Introduction

The purpose of this article is to share my personal experiences during the rigorous selection process at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). This journey highlights the importance of preparation and understanding of various technical and soft skills required for success in the competitive environment of large-scale organizations like IOCL and ONGC.

Gate Score and Interview Cutoff

The journey begins with the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score, which is a critical step in the recruitment process for both IOCL and ONGC. For the year 2022, the cutoff for interview calls in the General category was 51.33 marks, while for EWS, OBC, SC, and ST, the respective cutoffs were 50.67, 35, 33, and 31 marks.

Interview at IOCL

The interview at IOCL was conducted at their regional office in Dhakuria, Kolkata. The selection process for IOCL includes a Gate Score of 85, a Personal Interview of 10, and a GD/GT score of 5.

Interview Panel and Process

The interview panel comprised of four members. The process began with a brief introduction and a discussion on the candidate's project, which was related to Machine Learning. The interviewer then delved into more technical questions, including:

Definition of Machine Learning with real-life examples Impact of IoT on IOCL Explanation of structured and unstructured data with examples Predictive analysis Explanation of Router, Proxy, Gateways, Web Services, and APIs Cryptocurrencies and their advantages

Following the technical questions, the interview transitioned to HR-related questions, such as:

Reasons for joining IOCL Three strengths of the candidate Hobbies and extracurricular activities

Lunch and Group Discussion Task

After the interview, the candidates were treated to a delicious lunch. Following lunch, the candidates were divided into groups for a Group Discussion (GD) and Group Task (GT).

Group Discussion Topics

Man-Machine Interface Strategies for Dealing with Cyberbullying Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Reality or Dream Marks-based System as a Judgement Tool

Group Task

The group task required the candidates to propose strategies to improve the conditions of sports and athletes in India so that India could win more medals.

Interview at ONGC

The interview at ONGC, held in Gurgaon, Delhi, was a slightly different experience. The selection process for ONGC included a Personal Interview and a Group Interview (GD/GT), with 8 interviewers, 6 males and 2 females.

Interview Panel and Process

The panel included 8 members, and the interview questions varied significantly from IOCL. Key questions included:

Introduction and personal connection to teaching Green fuel alternatives by IOCL Training and work experience at different locations Brief explanation of Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies Knowledge of C-programming Hobbies and extracurricular activities Digital twin explanation Local cultural knowledge (Guru Ram Raheem)

The interview concluded with a strong positive note, with the candidate sharing a poetry piece, which was well-received by the interviewers.

Final Verdict

Both interviews concluded with positive conclusions. After the interview at IOCL, the candidate was provided with a lunch box and then moved on to the Group Discussion and Group Task. The candidate also noted that ONGC shortlisted the candidate and provided a strong positive verdict.

Conclusion

The journey through the Gate and interview process at IOCL and ONGC is a testament to the importance of comprehensive preparation and the ability to articulate knowledge and experiences effectively. Understanding the technical nuances and being well-prepared for both technical and HR questions can significantly improve one's chances of success.

About the Author

The author of this article is a seasoned professional who has successfully navigated the competitive landscape of IOCL and ONGC through the GATE process and subsequent interviews. This firsthand experience offers valuable insights and advice for future aspirants.