How to Get a Job in PSU or Public Sector Undertakings? [2025]

Landing a job in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is a prestigious and stable option for job seekers in India. PSUs are important to India’s economic and industrial growth. These government-owned enterprises operate in the manufacturing, aviation, finance, telecommunications, defense, engineering, and energy sectors. These organizations offer attractive salaries, job security, and other benefits, making them a top choice for many aspirants. If you’re wondering how to get a job at PSU, you should begin by understanding the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, and available job roles. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about how to get started.

What are Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)?

PSUs or Public Sector Undertakings are government-owned enterprises in which the Central Government, State Government, or both hold at least 51% of the ownership). These enterprises are classified into three categories based on financial performance and autonomy: Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna. Before we uncover how to get a job in PSUs, we’ll explore these categories in detail and list some prominent PSUs under each.

1. Maharatna PSUs

The Maharatna status is awarded to central public sector enterprises (PSUs) that meet specific financial criteria. To qualify, a PSU must achieve an annual net profit exceeding ₹5,000 crore and maintain a turnover of over ₹25,000 crore for the past three consecutive years. The Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance grants the title. Once a PSU is designated as a Maharatna, it gains more freedom, including the ability to make foreign investments of up to ₹5,000 crores without government approval. 

Some notable examples of the Maharatna PSUs include:

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
• Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL)
• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
• National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)

2. Navratna PSUs

Navratna is a status for PSUs that perform well financially. To qualify, a PSU must first be a Miniratna Category-I company and score at least 60 out of 100 points based on several factors. These factors include net worth, annual net profit, total cost production, manpower, company turnover, etc. 

After qualifying as a Navratna, the PSU has the privilege to invest up to Rs. 1000 crores without the government’s approval. The Navratana PSUs are also authorized to spend 30% of their net worth on projects. Currently, there are twenty-five Navratna PSUs, some of the popular ones include:

• Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI)
• Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)
• National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
• National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO)

3. Miniratna PSUs

The Miniratna status is provided to PSUs that achieve consistent profitability. These companies are divided into two categories based on their financial performance:

A. Miniratna Category-I 

To qualify, companies must have made a continuous profit in three consecutive years with an average annual turnover of ₹120 crores in at least one of the three years. Also, the company must have a pre-tax profit of ₹30 crores or more. Here are some of the companies under the Miniratna Category-I:

• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
• Airports Authority of India (AAI)
• India Rare Earths Limited (IRE)
• National Seeds Corporation (NSC)

B. Miniratna Category-II

Companies in this category must have made a continuous profit for three consecutive years with a pre-tax profit of ₹20 cores in at least one of the years. Their average annual turnover over the three years should be ₹80 crores. Here are the names of a few PSUs under the Miniratna Category-II:

• National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)
• Indian Medicines & Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (IMPCL)
• Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL)
• Engineering Projects (India) Limited (EPIL)
• Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL)

Recruitment Methods Needed to Find & Apply for Jobs in PSUs

Understanding how to get a job in a PSU requires clarity on the recruitment process. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) hire candidates through multiple channels, including competitive exams, direct recruitment, and entrance tests. Here are the key recruitment methods to help learn how to secure a job in a PSU:

1. GATE or Graduate Aptitude Test In Engineering

To get a job in a public sector undertaking (PSU), the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a requirement. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) jointly conduct the GATE to evaluate candidates for engineering, technology, and science roles. 

A GATE scorecard is valid for three years, giving candidates multiple opportunities to apply for PSU jobs. In the table below, we have enlisted the PSU organizations that recruit candidates through the GATE scores and the job roles offered. 

Organization	Roles Offered through GATE
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)	Engineering Executive Trainee
Coal India Limited (CIL)	Management Trainee
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)	Scientific Officer
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)	Engineer (from different streams based on the job requirements)
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)	Engineer (from different streams based on the job requirements)
Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL)	Engineer (from different streams based on the job requirements)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)	Engineer Trainee

2. Entrance Exams for Different PSUs

While GATE is the most common route for PSU recruitment for recent graduates, it is not the only option. Many PSUs hire through alternative recruitment exams, providing candidates multiple pathways to secure a job. Here are some of the key PSU recruitment exams to help you understand how to get a job at PSU after graduation:

• UPSC Engineering Services (ESE/ IES): The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES), is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam is used to recruit engineers for roles such as Electronics and telecommunications, Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical engineering. PSUs such as BSNL, Indian Railways, and CPWD recruit through this method. 
• SSC Junior Engineer Exam (JE): The Junior Engineer Exam, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, takes place every year to hire junior engineers in the fields of Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering for various government divisions. Some PSUs that recruit through this examination include the Central Public Works Department and Military Engineering Services.
• Railway Recruitment Board: The Railway Recruitment Board conducts examinations to recruit candidates for different technical and non-technical positions in the Indian Railways sector. Some PSUs that recruit through this examination are Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC); Indian Railways (IR), etc.
• DRDO Scientist Entry Test: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts its Scientist Entry Test to recruit scientists and engineers for research and development projects. 

Pro Tip:  If you’re interested in pursuing a career with DRDO, check out our guide on how to get a job at DRDO and explore the recruitment process and eligibility criteria. 

3. Direct Recruitment Process for PSUs

You can also explore the direct recruitment option if you are keen to know how to get a job at PSUS. Some PSUs like BARC, DRDO, and NTPC hire candidates through direct recruitment, by conducting walk-in interviews. However, these direct recruitment are only for upper-level management positions like general manager and chairperson. These job positions require the candidate to have a minimum of 8-25 years of experience, post their education. 

Furthermore, candidates who have worked in prestigious government and public sectors are preferred for such positions. The applications for direct recruitment are released by the PSUs on their websites’ recruitment pages. Some of the PSUs that use a direct recruitment process are:

• Engineers Institute of India (ECI)
• Shipping Corporation of India (SCIL)
• Rural Electrification Corporation (RECL)
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Eligibility Criteria for PSU Aspirants

The eligibility criteria for recruitment can vary depending on the type of PSU and the job role. Thoroughly check the official PSU website for the exact eligibility requirements before applying. Here is a general overview of the key eligibility criteria for candidates exploring how to get PSU jobs:

• Educational Qualifications: Candidates should possess a BTech or BE degree in a relevant engineering discipline with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. Those in the final year of their engineering course are also eligible to apply.
• GATE Score: A valid GATE score is required for PSU recruitment. Only candidates who have qualified for GATE with a good score will be considered for the next stages of recruitment. However, the cut-off score can vary by PSU and job position. This criteria applies to PSUs that conduct recruitment through the GATE exam.
• Age Limit: The age requirements for PSU jobs can differ from one company to another. Candidates should always verify the exact age criteria on the official website before applying.

Note: The minimum percentage required and age criteria differ based on the multiple reservation groups such as general (GEN), other backward classes (OBC), scheduled castes and tribes (SC/ST), and physically handicapped (PH).

Jobs Available in PSU

When exploring how to get into PSUs, you should know that these enterprises offer several job opportunities across various sectors. It includes engineering, defense research, manufacturing,  telecommunications, aviation dynamics, energy, etc. Although the job role may vary depending on the PSU, here are some of the common job roles and the average salary range:

Jobs Available Under PSUs
Department	Roles	PSUs	Average Salary Range (based on job role)
Engineering	Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Executive trainee, Diploma Engineers	BHEL, SAIL, IOCL, ONGC, OIL	₹4 LPA – ₹23 LPA
Mananagement and Administarative	Assistants, Consultants, Managers, Managing Director, Chairman, Director	NTPC, HAL, CIL, NLC	₹15.9 LPA – ₹34.7 LPA
Medical	Nurses, Pharmacists, Dentist, Medical Officers, Doctors	BARC	₹8.4 LPA – ₹12 LPA
Technical and Non-Technical	Store Assistants, Clerks, Lab Technicians, Technical Officers	GRSE, NPCIL, ISRO, BEML, PGCIL	₹3.2 LPA – ₹14 LPA
Research	Scientists, Scientific Officers, Researchers, R&D Directors, Data Scientists	BARC, DRDO, ISRO, HAL	₹6 LPA – ₹16.2 LPA

Tips on How To Get PSU Jobs 

Securing a job in a PSU requires strategic planning, thorough preparation, and a clear understanding of the recruitment process. Here are some tips to help you prepare and understand how to get a job in PSUs:   

• Keep an Eye on Application Dates: PSU releases the recruitment notifications in April, May, and June. Regularly check the official PSU websites. Subscribe to job portals and newsletters that provide updates on PSU recruitment.
• Choose the Right Sector: PSUs operate in sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, finance, telecommunications, defense, engineering, and energy. When applying for a job in PSUs, choose the domain that matches your interests and skills. 
• Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Understand the exam structures, scores, negative markings, and cut-offs for each job selection phase. This will help you learn about the exam pattern, use the right study resources, and ensure effective preparation.  
• Practice Mock Tests: Practice and take mock interviews and tests as much as possible to simulate the exam environment. This will help you get comfortable with the exam pattern, improve your time management, and identify areas where you should focus your revision.

Conclusion 

Knowing how to get a job at PSUs or public sector undertaking can be a rewarding professional experience. By meeting the eligibility criteria and understanding the recruitment process, you can effectively increase your chances of securing a job in a PSU. Be sure to practice examination patterns consistently, stay focused, and keep yourself updated on the latest notifications. 

Also, if you’re aiming for a role in Indian Railways, then check out how to get a railway job in India.

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