This article is authored by Akash Krishnan, from ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad. It discusses in detail the different types of PSUs in India, which PSUs recruit law graduates and what is the eligibility and process for such recruitment.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Public Sector Undertakings are companies owned by either the Government of India or any of the State Governments. In PSUs, 50% or more of the paid-up share capital is owned by the Government. In India, PSUs are classified into three categories:
- Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)
- Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs)
- Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
The PSUs that recruit law graduates through the CLAT PG examination are CPSEs. CPSEs can be classified further into three categories based on their status. The details of the classification have been enumerated below:
Maharatna
The following conditions should be satisfied by a PSU for receiving the status of Maharatna:
- It should have the status of Navratna.
- It should have an average turnover of Rs. 25,000 crore or more in the preceding three years.
- It should have an average annual net worth of Rs. 15,000 crore or more in the preceding three years.
- It should have a global presence and should engage in international operations.
Currently, there are 8 Maharatnas in India. Some of the examples of Maharatnas include Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Coal India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited etc.
Navratna
The following conditions should be satisfied by a PSU for receiving the status of Navratna:
- It should have a Schedule A listing and Miniratna Category-1 status.
- It should have a score of 60 or above in the following parameters:
- Net profit to net worth: 25 points
- Gross margin to capital employed: 15 points
- Gross profit to turnover: 15 points
- Earnings per share (EPS): 10 points
- Performance comparison with other PSUs in the same sector: 20 points
- Manpower cost to cost of production: 15 points
Currently, India has 16 Navratnas. Some of the examples of Navratnas include Engineers India Limited, Oil India Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India, Shipping Corporation of India Limited etc.
Miniratna
The PSUs that have made continuous profits in the preceding three years and have a positive net worth are given the status of Miniratna by the Government. Miniratnas are divided into 2 categories:
- PSUs that have made continuous profits in the preceding three years and have a net profit of Rs. 30 crores or more in one of the three preceding years.
- PSUs that have made continuous profits in the preceding three years and have a positive net worth.
Currently, India has 75 Miniratnas. Some of the examples of Miniratnas include the Airports Authority of India, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited etc.
PSU recruitment for law graduates through the CLAT PG examination
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC Limited)
ONGC Limited is India’s leading company and is responsible for the exploration and production of oil and gas. ONGC contributes to around 65% of India’s domestic Oil and Gas production.
ONGC Limited accepts applications annually for the post of Assistant Legal Advisor (E1 level) and conducts recruitment through the CLAT PG examination. The relevant details of the recruitment process have been enumerated below.
Tentative vacancy
- Unreserved: 05
- OBC: 02
- SC: 01
- ST: 01
- Total: 09
Eligibility criterion and reservations
| Category of posts | Age limit | Essential qualification |
| Unreserved, EWS | 30 years | The candidate should have a graduate degree in law with a minimum of 60% marks. Desirable: Practicing advocate with at least 3 years of work experience. |
| OBC | 33 years | |
| SC, ST | 35 years | |
| PWD | 40 years (further relaxed by 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC, ST) | |
| Departmental candidates | Age relaxation will be extended to departmental candidates to the extent of their services rendered in ONGC. | |
| Ex-Servicemen | 35 years |
Selection process
Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria will be shortlisted on the basis of CLAT PG score. The weightage and allocation of marks have been enumerated below:
| Criterion | Allocation of marks |
| Qualification | 25 marks (20 marks for essential qualification and 5 marks for inline PhD) |
| Weightage of CLAT PG score | 60 marks |
| Interview | 15 marksMinimum qualifying marks in Interview1. UR and OBC: 9 Marks2. SC, ST and PwD: 6 Marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
Candidates have to qualify at every individual stage for final selection. If the total marks of an individual are identical then the order of merit will be fixed on the basis of the weightage of the CLAT Score and if the CLAT Scores are identical then the one older in age is considered senior for appointment purposes.
Remuneration
The pay scale is in the grade of Rs. 60,000- 1,80,000/- with an increment of 3% per year. besides basic pay, the employee is entitled to allowance @ 35% of basic pay under cafeteria approach, dearness allowance, HRA/company accommodation, contributory provident fund, conveyance maintenance, substantial performance-related pay, a medical facility for self and dependents, gratuity, post-retirement benefit scheme and composite social security scheme as per company rules.
Application Process
Step I: Filling up of Online Application Form
- Fill up the Online Application Form that will be available on the careers page of the official website.
- Add personal details, educational qualifications and other details as mentioned in the Application Form.
- Submit the form after filling in all the details. Upon submission, an acknowledgement number will be generated that will be used for the further stages of the Application.
Step II: Uploading documents
- The link to step 2 will be available on completion of step 1. Login using the Acknowledgement Number as username and your date of birth as password. After logging in, the following documents need to be uploaded:
a. Photograph
b. Signature
c. Category Certificate (if applicable)
d. Disability Certificate (if applicable)
e. Graduation degree certificates
f. Certificate/Documents in support of Post – Qualification Experience
g. DOB Certificate
- Once the documents are uploaded successfully, the page will return to the Home Page reflecting status of Step 2 as “Completed.”
Step III: Payment of registration fee
- After reviewing the Application and before the final submission, a processing fee has to be paid.
- SC/ST/Ex-SM/PWD candidates need not pay the registration fee. General, OBC and EWS candidates are required to deposit Rs. 370 as the registration fee.
Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO Limited)
POSOCO Limited is a Government. of India Enterprise, under the Ministry of Power. It is responsible for managing the power system operations.
POSOCO Limited accepts applications annually for the post of Executive Trainee (Law) and conducts recruitment through the CLAT PG examination. The relevant details of the recruitment process have been enumerated below.
Tentative vacancies
- Unreserved: 02
- SC: 01
- ST: 01
- Total: 04
Eligibility criterion
Full time 3 years LLB or 5 years integrated law course with not less than 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Final year students may also apply.
Upper age limit
The upper age limit for applying is 28 years.
Reservation and relaxation
Reservation for Persons with Disabilities candidates will be in accordance with Government directives.
The upper age limit is relaxable for candidates belonging to the following categories as under:
- For SC/ST: – by 5 years
- For OBC (non-creamy layer): – by 3 years
- For General PWD Candidates: – by 10 years
- PWD Candidates: – by 13 years
- For SC/ST PWD Candidates: – by 15 years
- J&K domiciled candidates from 1/1/1980 to 31/12/1989: – by 5 years
Selection Process
Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria will be shortlisted on the basis of CLAT PG score. The weightage and allocation of marks have been enumerated below:
| Criterion | Percentage | Qualifying Marks |
| Marks in CLAT PG | 85% | Based on the merit list |
| Group discussion | 3% | No qualification marks |
| Personal interview | 12% | Unreserved: 40% and Reserved: 30% |
Candidates will have to qualify separately in CLAT PG and in Personal Interviews.
Remuneration
Selected candidates will be placed on the pay scale of ₹ 60000-180000 and other allowances and benefits as applicable, during the one-year training period. On regularization, compensation package will also include performance-related pay, company leased accommodation/company quarters or HRA, reimbursement of monthly conveyance expenditure, mobile facility, group insurance, personal accident insurance, pension fund, gratuity, pension & leave encashment etc
Application process
Step I: Filling up of Online Application Form
Candidates have to register themselves online at the official POSOCO website with details of their CLAT PG Application No., Control Number, CLAT Roll Number and other required information. The link for registration will be available on the careers page of the website.
Step II: Payment of registration fee
SC/ST/PWD/Ex-SM/Departmental candidates are exempted from payment of application fees. Other candidates have to pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 500.
Oil India Limited (OIL)
OIL is a leading oil and gas company with a pan India presence and a growing global footprint. It is engaged in the exploration, production and transportation of crude oil, natural gas and the manufacture of LPG.
OIL accepts applications annually for the post of Legal/Land Officers and conducts recruitment through the CLAT PG examination. The relevant details of the recruitment process have been enumerated below.
Tentative vacancies
- Unreserved: 02
- OBC: 01
- Total: 03
Eligibility criterion
Full time 3 years LLB or 5 years integrated law course with not less than 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Final year students may also apply.
Upper age limit
The upper age limit for the Unreserved category is 29 years and for OBC (NCL) is 32 years.
Reservation
- The OBC (CL) candidates will not have any concessions.
- PWD reservations shall be available for persons with 40% or more disability only.
- Age relaxation for PWD candidates: 10 years and 12 years for OBC-NCL
- J&K domiciled candidates from 1/1/1980 to 31/12/1989: by 5 years
Selection process
- There will be 2 phases for selection: Phase I- Group Discussion (GD) & Viva Voce and Phase II- Pre Employment Medical Examination (PEME).
- Shortlisting for GD and Viva Voce is done on the basis of CLAT PG examination marks in order of merit.
- Candidates should qualify separately in the CLAT PG examination and the selection process.
Remuneration
Selected candidates will be placed on the pay scale of Rs 24900-50500 (starting basic pay of Rs 24900) in Grade B. The selected candidate will have to serve a probationary period of one year and will be confirmed after successful completion of the same. The approximate total salary in Grade B will be around Rs 75000 per month approximately. In addition to the basic pay & DA, other benefits include HRA or company leased/self-lease accommodation, leave encashment, free medical benefits for self & dependents, gratuity/PF, house building loan, vehicle loan, computer loan, group insurance, etc, as per rules of the company.
Application process
- Eligible candidates may apply online on the official Oil India Limited website by filling in the online application form.
- The system will generate a unique registration number once the application form has been submitted.
- Candidates should keep the printout of the registration slip.
- All the details mentioned in the Application Form should be true and no changes can be made post submission.
- There is no registration/processing fee for any candidate.
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (PGCIL & CTUIL)
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is one of the largest power transmission utilities globally. It engages in the activity of power transmission over inter-state transmission systems.
Central Transmission Utility of India Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGCIL and is in the process of separation from PGCIL. Post-separation, it will function as an independent utility and shall be responsible to discharge all functions of planning & coordination related to the inter-state transmission system.
PGCIL and CTUIL accept applications annually for the post of Executive Trainee (Law) and conduct recruitment through the CLAT PG examination. The relevant details of the recruitment process have been enumerated below.
Tentative vacancies
- PGCIL: Unreserved: 02 and OBC (NCL): 01
- CTUIL: Unreserved: 05 and OBC (NCL): 01
Total: 09
Eligibility criterion
Full time 3 years LLB or 5 years integrated law course with not less than 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Final year students may also apply.
Upper age limit
The upper age limit for applying is 28 years.
Reservation and relaxation
Reservation for Persons with Disabilities candidates will be in accordance with Government directives.
The upper age limit is relaxable for candidates belonging to the following categories as under:
- For SC/ST: – by 5 years
- For OBC (NCL): – by 3 years
- For General PWD Candidates: – by 10 years
- PWD Candidates: – by 13 years
- For SC/ST PWD Candidates: – by 15 years
- J&K domiciled candidates from 1/1/1980 to 31/12/1989: by 5 years
Selection process
Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria will be shortlisted on the basis of CLAT PG score. The weightage and allocation of marks have been enumerated below:
| Marks in CLAT PG | 85% |
| Group discussion | 3% |
| Personal interview | 12% |
Candidates will have to qualify separately in CLAT PG and in the Personal Interview.
The appointment for POWERGRID & CTUIL shall be done jointly on the basis of the option/preference exercised by the candidate at the time of applying.
The Offer of Appointment shall be issued to the suitable candidates in the order of merit. Once a candidate gets an offer from either PGCIL/CTUIL, their candidature for the other organization may automatically be treated as cancelled, even if they decline the offer/ do not join the organisation.
Remuneration
Selected candidates will be placed on the pay scale of ₹ 60000-180000 and other allowances and benefits as applicable, during the one-year training period. On regularization, compensation package will also include performance-related pay, company leased accommodation/company quarters or HRA, reimbursement of monthly conveyance expenditure, mobile facility, group insurance, personal accident insurance, pension fund, gratuity, pension & leave encashment etc
Application process
Step I: Filling up of Online Application Form
Candidates have to register themselves online at the official PGCIL website with details of their CLAT PG Application No., Control Number, CLAT Roll Number and other required information. The link for registration will be available on the careers page of the website.
Step II: Payment of registration fee
SC/ST/PWD/Ex-SM/Departmental candidates are exempted from payment of application fees. Other candidates have to pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 500.
Conclusion
In a generation where every law student is looking for a corporate job and allow law firms to exploit their talent for a below-par remuneration, such opportunities remain unnoticed. With these opportunities out in the open, law students can choose a different career path and work towards it from the initial stages of the law school itself. These Government jobs are permanent in nature and provide the much-needed sense of social and economic security to an individual.
References
- https://www.ongcindia.com/wps/wcm/connect/2854b572-e989-46aa-869f-3ed8f7c26328/ala2019_1.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-2854b572-e989-46aa-869f-3ed8f7c26328-mC0fhHs
- http://oil-india.com/Document/Career/Recruitment%20in%20OIL%20through%20Common%20Law%20Admission%20Test%20(CLAT%202017).pdf
- https://www.powergridindia.com/sites/default/files/Detailed_Advt_ET_2021_CLAT_0.pdf
- https://exampariksha.com/maharatna-navratna-miniratna-psus-general-awareness-study-material-notes/
- https://law.careers360.com/articles/psu-recruitment-through-clat
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