Electrical Engineering Interview Process:

Interview at NALCO: GATE-Based Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) Position

Rajarshi, a B.Tech graduate from IIEST Shibpur, faced the NALCO interview on February 8, 2021, just a day after his GATE exam. Despite the timing, his experience offers crucial takeaways for aspirants preparing for PSU interviews.

Key Interview Questions:

1. Introduce yourself.
2. Favorite subjects: Expect questions from core topics like machines, power systems (PS), and power system protection.
3. Internship and B.Tech project-based questions, especially on SCADA and distributed generation using renewable energy.
4. Torque-slip characteristics of 3-phase induction motors (IM).
5. Methods to achieve maximum torque at startup for wound rotor and squirrel cage IMs.
6. Differences between single and three-phase cables.
7. Protection systems, including distance protection and numerical relays.
8. Fault analysis and types of instability in power systems.
9. Contingency analysis in PS.

Rajarshi’s Key Advice:

• Prepare machines, power systems, and power system protection thoroughly.
• Know your internship and B.Tech projects well—questions will likely stem from them.
• The interviewers will ask from your comfort zone, focusing on your strengths rather than testing for weaknesses.

Although Rajarshi had a strong interview, he was not selected for NALCO due to the limited vacancies and his GATE rank. Despite this setback, he successfully secured a position at Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in 2023.

POSOCO Interview: Grid Controller of India (GCIL) Through GATE

In 2023, Rajarshi also interviewed with POSOCO, a top choice for GATE aspirants due to its competitive salary and attractive postings. His interview in Delhi was comprehensive, with a selection process comprising GATE marks (85%), group discussion (GD), and personal interview (PI).

Key POSOCO Interview Questions:

1. Distributed generation and power system restructuring.
2. Grid failure management by POSOCO.
3. Power system islanding.
4. Solar cell use in distributed generation.
5. Reactive power control in HVDC and FACTS systems.
6. HR questions on his role at Unacademy and industry knowledge.

Key Advice for POSOCO Interviews:

• Fill your resume thoughtfully; your interview will revolve around the information you provide.
• Be confident and well-versed in power systems, SCADA, and grid stability.
• Perform well in the GATE exam, as it carries the highest weightage in PSU selections.

Despite a great performance, Rajarshi was not selected due to the intense competition and GATE rank weightage. However, he found success at DVC, showcasing resilience and adaptability in his career journey.