How to Prepare for a PSU Interview? Those preparing for GATE 2026 for securing a PSU job, a high GATE score is important but usually not enough. Many PSUs, such as NFL, BHEL, and RCFL, use GATE scores for initial screening but there are interviews also. Final selection is done on the basis of both the GATE score and interview performance. For instance, in the NFL, the GATE score carries 80% weightage and the interview carries the remaining 20%.
This year, IIT Guwahati has introduced a new sectional paper, Energy Science (XE-1), under the Engineering Sciences (XE) paper.
As interviews are crucial in the overall selection process, it’s important for aspirants to get ready for PSU interviews thoroughly. A strong GATE score might take you ahead but your performance in the interview can impact the whole selection process. To help with this, we are here with tips from past GATE toppers on how to face PSU interviews with confidence.
Also check: PSU Recruitment through GATE
Preparing for a PSU interview involves several important steps, from researching the job to paying attention to your personal presentation. Careers360 offers some helpful tips to guide you through each aspect of the preparation process:
Research the PSU: Make sure you learn about the company you're applying to. Being able to share interesting facts about the company’s values, achievements, and recent performance can impress the interviewer. Don't just skim through the company profile, dig deeper into its financial health and industry standing. This will also help you make a better decision if you have multiple offers to choose from.
Understand the HR Policies and Pay scale: It is important to know about the HR policies and pay structure of the PSU before appearing for the interview. Know that CTC includes perks and benefits, so it's crucial to figure out the breakdown of your actual take-home salary.
Check for Bond Agreements: Some PSUs will ask as they have service bond requirements so that employees have to work for the company for a particular number of years. Make sure to understand the terms and consult with professionals before giving any commitment.
Understand the Job Role: Know about the role you’re applying for, understand what your job role will be, what might be the location, and what are the expectations from you.
Update Your Resume: Your resume should show your strengths and achievements, but avoid over-highlighting or including things that aren’t true.
You'll be ready and confident for your PSU interview if you check these things.
Revise Your B.Tech Study Material: Go back to your B.Tech coursework, especially emphasizing key concepts and subjects from your specialization. The interview panel might be asking you technical questions, so it’s crucial to be ready for it.
Choose Two Favorite Topics: Select at least two topics from your B.Tech specialization that keep you interested and engaged. Make sure to be ready to explain why you like these topics and have a deep understanding of them.
Gain an Edge: Having knowledge about specific areas, like industrial training, can stand you out from the crowd. While this isn’t a necessity, it can be helpful depending on your background and experience.
Must Know Current Events: You must know about current affairs and general knowledge, as this will be quite helpful during group discussions as well as in the interview.
By being ready within these areas, you'll be able to handle both technical and situational questions easily in your PSU interview.
Making time for personal grooming can help you get some extra points during your PSU interview. Be sure to look professional and calm. Also, make sure that your looks match the photo you have given with your GATE 2026 application. Avoid making any big changes to your looks that might make you unrecognizable.
Get a copy of your PSU application form with you.
Take the original GATE 2026 admit card while going for the interview.
As the GATE 2026 scorecard will be ready for download, ensure to get the downloaded scorecard with you.
Make sure all your certificates are ready and take only the original documents. As a precaution, also take your valid photo ID and a few photographs that match the ones you used in the GATE application.
Be attentive to your surroundings, as interviewers might focus on these related questions to check your observation skills. Making sure to be aware of the environment can be beneficial for you to respond effectively to such questions.
Be Respectful: After going inside the interview room, keep in mind to wish everyone in the panel politely. If at any point you do not agree with them, put the point in a diplomatic manner without disrespecting them.
Present yourself smart: The panel might be looking only for smart candidates. So, before you give any answer to the question, think clearly and calmly. If you don't know the answer to a question, it is better to tell the reality rather than give a wrong answer.
Group Discussion: The group discussion is organized to see whether you are a team leader and to also to understand your knowledge of current affairs. Ensure that you become highlighted as a team player by leading but letting others present their views.
Following these steps on “How to face PSU interviews” will help you get knowledge of a few tools that might be helpful to secure the job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dress formally, greet politely, and answer clearly. If unsure, admit honestly rather than guessing. Confidence, calmness, and professionalism are valued as much as technical knowledge.
Focus on your core B.Tech subjects, especially 2–3 favorite topics you are confident in. Revise concepts, formulas, and practical applications related to those topics as panelists often ask in-depth questions.
While the GATE score carries major weight (often 70–85%), the interview can decide the final ranking. Performing well in the interview can help secure selection even with a slightly lower GATE score.
Yes, there is no restriction on working professionals appearing for GATE, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria regarding educational qualifications. Your exam date will be assigned based on availability.
You should arrive at the exam center at least 1 hour before the scheduled time. If you arrive late, you might not be allowed to enter, and your exam will be canceled for that session.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can access the question papers along with the answer key on the careers360 website. Careers360 also provides students with preparation tips that will help them in preparing and the mock test and analyse their in-depth performance.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/last-15-years-gate-papers-solutions
Thank you.
Hello,
Here is a link for the sample papers for GATE Exam with DA subjects. Tap on the link given below to open it:
Thankyou.
Hello aspirant,
If you missed the correction window for GATE 2026, the portal will not allow changes right now. Usually, IIT opens a correction period only once. Since you need to change your surname, the best option is to contact the GATE organizing institute through their official support email or
Hi Aanchal,
Balancing Engineering semester exams with competitive exam preparation can feel confusing but with right and realistic routine makes it very achievable.
Start by dividing your day into two parts: use college hours and afternoons for semester prep and keep early mornings or late evenings for GATE prep.
Make
If you are interested in Development Studies and planning to appear for GATE XH C6 (Sociology), then you are already moving in the right direction. Having a backlog does not disqualify you from pursuing higher studies, as long as you clear it before the admission process begins. Since you mentioned
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Ranked #45 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed 91% Placement, 800+ Recruiters
NAAC A+ Accredited | Among top 2% Universities Globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Apply for Online MBA from UPES
Asia’s only university to be awarded the highest accreditation by WASC, USA and by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), UK
Online PG programs from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
