Country edition: India
Student Journey Blueprint

How to become a Petroleum Engineer — your road, class by class

Class 8 to working life·15 student doubts answered ·Last checked 25 Oct 2026

The one-line route: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths → JEE (Main) / JEE (Advanced) and JoSAA counselling for B.E. / B.Tech → a degree in Petroleum (or Applied Petroleum) Engineering with 60% → ONGC's computer-based test, interview and medical for E1-level engineers. Mechanical, Chemical and Instrumentation graduates can also join ONGC as engineers. [1] [2] [3]

Pick your class and the road below starts where you stand.

Full career guide Pick another career
00 The job

What the work really is

Petroleum engineers plan and run the drilling and production of oil and gas wells. ONGC, which says it produces over 73% of India's oil and 57% of its gas, recruits E1-level engineers in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical and Instrumentation streams. [3]

A normal working day

  • Plan and supervise drilling of oil and gas wells.
  • Keep wells producing and solve problems in production.
  • Work at onshore fields and offshore rigs, often in shifts.

Pay

Pay
LevelPay (official)
E1 engineer, ONGC — Advt 2/2026Basic ₹60,000 – ₹1,80,000 + 35% allowances, DA, HRA and more (ONGC states about ₹26 lakh CTC) [3]

Private oil-company pay is not officially published.

Main routes

JEE → B.E. / B.Tech

JEE (Main), run by NTA, and JoSAA counselling fill B.E. / B.Tech seats at NITs, IIITs and other institutes; JEE (Advanced) is for the IITs. [1] [2]

ONGC E1 through CBT (Petroleum)

Advt 2/2026: 9 Petroleum Engineering posts for a graduate degree in Petroleum Engineering with 60%; Applied Petroleum Engineering graduates are considered for 7 of the 9. [3]

Other branches into ONGC

The same 2026 advertisement had 27 Mechanical, 10 Chemical and 2 Instrumentation engineer posts, each needing the degree with 60%. [3]

Time and cost

ONGC registration fee
₹1,000 General / OBC / EWS · no charge for SC / ST / PwBD [3]
ONGC 2026 cycle
Apply 17 – 31 Jul 2026 · CBT 6 Sep 2026 (tentative) [3]

B.Tech fees differ by institute, so none are printed.

Hidden challenges

  • Very few posts per stream: ONGC's 2026 advertisement had 52 posts in all, 9 for Petroleum Engineering. [3]
  • Strict age limit — 26 for UR / EWS engineers (29 OBC-NCL, 31 SC / ST) on the last application date. [3]
  • You need 60% in your degree, and you must have it by the last date of application. [3]

Who should not choose it

  • You want a desk job in a big city — oil fields and rigs are remote.
  • You dislike physics, maths and machines.
  • You cannot work shifts or long stretches away from home.
01 Your road, stage by stage

What to do at each stage — and the doubts on the way

  1. You are here Class 8 · Class 9

    Physics, Chemistry, Maths

    • ONGC's CBT has a 40-question domain section in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, Instrumentation or Geology, plus aptitude, general awareness and English. [3]

    Doubt What does a petroleum engineer do?

    Plans and runs the drilling and production of oil and gas wells. ONGC hires E1-level engineers in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical and Instrumentation streams for this work. [3]

    Next: Keep Physics, Chemistry and Maths strong.

    Doubt How big is ONGC?

    ONGC describes itself as India's Maharatna energy company, with around 22,600 professionals, a presence in 18 countries and over 73% of the nation's oil and 57% of its gas production. [3]

    Next: Read the ONGC careers page to see the kinds of jobs.

  2. You are here Class 10

    Choose PCM

    • JEE (Main) Paper 1 for B.E. / B.Tech needs Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12. [1]

    Stream / subjects: Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

    Doubt Which stream do I need for petroleum engineering?

    Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, because B.E. / B.Tech admission through JEE (Main) needs those subjects. [1]

    Next: Pick PCM after Class 10.

  3. You are here Class 11 · Class 12

    JEE (Main), JEE (Advanced), JoSAA

    • JEE (Main) is NTA's entrance for B.E. / B.Tech; JoSAA allots IIT, NIT, IIIT and other seats. [1] [2]

    Doubt Which exam do I write for B.Tech Petroleum Engineering?

    JEE (Main) for NITs, IIITs and other participating institutes, and JEE (Advanced) for the IITs; JoSAA then allots seats by rank. [1] [2]

    Next: Register for JEE (Main) in Class 12.

    Doubt Can I join ONGC with Mechanical or Chemical engineering?

    Yes. ONGC's 2026 advertisement had 27 Mechanical, 10 Chemical and 2 Instrumentation posts, alongside 9 for Petroleum Engineering. [3]

    Next: If you miss a petroleum seat, Mechanical or Chemical also lead to ONGC.

  4. You are here In college

    Keep 60% in your degree

    • ONGC asks for a graduate degree in the stream with at least 60% marks. [3]

    Doubt What percentage do I need in B.Tech for ONGC?

    At least 60% in your degree, calculated as per your university's rules; if your university uses CGPA, you need its conversion certificate. [3]

    Next: Keep your CGPA safely above the 60% line.

    Doubt Can final-year B.Tech students apply to ONGC?

    No. ONGC's 2026 advertisement considered only candidates who had the qualification on or before the last date of application. [3]

    Next: Apply in the first ONGC cycle after your result.

    Doubt Is Applied Petroleum Engineering accepted?

    Yes, but for 7 of the 9 Petroleum posts in 2026 (UR 3, OBC 2, SC 1, EWS 1). Petroleum Engineering graduates were considered for all 9. [3]

    Next: Check which degree name your college awards.

  5. You are here Graduated

    ONGC's CBT, interview and medical

    • Selection: CBT (85 marks weight) and interview (15), then medical fitness. No negative marking in the CBT. [3]

    Exams that open here

    • ONGC E1 recruitment, Advt 2/2026 — Applications 17 – 31 Jul 2026 · CBT 6 Sep 2026 (tentative) [3]

    Money help at this stage

    No ONGC registration fee

    Doubt Does ONGC still recruit through GATE?

    Not in 2026. Advt 2/2026 recruits Geologists and Engineers at E1 level through ONGC's own Computer Based Test. [3]

    Next: Prepare for ONGC's CBT pattern.

    Doubt What is in ONGC's CBT?

    85 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours: 40 in your domain, 10 general awareness, 25 aptitude and 10 English. There is no negative marking. [3]

    Next: Revise your core subjects and practise aptitude.

    Doubt What score do I need to qualify ONGC's CBT?

    45% for General, EWS and OBC, 40% for SC, ST and PwBD. You must also score 60% in the interview (9 of 15) — 40% (6 of 15) for SC / ST / PwBD. [3]

    Next: Aim well above the cut-off — shortlisting is 1:5 for interview.

    Doubt What is the age limit for ONGC engineers?

    26 for UR / EWS, 29 for OBC (NCL), 31 for SC / ST on the last date of application; PwBD get more (36 General / EWS, 39 OBC). [3]

    Next: Apply in the first cycles after graduating.

    Doubt How much does an ONGC E1 engineer earn?

    Basic pay ₹60,000 to ₹1,80,000 with 3% annual increments, plus allowances at 35% of basic, DA, HRA or company housing and other benefits. ONGC states a package of about ₹26 lakh CTC. [3]

    Next: Read the pay section of each advertisement.

    Doubt Is there an application fee for ONGC?

    ₹1,000 for General, OBC and EWS candidates (plus bank charges and GST); SC, ST and PwBD candidates pay nothing. The fee is not refundable. [3]

    Next: Pay online before the closing date.

  6. You are here Working / switching career

    Offshore and onshore careers

    • ONGC's E1 package includes CPF, gratuity, a post-retirement benefit scheme and medical facilities for the family. [3]

    Doubt I work in a private company. Can I still join ONGC?

    Yes, if you are within the age limit on the last application date and have the 60% degree in a listed stream. [3]

    Next: Check the age limit in each new advertisement.

Your school board

Any board. JEE (Main) Paper 1 needs Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12. [1]

CBSE, CISCE and state-board certificates count the same for every national exam on this page. Notes for particular state boards are under State rules below.

02 Exam anatomy

The exam, stage by stage

JEE (Main / Advanced) → B.Tech → ONGC CBT + interview · NTA (JEE Main), JoSAA, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

ONGC CBT
85 MCQs · 2 hours · no negative marking [3]
Weightage
CBT 85 · interview 15 [3]
Degree
60% in Petroleum / listed stream [3]
Age
26 UR / EWS · 29 OBC · 31 SC / ST [3]
JEE (Main / Advanced) → B.Tech → ONGC CBT + interview stages
StageWhat it isRule
JEE + JoSAAB.E. / B.Tech admissionPCM in Class 12
B.Tech Petroleum4-year degree60% for ONGC
ONGC CBTDomain + aptitude + GK + English45% (40% reserved) to qualify
Interview + medicalFinal selection60% in interview (40% reserved)

Stage table source [1] [2] [3]

Open the full exam guide
03 State rules

Rules for all of India — and your state

  • National route: ONGC recruits engineers through one all-India advertisement and CBT. [3]

National route applies. This career follows the same rules in every state and UT.

04 Career multiverse

Where this path can take you next

Mechanical engineer

ONGC also hires Mechanical graduates.

Explore →

Geologist

ONGC's Geology stream.

Explore →

Mining engineer

Coal India and mines.

Explore →

JEE Main

The B.Tech entrance.

Explore →
05 Money help

Scholarships, stipends and fee help

Government schemes, professional-body scholarships and paid training on this path. Pick your class above and schemes you have already passed are hidden.

Scholarship Open to you now From Class 8

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)

Ministry of Education, through your state

₹1,000 a month, Class 9 to 12 [4]

Who
Class 8 students of government schools who passed Class 7 with 55% (50% SC/ST, as in Nagaland's notice) and clear the state's NMMSS test. Family income limit: see the scheme rules on the National Scholarship Portal.
How
Your state's SCERT announces the test in Class 8; renewals are on scholarships.gov.in.
Scholarship Open to you now From Class 11

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (PM-USP CSSS)

Ministry of Education

₹12,000 a year for the first 3 years of a degree; ₹20,000 a year in years 4–5 of a 5-year integrated course (and in PG) [5]

Who
Above the 80th percentile of your board's Class 12 pass-outs in your stream, in a regular degree course (not diploma or distance), family income up to ₹4.5 lakh, and not taking any other scholarship — including state schemes.
How
On the National Scholarship Portal after Class 12; renewal needs 50% marks and 75% attendance each year.
Scholarship Open to you now From Class 11

Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, through your state

Compulsory non-refundable fees (tuition included) plus a yearly academic allowance — the college cannot ask you to pay the fee first [6]

Who
SC students after Class 10 (ITI, diploma, degree and CA/CMA/CS courses count), family income up to ₹2.5 lakh. Separate post-matric schemes exist for ST, OBC and minority students on the same portal.
How
Your state scholarship portal or scholarships.gov.in. The printed guidelines cover 2020-21 to 2025-26; check the 2026-27 rules on the portal.
Fee help Open to you now From Graduated

No ONGC registration fee

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

₹0 instead of ₹1,000 (2026) [3]

Who
SC, ST and PwBD candidates. SC / ST / PwBD candidates at the CBT, and everyone called for interview from outside the test / interview city, get second-class rail fare reimbursed.
How
Choose your category in ONGC's online application.
06 Official sources & verification

Where these facts come from

Every number on this page comes from the official files below. Lines with no number are Margdarshan guidance. Rules change every year — open the current notice before you apply.

  1. NTA — JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin (opens in a new tab) Paper 1 pattern and marking, sessions, fees, Class 12 subjects, 75% / top-20-percentile rule, state code of eligibility, 13 languages, reservation, JEE Advanced cut · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
  2. JoSAA — Business Rules for Joint Seat Allocation 2026-27 (1 June 2026) (opens in a new tab) Home State quota, female supernumerary seats, seat acceptance fee · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
  3. ONGC — Advt. No. 2/2026 (R&P): Recruitment of Geologists and Engineers at E1 level through Computer Based Test, detailed advertisement (opens in a new tab) E1 pay ₹60,000–1,80,000 + 35% cafeteria allowances (about ₹26 lakh CTC), 52 posts (Petroleum 9, Mechanical 27, Chemical 10, Instrumentation 2, Geology 4), 60% degree rule, Applied Petroleum for 7 of 9, age limits, CBT 85 Qs / 2 h / no negative marking, CBT 85 + interview 15, qualifying 45% / 40% and 60% / 40%, 1:5 shortlisting, ₹1,000 fee (SC / ST / PwBD nil), applications 17 – 31 Jul 2026, CBT 6 Sep 2026 (tentative) · Last checked 28 Oct 2026
  4. SCERT Nagaland — NMMSS Examination 2027 advertisement (27 Jul 2026) (opens in a new tab) Class 8 eligibility, 55% / 50% Class 7 marks, ₹1,000 a month from Class 9 to 12 (one state's notice of the central scheme) · Last checked 24 Oct 2026
  5. Ministry of Education — PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships guidelines (2022-23 onwards), copy hosted by NIT Kurukshetra (opens in a new tab) 80th percentile, ₹4.5 lakh income, regular degree only, no other scholarship, ₹12,000 / ₹20,000 rates, renewal rules · Last checked 24 Oct 2026
  6. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment — Post Matric Scholarship for SC students, guidelines 2020-21 to 2025-26 (copy hosted by Goa Social Welfare) (opens in a new tab) ₹2.5 lakh income limit, fees + academic allowance, no pre-payment of fees, CA/ICWA/CS students covered · Last checked 24 Oct 2026

Spotted something out of date? Email margdarshan07support10@gmail.com with the official link and we will update it.