Which is the better option – PSU or SSC JE?

Which is the better option – PSU or SSC JE?

A common question among many engineering graduates is, which is the better option to join between a PSU and a department offered after cracking the SSC Junior Engineer exam? To get selected for any PSU(Public sector undertaking ), one needs to get a good rank in the GATE exam and give interviews for the recruiting PSU. Some PSUs also take their own written examination followed by an interview to hire aspiring engineers. On the other hand, SSC JE is the examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit engineers in various departments like Public Works departments(PWD), Border Road Organization (BRO), the Ministry of Defense, and other government departments. This article discusses the various factors a candidate can consider before choosing between these two exams.

SSC JEE VS PSU – A SHORT COMPARISON  

For engineering graduates seeking a respected job out of their engineering degree, the path is very challenging and competitive. However, it’s not impossible. Every year a mammoth of engineering graduates aspire to crack GATE which is a gateway to enter either into an M.tech/PHD course at some prominent Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), National Institutes of Technology (NIT), Indian Institutes of Sciences (IISC) and other respected and notable institutions of the country or join PSU like Indian oil corporation limited (IOCL), National thermal power corporation (NTPC), Steel Authority of India ( SAIL) and other important PSU of the nation. Likewise, the rush to crack the SSC JE exam which opens the doorway to various government departments as mentioned above is also very intense.  

•  GATE is a 100 marks exam and the cut-off marks for various respected PSU’s are generally high. It is different for different branches for different PSUs. A candidate needs to go through the previous year’s cut-off scores for the personal interview (PI) and Group discussion (GD) calls of different PSUs. Some PSUs also conduct their  

own exams like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and others. 

• SSC JE is a direct entrance towards various government engineering jobs which is conducted by Staff Selection Commission. It consists of two papers, paper I consisting of 200 marks, and paper II consisting of 300 marks.  
• Both the exams focus on assessing the technical expertise of the candidates along with their general aptitude skills which comprise a short percentage of the total marks allotted in the exam. To crack the interview round of PSU after giving GATE, the candidate needs to work on their personality, their explanation ability, and the presentation of knowledge. There is no interview for the SSC JE, the final list is made by combining the marks obtained in paper I and paper II.  
• While the GATE exam offers a great opportunity for many engineering branches, SSC JE is limited to only branches like electrical, mechanical, and civil.

SSC JEE AND PSU- ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

The eligibility criteria for these two exams differ considerably. It’s important to be informed about the eligibility criteria of these exams to have a clear picture of these exams. The eligibility requirements of SSC JE and PSU are discussed below in detail.

SSC JE and PSU – Exam pattern 

The examination patterns of both examinations differ significantly. Although both exams are concerned with assessing technical expertise, the patterns of these exams vary considerably. It is essential to look at their exam patterns to understand the demands of these two exams. The below table discusses it in detail. 

SSC JE and PSU- Application fees  

The application fee is another factor that an aspirant wants to know about these exams. The application fees are different and candidates should be informed of that. The below table contains information about the application fees.

SSC JE AND PSU – WORK PROFILE 

The work profile is the most important consideration in the minds of aspirants preparing for these exams. The job profile is the most attractive factor behind preparing for any exam and it’s important to look at the work profile to target these exams.  

• PSU THROUGH GATE – After getting into PSU and following all the processes, you’ll be selected as an executive engineer.  
• SSC JE- You will be recruited as a junior engineer in the government departments.  

 SSC JEE AND PSU – SALARY STRUCTURE 

The salary structure is another crucial factor to be looked upon for choosing one for the preparation of these two exams. Both jobs give a handsome salary, perks, and benefits to live your life with dignity. But again, the differences between the salary structure should be clear to you. The salary structure for PSU and SSC JE are given below. 

SSC JEE AND PSU – A DECISION 

After looking at numerous factors with the pros and cons of these two exams and the jobs which they offer, it’s up to individual dreams and destination to opt for one exam. While it’s not necessary that one can either prepare for GATE or SSC, preparing extensively for both exams requires a little more effort. If you are okay with giving more effort, you should prepare for both exams simultaneously. Below are some other factors discussed which might help you in deciding the best for you.  

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