If you're looking to begin your career early or wish to earn while contributing to the government sector, pursuing government jobs could be a viable option. After passing the 10th or 12th boards, you can find a successful and secure career. You can apply in a variety of areas, including railways, defence, and PSUs. Any option can be chosen based on eligibility and interests.

Here are some of the best career paths you can pursue after 10th and 12th:

RAILWAYS

Indian Railways is the second largest employer in India. It is a crucial part of India’s infrastructure. It offers numerous job opportunities for candidates.  Railways are popular because they offer competitive salaries and job security, along with additional benefits. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) are the primary recruiters for railways. Interested candidates can apply online via the official RRB website. 

1. After 10th: Railways offers entry-level jobs and Group D posts for students after their 10th. Students need to clear a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and a medical examination if required. Most of the posts have an age limit between 18 and 30 years. Here are some key roles to look for:

• Track Maintainer Grade IV: You will be responsible for maintaining railway tracks, assisting in operations, and ensuring station upkeep.  

• Helper/Assistant: Your responsibility will be to assist in technical tasks like track maintenance, loading/unloading goods, and station operations.

• RPF Constable: They become a part of the Railway Protection Force and ensure safety and security. 

The starting salary can be from ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 per month with allowances such as DA, HRA, etc. 

      2. After the 12th, Indian Railways broadened its roles by including technical and non-technical (RRB NTPC) positions. They offer higher salaries and growth options. Some of the lucrative options are: 

• Junior Clerk/typist: Their job is to manage documents, data entry, and administrative tasks. 

• Commercial Clerk: They manage bookings and refunds, along with resolving the passengers' queries. 

• Ticket Collector: TC verifies tickets during travel and ensures the safe travel of the passengers.

• RRB Train Clerk: They communicate regarding the train movements, check train composition, and prepare its documents.

• Commercial Apprentice (CA): They are responsible for managing commercial work like freight and ticketing. 

The starting salary can be from ₹21,700 to ₹35,400 per month with allowances. Interested students can appear for the RRB NTPC and RRB ALP, and RRB Technician exams. 

DEFENCE SERVICES

The Indian defence sector is the largest employer in India as well as the world. They ensure the nation's security by defending against external aggression and internal threats. They offer a career in uniform. Various allowances like HR, travel, accommodations, and medical benefits are provided along with salaries. Salaries increase with time and promotions. The defence services integrate the Indian Army, the air force, the navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and the military nursing services. 

1. After 10: Candidates can join as soldiers, tradesmen, including roles like mechanics, Syce, Mess Keeper, chef, tailor, and House Keeper, etc. Students can also join through the Agniveer scheme for general duty. To join the defence forces, candidates have to clear a written exam, a physical fitness test, and then a medical exam. 

2. After 12, there are numerous options available after class 12.  

• NDA/INA: Students can join the prestigious National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy after clearing the UPSC written exam, followed by the SSB interview and a medical test. After completing their training, they are commissioned as officers in various branches of the Indian defence jobs, embarking on a promising and rewarding career.

• TES (Technical Entry Scheme): Students who have secured a minimum of 60%, with a science background, can appear for SSB and medical tests to join the Indian Army for technical roles.  

• Students can join as a GD Constable for paramilitary forces such as BSF, CRPF, etc.

POSTAL SERVICES

Indian postal services offer various job opportunities in India Post to students after their 10th and 12th, mostly after high school. 

Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS): The work involves tasks like delivering mail, selling stamps, and handling basic postal transactions in rural areas.

2. Postman/Mail Guard: These jobs include delivering mail to designated regions and helping sort and transfer mail within the postal agency.

3. Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS): MTS jobs are freshers' jobs, which can include some of the work, like office assistant, sweeping, or handling other post activities.

4. Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant: Although some Postal Assistant posts insist on a 12th-grade pass, some are open to 10th-pass candidates as well, especially in some areas or for certain posts. Such posts include working with customer service, data input, and other office-related activities.

5. Data Entry Operator: Certain postal departments also employ data entry operators with a 10th-grade pass and typing capabilities.

BANKING 

The various roles and opportunities offered by the banking sector for students are: 

10th Pass:

• RBI Office Attendant: This banking job usually requires a minimum of the 10th standard and carries duties such as maintenance, office work, and cash handling.

• Support Staff/Peon: A few banks, particularly in rural areas, might provide these jobs to 10th pass individuals.

• Data Entry Operator: Though there may be higher qualification requirements for some DEO posts, private banks, in particular, may provide opportunities to 10th pass individuals.

12th Pass:

• IBPS Clerk: This is a typical entry-level job in public sector banks and calls for a 12th-pass qualification.

• SBI Clerk: Similar to IBPS Clerk, but from the State Bank of India, with a 12th-grade pass requirement.

• RBI Assistant: The Reserve Bank of India hires candidates for assistant positions who have completed their 12th grade education.

PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS(PSUs) 

PSUs are government-owned and controlled corporations. Some prominent PSUs are Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), etc. Opportunities are higher for skilled personnel, as there is always demand for them in energy- and infrastructure-related work. Employment opportunities are typically provided through entrance examinations or tests specific to particular trades.

The various career opportunities offered by PSUs are:

After 10th: PSUs offer entry-level positions in technical and support roles. It generally requires vocational training, like ITI or diploma courses. The age limit is from 18 to 30 years. 

• Technician/Helper: BHEL, NTPC, and SAIL often seek technicians who can assist in manufacturing, maintenance, or operational tasks. There are specific exams for these posts, like the BHEL Apprentice Test, the NTPC ITI Trainee Test, etc.

• MTS: ONGC and IOCL typically recruit MTS personnel to assist with record-keeping, office maintenance, and the delivery of messages.

• Operator/Attendant: PSUs like Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and GAIL hire operators for machinery or assistance in production processes.  Candidates must have cleared 10th and have ITI or vocational skills to qualify for this role. 

After 12th: Individuals have the opportunity to fill higher levels of PSU jobs, such as junior technical and administrative jobs. PSUs require extra education or skills, like a diploma or a science stream after 10, to have wider roles and career prospects. Interested candidates can apply through PSU career portals or SSC’s website.

• Technical Assistant: They assist in technical operations like equipment maintenance. For this post, candidates must have a diploma in ITI or a relevant field along with 12th. The selection is based on a written test and a skill test. 

• Administrative Assistant: Almost all PSUs need administrative assistance in one way or another. The applicant must have typing skills for the specified roles. They handle the responsibility of data entry and document management. The candidates are selected through the SSC CHSL exam or PSU-specific tests. 

• Junior engineer/trainee: Students can join as junior engineers at PSUs such as BHEL, NTPC, IOCL, SAIL, etc. They help in supporting engineering projects and their maintenance, and operations. The applicant must have cleared 12 with the science stream along with a diploma in engineering (civil, mechanical, or electrical). PSUs conduct their specific exam to recruit for these positions.

CONCLUSION

There are numerous career options in the government sector, including railways, defence, banking, and PSUs.  One can avail oneself of it after their 10th and 12th boards. These government posts offer lucrative salaries and allowances in the form of house rent, travel, provident fund, and medical benefits. Individuals working in the government sector frequently report a positive work-life balance and job stability. Taking vocational courses such as ITI or diplomas can dramatically increase employability, particularly for technical positions. Check job notices on RRB (rrbcdg.gov.in) and PSU sites from time to time for entrance exams.