The complete guide to prepare for PSU exams

PSU (Public Sector Undertakings) is an exam that is conducted each year through GATE or without GATE. Though, many reputed companies recruit candidates through GATE exam. This exam is prominent and requires a lot of dedication and hard work. GATE ensures that only well-deserved candidates are able to clear the exam as the paper is quite tough. On the other hand, there are many companies that conduct their private examination to hire the candidates.  

An individual who has cleared this exam with good scores has a stable lifestyle. The PSU companies generally follow a pattern of the government sector. PSU employees are eligible for many benefits like handsome salary packages, work-life balance, job security, medical & transport facilities, grooming sessions, the chance to study further, etc. This makes a PSU job more in demand among individuals as none or very few private sectors guarantees any job security. Some of the companies under PSU are ONGC, BHEL, BPCL, NTPC, etc. 

Note that after clearing the GATE exam, candidates are called for an interview or GD round. If the companies conduct their own private exams then the shortlisted candidates are called for the further round. Let’s understand the preparation via GATE first. GATE is an online-based based exam that is conducted jointly by seven IITs and IISc on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB-GATE). This exam is held once in a year where the question paper contains a total of 65 questions. There are 25 subjects and the exam is based on a total of 100 marks. The questions are MCQ and NAT based where negative marking applies to every wrong answer given for the MCQ. There is no negative marking for NAT questions. The duration of the entire exam is for 3 hours. 

To prepare for the GATE exam, the first step is to research about the exam, the paper pattern, the trends, previous years question papers, etc. A thorough research will help the candidates to understand the exam better. The second step is to collect study materials from the relevant sources. If you are studying offline i.e, referring to a book, ask any senior faculty to help you with the relevancy and importance of the source. If you are studying online i.e. referring to previous year papers, taking mock tests or any other kind of help, remember to check the credibility of the website that has published these materials. 

After gathering the study material, make a strategy or study plan to help you track your preparation better. A study plan will benefit the candidate to note down their daily success and helping them to get closer to their goal. The next step is to study and stick as per the strategy or study plan. Self- analyze and identify one’s strengths and weaknesses over a particular subject. If the candidates find that they are weak in a specific subject, try to give more time to it. 

The next step is to keep one motivated. Motivation is the biggest aspect that candidates need to conquer. Distraction can come in many ways like confused about the future, career, improper lifestyle, getting sad over other person’s early success, etc. This can cause a sense of demotivation hence candidates need to focus and work hard keeping in mind their goal. The next thing is to revise/practice more and more. Many individuals are under the impression to revise at the last moment. Instead, one should revise daily and try to give more time to revisions a month or so before the exams. 

Last but not the least, candidates tend to get nervous on the day of their exams. To overcome this, one should keep a positive attitude and confidence. The questions asked in GATE are based on general awareness and technology. A study of these both will help a candidate to secure a good job in PSU. 

The second option is giving exams without GATE i.e. the company’s private exams. This examination contains both technical and general awareness questions where the weightage is given more to the technical questions (50-70%). To prepare for these exams again go through the previous years papers to gain a proper understanding of the questions being asked. 

Following the above mentioned factors will surely help the candidates to crack the PSU exam and secure a good job. After clearing the exams, companies will shortlist them based on either a personal interview or Group Discussion. Clearing this exam with flying colors will surely open a bundle of opportunities for candidates willing to grow and excel in the public sector.