THE stakes for the candidates appearing in competitive examinations are pretty high. Students take their first steps towards a job and a lucrative career in their area of interest through these exams.

Over the years, it has been found that in India, we have a system of exams particularly conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which are conducted in a perceivably clean manner.

These exams have a simplified and automated application format and candidates usually use pre-coded answer sheets for objective examinations. In some, however, candidates have to appear for a multitude of examinations, many of them now with two tiers that include essay-type/subjective patterns. 

We focus on forthcoming exams being conducted by the UPSC and the SSC and also list out the career choices for eligible candidates. Review the list of examinations scheduled for 2010 (see box), followed by  important details for all exams.

The recruitment process by the UPSC, a Constitutional body with a mandate to recruit suitable candidates and offer advice to the Government, is done through one of these: direct recruitment, promotion; and deputation/absorption.

Direct recruitment is through two channels: One, through competitive examinations and two, through selection.

The first method has in its ambit the following competitive examinations: Civil Services (Preliminary & Mains); Engineering Services; Combined Medical Services; Indian Forest Services; Indian Economic Services; Indian Statistical Services; Combined Defence Services; Central Police Services for recruitment of Assistant Commandants; Departmental Exams for recruitment of Section Officers/Stenographers in Grade B & I; Geologist’s Exam and National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exams - the last two are conducted twice a year.

The Commission also conducts the Special Class Railway Apprentice Examination, which is held once in two years. There is a common application form along with an information brochure that is usually available at designated post offices across the country for Rs. 20. 

The second mode, through selection, is made for all Group ‘A’ and select Group ‘B’ posts in the central government. After the initial screening of the eligible candidates as per the specified criteria and rationally devised criteria (includes higher qualifications and experience than what is prescribed for respective posts), shortlisted candidates are called for an interview.

The SSC, on the other hand, is designated to make recruitment to (i) Group “B” posts in various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and their attached andsubordinate offices in the specified pay scale, the maximum of which is Rs. 10,500 or below and (ii) all non-technical Group “C” posts in a similar manner.

Given the eligibility criteria and area of study, which we presume are similar for your exam pick, we list the related career choice in the government sector for your consideration. These government jobs have been advertised over the past one year and are likely to follow a cyclic pattern.