Overview of PSU Examination

PSU (Public sector undertakings) is an exam that is conducted for candidates who wish to secure a job in the companies that are undertaken by the government. PSU’s tests the technical as well as aptitude knowledge of an individual to hire the best fit for the company. Some top PSU companies include ONGC, BHEL, BSNL, MTNL, NTPC, etc. PSU can be conducted primarily through GATE though some companies conduct their own examination. However, most of the top companies have major criteria that the candidate must clear the GATE exam with good scores. 

1. What are the Benefits of a PSU job?

As PSU’s are government-owned companies, they are eligible for many benefits. Good work-life balance, attractive salary packages, job security, etc. Today, with rising finances, people need a secure job with good pay. Very few or no private companies can guarantee a permanent job hence PSU is beneficial in that aspect. Also, PSU companies organize many grooming sessions and sponsor further studies like MBA to candidates who are well deserving and who have completed a specific tenure. Candidates get a chance to work and manage many live projects under their seniors which helps them to grow and shape their skills. 

1. What is the Eligibility for PSU?

Many PSU companies have their own eligibility criteria, some of them includes:

1. Candidates must qualify their B.E/B.tech.
2.  Minimum aggregate marks should be 60%
3. Should be an Indian.
4. The age of the candidate should range from 21-30 years.
5.  Some PSU’s prefer candidates who are M.E/M.tech qualified.

It is important to check the eligibility for the respective company the candidate wants to get into. 

1. What is the exam syllabus?

The exam syllabus for PSU’s is generally released by the PSU companies. Candidates can check the online portal of the particular companies they wish to apply. Generally, the syllabus contains technical questions and general awareness questions. Technical questions hold more marks as compared to general aptitude. Technical questions include subjects related to the stream the candidates have chosen like mechanical engineering, Computer science, Civil engineering, etc. If the candidates are appearing through the GATE exam then, a good score is the criteria of the companies followed by personal interview and GD. If they are appearing through private exams conducted by the companies then candidates have to score as per the marks set by the company which can be followed by personal interviews and GD. 

1. What is the Application Process?

The application form for PSU is released soon after the GATE commencement. Candidates need to fill the online or offline form which is available on the online portal of the companies. The online application form includes personal details and academic details that needs to be filled by the candidates. They also have to submit a scanned photograph and signature with the application fees. Note that the fees vary according to the company and the caste of the candidate like OBC/SC/ST/General, etc.

The applicant needs to mention their GATE application number on the form as well.

1. What are the cutoffs?

The cutoffs for PSU recruitment depends on the type of company and the post available. An ideal cutoff score depends on the qualifying marks depending on the reserved category and the All India Rank. For example, last year i.e. in 2019, the cutoff and AIR for NTPC for mechanical discipline was: 

1. How to prepare for the exam? 

Preparing for this exam requires many things such as analyzing the exam syllabus, knowing the exam pattern, referring to good study materials, taking online mock tests, revising and practicing a lot. The primary aspect to start with the preparation is to know the exam pattern. The GATE pattern mainly consists of the majority of technical questions i.e. 75%-80% while general aptitude questions hold 20%-25%. The exam syllabus can be referred from the online portal of the companies where candidates can get previous years question papers as well. The next thing is to prepare a study plan where candidates can track their progress and stick to the daily routine. The last thing is to study and keep on revising daily by analyzing each topic and giving appropriate time to it. 

Remember that the exam is conducted nearly on the first or second week of February for candidates applying through GATE. For the private exam schedule, candidates should check the online portal of the respective companies