Held in four categories—Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication, the exam has three stages comprising objective, subjective and personality tests.

Government infrastructure includes railways, roads, defence, manufacturing, inspection, supply, construction, public works, power, and telecommunications.

However, they can move to any cadre, organization, agency, department, ministry or public sector undertaking of the government of India.

The personality test is an interview which assesses the candidate's suitability for a career in public service by a board of unbiased observers.

Qualities judged include mental alertness, critical ability, clear and logical exposition, judgment, variety and depth of interests, social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.