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IOCL vs ONGC- Which is to Join After Passing GATE Exam? Get Detailed Comparison

IOCL vs ONGC comparison is given here for the reference of applicants. Check out the eligibility, job roles, salaries, & career aspects to decide which one between IOCL and ONGC is better after GATE.
authorImagePratibha Bohra24 Jun, 2024
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IOCL vs ONGC

IOCL vs ONGC: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a crucial exam for engineering graduates in India. It opens doors to various opportunities, including higher studies and jobs in prestigious Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Among the top PSUs that recruit through GATE are the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Both organizations offer lucrative career opportunities; however, deciding which one to join between the two can be a daunting task. To help applicants make an informed decision, this article will delve into a detailed IOCL vs ONGC comparison. So continue reading.

Also read: IOCL Recruitment through GATE

IOCL vs ONGC- Overview

IOCL is one of the largest and most successful Indian oil corporations. Its operations involves the whole hydrocarbon value chain, from petroleum product refining, pipeline transportation, and marketing to crude oil and gas exploration and production, petrochemicals, and gas marketing. IOCL is well-known for its strong infrastructure, employee perks, and growth prospects. ONGC is another major PSU in the oil and gas industry. It explores, develops, and produces crude oil and natural gas. ONGC has an important role in the upstream oil and gas industry. The organization is well-known for its superior technology, intensive training programs, and decent employee benefits.

Suggested read: ONGC Recruitment through GATE

IOCL vs ONGC- Which is to Join After Passing GATE Exam?

Through GATE, applicants have the opportunity to join prestigious PSUs like IOCL and ONGC, each offering distinct roles and growth potential. IOCL recruits for positions such as Engineer and Graduate Apprentice Engineer in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical disciplines. On the other hand, ONGC offers a wide range of positions, including AEE in various engineering disciplines, Chemist, Geologist, Geophysicist, Materials Management Officer, Programming Officer, and Transport Officer. While both organizations offer robust career prospects and attractive benefits, focusing on one can help aspirants achieve their dreams effectively. Hence, read the IOCL vs ONGC comparison to know which is better to join after passing the GATE exam.

Check: BHEL vs BEL- Which is Better After GATE?

IOCL vs ONGC- Eligibility Criteria

When it comes to choosing a career with top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India after passing the GATE exam, understanding the eligibility criteria is important. Both Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) offer excellent career opportunities for engineering graduates, but each has specific requirements for selection. This section provides a comparative overview of the IOCL vs ONGC eligibility criteria for recruitment through GATE, helping applicants determine which PSU aligns best with their qualifications and career goals. ONGC Eligibility Criteria
  • Educational Qualifications : Applicants must have a relevant engineering or postgraduate degree with a minimum of 60% marks in disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Chemical, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science.
  • Age Limit : General: 28 to 30 years, OBC: 33 years (Maximum Age Limit), SC/ST: 35 years (Maximum Age Limit), PWD: 40 years (Maximum Age Limit), Ex-Servicemen: 35 years (Maximum Age Limit), and for Departmental Applicants: Age relaxation as per service rendered in ONGC
IOCL Eligibility Criteria
  • Nationality: Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
  • Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have a full-time BE/B.Tech degree in the same discipline as their GATE qualification, with a minimum of 65% aggregate marks for general and OBC-NCL applicants and 55% for SC/ST/PWD applicants, and must have qualified in GATE in one of the following disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering.
  • Upper Age Limit: General/EWS: Maximum 26 years. Relaxation for other categories as per government guidelines.
  • Physical Fitness: Applicants must meet the physical fitness criteria as per the PEME guidelines for final selection and joining.

IOCL vs ONGC- Job Roles Offered Through GATE

After passing the GATE exam, applicants can explore a variety of prestigious job roles offered by IOCL and ONGC. Both organizations offer diverse and challenging opportunities in various engineering disciplines. Find out the job roles offered to applicants who have passed the GATE examination in relevant disciplines in the table presented below:

IOCL vs ONGC: Job Roles Offered Through GATE

IOCL Job Roles ONGC Job Roles
  • Engineer (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical)
  • Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Chemical)
  • Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Civil)
  • Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Electrical)
  • Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Mechanical)
  • Assistant Executive Engineer
  • Chemist
  • Geologist
  • Geophysicist (Surface and Wells)
  • Materials Management Officer
  • Programming Officer
  • Transport Officer

IOCL vs ONGC- Salary Comparison

When considering a career with top PSUs like IOCL and ONGC after clearing the GATE exam, understanding the salary structures and benefits is important. Both organizations offer competitive compensation packages, but there are distinct differences in their pay scales and benefits. The IOCL vs ONGC salary comparison details are provided below for the reference of applicants. IOCL Salary:
  • Pay Scale : Engineers and Post-Graduate Engineers at IOCL receive a starting basic pay ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,60,000 per month.
  • Annual Compensation : The total annual compensation for IOCL engineers amounts to approximately Rs. 17.32 lakhs per annum.
  • Benefits : IOCL offers various benefits, including performance-based incentives, leave travel concessions, medical facilities, accommodation, and pension schemes, among others.
ONGC Salary:
  • Pay Scale : ONGC offers a basic pay scale ranging from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,80,000 per month for its recruits.
  • Annual Appraisal : Employees receive an annual appraisal of three per cent.
  • Additional Allowances : ONGC employees are eligible for an allowance at 35% of the basic pay, which includes:
    • Dearness Allowance
    • Cafeteria Approach
    • HRA/Company Accommodation
    • Contributory Provident Fund
    • Conveyance Maintenance
    • Leave Encashment
    • Substantial Performance Related Pay
    • Gratuity
    • Medical facility for self and dependents
    • Composite Social Security Scheme as per company rules
    • Post-retirement benefit scheme

IOCL vs ONGC- GATE Cut Off

Understanding the PSU GATE Cut Offs is essential for applicants aspiring to join IOCL and ONGC. These cut-offs vary by discipline as well as category and reflect the minimum marks required to be eligible for recruitment. Interested applicants can check out and compare the IOCL vs ONGC GATE Cut Off marks as outlined below.

IOCL GATE Cut Off 2021-2022

GATE Paper Job Name Category Cut Off
Mechanical Engineering Engineer (Mechanical) General 73.04
OBC 72.71
SC 61.4
ST 59.31
EWS 72.92
Chemical Engineering Engineer (Chemical) General 65
OBC 64.67
SC 56
ST 50.33
EWS 64.67
Electrical Engineering Engineer (Electrical) General 68.67
OBC 68.33
SC 59.33
ST 59.67
EWS 68
Civil Engineering Engineer (Civil) General 77.78
OBC 76.41
SC 66.33
ST 67.31
EWS 77.09
Chemical Engineering Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Chemical) General 65
OBC 64.67
SC 56
ST 50.33
EWS 64.67
Civil Engineering Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Civil) General 77.78
OBC 76.41
SC 66.33
EWS 77.09
Electrical Engineering Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Electrical) General 68.67
OBC 68.33
SC 59.33
EWS 68
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentice Engineers (Mechanical) General 73.04
OBC 72.71
SC 61.4
ST 59.31
EWS 72.92

ONGC GATE Cut Off 2021

Applicants who wish to join the ONGC should be well-informed about the ONGC GATE Cut Off, as provided in the table below from the previous year (2021) for reference:

ONGC GATE Cut Off 2021

GATE Paper Job Name Category Cut Off
Chemical Engineering AEE (Reservoir) - Chemical General 942
SC 789
ST 552
EWS 891
Chemical Engineering MM Officer- Chemical General 926
OBC 909
SC 838
ST 789
EWS 899
Chemical Engineering AEE (Production) - Chemical General 832
OBC 792
SC 617
ST 442
EWS 767
Civil Engineering Assistant Engineer(Civil) General 878
OBC 857
SC 740
ST 767
EWS 838
Electrical Engineering Assistant Executive Engineer (Electrical) General 846
OBC 785
SC 691
ST 638
EWS 774
Electrical Engineering MM Officer (Electrical) General 926
OBC 909
SC 838
ST 789
EWS 899
Electronics and Communication Engineering AEE (Electronics) General 898
OBC 822
SC 617
EWS 836
Electronics and Communication Engineering MM Officer (Electronics) General 926
OBC 909
SC 838
ST 789
EWS 899
Mechanical Engineering AEE (Production) - Mechanical General 911
OBC 869
SC 806
ST 751
EWS 873
Mechanical Engineering Transport Officer - Mechanical General 891
ST 724
Mechanical Engineering MM Officer - Mechanical General 926
OBC 909
SC 838
ST 789
EWS 899
Mechanical Engineering AEE (Cementing) - Mechanical General 842
OBC 809
SC 659
Mechanical Engineering AEE (Drilling) - Mechanical General 857
OBC 844
SC 727
ST 648
EWS 830
Instrumentation Engineering MM Officer (Instrumentation) General 926
OBC 909
SC 838
ST 789
EWS 899
Mechanical Engineering Assistant Engineer(Mechanical) General 880
OBC 846
SC 734
ST 748
EWS 865
Instrumentation Engineering AEE (Instrumentation) General 694
OBC 535
SC 431
ST 192
EWS 612

IOCL vs ONGC: Career Aspects Comparison

Both IOCL and ONGC provide excellent career opportunities for engineering graduates. IOCL is ideal for those seeking a balanced work-life environment with diverse roles. ONGC, on the other hand, offers higher initial compensation and advanced technical challenges in the exploration and production sectors. The IOCL vs ONGC career aspects comparative analysis is given here:

IOCL vs ONGC: Career Aspects Comparison

Aspect IOCL ONGC
Promotions Structured promotion policy based on performance and experience. Clear career progression path with opportunities for senior management roles.
Work-Life Balance Relatively balanced, especially in office-based roles; field roles may require extended hours. Can be more demanding, particularly in field roles with offshore and onshore sites; rotational shifts common.
Locations Operations spread across the country, including refineries, marketing offices, and pipeline networks. Extensive operations with opportunities in remote and challenging environments, including offshore rigs and exploration sites.
Salary Starting basic pay ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,60,000 per month; total annual compensation approximately Rs. 17.32 lakhs. Basic pay scale ranging from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,80,000 per month; annual appraisal of three percent.
Benefits Performance-based incentives, medical facilities, accommodation, leave travel concession, pension schemes. Additional allowances at 35% of the basic pay, including Dearness Allowance, HRA/Company Accommodation, Contributory Provident Fund, Leave Encashment, Performance Related Pay, Gratuity, medical facilities, post-retirement benefits.
Choosing between IOCL and ONGC to join after GATE ultimately depends on an applicant's career aspirations, work environment preferences, and professional goals. Both organizations have specific eligibility criteria, job roles, and career development paths that cater to different professional interests and strengths. Understanding these differences and aligning them with personal career goals can help GATE qualifiers make an informed decision between IOCL and ONGC. Excel in your GATE 2025 exam preparation journey with Physics Wallah’s best-in-class and most cost-effective GATE Online Courses . Physics Wallah GATE Online Coaching provides in-depth syllabus-focused live sessions, valuable study resources, practice tests, and a lot more. Explore today!
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IOCL vs ONGC- Which is to Join After Passing GATE Exam? FAQs

Q. Which is better to join, IOCL vs ONGC after GATE?

Ans. Deciding between IOCL and ONGC after GATE depends on aspirants career goals and preferences. However, in order to compare the two, applicants can check out the detailed IOCL vs ONGC comparison in the article above.

Q. What is the IOCL vs ONGC salary?

Ans. IOCL offers a starting basic pay ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,60,000 per month, with a total annual compensation of approximately Rs. 17.32 lakhs. If compared, ONGC provides a basic pay scale ranging from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,80,000 per month, with additional allowances and benefits.

Q. Are IOCL and ONGC government jobs?

Ans. Yes, both IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Limited) and ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) are government-owned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India, offering secure and prestigious career opportunities for engineering graduates.
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