The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive civil service exams in India. But the exam is not easy to crack. About 99.9 percent students get disqualified and are not able to enter into the services. As per Byju’s Exam Prep; about 15 lakh students fill the forms for UPSC prelims each year. Out of these only 40% make it to the Mains. About 20% make it to interview and out of those less than 20% make it to the services. Hence, due to its rigour and limited vacancies, not everyone can clear the UPSC exam.
Still, fortunately there are several excellent alternatives to UPSC that offer diverse career opportunities in various government and public sectors. In this article, we will explore the best alternatives to UPSC in India, providing aspiring civil servants with a wide range of choices to serve the nation and contribute to society.
An aspirant aspires to serve the nation by entering into the civil services. But due to the limited no. of seats and attempts available, they cannot pursue this ambition. And many aspirants give up or seek alternative paths of career due to financial, family or societal pressures. But these ways provide them with another option of serving their nation by getting some important government posts.
State Public Service Commissions (PSC):
State Public Service Commissions are the direct alternatives for the UPSC. They are responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for various state-level administrative services. Similar to UPSC, these commissions oversee appointments to posts such as Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, and other administrative roles within the state government. Each state has its own Public Service Commission that conducts its own set of exams. A person who has finished all the attempts for UPSC can appear for the state PSC exams.
Staff Selection Commission (SSC):
The Staff Selection Commission conducts recruitment exams for various Group B and Group C non-gazetted posts in central government ministries and departments. SSC exams include Combined Graduate Level (CGL), Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL), and others. These exams offer opportunities in various fields, including government administration, finance, defence, and paramilitary forces. Many students seek the SSC exams to make a career in various civil posts.
Indian Railways:
Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the country. It offers diverse career options for aspirants looking for alternatives to UPSC. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams for different categories of posts, including Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), Junior Engineer (JE), and Group D positions. Serving in Indian Railways provides a chance to contribute to the country’s vital transportation network.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Banking Sector:
For those interested in financial and economic matters, opportunities lie within the banking sector. The Reserve Bank of India conducts exams for Grade B officers, while other public and private sector banks conduct their own recruitment exams for Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, and Specialist Officers (SO). Working in the banking sector allows individuals to engage in financial management and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. It also provides the aspirants a good alternative to the UPSC exam.
Indian Foreign Services (IFS):
The Indian Foreign Services is an attractive career option for those interested in international relations and diplomacy. Generally, the Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination, through which candidates can opt for the Indian Foreign Services as their preferred cadre. But the IFS also offers various services as an alternative to the UPSC. IFS officers represent India in foreign countries, fostering diplomatic relations and promoting national interests.
Indian Police Services (IPS):
The Indian Police Services (IPS) is another elite service that one can opt for through the Civil Services Examination. But it also offers many posts through other exams which people can opt for and get jobs in the police service in India. IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, implementing crime prevention strategies, and ensuring public safety and security. Serving in the IPS enables individuals to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony within society.
Indian Economic Service (IES):
For individuals with a strong background in economics, the Indian Economic Service offers an opportunity to contribute to society. The aspirants opting for it can contribute to economic policy formulation and implementation. There are various ways through which the Indian Economic Service Examination is conducted, through which candidates are selected for various economic advisory and policymaking roles within the government.
Indian Information Service (IIS):
The Indian Information Service is an attractive career option for those interested in media and communication. The Indian Information Service Examination is conducted through many ways. Through which candidates are selected for roles in media management, public relations, and communication strategy formulation.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs):
Several Public Sector Undertakings are there that can pose an alternative for the UPSC. These include departments such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). They offer attractive job opportunities for engineering and management graduates. PSUs conduct their own recruitment exams for positions in various departments.
Conclusion:
The UPSC examination is a prestigious gateway to the Indian civil services. But, it is not the only path to serving the nation and making a meaningful impact. The alternatives to UPSC mentioned in this article offer diverse and rewarding career options in various government and public sectors. Aspirants should carefully assess their interests, qualifications, and career goals to make an informed decision about the best alternative to UPSC. Careers chosen by the aspirants should align with their passion and aspirations. Each of these alternatives presents unique opportunities to contribute to society and play an integral role in nation-building. By choosing one of these alternative paths, individuals can embark on a fulfilling and impactful career journey while upholding the spirit of public service.
