Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are one of the most popular career options for engineering graduates in India. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
(GATE) is the primary gateway for PSU recruitment. The test is conducted annually to assess a candidate's conceptual grasp of science and engineering. Candidates who appear in the exam get a standardised score that is further considered by PSUs to shortlist candidates. It's been a decade since PSUs have replaced their own written tests and primary screening process with GATE scores. The major reason for this shift was that the GATE scores ensure transparency, merit-based selection, and nationwide reach. Candidates qualifying GATE become eligible to apply for PSU recruitment. The notifications are released separately by individual organizations. One must note that the exam acts as the screening test for shortlisting candidates for further stages, including interviews or group discussions. Popular PSUs accepting GATE score
What does PSU look for, and how do you apply?
PSUs recruit GATE-qualified candidates mainly for Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) or Executive Trainee (ET) roles across core branches such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Electronics, Instrumentation, Computer Science, Chemical, and Mining Engineering. The cut-offs vary from one PSU to another. It depends on vacancies, category, and the number of applicants.The PSU recruitment process typically involves three steps. First, candidates must appear for GATE and obtain a valid score. Then they must apply separately on the PSU’s official website after the release of notification. Third, shortlisted candidates are called for interviews, group discussions, or personality assessments. The final merit lists are prepared by giving weightage to GATE scores as well as performance in individual tests.
How GATE Scores Are Opening New Career Pathways
One of the biggest advantages of PSU recruitment through GATE is job security. It is generally combined with competitive compensation. Entry-level packages usually range between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 15 lakh per annum. Selected candidates are also entitled to benefits such as housing allowances, medical cover, pension schemes, and structured career growth.Another key reason for GATE’s popularity is its utility. GATE score can be used for PSU jobs, MTech admissions at IITs, NITs and IISc, research fellowships, and even overseas university applications. This makes GATE a high-reward examination for engineering graduates.
Popular PSUs Recruiting Through GATE
| PSU Name |
| Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) |
| Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) |
| Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) |
| Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) |
| Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) |
| Coal India Limited (CIL) |
| National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) |
| Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) |
| Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) |
| Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) |
| Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO – some centres) |
| Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO – through GATE-based intake) |
| National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) |
| NMDC Limited |
| Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) |
| Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) |
| Engineers India Limited (EIL) |
| Oil India Limited |
| Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) |
| Power Finance Corporation (PFC) |
