Public Sector Undertaking Jobs' Eligibility (With Benefits)

Updated 21 August 2023

Public sector undertakings (PSUs) provide essential goods and services to the general public within a particular country. They play a crucial role in its economy, providing employment opportunities and provisions at state-regulated prices. If a career in the public sector is of interest to you, you may benefit from reviewing the eligibility criteria for public sector jobs. In this article, we define public sector undertaking jobs' eligibility criteria, describe the recruitment process and list steps for getting a position in this sector.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Are PSUs?

PSUs are companies or corporations that the government of a country owns or controls partially or fully. These companies provide essential goods and services to the public and promote economic development. In this country, PSUs also operate under the title of public sector enterprises and within various sectors, including manufacturing, banking, insurance, energy, telecommunications, transportation and other industry types.

These institutions play a crucial role in a country's economy by providing employment opportunities. They also contribute to the country's gross domestic product and ensure the availability of essential goods and services to the public at affordable prices. PSUs are subject to the rules and regulations of the government and typically operate with a focus on social welfare and public interest. There is also a requirement to maintain transparency and accountability in their operations and financial management procedures.

Public Sector Undertaking Jobs' Eligibility Criteria

Public sector undertaking jobs' eligibility criteria typically include passing the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Having a valid GATE score in a relevant field is a primary requirement. To appear for GATE examinations, all candidates are required to graduate with a valid Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree. Other factors, such as age and a minimum pass percentage or cumulative grade point average in a bachelor's degree, also determine application outcomes.

The minimum age requirement for eligibility varies depending on the PSU and the specific role for which a candidate provides an application. You can find this information on the websites of most PSUs that recruit through GATE examinations. Some PSUs also set minimum medical standards to determine a person's suitability.

PSU Recruitment Process

Good GATE scores can help you gain admission to postgraduate and doctorate courses. In addition to this, around 50 PSUs, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, use GATE scores as a parameter to screen and recruit engineers for executive posts. Candidates with valid GATE scores above a prescribed cut-off percentage of marks can apply to PSU firms for recruitment consideration.

The specific percentage requirement may vary depending on the institution at which you are looking for a job. PSUs typically publish cut-off scores on their websites. A candidate who meets the cut-off requirement usually receives an invitation to attend further selection rounds that may take the form of personal interviews or group discussions. Some PSUs may conduct their own testing to move candidates to the next phase.

How To Apply For A PSU Job?

Follow these steps to apply for a job in a PSU of your choice:

1. Identify PSUs that align with your career goals and preferences

To identify potential employment opportunities that can complement your career goals, research different PSUs and try to understand their work scope, professional culture and the nature of their operations. Once you have made a list of enterprises that you have an interest in working at, look for job openings in those companies through official websites, job portals or employment newsletters. It is vital to develop an accurate understanding of your own career goals, aspirations and skills beforehand so that your research is productive.

Once you have identified specific job profiles that complement your career goals, check the eligibility criteria, requirements and responsibilities of each role to ensure that you qualify for them. Think about your preferences for working in a position when you read job descriptions. For example, if you are looking for a challenging work environment, look for PSU companies that have a dynamic and fast-paced work culture. Identify organisations that offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits, such as health insurance, retirement benefits and paid time off, to facilitate higher levels of job satisfaction.

2. Register and appear for the GATE examination

Register and appear for the GATE examination if the PSU recruitment process requires a GATE score. The GATE registration process happens online through an application processing portal. To register, create an account on the portal by providing your name, email address and mobile number. After creating an account, fill in the application form by providing information regarding your academic qualifications and other requirements. There is also a requirement for you to upload scanned copies of passport-size photographs, a signature sample and other relevant documents.

Once the registration process is complete, you can download your application form and payment receipt. The GATE exam is online and consists of multiple-choice and numerical response questions. The exam duration is three hours and covers topics concerning your discipline of choice. On the day of the examination, there is a requirement for you to produce an admittance card and valid proof of identification and carry a pen or pencil. Shortly after the examination, the GATE answer key typically publishes on its official website. A candidate can check their answers and calculate their estimated score.

3. Complete PSU job application procedures

PSUs typically invite job applications from candidates after GATE scores publish online on the GATE official website. Fill out PSU job application forms, including personal information, academic qualifications, work experience details and GATE score. Make sure to fill in the correct information and avoid errors. Upload scanned copies of all documents, such as educational certificates, work experience records and the GATE scorecard. Then pay the application fee and submit your application. After applying, it is good practice to download and print the application form and payment receipt for future reference.

4. Participate in recruitment procedures

If you are applying for a job at a PSU that conducts its own examinations for screening and evaluating candidates, download the admittance card for the examination from the PSU's official website when it is available. Appear for the written exam, group discussion and personal interview rounds as per the recruitment process of the PSU firm. After examinations conclude, PSUs usually announce selection results on their official websites. Chosen candidates typically receive offer letters in the following months. After receiving the offer letter, complete the joining formalities per the PSU's guidelines.

Benefits Of Working In PSUs

One of the major benefits of working in a PSU is the job security that such work opportunities provide. PSU employees enjoy a higher level of job security than private sector employees. The government partially or wholly owns and controls PSUs, making them less likely to shut down while facing financial disruptions. This control ensures that employees have a stable source of income and are not at risk of losing their job due to market fluctuations.

Another benefit of working in PSU firms is the attractive compensation package. PSU employees receive several perks and benefits, including housing allowance, medical benefits, travel allowance and retirement benefits. PSUs offer annual increments based on employees' performance and experience, in addition to providing attractive starting salaries. These organisations may also provide opportunities for career growth and advancement, with many PSUs having well-established promotion policies and internal training programmes to enhance the skills of regular salaried employees.