6 Popular Government Jobs After 12th: A 2024 Guide

Government jobs are highly coveted because they offer job security, excellent salaries, growth opportunities, pensions, health care plans, and work-life balance. These positions can also be especially desirable if you value public service and hope to impact your community.

With several government departments to choose from, job opportunities are plentiful, but such highly regarded positions are competitive, and recruitment for a government job can be a rigorous process. Still, you will find government positions you can apply for after the 12th by completing a relevant exam without other additional training or qualifications.

Discover six government jobs after the 12th across various departments, and learn about the benefits of working for a government organisation. 

How to get a government job after 12th

Government jobs are popular, and many require extensive training and qualifications. However, this isn’t always the case, and you’ll find opportunities to work for the Indian government straight after 12th. These positions tend to be highly competitive, and you typically must prepare for and pass a position-specific exam as part of the recruitment process. 

What you will be tested on varies according to the position you’re applying for, but most exams will include questions covering general awareness, reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, and English skills. Do your research about job requirements before selecting an exam so that you choose one that is well-aligned with your career goals.

Government jobs after 12th by department 

You’ll discover many possible career trajectories within government jobs. As you prepare to select an exam, consider the area you want to work in and focus your efforts. Departments you might consider include:

• Police

• Law

• Agriculture

• Railway and transport 

• Recruitment

• Air Force

• Banking

Popular government jobs after 12th

Take a closer look at the recruitment requirements and expected salary for some specific positions. All the jobs listed are available to apply for after the 12th and require an entrance exam. 

1. Police constable

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,00,000 [1]

The police constable is the entry police rank in India and a good starting point after the 12th. In this role, you must execute orders and warrants, collect and communicate information that impacts public peace, and work to prevent disturbances in your jurisdiction. This role might also require you to assist complainants, manage documentation, and support the safety of property and people in your designation.  

Requirements: To work as a police constable, you must apply for the police constable exam, which is held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or by the state government for the location in which you wish to work. Exams are both written and physical/medical. The written portion typically tests your knowledge of current affairs, science, and the police force, and the physical test assesses your stamina and strength through running, jumping, and lifting exercises. You must also meet physical requirements such as height, weight, and eyesight.

If you pass the exam, you start in police training, which may last six months to one year. After completing police training, you are posted to a station as a qualified police constable. 

2. Stenographer

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,06,000 [2]

A stenographer transcribes the spoken word and prepares documents using shorthand or a steno machine. A stenographer is typically responsible for the official record of a proceeding, whether the proceeding takes place in a courtroom, government office, or corporate meeting; managing correspondences and meeting arrangements; coordinating with various department heads; dealing with confidential information; and maintaining up-to-date codes and standard operating procedures. Stenographers who can type in both Hindi and English are often in high demand across government departments. 

Requirements: To work as a stenographer after the 12th, you typically must have a stenography diploma or certificate from a recognised board and be an excellent speed typer. You must pass the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Stenographer Grade C or D exam to be eligible for recruitment. Which exam you take directly impacts your salary, as Grade C stenographers earn more than Grade D stenographers. Grade C scoring requirements are likewise more strenuous.  

3. Data entry operator

Average annual IN salary: ₹2,16,000 [3]

Data entry operator is a desk job organising and entering data into computers. Data entry operators maintain the confidentiality of information and data, organise archives of records, digitise physical records, verify the accuracy of current information, obtain any missing information, and comply with cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive or classified information, among other duties. This role could be for many government departments and is a great fit if you are meticulous, analytical, and organised. 

Requirements: To become a data entry operator, you must be a fast, precise typer. You also need a basic understanding of computers and experience using different software. Someone well suited to data entry work is often meticulous, analytical, and able to pick up industry-specific jargon and knowledge. You’ll also have to take the SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level exam (CHSL). This exam will enable you to apply for similar government roles beyond data entry, such as clerk or secretary, so you have various options with this exam.

4. Postal assistant

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,96,000 [4]

A postal assistant is responsible for sorting and delivering mail as part of the government department of post. Postal assistants also typically perform careful record-keeping, consistently updating the postal department’s databases. They also frequently interact directly with customers, so you’ll need to be a personable, effective communicator for this role. After five years of service, postal assistants are eligible for promotion to Postmaster Grade 1, or you may appear for the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination to qualify for Inspector Posts.

Requirements: To become a postal assistant after the 12th, you must meet certain age requirements (typically 18 to 25 years old in most cases) and have a working knowledge of the local language of the area where you'll be working. You must also pass a specific exam the Director General of Posts and Telegraphs outlines.

5. Station master 

Average annual IN salary: ₹4,86,000 [5]

As a station master, you are responsible for running the railway station. This includes supervising staff, ensuring the safety of passengers, and dealing with any complaints or issues. Station masters also manage station maintenance and cleanliness of facilities and trains, operating signals on time according to train schedules, and notifying employees of any disruptions to service.

Requirements: To work as a station master, pass the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) non-technical popular categories (NTPC) exam. This includes two computer-based tests (CBT), assessing your quantitative aptitude, reasoning skills, and general awareness, a typing skills test, a medical examination, and document verification. 

6. Trains clerk 

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,00,000 [6]

As a trains clerk, you prepare schedules, issue tickets, and maintain organised records on each train and its conditions. 

Requirements: To work as a train clerk, like any non-technical job with the Indian Railway, you must pass the RRB NTPC exam. This includes a CBT exam, as well as a typing skills test, medical examination, and document verification. 

Benefits of working for the Government of India

Securing a government position can be competitive, but it comes with many advantages like job security, excellent benefits, steady salaries, and job satisfaction:

Salary: Government jobs typically have salary structures that allow for steady increments as you progress. Even roles that start on a lower salary allow for progression. 

Benefits: Government jobs often come with benefits such as pension, health insurance, and paid leave which isn’t necessarily the case with some jobs in the private sector.

Job security: Once you have a government job, redundancies are unusual, barring misconduct cases. You are largely protected from sudden layoffs and downsizing, making government roles a more secure career option. 

Work-life balance: Government positions tend to have set hours with limited demands beyond the standard 9-to-5 schedule, good holiday entitlement, and a focus on work-life balance. 

Getting started with Coursera

Working in a government position is highly regarded and comes with various benefits. You can find government jobs after 12th grade by passing the associated entrance exam for the role.

If you want to apply for a government job after 12th grade, consider brushing up your knowledge and skills with an online course to prepare for your exam and future career. Think about learning an essential skill for most government roles, such as Communicating with the Public, delivered by the University of California—San Diego, or brushing up on your IT skills with the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Specialisation, both listed on Coursera.