NTPC vs NHPC- Which is Better to Join After GATE? Get Complete Details
Compare NTPC vs NHPC to decide which is better to join after passing the GATE examination. Explore their distinct job roles, eligibility, salary, and career aspects in this comparative guide.
Pratibha Bohra27 Jun, 2024
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NTPC vs NHPC: Choosing the right organization to join after clearing the GATE exam can significantly impact one's career trajectory, especially when deciding between two major public sector undertakings (PSUs) like the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). Both NTPC and NHPC are highly reputable in the Indian energy sector, offering various career opportunities for engineering graduates. However, they differ from each other in many aspects.
This article will compare NTPC and NHPC, focusing on career growth opportunities, salary and benefits, and overall suitability for GATE-qualified applicants. Understanding these aspects will help aspirants make an informed decision about which organization aligns better with their career goals and interests.Also check: SAIL vs GAIL
NTPC vs NHPC- Overview
The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) was established in 1975 to accelerate power development in India. It started as a thermal power-generating company and gradually diversified into hydro, solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. NTPC has achieved several milestones, including becoming a Maharatna company, a status given to highly prestigious and influential PSUs. It has also expanded its operations internationally. NTPC primarily focuses on power generation through thermal energy, which includes coal, gas, and oil-based power plants. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) was established in 1975 with the objective of planning, promoting, and organizing an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in India. NHPC has been instrumental in harnessing India's hydroelectric potential, making substantial contributions to the national grid. It is recognized for its expertise in the planning and execution of large-scale hydroelectric projects. NHPC specializes in the development and operation of hydroelectric power projects, leveraging the abundant water resources in India.Suggested read: IOCL vs ONGC
NTPC vs NHPC- Which is Better to Join After GATE?
For engineering graduates who have successfully passed the GATE exam, choosing between National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) can be challenging, as both companies offer great growth potential, competitive salaries, and excellent job opportunities. To aid in deciding which is better, aspirants can compare the eligibility requirements, GATE cut-offs, job roles, responsibilities, salary, allowances, and career advancement prospects of NTPC vs NHPC, as provided in this article.Also read: NPCIL vs BARC
NTPC vs NHPC- Eligibility Criteria
Both NTPC and NHPC have stringent eligibility criteria for recruitment through GATE, focusing on specific engineering disciplines and academic performance. While age relaxations and nationality requirements are similar for both organizations, understanding these criteria will help GATE-qualified applicants make an informed decision on which organization (NTPC vs NHPC) aligns best with their qualifications and career goals.NTPC Eligibility Criteria for Recruitments through GATE
- Nationality: Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit for GEN/EWS applicants is 27 years; for SC/ST applicants , there is a relaxation of 5 years (making the maximum age 32 years); for OBC-NCL applicants, the relaxation is 3 years (maximum age 30 years); for PwD-General, the relaxation is 10 years (maximum age 37 years); for PwD-OBC, the relaxation is 13 years (maximum age 40 years); and for PwD-SC/ST, the relaxation is 15 years (maximum age 42 years).
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must have a full-time engineering degree in the following disciplines, with at least 65% marks:
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control, Power Systems & High Voltage, Power Electronics, Power Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical, Production, Industrial Engineering, Production and Industrial Engineering, Thermal, Mechanical & Automation, Power Engineering.
- Instrumentation Engineering: Electronics & Instrumentation, Instrumentation & Control.
- Electronic Engineering: Electronics, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Power, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electrical and Electronics.
- Final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria at the time of joining.
- Medical Requirement: Applicants must meet the health criteria laid down by NTPC, including a medical examination conducted by NTPC's medical board.
NHPC Eligibility Criteria for Recruitments Through GATE
- Age Limit: The maximum age for UR applicants is 28 years; for OBC applicants, there is a relaxation of 3 years (making the maximum age 31 years); for SC/ST applicants, the relaxation is 5 years (maximum age 33 years); and for PwD applicants, the relaxation is 10 years (maximum age 38 years).
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must have a full-time 4-year course in B.E., B.Tech., or B.Sc. Engg. from a university recognized by the UGC or a government-recognized institute in the following disciplines: Civil Engineering (CE), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC), Computer Science & Information Technology (CS), Geology and Geophysics (GG), and Environmental Science & Engineering (ES).
- Final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they have a minimum of 60% qualifying marks.
Check: CIL vs OIL India
NTPC vs NHPC- Job Roles Offered to GATE-Qualifiers
NTPC and NHPC offer various job roles for GATE-qualified engineers, each providing unique opportunities and challenges. NTPC recruits Engineering Executive Trainees in various disciplines, while NHPC hires Trainee Engineer/Trainee Officer through GATE scores. Check out the job roles and responsibilities of NTPC vs NHPC outlined below:| NTPC vs NHPC: Job Roles Offered to GATE-Qualifiers | ||
| Particular | Job Roles | Responsibilities |
| NTPC | Engineering Executive Trainee |
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| Assistant Engineer |
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| Operations and Maintenance Engineer |
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| NHPC | Trainee Engineer |
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| Trainee Officer |
|
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NTPC vs NHPC- GATE Cut Off for Shortlisting Applicants
Understanding the GATE cut-offs for shortlisting applicants can provide valuable insights for engineering graduates aiming to join the NTPC or NHPC. Find out the GATE cut-offs for NTPC vs NHPC recruitment for shortlisting applicants for interviews based on previous years' data.| NTPC Recruitment Cutoff 2021-22 | |||||
| Branch | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
| Electronics | 59.33 | 56.67 | 53.67 | 41 | 37.67 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 77.94 | 70.6 | 70.08 | 58.95 | 52.73 |
| Electrical Engineering | 68 | 59 | 59.33 | 50.33 | 47.33 |
| Instrumentation Engineering | 60 | 33 | 44.67 | 41.67 | 25 |
NHPC Recruitment Through GATE Cut Off
The GATE cut-off scores for NHPC also vary by discipline and category. Below are the cut-off scores from the 2016 recruitment cycle:| NHPC GATE Cut Off 2016 | ||||
| Stream | UR | OBC | SC | ST |
| Mechanical Engineering | 87.83 | 83.3 | 75.18 | 66.67 |
| Electrical Engineering | 72.6 | 72.38 | 69.67 | NA |
| Civil Engineering | 79.1 | 74.72 | 61.21 | NA |
| Geology | 53.67 | 44.67 | 35 | NA |
NTPC vs NHPC- Salary Comparison
The choice between NTPC and NHPC after GATE can be significantly influenced by the salary and growth prospects they offer. Both organizations provide competitive salaries and benefits, but there are notable differences in their pay scales. This section provides a detailed comparison of the NTPC vs NHPC salaries to help aspirants make an informed decision.| NTPC vs NHPC- Salary Comparison | |
| NTPC Recruitment Through GATE Salary | NHPC Recruitment Through GATE Salary |
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NTPC vs NHPC- Allowances and Perks
Both NTPC and NHPC offer similar allowances and benefits aimed at ensuring employee welfare and stability. These include:- Dearness Allowance (DA): Regular adjustments to offset inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per company norms or company-provided accommodation.
- Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical coverage for employees and their families.
- Performance-Linked Incentives: Based on individual and company performance.
- Travel Allowance: Includes allowances for official travel.
- Retirement Benefits: Includes provident fund, gratuity, and pension schemes.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Employees can avail of leave travel concessions for personal travel.
- Additional Perks: Additional perks such as canteen allowance, leave encashment, subsidized canteen facilities, residential quarters (subject to availability), and casual leave.
NTPC vs NHPC- Career Growth
Both NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) and NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) offer promising career growth opportunities for GATE-qualified aspirants. Each organization has its own unique strengths and pathways for professional advancement. Here's a comparative analysis of NTPC vs NHPC to help applicants understand the career growth prospects at these PSUs:| NTPC vs NHPC- Career Growth | |
| NTPC Career Aspects | |
| Structured Promotion | NTPC has a well-defined promotion structure with clear criteria for advancing to higher grades and positions. Employees typically start as Executive Trainees (ETs) and can progress to roles such as Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, Manager, Senior Manager, General Manager, and beyond. |
| Professional Development | NTPC emphasizes continuous learning and professional development through training programs, workshops, and higher education opportunities. |
| Exposure to Diverse Projects | Engineers at NTPC gain exposure to a variety of projects in the thermal, hydro, solar, and wind energy sectors. Working on large-scale power projects enhances technical skills and project management abilities. |
| Leadership Opportunities | NTPC encourages a culture of innovation and problem-solving, allowing engineers to take on challenging projects and lead teams. |
| NHPC Career Aspects | |
| Well-Defined Career Path | NHPC also provides a structured career path with regular promotions based on performance and experience. Engineers start as Trainee Engineers and can advance to Assistant Engineer, Deputy Manager, Manager, Senior Manager, Chief Engineer, and beyond. |
| Specialized Training Programs | NHPC invests in the professional development of its employees through specialized training programs in the hydroelectric and renewable energy sectors. Training is provided in areas such as project management, advanced engineering techniques, and environmental sustainability. |
| Involvement in Key Projects | NHPC engineers work on critical hydroelectric projects, which are often located in diverse and challenging terrains. Involvement in these projects provides engineers with valuable experience in sustainable energy development and environmental management. |
| Emphasis on Sustainability | The NHPC places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and environmental protection. Engineers have the opportunity to work on projects that balance energy needs with ecological preservation, contributing to their professional and personal growth. |
NTPC vs NHPC- Which is Better to Join After GATE? FAQs
Q. Is joining NTPC over NHPC better after GATE?
Ans. The decision to join NTPC over NHPC after clearing the GATE exam depends on the aspirant's career aspirations and preferences. While both offer lucrative career opportunities, they differ from each other in many aspects. Read more in the NTPC vs NHPC article in the above article.
Q. Do NTPC and NHPC recruit through GATE every year?
Ans. Yes, both NTPC and NHPC shortlist eligible applicants based on their GATE exam scores annually for further stages in the recruitment process.
Q. NTPC vs NHPC- Which one is better?
Ans. To choose the one that fits well with your career goals, read the detailed comparison on key aspects of NTPC vs NHPC provided in the article above.
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