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07 February,2025 | By Brainwonders
The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is one of the most prestigious competitive exams in India, opening doors to top government positions, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. However, beyond civil services, UPSC aspirants have diverse career opportunities in policymaking, academia, journalism, and consulting. This blog explores various career paths for UPSC students, including alternative options for those who wish to leverage their knowledge in private and public sectors. Whether you clear the exam or seek alternative career growth, discover the best pathways to build a successful future using the skills gained during UPSC preparation.
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Humanities: Political Science, History, Geography, Economics, Sociology, English | Enroll in a bachelor’s program. Start UPSC preparation early. Read newspapers & NCERT books. | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.A. in Political Science, History, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Law | - M.A. in Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, MBA (optional) |
- JNU, Delhi - Delhi University (DU) - Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi - TISS, Mumbai - BHU, Varanasi |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Humanities/Science: Political Science, Psychology, Geography, Physical Education | Enroll in a bachelor’s degree. Stay physically fit. Learn law, criminology, and policing. | UPSC CSE |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.A. in Political Science, Criminology, Sociology, Law | - M.A. in Public Administration, Criminology, Law |
- SVPNPA, Hyderabad - NLUs (for Law students) - Fergusson College, Pune |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Humanities: Political Science, International Relations, Economics, English | Learn a foreign language. Stay updated with international affairs. | UPSC CSE |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.A. in International Relations, Political Science, History, Economics | - M.A. in International Relations, Public Administration, Economics |
- JNU, Delhi - DU, Delhi - South Asian University, Delhi - Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Commerce, Science, or Humanities: Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, Mathematics | Study taxation, finance, and law. | UPSC CSE |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
|
- B.Com. (Hons.), Economics - B.A. in Public Administration, Political Science - LL.B. (for taxation law) |
- M.Com., MBA (Finance/Taxation), LL.M. (Taxation Law) |
- SRCC, Delhi - IIMs (for MBA) - Symbiosis Law School, Pune - NLUs |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Science: Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Forestry | Gain field experience in forestry, environment, or agriculture. | UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.Sc. in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology | - M.Sc. in Forestry, Environmental Science, Wildlife Conservation |
- Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun - IIFM, Bhopal - BHU, Varanasi - TNAU, Coimbatore |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science | Pursue engineering in core branches. | UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES) |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.Tech/B.E. in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication Engineering | - M.Tech/M.E. in the respective engineering branch |
- IITs - NITs - DTU, Delhi - BITS, Pilani |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Science: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (for Navy/Air Force); Any Stream for Army | Join NCC. Maintain physical fitness. Pursue a bachelor’s degree. | UPSC CDS Exam |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
|
- B.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics (for Navy/Air Force) - B.A. in any discipline (for Army) - B.Tech. for Technical Entry |
- M.Sc. in Defence Studies, Strategic Studies |
- NDA, Pune - IMA, Dehradun - AFA, Hyderabad - INA, Kerala |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Any Stream (Humanities preferred): Political Science, History, Geography, Psychology | Maintain physical fitness. Pursue a bachelor's degree. | UPSC CAPF – Assistant Commandant Exam |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
|
- B.A. in Political Science, History, Criminology, Law - B.Tech. (Engineers can apply) |
- M.A. in Public Administration, Security Studies, Law |
- NDA, Pune - SVPNPA, Hyderabad - DU, Delhi - Fergusson College, Pune |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Commerce & Science: Mathematics, Economics, Statistics | Focus on economics, statistics, and research. | UPSC IES/ISS Exam |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.A./B.Sc. in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics | - M.A./M.Sc. in Economics, Statistics, Data Science |
- ISI, Kolkata - Delhi School of Economics (DSE) - JNU, Delhi - IITs (for Data Science) |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Science: Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science | Gain practical knowledge in geosciences. | UPSC Geologist & Geo-Scientist Exam |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - B.Sc. in Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science | - M.Sc. in Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology |
- IITs (for Geology & Earth Science) - BHU, Varanasi - IISc, Bangalore |
| After 10th | After 12th | Entrance Exam |
| Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Study MBBS. Focus on medical sciences. | UPSC CMS Exam |
| Suggested Undergraduate Courses | Suggested Postgraduate Courses | Notable Institutions in India |
| - MBBS | - MD/MS (optional for specialization) |
- AIIMS, Delhi - Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune - Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore |
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