Government Competitive Exams After 12th PCM: You Must Know
After finishing 12th grade with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), many exciting options to pursue in the fields of engineering, defense, and government services.
Many students think that engineering is the only option, but there are various government competitive exams after 12th PCM that you can pursue. Below are the top options of government exams after 12th PCM, followed by a comparison table of eligibility, months of examination, and career options.
From taking prestige tests like NDA to entry-tier government job exams like SSC CHSL and SSC MTS, students of science in grades 12 can choose a route that matches both their interests and long-term goals. Below we have listed exams and pathways into government jobs after 12 PCM, including comparisons of eligibility, exam dates and associated careers, to help you make an educated decision about your future.
- Government Competitive Exams After 12th PCM (Engineering)
- Government competitive exams after 12th PCM in India (Defense & Technical Entry)
- Government Competitive Exams After 12th PCM (Support Roles/Non-Technical)
- How to Prepare Government Competitive Exams after 12th PCM Preparation?
Government Competitive Exams After 12th PCM (Engineering)
These are one of the prestigious government exams students can opt for themselves right after their 12th PCM (Engineering Background).
Railways (RRB), Postal Department, and State Police:
RRB, Postal Department, and State Police are the government authorities that conduct the exams in India for various openings, including technical and non-technical roles in railways. There are many clerical and mail carrier jobs in the postal department and law enforcement positions in the state police.
Students, after opting for government competitive exams after 12th PCM you can opt for RRB and NTPC, which can give you a position in the Indian railways, postal department exam is for a position in the Gramin Dak Sevak. Exam for Lady constables and other positions in police forces.
Government competitive exams after 12th PCM in India (Defense & Technical Entry)
If you're deciding to pursue defense & technical entry level exams. These exams are for you:
NDA (National Defence Academy) Examination
The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year and is meant for candidates who want to be a part of the Army / Navy / Air Force as officers, and it is one of the best government competitive exams after 12th PCM. You'll have to go through a written examination (Mathematics and General Ability) and then an SSB interview and medical examination.
Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
This is meant for PCM students interested in joining the Indian Army as a technical cadre. You can directly enter after the 12th pass to join without going to college. You should have 60% marks in the PCM subjects, and your age should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years.
Indian Navy sailor / SSR / Artificer Apprentice
Indian Navy recruits 12th pass candidates for positions such as Sailor, Senior Secondary Recruits (SSR), and Artificer Apprentices. You can join the Navy in either Navy technical or non-technical cadre through a written examination and physical examination.
Government Competitive Exams After 12th PCM (Support Roles/Non-Technical)
These are the best government exams after 12th PCM for the support roles or non technical you can opt:
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)
Highly posted government competitive exams after 12th PCM, which have vacancies like postal assistant, data entry operator, lower division clerk (LDC), etc.
SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)
Entry-level basic exam approx, which is based on non-technical job titles that recruit into central government departments. While PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) is not designated in the title, many PCM students also opt for government employment.
Indian Army Merchant / Clerk / Skilled Tradesmen Exams
If appeal lies with the defence but you do not receive a technical entry, the Army also recruits 12th-pass students for clerical or skilled trades based on psychological, physical, and internal examinations, and it is one of the most respected government competitive exams after 12th PCM students opt for.
| Exam Name |
Eligibility For Exam |
Exam Month (Tentative) |
Career Options After Passing the exam |
| Railways (RRB) |
Class 10 Pass or equivalent with ITI (Industrial Training Institute) or the NAC (National Apprenticeship Certificate) for technical posts. |
November & December |
Pointsman, Track Maintainer, Assistant in Loco Shed, Helper or Assistant in technical departments, and other related positions which typically involve technical work at the entry level. RRB NTPC: Undergraduates posts: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Traffic Assistant. Graduate posts: Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice, and Station Master. |
| NDA and UPSC |
Class 12 pass or equivalent, age should be 16.5, 19.5, physically fit |
NDA & NA (1) - April NDA & NA (2) - September |
Commissioned officer in Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Indian Army TES (10+2 Technical Entry) |
60% score in Class 12 PCM, age - 16.5 to 19.5 |
Around May & June |
Technical officer in Indian Army |
| Indian Navy Sailor/SSR |
Class 12 pass in PCM or equivalent. |
Varies every year |
Navy technical or non technical roles |
Note: Exam month and dates change every year so please it is advised to check the official website for the correct notification.
How to Prepare Government Competitive Exams after 12th PCM Preparation?
These are the best preparation materials you can choose:
- You should create a study plan or a daily timetable where you will manage your school exams and study with the prep of your desired competitive exam.
- Solve last year's question papers and also do mock tests to understand the exam pattern and structure at your best.
- Mainly focus on physics, maths, and chemistry, and then divide your time to study for general knowledge and English.
- Always stay updated and alert for the notifications of the exams. Check the official website at least once a week.
Well, pursuing the government competitive exams after 12th PCM in India can open various career options for you. Even if one path doesn’t work out, remember you have many fallback options for yourself. The key is to plan well, study, research, and then execute. Also, to keep on checking the official website for the notification.
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