The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are the premier institutions of engineering and technology in India. They are known for their academic excellence, research innovation, and alumni network. Every year, thousands of students aspire to join the IITs and pursue their dream careers in various fields such as software, consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, and more.
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However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the career preferences of some IIT graduates. More and more IITians are opting for government jobs over private sector jobs. They are exploring the opportunities in civil services, public sector undertakings, defense research, teaching, and research. They are motivated by various factors such as job security, social impact, work-life balance, and personal satisfaction.
If you are an IIT graduate who is interested in getting a government job, this article will guide you through the process. It will help you understand the reasons behind the shift, the benefits of choosing a government job, the various government job opportunities available for IIT graduates, and the tips and strategies to prepare for them. It will also share some real-life stories of IITians who chose government jobs and their experiences.
Understanding the Shift
Why are IIT graduates leaning towards government jobs? What are the advantages of working in the government sector? How do IITians contribute to nation-building through government jobs? These are some of the questions that you might have if you are considering a government job after IIT. Let us try to answer them by analyzing the trend and its implications.
Analysis of the Trend
The trend of IIT graduates opting for government jobs is not new. In fact, many prominent civil servants, scientists, and academicians in India are IIT alumni. For instance, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO; Dr. Raghuram Rajan, former governor of RBI; Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission; Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, founder of PARAM supercomputer; and Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, professor at IIT Madras and Padma Shri awardee are some of the examples of IITians who have made remarkable contributions to the government sector.
However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of IIT graduates appearing for various government exams such as UPSC civil services exam (CSE), engineering services exam (ESE), GATE exam for PSUs, DRDO scientist entry test (SET), UGC NET exam for teaching and research positions, etc. According to a report by The Times of India, more than 10% of the candidates who cleared CSE 2019 were from IITs. Similarly, according to a report by The Hindu, more than 15% of the candidates who cleared ESE 2019 were from IITs.
There are several reasons behind this trend. Some of them are:
- Job security: Government jobs offer stability and security in terms of employment and income. Unlike private sector jobs, which are subject to market fluctuations and performance appraisals, government jobs are relatively immune to economic downturns and layoffs. Government employees also enjoy various perks and benefits such as pension, medical insurance, housing allowance, travel allowance, etc.
- Social impact: Government jobs offer an opportunity to serve the society and make a difference in the lives of millions of people. Government employees work on various projects and policies that affect various aspects of development such as education, health care, infrastructure, environment, defense, etc. They also interact with people from diverse backgrounds and regions and understand their problems and needs.
- Work-life balance: Government jobs offer a better work-life balance than private sector jobs. Government employees have fixed working hours and holidays. They also have less stress and pressure than private sector employees who have to deal with deadlines, targets, competition, etc. Government employees can spend more time with their family and pursue their hobbies and interests.
- Personal satisfaction: Government jobs offer a sense of pride and fulfillment to those who are passionate about their work. Government employees feel that they are contributing to the nation’s progress and welfare. They also get recognition and respect from their peers and society.
Benefits of Choosing a Government Job
Choosing a government job over a private sector job can have several benefits for an IIT graduate. Some of them are:
- Career growth: Government jobs offer ample opportunities for career growth and advancement. Government employees can get promoted to higher ranks based on their performance and experience. They can also switch to different departments or ministries based on their interests and skills. They can also get exposure to international assignments and collaborations.
- Learning opportunities: Government jobs offer learning opportunities for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills. Government employees can access various training programs, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. They can also pursue higher education or research while working. They can also learn from their seniors and mentors who have rich experience and expertise in their fields.
- Networking opportunities: Government jobs offer networking opportunities for those who want to expand their professional and personal contacts. Government employees can interact with various stakeholders such as politicians, bureaucrats, experts, media, civil society, etc. They can also join various associations and clubs related to their field of work. They can also participate in various social and cultural events and activities.
- Job satisfaction: Government jobs offer job satisfaction for those who enjoy their work and find meaning in it. Government employees feel that they are making a positive impact on the society and the country. They also feel that they are fulfilling their duty and responsibility as a citizen. They also feel that they are using their talent and potential to the fullest.
Real-life Stories of IITians Who Chose Government Jobs
There are many IITians who have chosen government jobs and have achieved success and recognition in their fields. Here are some of their stories:
- Ankur Garg: Ankur Garg is an IIT Delhi graduate who topped the CSE 2003 at the age of 22. He joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and served in various capacities such as deputy commissioner, director, joint secretary, etc. He also topped the prestigious Stanford MBA program in 2018. He is currently posted as the commissioner of municipal corporation of Ludhiana.
- Gaurav Agarwal: Gaurav Agarwal is an IIT Kanpur graduate who worked as an investment banker in Hong Kong before cracking the CSE 2013 with AIR 1. He joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) and served as the superintendent of police in various districts of Rajasthan. He is known for his innovative initiatives such as ‘Operation Sadbhavna’ for communal harmony, ‘Operation Vishwas’ for women safety, ‘Operation Muskaan’ for child welfare, etc.
- Manish Kumar: Manish Kumar is an IIT Kharagpur graduate who worked as a software engineer in Microsoft before clearing the ESE 2010 with AIR 1. He joined the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) and served as the divisional electrical engineer in various zones of Indian Railways. He is known for his achievements such as electrification of railway lines, installation of solar panels, energy conservation, etc.
- Ravi Kumar: Ravi Kumar is an IIT Bombay graduate who worked as a research scientist in IBM before cracking the GATE exam for PSUs. He joined the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) as an engineer trainee and rose to the position of executive director. He is known for his contributions to various power projects such as thermal, hydro, nuclear, solar, etc.
- Shashank Chaudhary: Shashank Chaudhary is an IIT Roorkee graduate who worked as a software developer in Oracle before clearing the DRDO SET exam. He joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist and worked on various projects related to missile technology, radar systems, artificial intelligence, etc. He is known for his innovations such as ‘Astra’ air-to-air missile, ‘Akash’ surface-to-air missile, ‘Netra’ airborne early warning and control system, etc.
- Neha Sharma: Neha Sharma is an IIT Delhi graduate who worked as a consultant in McKinsey before clearing the UGC NET exam for teaching and research positions. She joined the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi as an assistant professor in the department of computer science and engineering. She is known for her research publications in various journals and conferences related to machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, etc.
Comprehensive Guide to Government Job Opportunities
As an IIT graduate, you have a wide range of government job opportunities to choose from based on your branch of engineering, interest, aptitude, and career goals. Here are some of the most popular and lucrative government job opportunities for IIT graduates:
Indian Engineering Services (IES)
The Indian Engineering Services (IES) are the technical services that cater to the engineering and managerial functions of the government of India. The IES officers are recruited through the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) conducted by UPSC every year. The ESE comprises three stages: preliminary exam, main exam, and personality test.
The ESE covers four branches of engineering: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and electronics and telecommunication engineering. The candidates have to choose one branch based on their qualification and preference.
The IES officers are posted in various ministries and departments such as railways, roads, defense, power, telecom, urban development, etc. They are responsible for planning, designing, executing, maintaining, and managing various engineering projects and policies.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the most prestigious and sought-after civil service in India. The IAS officers are recruited through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by UPSC every year. The CSE comprises three stages: preliminary exam, main exam, and personality test.
The CSE covers various subjects such as general studies, essay, optional subject, etc. The candidates have to choose one optional subject based on their qualification and preference. The optional subjects include engineering subjects such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics and telecommunication engineering, etc.
The IAS officers are posted in various administrative positions such as district collector, divisional commissioner, secretary, joint secretary, etc. They are responsible for implementing various policies and programs of the government at the central, state, and district levels. They also deal with various issues such as law and order, revenue, development, welfare, etc.
The role of IITians in bringing technological insights to administration
IITians who join the IAS can bring their technical knowledge and skills to the administration and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of various government initiatives. They can use their analytical and problem-solving abilities to devise innovative solutions for various challenges faced by the society. They can also leverage their exposure to cutting-edge technologies and research to introduce new ideas and best practices in the governance.
Some of the areas where IITians can make a difference in the administration are:
- Digital governance: IITians can use their expertise in information technology and digital platforms to promote e-governance and digital literacy. They can also implement various digital initiatives such as Aadhaar, Digital India, Smart Cities, etc.
- Sustainable development: IITians can use their knowledge of environmental engineering and renewable energy to promote green and clean development. They can also implement various environmental initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, National Clean Air Program, National Mission for Clean Ganga, etc.
- Infrastructure development: IITians can use their experience in civil engineering and project management to improve the quality and quantity of infrastructure in the country. They can also implement various infrastructure initiatives such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, UDAN, etc.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: IITians can use their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. They can also implement various innovation initiatives such as Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, Make in India, etc.
Preparation strategies for the Civil Services Examination (CSE)
The CSE is one of the toughest exams in the country with a success rate of less than 1%. Therefore, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and smart preparation to crack it. Here are some tips and strategies for IIT graduates to prepare for the CSE:
- Choose your optional subject wisely: The optional subject carries a weightage of 500 marks out of 2025 marks in the CSE. Therefore, it is important to choose an optional subject that suits your interest, aptitude, and background. You can choose an engineering subject if you are confident about your technical concepts and have a good command over them. However, you should also consider the availability of study material, coaching guidance, previous year papers, etc. for your optional subject.
- Focus on general studies: General studies is the most important part of the CSE as it covers a wide range of topics such as history, geography, polity, economy, science and technology, current affairs, etc. You should have a thorough understanding of these topics and be able to apply them in different contexts. You should also update yourself with the latest developments and trends in these fields.
- Practice writing skills: Writing skills are crucial for the CSE as you have to write essays, answers, case studies, etc. in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. You should practice writing on various topics and issues regularly and get feedback from experts or peers. You should also follow a proper structure and format for your writing and use relevant facts and examples to support your arguments.
- Develop personality traits: Personality test is the final stage of the CSE where you have to face an interview panel of eminent personalities. The panel will assess your personality traits such as communication skills, leadership skills, decision-making skills, ethical values, etc. You should develop these traits by reading books, watching videos, participating in debates and discussions, etc. You should also prepare yourself for various types of questions that may be asked in the interview.
Success stories of IITians in IAS
There are many IITians who have cleared the CSE and joined the IAS with flying colors. Here are some of their success stories:
- Kanishak Kataria: Kanishak Kataria is an IIT Bombay graduate who topped the CSE 2018 with AIR 1. He chose mathematics as his optional subject and scored 361 out of 500 marks in it. He is currently undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
- Saumya Pandey: Saumya Pandey is an IIT Delhi graduate who secured AIR 4 in the CSE 2016. She chose electrical engineering as her optional subject and scored 320 out of 500 marks in it. She is currently posted as the district magistrate of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
- Anudeep Durishetty: Anudeep Durishetty is an IIT Hyderabad graduate who topped the CSE 2017 with AIR 1. He chose anthropology as his optional subject and scored 318 out of 500 marks in it. He is currently posted as the assistant commissioner of customs and central excise in Hyderabad.
- Tina Dabi: Tina Dabi is an IIT Delhi graduate who topped the CSE 2015 with AIR 1. She chose political science and international relations as her optional subject and scored 307 out of 500 marks in it. She is currently posted as the joint secretary of finance department in Rajasthan.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
The Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are the government-owned companies that operate in various sectors such as oil and gas, power, mining, steel, defense, etc. The PSUs recruit engineers through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam conducted by IITs and IISc every year. The GATE exam comprises a single paper of three hours duration that tests the candidates’ knowledge and skills in their respective engineering disciplines.
The PSUs offer attractive salaries, perks, and benefits to the engineers. They also offer opportunities for career growth and development. Some of the PSUs that hire engineers through GATE are:
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC): ONGC is India’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company. It operates in various domains such as exploration, drilling, production, refining, etc. It recruits engineers from various branches such as mechanical, electrical, electronics, civil, chemical, etc.
- National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC): NTPC is India’s largest power generation company. It operates in various segments such as thermal, hydro, solar, wind, etc. It recruits engineers from various branches such as mechanical, electrical, electronics, civil, etc.
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL): SAIL is India’s largest steel producer. It operates in various stages such as mining, beneficiation, sintering, pelletizing, etc. It recruits engineers from various branches such as mechanical, electrical, metallurgical, chemical, etc.
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): BEL is India’s leading defense electronics company. It operates in various fields such as radars, communication systems, electronic warfare systems, etc. It recruits engineers from various branches such as electronics and telecommunication, computer science, electrical, etc.
Success stories of IITians in PSUs
There are many IITians who have joined PSUs and have made significant contributions to their respective sectors. Here are some of their success stories:
- Rajeev Kumar: Rajeev Kumar is an IIT Roorkee graduate who joined ONGC as an executive engineer in 2012. He worked on various projects related to offshore drilling and production in Mumbai High field. He was awarded the ONGC Young Executive Award for his outstanding performance and innovation.
- Shweta Singh: Shweta Singh is an IIT Delhi graduate who joined NTPC as an engineering executive trainee in 2014. She worked on various projects related to thermal power plant design and operation in Singrauli Super Thermal Power Station. She was awarded the NTPC Best Engineer Award for her excellence and leadership.
- Abhishek Gupta: Abhishek Gupta is an IIT Kharagpur graduate who joined SAIL as a management trainee in 2016. He worked on various projects related to steel plant automation and optimization in Bhilai Steel Plant. He was awarded the SAIL Best Manager Award for his efficiency and creativity.
- Neha Jain: Neha Jain is an IIT Bombay graduate who joined BEL as a probationary engineer in 2018. She worked on various projects related to radar systems development and testing in Bangalore Complex. She was awarded the BEL Best Engineer Award for her quality and reliability.
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is India’s premier agency for research and development in defense and security. The DRDO recruits engineers through the DRDO Scientist Entry Test (SET) conducted by RAC every year. The SET comprises a written test and an interview.
The SET covers various engineering disciplines such as aeronautical, chemical, computer, electrical, electronics, mechanical, metallurgical, etc. The candidates have to choose one discipline based on their qualification and preference.
The DRDO scientists work in various laboratories and units across the country. They are involved in various projects related to defense technologies such as missiles, radars, weapons, vehicles, aircraft, submarines, etc.
Opportunities for research and development
DRDO offers opportunities for research and development for those who are interested in pursuing innovation and excellence in defense and security. DRDO scientists can work on cutting-edge technologies and challenges that have national and strategic importance. They can also collaborate with various national and international institutions and organizations for research and development.
Some of the areas where DRDO scientists can work on are:
- Missile technology: DRDO scientists can work on various aspects of missile technology such as design, development, testing, launch, guidance, control, propulsion, warhead, etc. They can also work on various missile systems such as Agni, Prithvi, BrahMos, Nirbhay, Akash, etc.
- Radar technology: DRDO scientists can work on various aspects of radar technology such as design, development, testing, operation, maintenance, etc. They can also work on various radar systems such as Rajendra, Rohini, Arudhra, Ashwini, etc.
- Weapon technology: DRDO scientists can work on various aspects of weapon technology such as design, development, testing, evaluation, etc. They can also work on various weapon systems such as INSAS rifle, Pinaka rocket launcher, Nag anti-tank missile, Dhanush howitzer, etc.
- Vehicle technology: DRDO scientists can work on various aspects of vehicle technology such as design, development, testing, modification, etc. They can also work on various vehicle systems such as Arjun tank, Sarvatra bridge system, Abhay IFV, Dhruv helicopter, Tejas fighter jet, etc.
- Aircraft technology: DRDO scientists can work on various aspects of aircraft technology such as design, development, testing, flight control, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, etc. They can also work on various aircraft systems such as LCA Tejas, LCH Rudra, AMCA stealth fighter jet, UAV Rustom-II , etc.
- Submarine technology: DRDO scientists can work on various aspects of submarine technology such as design, development , testing , navigation , communication , sonar , stealth , etc . They can also work on various submarine systems such as Arihant nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine , Scorpene diesel-electric attack submarine , Kalvari class submarine , etc .
Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is the central government agency for public works and infrastructure development. The CPWD recruits engineers through the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) conducted by UPSC every year. The ESE comprises three stages: preliminary exam, main exam, and personality test.
The ESE covers four branches of engineering: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and electronics and telecommunication engineering. The candidates have to choose one branch based on their qualification and preference.
The CPWD engineers are posted in various divisions and zones across the country. They are responsible for planning, designing, executing, maintaining, and managing various public works and infrastructure projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, airports, etc.
The role of CPWD in infrastructure development
CPWD plays a vital role in infrastructure development in the country. CPWD engineers work on various projects that have national and social importance such as:
- Parliament House: CPWD engineers are involved in the construction and renovation of the Parliament House complex in New Delhi. They are also working on the Central Vista project that aims to redevelop the central administrative area of the capital city.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan: CPWD engineers are involved in the maintenance and beautification of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. They are also working on various initiatives such as energy conservation, water harvesting, waste management, etc.
- Statue of Unity: CPWD engineers were involved in the construction of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in Gujarat. They also worked on various aspects such as foundation, structural design, cladding, lighting, etc.
- Kedarnath Temple: CPWD engineers were involved in the restoration and reconstruction of the Kedarnath Temple complex in Uttarakhand after it was damaged by flash floods in 2013. They also worked on various aspects such as slope stabilization, drainage system, retaining walls, etc.
Preparation strategies for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
The ESE is a competitive exam that requires a thorough preparation and revision of the engineering concepts and principles. Here are some tips and strategies for IIT graduates to prepare for the ESE:
- Revise your basics: The ESE tests your basic knowledge and understanding of your engineering branch. Therefore, you should revise your fundamentals and core subjects from your graduation syllabus. You should also refer to standard books and notes for each subject.
- Solve previous year papers: The ESE follows a similar pattern and difficulty level every year. Therefore, you should solve previous year papers and analyze your performance and mistakes. You should also practice time management and accuracy while solving the papers.
- Focus on current affairs: The ESE also tests your awareness and aptitude for current affairs related to engineering and technology. Therefore, you should read newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. regularly and keep yourself updated with the latest developments and trends in your field.
- Prepare for personality test: The personality test is the final stage of the ESE where you have to face an interview panel of experts. The panel will assess your technical knowledge, communication skills, attitude, interest, etc. You should prepare yourself for various types of questions that may be asked in the interview.
Success stories of IITians in CPWD
There are many IITians who have joined CPWD and have excelled in their fields. Here are some of their success stories:
- Rajesh Kumar: Rajesh Kumar is an IIT Delhi graduate who joined CPWD as an assistant executive engineer in 2014. He worked on various projects related to building construction and renovation in Delhi. He was awarded the CPWD Best Engineer Award for his quality and timeliness.
- Pooja Sharma: Pooja Sharma is an IIT Roorkee graduate who joined CPWD as an assistant executive engineer in 2016. She worked on various projects related to road construction and maintenance in Uttar Pradesh. She was awarded the CPWD Best Engineer Award for her innovation and safety.
- Suresh Singh: Suresh Singh is an IIT Madras graduate who joined CPWD as an executive engineer in 2018. He worked on various projects related to bridge construction and repair in Bihar. He was awarded the CPWD Best Engineer Award for his efficiency and teamwork.
- Anjali Gupta: Anjali Gupta is an IIT Bombay graduate who joined CPWD as an executive engineer in 2020. She worked on various projects related to airport construction and expansion in Maharashtra. She was awarded the CPWD Best Engineer Award for her leadership and professionalism.
Teaching and Research
Teaching and research are the noble and rewarding professions that involve imparting knowledge and creating new knowledge. The teaching and research positions in the government sector are offered by various educational institutions and research labs such as IITs, IISc, NITs, ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, etc. The teaching and research positions are recruited through the UGC NET and CSIR NET exams conducted by NTA every year. The UGC NET and CSIR NET exams comprise two papers: paper 1 and paper 2.
The paper 1 is common for all candidates and tests their general aptitude, teaching aptitude, research aptitude, etc. The paper 2 is subject-specific and tests their knowledge and skills in their respective subjects. The subjects include engineering subjects such as computer science and applications, electronic science, etc.
The teaching and research positions offer attractive salaries, perks, and benefits to the candidates. They also offer opportunities for career growth and development. Some of the teaching and research positions that are available for IIT graduates are:
- Assistant Professor: Assistant professor is the entry-level position for teaching in various educational institutions such as IITs, IISc, NITs, etc. The assistant professors are responsible for teaching various courses, conducting labs, guiding projects, etc. They are also expected to conduct research and publish papers in their fields of interest.
- Scientist: Scientist is the entry-level position for research in various research labs such as ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, etc. The scientists are responsible for working on various research projects, developing prototypes, testing models, etc. They are also expected to publish papers and patents in their fields of interest.
- Associate Professor: Associate professor is the senior-level position for teaching in various educational institutions such as IITs, IISc, NITs, etc. The associate professors are responsible for teaching advanced courses, supervising labs, mentoring projects, etc. They are also expected to conduct research and publish papers in their fields of interest.
- Senior Scientist: Senior scientist is the senior-level position for research in various research labs such as ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, etc. The senior scientists are responsible for leading various research projects, managing teams, collaborating with partners, etc. They are also expected to publish papers and patents in their fields of interest.
Success stories of IITians in teaching and research
There are many IITians who have joined teaching and research positions and have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields. Here are some of their success stories:
- Rajeev Motwani: Rajeev Motwani was an IIT Kanpur graduate who joined Stanford University as an assistant professor in 1989. He became a full professor in 2000. He was a pioneer in the fields of data mining, web search, streaming algorithms, etc. He was also a mentor to many successful entrepreneurs such as Sergey Brin and Larry Page (founders of Google), Ashish Gupta (founder of Junglee), Rajeev Madhavan (founder of Magma Design Automation), etc.
- Anurag Kumar: Anurag Kumar was an IIT Kanpur graduate who joined IISc Bangalore as an assistant professor in 1988. He became the director of IISc in 2014. He was a leader in the fields of communication networks, wireless networks, queueing theory, etc. He was also a recipient of various awards such as Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, JC Bose Fellowship, IEEE Fellow, etc.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was an IIT Bombay graduate who joined Biocon as a trainee manager in 1978. She became the chairman and managing director of Biocon in 2004. She was a pioneer in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals , biosimilars , etc . She was also a recipient of various awards such as Padma Shri , Padma Bhushan , Othmer Gold Medal , EY World Entrepreneur of the Year , etc .
- Raj Reddy: Raj Reddy was an IIT Madras graduate who joined Stanford University as an assistant professor in 1966. He became a full professor in 1973. He was a pioneer in the fields of artificial intelligence, speech recognition , natural language processing , etc . He was also a recipient of various awards such as Turing Award , Padma Bhushan , Legion of Honor , IEEE Medal of Honor , etc
Preparing for the Journey
Getting a government job after IIT is not an easy task. It requires a lot of preparation, dedication, and perseverance. Here are some tips and strategies for IIT graduates to prepare for these government jobs:
- Know your goal: The first step is to know your goal and choose the government job that suits your interest, aptitude, and career aspirations. You should research about the various government job opportunities available for IIT graduates and understand their eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, etc. You should also analyze your strengths and weaknesses and decide which job is best for you.
- Plan your preparation: The next step is to plan your preparation and allocate your time and resources accordingly. You should make a realistic and achievable timetable and follow it diligently. You should also prioritize your topics and subjects based on their importance and difficulty level. You should also set short-term and long-term goals and track your progress regularly.
- Revise your concepts: The third step is to revise your concepts and clear your doubts. You should revise your engineering subjects from your graduation syllabus and refresh your fundamentals. You should also refer to standard books and notes for each subject. You should also practice numerical problems and derivations to enhance your problem-solving skills.
- Solve mock tests: The fourth step is to solve mock tests and evaluate your performance. You should solve mock tests that simulate the actual exam conditions and difficulty level. You should also solve previous year papers and sample papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and type of questions. You should also analyze your performance and identify your mistakes and areas of improvement.
- Seek guidance: The fifth step is to seek guidance from experts and peers. You should join online or offline coaching classes or study groups that can help you with your preparation. You should also interact with mentors or seniors who have cleared these exams and learn from their experiences and tips. You should also seek feedback from teachers or friends who can help you with your doubts and queries.
Expert advice: Insights from IITians who successfully secured government jobs
Here are some insights from IITians who successfully secured government jobs:
- Ankur Garg (IAS AIR 1): “The most important thing is to have a clear vision of why you want to join the civil services. It is not just a job, but a service to the nation. You have to be passionate about it and ready to face the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.”
- Gaurav Agarwal (IPS AIR 1): “The key to success is to have a consistent and smart preparation strategy. You have to focus on both the static and dynamic aspects of the syllabus. You have to read newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. regularly and keep yourself updated with the current affairs. You have to practice writing skills and develop a clear and logical expression.”
- Manish Kumar (IRSEE AIR 1): “The best way to prepare for the ESE is to revise your engineering concepts thoroughly and practice numerical problems extensively. You have to be strong in both theory and application of engineering principles. You have to also work on your speed and accuracy while solving the questions.”
- Ravi Kumar (BHEL ED): “The most important thing is to have a positive attitude and confidence in yourself. You have to believe in your potential and capabilities. You have to also work hard and smartly. You have to balance your time between studies, work, and leisure. You have to also take care of your health and well-being.”
- Shashank Chaudhary (DRDO Scientist): “The most important thing is to have a passion for research and innovation. You have to be curious and creative in finding solutions for various defense challenges. You have to also collaborate with various stakeholders such as academia, industry, military, etc. You have to also keep yourself updated with the latest technologies and trends in your field.”
- Neha Sharma (IIT Delhi Assistant Professor): “The most important thing is to have a love for teaching and learning . You have to be enthusiastic about sharing your knowledge and skills with the students . You have to also conduct research and publish papers in your field of interest . You have to also participate in various academic and extracurricular activities .”
Resources: Books, online platforms, coaching centers for preparation
Here are some resources that can help you with your preparation for these government jobs:
- Books: There are various books available in the market that cover the syllabus and topics of these exams . Some of the popular books are:
- For CSE: NCERT books , Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth , Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh , A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir , etc .
- For ESE: Made Easy Handbook , Objective Electrical Technology by V K Mehta , Objective Mechanical Engineering by R S Khurmi , Objective Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering by A K Gupta , etc .
- For GATE: GATE Tutor by Arihant , GATE Guide by G K Publications , GATE Academy Notes , etc .
- For SET: DRDO Scientist Entry Test by Upkar , DRDO Scientist Recruitment Exam by GK Publications , DRDO Scientist Exam Guide by Ramesh Publishing House , etc .
- For UGC NET and CSIR NET: UGC NET and CSIR NET Paper 1 by Arihant , UGC NET and CSIR NET Paper 2 Computer Science and Applications by Trueman , UGC NET and CSIR NET Paper 2 Electronic Science by R Gupta , etc .
- Online platforms: There are various online platforms that provide online courses, mock tests, video lectures, study materials, etc. for these exams. Some of the popular online platforms are:
- For CSE: Unacademy , BYJU’S , Vision IAS , Insights IAS , etc .
- For ESE: Made Easy Online , IES Master Online , Engineers Academy Online , Gateforum Online , etc .
- For GATE: GATE Academy Online , Testbook Online , Gradeup Online , Kreatryx Online , etc .
- For SET: Testbook Online , Gradeup Online , EduGorilla Online , Youth4work Online , etc .
- For UGC NET and CSIR NET: Unacademy , BYJU’S , Eduncle Online , Career Endeavour Online , etc .
- Coaching centers: There are various coaching centers that provide classroom coaching, test series, doubt clearing sessions, etc. for these exams. Some of the popular coaching centers are:
- For CSE: Vajiram and Ravi , Chanakya IAS Academy , Rau’s IAS Study Circle , ALS IAS Academy , etc .
- For ESE: Made Easy , IES Master , Engineers Academy , ACE Engineering Academy , etc .
- For GATE: GATE Academy , GATE Forum , The GATE Coach , Engineers Institute of India , etc .
- For SET: Career Launcher , IMS , TIME , BSC Academy , etc .
- For UGC NET and CSIR NET: Career Endeavour , Eduncle , Elite Academy , VPM Classes , etc .
Final Words!
Getting a government job after IIT is a dream come true for many IIT graduates who want to serve the nation and make a difference in the society. Government jobs offer various advantages such as job security, social impact, work-life balance, personal satisfaction, etc. However, getting a government job after IIT is not an easy task. It requires a lot of preparation, dedication, and perseverance.
There are various government job opportunities available for IIT graduates such as Indian Engineering Services (IES), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Teaching and Research, etc. Each of these jobs has its own eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, etc. IIT graduates have to choose the job that suits their interest, aptitude, and career goals.
There are also various resources available for IIT graduates to prepare for these government jobs such as books, online platforms, coaching centers, etc. IIT graduates have to plan their preparation and allocate their time and resources accordingly. They have to revise their concepts, solve mock tests, seek guidance, etc.
There are also many success stories of IITians who have secured government jobs and have excelled in their fields. They have shared their insights and tips for aspiring candidates. They have also inspired many others to follow their footsteps and join the government sector.
I hope this article has helped you understand how to get government jobs after IIT and motivated you to pursue your dream career. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors. 😊