Preparing for the Next Step: How to Ace Your POSOCO(GRID-INDIA) Interview

Functions of POSOCO as per directions of Ministry of Power issued from time to time:

• Supervise and control all aspects concerning operations and manpower requirements of RLDCs and NLDC.


• Act as the apex organization for the human resources requirement of NLDC and RLDCs.


• Ensure the planning and implementation of the infrastructure required for smooth operation and development of NLDC and RLDCs.


• Coordinate the functioning of NLDC and all the RLDCs.


• Advise and assist state-level Load Despatch Centers, including specialized training, etc.


• Perform any other function entrusted to it by the Ministry of Power.

POSOCO is committed to facilitating Knowledge Sharing, its employees regularly interact with students and peers at various platforms. POSOCO has signed MoUs with centers of excellence to further Industry-Academia collaboration and encourage the professional development of individuals at every stage. POSOCO has been facilitating the capacity building of System Operators across the country through a mechanism of Training and Certification of System Operators from SLDCs/ RLDCs and NLDC.
POSOCO is known for its innovative culture and its motto of excellence through capacity building, which provides exposure to state-of-the-art technology and newest trends in the field. POSOCO administration respects its employees and prides itself on attracting the best talent and grooming them to become the finest system operators in the country.

SELECTION PROCESS

The process of selecting candidates for the Executive Trainee position involves evaluating their performance in three stages: GATE2023 paper, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of performance in the corresponding GATE-2023 paper for
Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Science and Information Technology (CS).
Shortlisted candidates will be able to check their status through their candidate login on the POSOCO Online Application System. They can also download their call letter and other relevant documents through the candidate login. Candidates must bring the documents mentioned in their call letter to the Group Discussion, and Personal Interview.
The qualifying percentage for the Personal Interview varies by category, with 40% for Unreserved and EWS categories (for posts reserved for the corresponding category) and 30% for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD categories (for posts reserved for the corresponding category). There are no qualifying marks for the Group Discussion stage.
To calculate the final score for empanelment, the weightage of marks obtained in GATE-2023, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview will be 85%, 3%, and 12%, respectively.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The compensation package for selected candidates includes placement at the E3 level of the pay scale of ₹ 60000-180000 during the one-year training period, with additional allowances and benefits. After regularization, the compensation package will also include Performance Related Pay, accommodation or HRA, conveyance expenditure reimbursement, insurance, PF, gratuity, pension, and other benefits as applicable. The organization offers attractive pay packages and facilities such as loans, medical benefits, etc.

SERVICE AGREEMENT BOND

Selected Executive Trainees will need to sign a service agreement bond committing to complete the training period and serve the organization for at least three years, with a bond amount of INR 1,00,000/- for General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates and INR 50,000/- for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Interview Preparation Guidelines:

As an electrical engineering graduate preparing for an interview, it is important to have a basic understanding of the evolution of Indian power systems and its associated socio-economic aspects and knowledge of major grid disturbances that have occurred. You should also have a working knowledge of protection and recent advances in T&D, HVDCs, FACTS, renewable energy integration, power system economics, and optimization.
It is significant to have a research-oriented, creative, and constantly learning attitude, as India is an emerging economy with expanding roles for organizations like POSOCO, and new technologies and regulations are constantly being incorporated. Additionally, having a basic understanding of electricity laws and regulations in India can be an advantage.

Overview of POSOCO's Technical Departments: A Look into the Four Departments and Their Responsibilities:

POSOCO (Power System Operation Corporation Limited) is a government-owned enterprise that operates the Indian power grid. It has four technical departments that play a crucial role in maintaining and operating the grid. In this article, we will discuss each department's responsibilities, work culture, pros, and cons.

System Operation-I Department

System Operation-I (SO-I) is the main department responsible for controlling the Indian electric grid. It involves people working in shifts in the control room, which may take some time to adapt to the night shifts. The department's initial job roles include scheduling power and creating different types of reports. However, with experience, employees are allowed to make decisions in grid operations.
One unique aspect of the job in SO-I is that there is no option for Redo-Undo. Decisions made by employees can significantly impact constituents financially. However, the job role comes with fixed working hours, no overtime, no extra pressures, the flexibility of time, leave credit on extra duties, night allowances, and other benefits.

Market Operation Department

The Market Operation (MO) department deals with the commercial aspect of power in bulk volume at regional/national levels, including trading at power exchanges. The department's main duties include billing constituents, settling their payments, and handling accounts. MO is more like an accounts department.

System Operation-II Department

System Operation-II (SO-II) department is responsible for studying the grid, fault analysis, network simulation and modelling, solving power flow equations, calculating TTCs, ATC's, and providing input to SO-I to support grid operations. The department also prepares various reports on grid operations. SO-II has general shifts along with night shifts for a few employees.
In SO-II, there is no physical view of electrical elements, but employees need to have theoretical and practical knowledge of elements. They need to analyze data and provide input to SO-I to support grid operations.

System Logistics Department

The System Logistics department comprises IT and SCADA departments. It is the backbone and logistics department of the entire office. It provides SCADA data, maintains IT infrastructure, and website maintenance, provides technical support, troubleshoots issues, and maintains auxiliary power supplies. The department is also responsible for the procurement of new technical appliances for the office and looking after various AMCs.
The System Logistics department has no night duties, but employees have a huge responsibility to maintain IT infrastructure. They may also be assigned any new procurement, installation, and commissioning project. However, the only con is that they may be called at any time (nights also) when any technical problem arises, including link failures and SCADA data losses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, POSOCO's technical departments play a crucial role in maintaining and operating the Indian power grid. Each department has its unique responsibilities, work culture, pros, and cons. Employees need to have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to work in these departments effectively.