maths, GK, English, IT.
8. UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS, IPS, etc.)
- Post Details: Central Civil Services – IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
- Pay Level: Level 9; Initial salary approx. ₹1.2 lakh/month.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: MCQ – GS, CSAT (Reasoning, Maths).
- Mains: Descriptive – GS, Essay, Language, English.
- Interview: Personality test.
9. WBCS / Other State Civil Services (e.g., PCS, MPSC, KPSC)
- Post Details: State Government Administrative Services.
- Pay Level: State Level 9; Approx. ₹80,000/month initially.
- Qualification: Graduation in any stream.
- Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: MCQ – GS, Reasoning, Maths, English.
- Mains: Descriptive – GS, Essay, Language, English.
Benefits for Ex-Servicemen in These Exams
- Age Relaxation: Usually 3 years plus Length of service rendered in Armed Forces for Gp B and C Non Gazetted posts. Upto 5 Years for Gazetted Rank.
- Reservation Quota: Special ESM quota in many Central & State exams.
- Post Preference: Ex-Servicemen are often considered for admin, security, or logistics-related posts.
- Physical Exemption: Often exempted from PET/PST in recruitment exams.
- Training Support: Resettlement courses and coaching assistance are provided by DGR, Kendriya Sainik Board, and ZSBs.
🧭 Preparation Strategy for Ex-Servicemen
- Start Early: If possible, begin preparation before your retirement.
- Focus Areas: Math, English, Reasoning, GK & Computer Awareness.
- Use Online Resources: Access ESM-friendly online coaching & mock test platforms like Testbook, Adda247, Oliveboard, etc.
- Leverage DGR Schemes: Enroll in re-employment training under DGR.
- Time Management: Stick to a daily 3–4 hour study routine.
📌 Final Thoughts
Graduation opens up huge employment opportunities for Ex-Servicemen in Central and State Government services. With structured preparation and use of ESM-specific benefits, you can achieve a stable second career with prestige and good income.
