Government exams in India are conducted by a range of recruitment agencies, each focused on a specific sector. These exams generally fall into different categories based on the nature of the job, eligibility criteria, and the level of competition.
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UPSC Exams 2025-26
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier recruitment body for selecting candidates for key civil services positions, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The UPSC exams are some of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. Below are the important details for the upcoming UPSC exam cycle for 2025-26.
UPSC Civil Services Exam: Important Dates & Updates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | February – March 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | June 2025 |
| Main Exam Date | September 2025 |
| Interview/Personality Test | March/April 2026 |
| Results and Final Selection | June 2026 |
UPSC NDA & NA Exam: Eligibility & Notifications
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Educational Qualification | 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics for NDA, 12th with Physics and Mathematics for Naval Academy (NA) |
| Gender | Both male and female candidates are eligible for NDA; only male candidates for Naval Academy |
| Exam Dates | Details |
| NDA I Exam | April 2025 |
| NDA II Exam | September 2025 |
UPSC CDS Exam: Key Information
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | IMA: 19 to 24 years, INA: 19 to 22 years, AFA: 20 to 24 years, OTA: 19 to 25 years |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree for IMA and OTA, Engineering degree for INA and AFA |
| Exam Dates | Details |
| CDS I Exam | February 2025 |
| CDS II Exam | November 2025 |
Tips for UPSC Preparation
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Review the syllabus and structure your study plan accordingly.
- Read NCERT Books: For subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Polity, NCERT books from classes 6-12 are fundamental.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take mock exams and solve previous years’ question papers to improve time management.
- Focus on Optional Subjects: Choose an optional subject that aligns with your strengths.
- Physical and Mental Health: Include exercise and relaxation techniques to maintain well-being.
- Time Management: Create a realistic daily schedule and avoid cramming.
- Join Coaching or Online Classes: Consider enrolling in specialized coaching or online courses for additional guidance.
SSC Exams 2025-26: Important Updates & Key Dates
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts a variety of exams to recruit candidates for various government departments and ministries. Here’s a look at some of the key exams for 2025-26 and their updates, including the SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and SSC JE exams.
SSC CGL: Exam Dates & Eligibility
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | April – May 2025 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | June 2025 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | September 2025 |
| Tier 3 (Descriptive) Exam Date | December 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age: 18 to 32 years. Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 100 (SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted) |
SSC CHSL: Important Updates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | May – June 2025 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | July 2025 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | October 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age: 18 to 27 years. Educational Qualification: 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized board. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 100 (SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted) |
| Key Update | Changes to the syllabus in 2025 to focus more on data interpretation and reasoning ability in Tier 1. |
SSC JE & Other Exams: What’s New?
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release (JE) | June 2025 |
| Application Form Submission (JE) | June – July 2025 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date (JE) | August 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria (JE) | Age: 18 to 32 years. Educational Qualification: Diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. |
| Key Updates for Other Exams | New changes in exam pattern for SSC CPO (Central Police Organization) exams, more emphasis on reasoning and analytical skills. |
| Application Fees (JE & Others) | Rs. 100 (SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted) |
Bank Exams 2025-26: Important Updates & Key Dates
Bank exams in India are highly competitive, with a variety of exams conducted by different banks for recruitment to various positions. Here are the key updates for the **IBPS PO/Clerk**, **SBI PO/Clerk**, and **RBI Exams** in 2025-26, along with form fill-up links for easy access to the application process.
IBPS PO/Clerk Exam: Schedule & Eligibility Criteria
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | July – August 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date (PO/Clerk) | September 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date (PO/Clerk) | November 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age: 20 to 30 years. Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 850 (SC/ST/PWD candidates: Rs. 175) |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for IBPS PO/Clerk Exam |
SBI PO/Clerk Exam: Latest Developments
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | April – May 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date (PO/Clerk) | June 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date (PO/Clerk) | July 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age: 21 to 30 years. Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 750 (SC/ST/PWD candidates: Rs. 125) |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for SBI PO/Clerk Exam |
RBI Exam: Key Dates and Requirements
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | August – September 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date (Grade B/Assistant) | October 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date (Grade B/Assistant) | December 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age: 21 to 30 years (Grade B). Educational Qualification: Graduation/Post-Graduation in relevant fields. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 850 (SC/ST/PWD candidates: Rs. 100) |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for RBI Exam |
Bank Exam Preparation Tips
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Focus on the specific pattern of each exam and practice accordingly.
- Focus on the Syllabus: Ensure to cover all topics from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions and assess your performance.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Current affairs are a crucial part of the General Awareness section. Read newspapers daily and keep track of important events.
- Time Management: Prioritize your study schedule, devote time to each section, and ensure you improve speed and accuracy.
- Review Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years’ papers will help you understand the exam trend and manage time better during the actual exam.
Railway Exams 2025-26: Key Updates & Form Links
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts various exams to recruit candidates for several positions across the Indian Railways. Here’s a breakdown of the updates for the **RRB NTPC & Group D**, **RRC Level 1 & 2 Exams**, and **Upcoming Railway Recruitment Notifications** for 2025-26, along with the form fill-up links for each exam.
RRB NTPC & Group D Exam: Timelines and Notifications
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release (NTPC/Group D) | June 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | June – July 2025 |
| RRB NTPC Exam Date | August 2025 |
| RRB Group D Exam Date | September 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria (NTPC & Group D) | Age: 18 to 33 years. Educational Qualification: 10th/12th grade or equivalent depending on the post. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 500 (SC/ST/PWD candidates: Rs. 250) |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for RRB NTPC/Group D Exam |
RRC Level 1 & 2 Exam: Eligibility and Updates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Application Form Submission | July – August 2025 |
| RRC Level 1 Exam Date | September 2025 |
| RRC Level 2 Exam Date | November 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria (Level 1 & 2) | Age: 18 to 30 years. Educational Qualification: 10th/12th grade or equivalent from a recognized board. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 300 (SC/ST/PWD candidates: Rs. 150) |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for RRC Level 1/2 Exam |
Upcoming Railway Recruitment Notifications
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Upcoming Notifications | Various recruitment notifications for positions like Junior Engineer (JE), Station Master, and more will be released throughout 2025-26. Stay tuned for updates. |
| Expected Exam Dates | Exams for different posts are expected to be scheduled in phases starting from July 2025. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Varies according to the post. Generally, educational qualification ranges from 10th/12th grade to engineering degrees. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to check upcoming recruitment and apply |
TET Exams 2025-26: Key Updates & Form Fill-Up Links
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a mandatory exam for aspiring teachers in India. Here’s a detailed breakdown of **State TETs**, the **Central TET (CTET)**, and essential preparation tips for the upcoming **TET exams in 2025-26**, along with the form fill-up links.
State TETs: Important Dates & Changes
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | State TET notifications are generally released in different months depending on the state. Expect notifications around **June – August 2025**. |
| Application Form Submission | Applications are expected to open soon after the notification release, typically lasting 1-2 months. |
| Exam Dates | Exams for State TETs are usually scheduled between **August – November 2025**. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed) or equivalent. Age limits and other requirements may vary by state. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for State TET |
Central TET (CTET): Exam Updates and Eligibility
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | CTET notification will likely be released around **May 2025**. |
| Application Form Submission | Applications will open in **May 2025** and close by **June 2025**. |
| Exam Date | CTET is typically held in **July 2025** (exact dates to be announced). |
| Eligibility Criteria | Applicants must have completed **12th grade with at least 50% marks** and must have completed or pursuing a **2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)**. Bachelor’s degree (B.Ed) holders are also eligible. |
| Application Fees | Rs. 1000 (General/OBC) for Paper I or II, Rs. 1200 for both papers. Rs. 500 (SC/ST/PWD) for Paper I or II, Rs. 600 for both papers. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for CTET |
TET Preparation Tips and Resources
Preparing for the TET exams can be demanding, but with the right approach, you can ace the exam. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the full syllabus for both the **General Studies** and **Child Development & Pedagogy** sections. Study the detailed syllabus available on the official website for each TET exam.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule and divide your time wisely between subjects. Make sure you have enough time for revision.
- Focus on NCERT Books: NCERT books for **Classes 1-8** are highly recommended, as many questions are based on these books. Pay special attention to subjects like **Mathematics**, **Science**, **English**, and **Hindi**.
- Practice Mock Tests: Mock tests help you familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and time constraints. Take as many mock tests as you can to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated: For current affairs and general knowledge, read newspapers like **The Hindu** or **The Indian Express** and focus on education-related news.
- Revise Previous Papers: Go through previous years’ question papers and understand the frequently asked topics.
- Use Online Resources: Several online platforms offer free resources, sample papers, and video lessons on various TET exam subjects. Consider using these for further practice.
Defence Exams 2025-26: Key Updates & Form Fill-Up LinksHere
Defence exams provide various opportunities for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Here’s a detailed breakdown of **Indian Army**, **Indian Navy**, **Indian Air Force**, and **NDA/CDS exams** for 2025-26, along with the form fill-up links for these recruitment processes.
Indian Army Recruitment: Dates and Processes
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | The notification for Indian Army recruitment is expected to be released around **January/February 2025**. |
| Application Form Submission | Applications are expected to open soon after the notification release and remain open for **1-2 months**. |
| Exam Dates | The written exam for various posts (like Soldier, Technical, Nursing Assistant) will be conducted on different dates. Most exams will be held between **April and September 2025**. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Eligibility varies based on the recruitment type (Soldier General Duty, Technical, Tradesman, etc.). Basic eligibility generally requires a **10th/12th/Graduation degree** and age limits between **17.5 to 23 years**. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for Indian Army Recruitment |
Indian Navy Recruitment: What’s New?
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | The Indian Navy recruitment notification will likely be released in **March 2025** for various positions, including sailors and officers. |
| Application Form Submission | Applications for Indian Navy recruitment will likely open within **1 month after the notification release**. |
| Exam Dates | The written exams will likely take place between **July and October 2025**. |
| Eligibility Criteria | For Sailor entries, candidates need to be 10th/12th pass with specific educational qualifications and must be aged between **17 and 22 years**. Officer entries require a **Bachelor’s degree** with age restrictions between **19 and 24 years**. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for Indian Navy Recruitment |
Indian Air Force: Latest Notifications and Updates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | The notification for Indian Air Force recruitment is expected around **April 2025**. |
| Application Form Submission | Applications will likely be open for **1-2 months** after the release of the notification. |
| Exam Dates | The exams for various IAF posts, including Group X and Group Y, will be conducted from **August 2025** onwards. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Eligibility requirements depend on the post applied. For Group X (Technical) and Group Y (Non-Technical), candidates must be **12th pass** with **specific subject requirements**. Age limits typically range from **17.5 to 21 years**. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for Indian Air Force Recruitment |
NDA & CDS Exam for Defence Aspirants
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | The NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams will have notifications released as follows:
|
| Application Form Submission | The application forms for both exams will be available **1-2 months after the notification release**. |
| Exam Dates | The NDA exams will be held in **April and November 2025** while CDS exams will be held in **February and November 2025**. |
| Eligibility Criteria | For NDA, candidates must be between **16.5 to 19.5 years** and have completed **12th grade** with the required subjects. For CDS, candidates must have a **graduation degree** in a relevant stream and meet age criteria for different defence academies. |
| Form Fill-Up Link | Click here to apply for NDA/CDS Exam |
Conclusion: Summary & Final Words on Preparation for 2025-26
Summary of Upcoming Exams
The year 2025-26 promises to be a busy period for candidates aspiring for government jobs in India. Whether you’re targeting the prestigious **UPSC Civil Services Exam**, competitive **SSC exams**, or other popular exams like those for **Banking**, **Railways**, **TET**, or **Defence**, it’s essential to stay informed about the important dates, eligibility criteria, and application processes for each exam.
From **UPSC Civil Services** to **Bank PO/Clerk** exams, **Indian Army/Navy/Air Force recruitments**, and **TET exams**, each recruitment body has set distinct timelines for the release of notifications, application forms, and exam dates. For **2025-26**, it’s crucial to follow these timelines, ensure that all eligibility criteria are met, and prepare with a strategic approach to succeed in these highly competitive exams.
Final Words on Preparation for 2025-26
As you gear up for these exams, it’s important to remember that consistent effort and focused preparation are key to success. Here are a few final tips:
- Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Ensure you are familiar with the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for each exam you are preparing for.
- Time Management: Develop a study plan that balances all subjects and provides ample time for revision.
- Stay Updated: Keep track of important notifications, exam updates, and current affairs as they are essential for almost all government exams.
- Mock Tests & Previous Papers: Regularly practice mock tests and solve previous years’ papers to gain familiarity with the exam format.
- Stay Positive: Stay motivated and maintain a healthy balance between study and relaxation to avoid burnout.
FAQs
The most popular government exams in India include:
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)
- SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level)
- IBPS PO/Clerk (Banking Exams)
- Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Exams
- TET (Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Defence Recruitment Exams (NDA, CDS, Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force)
The notifications for various government exams like UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Railway, and Defence exams are typically released a few months before the exam date. For most exams, notifications are expected in late 2024 to early 2025, with application forms available shortly after the notification release. It’s advisable to regularly check the official websites of the respective recruitment bodies.
For the UPSC Civil Services Exam, the eligibility criteria typically include:
- Age: 21 to 32 years (for general candidates; relaxations apply for reserved categories).
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Nationality: Indian citizens or citizens of Nepal or Bhutan.
The SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) exam typically covers four sections:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension