Sarkari Exams Selection Process in India – Written Exam, Physical Test, Interview & Every Stage Explained (2026)

Most government job aspirants prepare relentlessly for the written exam — and then discover, often after clearing it, that the written exam was only the beginning.

Document Verification. Physical Efficiency Test. Medical Examination. Skill Test. Personality Interview. Each stage has its own qualifying rules, its own cut-off, and its own way of eliminating candidates who came all the way to the final mile without being prepared.

Understanding the complete selection process for a government job — not just the written exam — is as important as subject preparation. Every stage that exists between the notification and the appointment letter is a stage that can end your candidature if you are not ready for it.

This guide covers the complete selection process for every major category of government job in India: civil services, banking, SSC, Railway, Police, Paramilitary, Defence, and Teaching — with clear explanations of what each stage tests, how the scoring works, and what candidates commonly get wrong.

The Universal Framework: Stages in a Sarkari Exam Selection Process

While every recruitment board has its own rules, almost all government job selection processes in India follow a common five-stage framework:

Not every exam has all seven stages — the combination depends on the post category. Here is how the framework applies to different job types:

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

The preliminary exam — also called Tier 1, CBT 1, or Phase 1 depending on the board — is a screening filter, not a merit-ranking stage.

Its purpose is simple: to reduce a massive applicant pool (sometimes 20–50 lakh candidates) to a manageable shortlist (usually 10–15 times the final vacancies) that proceeds to the main examination.

Key Characteristics of a Prelims

• Objective type (MCQ) — faster to attempt and evaluate at scale.​

• Time limited — typically 60 to 120 minutes.

• Marks are NOT counted in the final merit list in most exams — only qualifying/shortlisting function.​

• Negative marking typically applies — 0.25 to 0.33 marks per wrong answer depending on the exam.​

• Cut-off score varies by category (General/OBC/SC/ST) and by year based on difficulty and vacancies.​

Prelims Across Major Exams

UPSC CSAT Note: In UPSC Prelims, the CSAT (General Studies Paper II) is qualifying only — you need 33% (66/200 marks). Your GS Paper I score alone determines shortlisting.​

Common Mistakes at Prelims Stage

• Over-attempting — negative marking penalties from reckless guessing cause more candidates to fail than lack of preparation.​

• Ignoring cut-off trends from previous years — exam difficulty fluctuates yearly; understanding past cut-offs helps calibrate attempts.

• Not checking the exam-specific negative marking formula — 0.25, 0.33, and 0.50 are all used by different boards.

Stage 2: Main Examination (Mains)

The Mains is the primary merit-forming examination in multi-stage recruitment.

Unlike Prelims, Mains marks are added to the final merit list calculation. This is the stage where the actual ranking is determined — and where preparation depth, not just breadth, matters.

Two Types of Mains Exams

Type A: Objective / MCQ-based Mains
Used by SSC, Railway, Banking clerk-level, State Police written exams:

• Same MCQ format but higher difficulty than Prelims.

• More subjects or more questions per subject.

• Marks directly contribute to merit list.

• Negative marking continues to apply.

Type B: Descriptive / Essay-based Mains
Used by UPSC CSE, State PCS, some Banking PO exams (SBI PO Mains):

• Multiple lengthy papers with essay, précis, and comprehension-type questions.

• Tests depth of analytical thinking, writing ability, and command over subject matter.

• Word limits, answer presentation, and conclusion quality are all evaluated by human examiners.

• No negative marking typically in descriptive papers.

UPSC Mains: The Gold Standard of Descriptive Selection

The UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers in total:​

• Paper A: Indian Language (qualifying — 300 marks, need 25% to qualify)

• Paper B: English (qualifying — 300 marks, need 25% to qualify)

• Papers 1–7: General Studies I–IV, Essay, and Optional Subject Papers I & II — 1750 marks total, counted in merit

Of the 9 papers, 7 count towards the final merit list that determines who proceeds to the Interview stage.​

SSC CGL Tier 2 / CHSL Tier 2 Mains

SSC Tier 2 is a CBT (Computer Based Test) — objective format:​

• Mathematical Abilities: 30 questions, 90 marks.

• Reasoning & General Intelligence: 30 questions, 90 marks.

• English Language: 45 questions, 135 marks.

• General Awareness: 25 questions, 75 marks.

• Computer Knowledge / Skill Test: Qualifying.

Stage 3: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST)

Physical tests are used for Police, Paramilitary, Railway Protection Force, Constabulary, and Defence posts where physical fitness is a functional requirement of the job.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — Running and Endurance

The PET tests cardiovascular fitness and endurance through timed running:

PET is qualifying — pass/fail only. Marks are NOT added to the final merit list. The entire purpose is to filter out candidates who cannot meet the minimum physical requirement for the job.

Common failure reasons at PET:

• Not training specifically for timed distance running (gym fitness and running fitness are different).

• Wearing inappropriate footwear on the day.

• Dehydration and over-eating before the run.

• Attempting PET after weeks of inactivity post-written exam.

Start running training 3 months before the expected PET date — not after the written result comes out.

Physical Standard Test (PST) — Height, Weight, Chest

PST measures anthropometric standards — your body dimensions:

SSC GD Constable PST Standards:

PST is also qualifying — pass/fail only. No appeal is possible for height or chest measurement results (these are fixed biological conditions). Height-related disqualifications at PST cannot be challenged.

Stage 4: Skill Test and Typing Test

Skill tests are used for clerical, steno, data entry, and typing-based posts. They are separate from written exams and assess functional job skills directly.

Typing Test

Used for: SSC CHSL LDC posts, Railway Junior Clerk cum Typist, Steno posts, and various state government clerical posts.​

Typing test is typically qualifying in nature — you either meet the minimum speed requirement or you don’t. Marks are not awarded.

Candidates must practice on the same keyboard type (English QWERTY vs Hindi Kruti Dev / Mangal Unicode) and the same software format they will face in the actual test.​

Stenography Test

Used for Steno posts in SSC, Courts, and various government departments. Tests shorthand writing speed and transcription accuracy:​

• SSC Junior Stenographer: 80 words per minute dictation speed, transcribed in 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi).

• SSC Senior Stenographer: 100 words per minute.

Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

Used in SSC CGL for Tax Assistant and similar posts. Tests:​

• Word Processing (MS Word-type tasks).

• Spreadsheet usage (MS Excel-type tasks).

• Presentation creation (MS PowerPoint-type tasks).

Qualifying in nature — minimum passing marks apply.

Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)

Used for Data Entry Operator posts in SSC. Requires entering 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes on a computer — qualifying in nature.​

Stage 5: Interview and Personality Test

Not all government jobs include an interview. There is an important policy distinction here:

Group B and C Posts — No Interview (Since 2016)

Following a Government of India directive in 2016, all non-gazetted (Group B and C) central government posts no longer have an interview round. This covers:

• All SSC posts (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS, CPO).

• All Railway RRB posts (NTPC, Group D, ALP).

• Most State Police constable and head constable posts.

• Banking clerk-level posts (IBPS Clerk, SBI Clerk).

For these posts, the final merit list is prepared purely from written exam marks (+ skill test if applicable).​

Group A and B Gazetted Posts — Interview Retained

Higher-level posts where decision-making ability and leadership matter still retain the interview/personality test component:

UPSC Civil Services Personality Test (Interview)

• Marks: 275 marks (out of total 2025 marks including Mains).

• Format: 30–45 minute interaction with a 5-member UPSC Interview Board.​

• What is assessed: Intellectual curiosity, balanced judgment, leadership potential, honesty, social and moral integrity, and depth of current awareness.​

• Common misconception: The UPSC interview does NOT test bookish knowledge — it tests how you think, how you handle pressure, and whether you have the temperament for governance.​

Bank PO Interview (IBPS PO / SBI PO)

• Marks: 100 marks for Interview (combined with Mains in a 80:20 or similar weightage ratio).​

• Format: 15–20 minute structured interview with a bank panel.

• What is assessed: Communication skills, banking awareness, financial knowledge, analytical ability, and motivation for banking as a career.​

SSC CPO Sub Inspector Interview (Discontinued and Reinstated)

• SSC SI CPO posts had interview removed in 2016 but it was reinstated for SI posts due to the nature of the role. SI posts now have both written exam and a Physical/Medical stage.​

State PCS / IAS Equivalent Interviews

• All State Public Service Commission (UPPSC, BPSC, MPSC, RPSC, etc.) higher-service exams have a Personality Test similar in format to UPSC.

• Marks and weightage vary by state — UPPSC interview carries 100 marks; BPSC interview carries 120 marks.

What the UPSC Interview Board Actually Looks For

The UPSC explicitly states that the interview is not a knowledge test. The board looks for:​

• Mental alertness: Does the candidate think on their feet?

• Critical powers of assimilation: Can they absorb new information and form an opinion quickly?

• Clear and logical exposition: Can they explain their thinking clearly?

• Balance of judgment: Do they see multiple sides of an issue without being biased?

• Variety and depth of interest: Do they have real intellectual curiosity beyond their exam syllabus?

• Leadership potential: Would this person inspire confidence in a team or community?

• Social cohesion and national interest: Are they aware of and committed to India’s societal values?

Interview preparation tip: The UPSC panel always reads your DAF (Detailed Application Form) in full before the interview. Every answer you gave in your DAF — your hobbies, hometown, educational background, optional subject — becomes a potential question. Prepare your DAF thoroughly and honestly.​

Stage 6: Document Verification (DV)

Document Verification is the stage where your eligibility on paper is physically checked against your original certificates.

It is qualifying in nature — you either have the correct documents or you don’t. But it eliminates a significant number of candidates who cleared every earlier stage.

What Is Verified at DV

Top Reasons for Rejection at DV Stage

• Expired caste certificate — OBC NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates must be from the current or previous financial year. An OBC NCL certificate older than 1 year is invalid at most central government DV stages.​

• Wrong format caste certificate — Central government posts require a certificate in the Central government prescribed format (different from state government format). Candidates from UP, Bihar, and other states often submit state-format certificates for central jobs, which leads to rejection.​

• Degree certificate without convocation — Provisional certificates from some universities are not accepted; a proper convocation-issued degree is required.

• Mismatch between application details and documents — If your name on the application says “Manish Kumar” but your marksheet says “Manish Kumar Sharma,” expect a challenge.

• Missing NOC — Government employees who applied without employer knowledge often cannot produce an NOC in time.​

Golden rule for DV: Arrange every document before the written exam, not after the result. Caste certificates especially take 2–4 weeks to obtain in UP and Bihar districts.

Stage 7: Medical Examination

The medical exam is used for posts requiring physical fitness as a job function — Police, Paramilitary, Defence, Railway, and similar roles.

What the Medical Exam Tests

SSC GD Detailed Medical Examination (DME) — Most Comprehensive:​

DME vs RME

• DME (Detailed Medical Examination): Mandatory for all candidates proceeding to medical stage.​

• RME (Review Medical Examination): Optional — if a candidate believes the DME result was incorrect, they can request an RME within the stipulated period, conducted by a different medical board.​

The RME result is final — no further appeal is permitted after RME.​

Vision Standards — Where Candidates Often Fail

Vision requirements differ by force and post category:

Corrective glasses or contact lenses are disqualifying for most GD/Constable/Force posts. LASIK surgery is permitted for some posts after a waiting period (12–24 months post-surgery) — check the specific recruitment notification.

Final Merit List: How Your Rank Is Decided

After all stages are complete, a Final Merit List is prepared by combining marks from the relevant qualifying stages.

How Merit is Calculated Across Different Exams

Exam-Specific Selection Processes – At a Glance

UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IPS/IFS)

The most elaborate selection process in Indian government recruitment:​

1. Prelims: GS Paper I (200 marks, merit) + CSAT Paper II (200 marks, qualifying — need 66 marks).

2. Mains: 9 papers — 2 qualifying (language) + 7 merit (1750 marks total). Includes 4 GS papers, 1 Essay paper, and 2 Optional Subject papers.

3. Personality Test (Interview): 275 marks. 30–45 minutes. Panel of 5.

4. DV + Medical: Final checks before appointment.

Total merit marks: 2025 (Mains 1750 + Interview 275).

The UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for May 24, 2026, and Mains starts August 21, 2026.​

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level)

Four-stage process:​

1. Tier 1 (Prelims): 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes — shortlisting only.

2. Tier 2 (Mains): Multi-paper CBT — 390 marks + qualifying computer/skill module.

3. Skill Test / CPT / DEST: Qualifying — depends on post applied for.

4. DV: Document Verification — final stage.

No interview for any SSC CGL post since 2016.​

RRB NTPC (Railway Non-Technical Popular Categories)

Five-stage process:

1. CBT 1: 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes — shortlisting only (20 times vacancies).

2. CBT 2: 120 questions, merit-forming — varies by post level.

3. CBAT (only for Station Master / Traffic Assistant): Aptitude test — qualifying.

4. Typing / Skill Test: For clerical posts — qualifying.

5. DV + Medical: Final stages.

IBPS / SBI PO (Bank Probationary Officer)

Three-stage process:​

1. Prelims: 100 marks — qualifying/shortlisting.

2. Mains: 200 marks (MCQ) + 25 marks (Descriptive Essay/Letter) = 225 marks.

3. Interview: 100 marks (IBPS PO: 80:20 weightage of Mains:Interview in final merit).

4. DV: Document Verification before joining.

IBPS / SBI Clerk (Banking Clerk)

Two-stage process — no interview:​

1. Prelims: 100 marks — qualifying/shortlisting.

2. Mains: 200 marks — merit-forming.

3. DV: Final check.

Defence Exams – NDA and CDS

Three-stage process:​

1. Written Exam: UPSC conducts objective papers — Mathematics + General Ability for NDA; English + GK + Maths for CDS.

2. SSB Interview (Service Selection Board): 5-day comprehensive evaluation process at one of 13 SSBs across India.​

   • Stage I (Day 1): OIR Test + PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test).

   • Stage II (Days 2–5): Psychology tests, Group Tasks (GTO), and Personal Interview.

   • The SSB tests for Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) — 15 specific qualities including courage, initiative, intelligence, self-confidence, and social adaptability.​

3. Medical Examination: At Armed Forces hospitals — strict standards for eyesight, hearing, and physical fitness.

4. DV and Training: Appointment to IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA for training.

Frequently Misunderstood Rules Across Selection Stages

“Cleared the written exam” does not mean “selected”

In most constabulary and paramilitary exams, only CBE scores determine merit — but PET, PST, and Medical can eliminate you even with a top score in the written exam.

OBC-NCL Certificate validity for Central Government jobs

The Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) condition must be valid — your family’s annual income must be under ₹8 lakh. The certificate must be recent (typically within the current financial year) for central government posts.​

Ex-Serviceman age relaxation applies ONLY at Stage 1

Age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen is applicable for the notification-stage eligibility check only. It does not relax physical or medical standards at PST, PET, or Medical stages.​

PwD reservation and exemption from PET/PST

PwD (Persons with Disability) candidates are typically exempt from PET and PST stages in Police and Paramilitary recruitment — their physical assessment is replaced by a medical suitability check aligned with the nature of their disability.​

Final merit list uses only specified stages’ marks

Candidates sometimes believe that doing well in the interview can “compensate” for a weak Mains performance — this is incorrect. Each exam’s final merit formula is fixed and publicly notified in the recruitment advertisement.

FAQs

Q. Which government exams have no interview round?
All SSC posts (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS, CPO constable), all Railway RRB posts, and all State Police constable posts eliminated the interview round following a Government of India directive in 2016. Interviews are retained only for gazetted posts — IAS, IPS, Bank PO, PCS officers, and similar.

Q. Is PET qualifying or does it add to marks?
PET is qualifying in nature for all central government exams — SSC GD, RPF, UP Police, etc. You must pass it (complete the run within time) but the marks are not added to your final merit list.

Q. Can I get selected if I fail the medical exam?
No. Medical examination is a mandatory qualifying stage. Candidates declared medically unfit are not selected, regardless of their written exam rank. You may request a Review Medical Examination (RME) if you believe the initial result was incorrect.​

Q. What is the most common reason for rejection at Document Verification?
Expired OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate and submission of state-format caste certificate for a central government post are the two most common reasons for DV rejection. Always prepare documents in advance and verify the correct certificate format for the specific post.​

Q. Is LASIK-operated eyesight acceptable for Police and Paramilitary posts?
Many central government recruitment notifications now permit LASIK-corrected eyesight, but require a minimum waiting period of 12–24 months post-surgery and no complications. Check the specific notification for the exact rule — it varies by force.​

Q. How is the UPSC final rank calculated?
UPSC final rank is based on Mains (1750 marks) + Personality Test (275 marks) = 2025 marks total. Prelims marks are not counted. The Personality Test carries approximately 13.6% of total marks.​

Q. What happens if I qualify the written exam but fail the PET?
You are eliminated from that recruitment cycle. However, since PET marks do not affect the merit list, your cleared written exam score carries no forward benefit — you must attempt the entire recruitment process again in the next cycle.