GATE now acts as a recruitment pool for jobs in PSUs. What are the domains in demand, recruitment numbers, salary and growth potential? Careers360 speaks on the upcoming domains that are generating jobs. Read the article below to know more.
Revanth Dongre, a chemical engineer from IIT Madras was selected by ONGC after he secured an All India rank of 70 in Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2017. So was Shubham Rana, a civil engineer who scored an All India rank of 27 in the same exam. This is a common scenario associated with GATE where a majority of the aspirants appear just to chase their dream of a career in a leading Public Sector Unit (PSU). “My dream is to work towards development of environment-friendly biofuel for the country. PSUs like BARC, ISRO, ONGC, BPCL provide great opportunity to leverage one’s skills. My personal preference is to join ONGC because it is one of the Fortune 500 companies and has a Maharatna status. Since ONGC is an exploration and production company, there will be a lot of opportunity to learn. The salary and the allowances provided by ONGC are also quite attractive,” says Dongre.
New: GATE PYQ's
Latest: GATE 2025 College Predictor
Online MBA: Universities That Redefine Online MBA | Online MBA at IIMs
GATE, which is primarily held for M.Tech admissions at the IITs, NITs or GFTIs, became a recruitment route in 2012 and has now transformed into a gateway to land an entry-level management job at many leading PSUs. The online test held in 23 disciplines has seen a huge rise in the number of applicants since then. About 9 lakh students appear for it every year.
Fad or future trend?
What makes so many aspirants appear for what is a tough entrance exam with little chances of qualifying? Well, where job security is the topmost priority, the PSUs are clear winners. These state-owned entities guarantee a secure job, good pay and a decent career.
GATE scores are generally the deal clincher. The interview is perceived to be more a formality to gauge a candidate rather than testing of subject knowledge. In some PSUs like BSNL, there is no interview either. The GATE scores get the candidates the job.
For PSUs, GATE saves them time, effort and money that is otherwise spent in conducting tests, interviews, and avoids the chances of candidates getting just lucky with money or influence. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
GATE scores and disciplines
The next question that comes up is - what are the GATE scores that would fetch someone a job and then which disciplines are more preferred? Can any engineer apply? Not truly. Most of the PSU recruitment through GATE hinges around 5 to 6 disciplines. Other disciplines may get a chance but it is not a regular thing. As for the GATE scores - they are no joke if one sees the trends of 2017 or 2016.
Top of the chart recruiters
It is now a norm for students to apply for some selected PSUs as these are regulars in their recruitment and popular too. Their pay is good, perks on par and obtaining recruitment here is a matter of pride. Top amongst these are the leading oil companies – IOCL, BPCL, HPCL and of course ONGC. Then there are NTPC, GAIL, CEL, MDL, PowerGrid that are also regular players and widely preferred.
There have also been recruitments by BEL, BHEL, HAL and AAI and a few others, along with the Cabinet Secretariat for group ‘A’ posts in central government. While most of the recruitment through GATE is for centrally-owned PSUs, State-owned PSUs have also been recruiting through GATE.
Domains in demand
So can any engineer apply? Not really. Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil and Computer Science Engineers are generally more in demand considering that recruitments are mostly for these only. This is the reason why the number of GATE applicants in these branches is higher and also why the GATE papers for these are conducted in multiple sessions. The disciplines that come next are Chemical and Instrumentation. Vacancies for postgraduate candidates in science who have qualified in GATE are also announced regularly by the PSUs in addition to the engineering ones. A few years back, DRDO announced recruitment for Aerospace Engineers. A number of PSUs follow the same now.
Pay, perks and benefits
The pay scales announced generally mention the grade and the post under which candidates will be absorbed. The basic pay range is mentioned and sometimes the CTC too. In addition, most of the PSUs offer Dearness Allowance, HRA, perks and other allowances as well as benefits such as leave encashment, medical facilities, Provident Fund, gratuity, performance-related pay, uniform, subsidized canteen facilities etc.
Career chart
All the positions offered to graduate engineers are at the entry level management positions. It means that these candidates have a clear-cut career path. Candidates have a good chance of reaching the middle and higher management levels within a span of 15 to 20 years provided they gain the requisite experience.
Forecast - Good Bad or Ugly?
One question often raised is whether an engineer’s qualities can be gauged just on the basis of testing theoretical knowledge. Another point is whether it is fair to decide the fate of recruitment to so many PSUs through just one examination. Whether recruitment for all PSUs through GATE is a good, or bad decision remains to be seen.
Pay packages offered by select PSUs
Name of PSU | Pay Scale | Cost to Company per annum |
BHEL | Rs 20,600-46,500 | Rs 8.0 lakhs |
BPCL | Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500 | Rs. 10.5 lakhs |
Rs.24,900 – 50,500/- | Not available | |
BSNL | Rs 16,400 – 40,500 | Not available |
HAL | Rs. 16,400-40,500/-. | Not available |
Rs 24,900 – 50,500 | Rs 10.73 lakhs | |
Rs 16,400-40,500 | Rs 7.19 lakhs | |
NTPC | Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500 | Not available |
Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500 | Not available | |
IOCL | Rs. 24,900/- | 12 lakhs |
Hello,
Yes, as per the latest GATE eligibility criteria , students who have completed a 3-year BSc (Bachelor of Science) degree can now apply for the GATE exam. But admission options through GATE score for such students are limited.
IITs: Generally do not allow admission to MTech, but some may offer MSc-PhD or research programmes.
IISc: Allows BSc students for Integrated PhD in science subjects.
NITs/IIITs: Mostly need BE/BTech, so limited chances for BSc students.
Best options: Integrated PhD, MS by Research, or research roles.
Hope it helps !
For GATE preparation, reputed institutes include Made Easy, ACE Engineering Academy, and GATEForum. These institutes offer structured curriculum, experienced faculty, and comprehensive study materials to help students excel in the GATE exam.
The GATE 2026 syllabus covers topics from various engineering disciplines. For Computer Science, it includes subjects like Digital Logic, Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Databases, Theory of Computation, and Software Engineering, among others. Each subject is further divided into core concepts and topics for in-depth preparation.
Yes, it is possible to get admission to a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) in NIT Trichy without taking the GATE exam. GATE is specifically meant for postgraduate (M.Tech) admissions, not undergraduate (B.E.) admissions.
For a BE course, the procedure is as follows:
1. Eligibility:
You must have completed your 10+2 (or equivalent) with the required subjects (Physics, Mathematics, and an additional subject like Chemistry or Biology).
You should meet the required percentage cutoff as defined by NIT Trichy (usually around 75% for general category students).
2. Entrance Exam:
You must qualify JEE Main, which is the entrance test for undergraduate admissions to NITs, including NIT Trichy.
3. JoSAA Counseling:
Once you qualify for JEE Main, you must attend the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling.
You will choose NIT Trichy as your first choice for admission during counseling. The seat will be allotted according to your JEE Main rank.
4. Seat Allotment and Admission:
You will be given a seat at NIT Trichy according to your JEE Main rank if you are within the cutoff.
Once seat allotment is over, you are required to present yourself at NIT Trichy for verification of documents and payment of fee to secure your admission.
5. Verification Documents:
You'll be required to bring your original documents (10th and 12th mark sheets, JEE Main score card, identity proof, etc.) for verification purposes.
6. Fee Payment
Once the seat is finalized, you will be paying the entry fee, which is different according to your category (OBC, SC, ST, general).
In short, GATE is not necessary for admission in the BE program at NIT Trichy.
List MTech colleges without GATE
Congratulations on qualifying GATE! Here is a detailed professional answer to your query:
1. GATE Score and Category Advantage:
A GATE score of 334 in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) under the SC category gives you a decent advantage.
Cutoffs for SC candidates are usually much lower compared to the General category.
This score can open up opportunities in good institutes, but getting the topmost IIITs may still be slightly competitive for specialized branches like VLSI.
2. Admission Chances in Top IIITs for VLSI:
IIIT Hyderabad is one of the top IIITs for VLSI but generally requires a higher GATE score, even for SC candidates (around 400+).
Other IIITs like IIIT Bangalore, IIIT Delhi, IIIT Allahabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur may have lower cutoffs and offer decent chances for VLSI-related programs.
IIIT Bangalore considers both GATE scores and past academic performance, so you may still have a chance there with a strong profile.
3. Alternative Options to Consider:
NITs like NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal, and MNIT Jaipur offer excellent VLSI programs and may have cutoffs suitable for your score under SC reservation.
Central universities such as IIITDM Kancheepuram and other newer IIITs could also be good backup options.
4. Important Suggestions:
Apply to a wide range of IIITs and NITs to maximize your chances.
Keep track of CCMT counselling and institute-specific admission processes.
Also check for special admission rounds or spot counselling if your preferred institute has vacant seats later.
5. Conclusion:
While securing VLSI in the very top IIITs like IIIT Hyderabad may be challenging, you still have very good chances in other reputed IIITs and NITs.
With proper choice filling and a little flexibility regarding specialization (like Embedded Systems or Microelectronics), you can secure a strong seat.
A flight attendant is a professional whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during an airline flight. An individual who is pursuing a career as a flight attendant is part of the cabin crew for the plane, a team of personnel who operate a commercial, business, or even military aircraft while travelling domestically or internationally.
An individual pursuing a career as a flight attendant is specially trained for the aircraft in which he or she works since passenger safety is their foremost concern. In this article, we will discuss how to become a flight attendant in India or how to become a flight attendant after graduation.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
A career in the aviation industry always sounds exciting. But, there is no scope for the slightest error as it may cost the lives of many people. A Flight Engineer role comes with the responsibility of monitoring the aircraft engine and control systems while in flight. Whenever the aircraft is away from the home station, he or she is required to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
Highway Engineer Job Description: A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.
Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A loco pilot or locomotive pilot is a professional responsible for operating trains. He or she starts, stops, or controls the speed of the train. A locomotive pilot ensures that the train operates according to time schedules and signals. These loco pilots are responsible for carrying people and products to distinct destinations.
A loco pilot has thorough knowledge and understanding of the railway operations, rules, regulations, protocols, and measures to take in times of emergency. Their role is crucial in ensuring passenger and freight trains' smooth and safe operation. Here, in this article, we will discuss everything on how to how to become a loco pilot.
NAAC A++ Accredited | Accorded institution of Eminence by Govt. of India | NIRF Rank #4
Ranked #1 Among all Private Indian Universities in QS Asia Rankings 2025 | Scholarships worth 210 CR
M.Tech admissions open @ VIT Bhopal University | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Apply now
100+ Industry collaborations | 10+ Years of legacy
Apply for Online MBA from Manipal University, Jaipur
Apply for Online MBA from NMIMS