Why GATE exam matters? From PSU job opportunities to a big deal for Odisha aspirants

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 finally concluded last week. The test opens the door to lucrative career opportunities in several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), including many located in Odisha.

Every year, thousands of engineering graduates from across the country, including Odisha, appear for GATE, not only for admission into postgraduate programmes but also to secure prestigious PSU jobs, where GATE scores play a crucial role in recruitment.

Before going into details of the PSUs in Odisha that rope in GATE qualifiers, let’s delve into the reasons why it’s so important for aspirants.

Why GATE Matters for Odisha Aspirants:

In a written reply, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister, Sampad Swain, in February last year, informed the state assembly that ‘34,471 students graduated from government engineering colleges and universities in Odisha, in the last 10 years, but only 15,279 were employed during the period’.

According to data presented by the Minister, in 10 years, 19,182 engineering graduates from government institutes were unemployed in the state. Out of 54,189 students who completed their engineering diplomas in the last decade, only 20,096 found employment. 

Academics had then raised concerns stating that not all engineering streams are attracting campus placements. Hence, to reduce the dependency on campus placements, it’s important to qualify for prestigious exams like GATE.

Besides, with Odisha emerging as a major industrial and power hub, PSUs in the state offer stable careers, competitive pay, and long-term growth.

Clearing GATE significantly improves a candidate’s chances of securing employment close to home while working on large-scale infrastructure, energy, mining and manufacturing projects.

PSUs in Odisha That Recruit Through GATE

Several major PSUs with operations in Odisha consider GATE scores for hiring engineers across disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, civil, mining, metallurgy and electronics.

Key PSUs in Odisha include:

NALCO (National Aluminium Company Limited): Headquartered in Bhubaneswar, NALCO regularly recruits engineers through GATE for its mines, refineries and smelters in Odisha.

MCL (Mahanadi Coalfields Limited): A subsidiary of Coal India Limited, MCL operates extensively in Talcher and surrounding regions and considers GATE-qualified candidates for technical posts.

IOCL – Paradip Refinery: Indian Oil Corporation Limited recruits engineers using GATE scores for its Paradip Refinery, one of the largest industrial projects in the state.

SAIL – Rourkela Steel Plant: Engineers with strong GATE scores are eligible for technical positions at the Rourkela Steel Plant under Steel Authority of India Limited.

OPTCL (Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited): OPTCL has, in previous recruitment cycles, used GATE scores for hiring electrical engineers.

NTPC (Talcher–Kaniha & Talcher Thermal Projects): NTPC, India’s largest power utility, recruits engineers through GATE for its power plants in Odisha.

Apart from PSU recruitment, GATE scores are also used for:

Admission to IITs, NITs and IISc

PSU-sponsored higher education

Research fellowships and academic careers