Difference between Government and Private Sector Job

The Government of India is very active in providing employment to the citizens and it can be proved by the estimate released by the Reserve Bank of India which says in the year 2011-2012 Indian Government employed about 17 million citizens in both Central and State government positions. However, the number of private-sector jobs is very high in India but most of the citizens prefer to prepare for the government jobs because of its benefits and perks. 

There are endless numbers of jobs available in government jobs as well as in the private sector. If you are also going to start your career and are confused about whether to opt for government jobs or private sector jobs, here we are enlightening some of the major differences among these two sectors that will help you to choose the best for yourself. 

Examples of Government sector job areas: Health and care, Emergency services, Armed forces, Teaching, Civil services, and city councils, etc.

Examples of Private sector Job areas: Finance services, Law firms, Newspapers, Magazines, Veterinarians, Hospitality, Aviation, non-governmental hospitals, Non-governmental schools, etc.

Differences between Government jobs and Private sector jobs

Security of the job

Government jobs in India are “Never Say Bye” kinds of jobs and are very steady and there is no effect of market variations on these jobs. While in the private sector, jobs can Say you Goodbye anytime. These jobs mainly depend on market variations. You can even get fired without your fault just because of the recession. Many people in India have witnessed the recession period in private jobs which results in suddenly losing your job without any prior notice. In the Government sector, jobs are secure, no one can ask you to leave before your retirement period.

If we talk about the job securities in Private sector jobs, We find that these jobs are free from any terminations based on caste, religion, regional or political basis. While in Government sector jobs, you are most likely to face these issues. 

However, In the case of Government sector jobs, Employers are bound to follow certain rules which include the valid reason before terminating the employee. Even while terminating a single employee the sector has to present the cause and prove it. While many a time Private sectors terminate their employees without any valid explanation.

According to a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, The number of Employees losing jobs was very low in the Government sector while it was surprisingly high in private sectors. The study said that job security is 4.2% higher in the Government sector during the non-recession time while it increases to 6.5% during the recession period.

Growth chances in Job

Well, As discussed earlier, the government job gives better job security but when it comes to job growth, this sector is lagging behind. In the private sector, the hard-working and talented employees are provided with the chance to grow more. They get promotions and can reach different levels of success according to their abilities while in the Government sector, an employee who has passed the probation period is given a post and no one knows when he/she will get a promotion. The Government sector employees have to wait for a long time to get the promotion. The promotion in Government jobs is done after the senior officer is retired and the sector needs a person to fill the vacant seat, so they simply promote the junior one to that post.

So, From the job growth aspect, the Private sector is leading as they promote their employees based on their talent and hard work only. 

Job Benefits

Job benefits include the additional offers that the employers offer to their workers such as medical facilities, Accommodation, Transportation, Pension, etc. Government jobs are more active in offering job benefits to the employees than the private sector. The government sector employees get amazing pension plans for after-retirement life. Earlier, there was a fixed amount that employees use to get at the time of retirement but it changed from the year 2004. However, the Government contributes an amount in favor of the employee. This amount directly goes to the National Security Depository limited where fund managers use it to invest in the market. 

On the other hand, The private sector employees do not invest in any such pension plans. Private sectors are not responsible for the after-retirement life of the employees. 

Along with pension benefits, government sector employees can also avail better bank benefits like easy loans. The travel perks, accommodation allowances are available for all the government employees. While in private sector jobs, the employee just gets the salary. However, some of the reputed posts in the Private sectors also provide accommodation, transportation, and medical benefits. 

Job Opportunities

When it comes to job opportunities, the Government sector has many opportunities but the process is always challenging. Government jobs are open for a particular period and the applications are accepted from all over India. These jobs have long selection processes, highly competitive exams, and many more steps. The eligibility criteria are fixed that most candidates fail to meet. Cracking the government job exams is not everyone’s cup of tea. While private job opportunities are open throughout the year. The selection can be done directly on the interview basis, online application, reference-based, and campus selections. The recruitment process for private jobs is easy and quick. 

Salaries

The government sector is always leading in terms of Salaries. The salaries of government jobs are quite competitive entry-level. The pay commission revision has managed to raise the salary of the Government employees to a remarkably higher level. For example, In a bank, the entry-level salary of the clerk can be around INR 50,000. The higher-level officers can get an entry-level salary as high as INR 70,000 or above. The senior officers can enjoy the attractive salaries of about INR 1.5 lacs to 2 lacs. While the salaries in the Private sector are good but not as compared to the Government sector. High salaries are only paid to the highest post employees.

The salary increment is also a benefit in the Government sector. The increment is fixed no matter if the employee is getting a promotion or not while in the private sector increment walks at the speed of a snail. 

The balance between professional and personal life

This is one of the important aspects to maintain the balance between job and life. Private sector jobs are famous for long hours and no weekends however Government jobs have fixed working hours and week offs along with all the national holidays. 

It is hard to maintain a balance between the personal life and professional life in Private sector jobs, Employees are always under pressure to keep the job on priority and keep their personal lives at second place while government sector employees are free to enjoy their personal lives and spend enough time with their family. 

However, many private-sector jobs also provide weekend leaves but the numbers of such employers are very less. 

Conclusion

Deciding between the Government sector or private sector is not easy as few things are beneficial in the Private sector while other things are attractive in government sectors. Before making the decision, know your preferences and what you want from your career. Do you like to have a fast-moving career with low job security or a slow-moving career with the highest job securities? 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the selection process for Government sector jobs?
Ans. The selection for Government sector jobs commonly includes 2 or more steps – Written examination and interview/skill test. The selection process of the posts differs and you can get the complete information in the recruitment notification released by the government.

Q2. I have done my Graduation with science (CBZ), can I apply for Government jobs?
Ans. Yes, You can apply for Government jobs. There are many job opportunities available for science graduates in the Government sector. Please keep yourself updated about the recruitment notifications. 

Q3. I want to get quick promotions in my job. Which sector will be suitable for me?
Ans. For quick promotions, you need to work hard and show the results. For hard-working and capable employees, the Private sector provides many opportunities for promotion, whereas, in the Government sector, the chances of promotion are not very high. 

Q4. Can I work in the private sector while preparing for a Government job examination?
Ans. Yes, why not. If you can handle both things properly.

Q5. Which sector provides more job security? Government sector or private sector?
Ans. The government sector provides more job security. There are no unexplained terminations and no fear of recession periods. 

Q6. Do pregnant women get any benefits in the Government sector job?
Ans. Yes, the Government sector is very beneficial for pregnant women. It provides paid maternity leave for around 6 months (approx.). 

Q7. What are the job benefits of government jobs and private sector jobs?
Ans. Job benefits of government jobs- High salaries, transportation allowance, residence allowance, medical facilities, easy loans, after retirement security, etc.

Job benefits in the private sector- Good Salaries on high posts, residence allowance to high posts, quick chances of promotions, Medical facilities in some companies, etc.