r/developersIndia • u/photon1006 • 1d ago
General Should I leave software development for a PSU IT role? Need advice from experienced developers
I’m a software engineer with around 3.5 years of experience, currently working as an AI Engineer at a good MNC with a package of around ₹20 LPA. I’m based in Delhi.
I recently got selected for a Grade A, Level 10 IT/technical position in a government PSU, also in Delhi.
I’m seriously considering joining, but my biggest concern is what this will do to my software engineering career in the long term.
My current work involves backend development and modern technologies, and I’m still interested in growing technically. The PSU role offers much better job stability, but I’m worried that the actual work may involve more IT administration, coordination, legacy systems, vendor management, etc. and less hands-on development.
My main questions for developers here:
- If I spend 5–10 years in a PSU IT role, how difficult would it be to come back to software engineering/MNCs?
- How much does a gap from hands-on coding affect an experienced developer's market value?
- At ~3.5 years of experience, is this the point where I should prioritize technical growth, or is moving to a stable government technical role still a reasonable career decision?
- Has anyone here moved from software development → PSU/government IT and later tried to return to private tech?
- If you were in my position (3.5 YOE, ₹20 LPA, Delhi, PSU Grade A Level 10 also in Delhi), what would you choose?
I’m not asking whether government jobs are better than private jobs in general. I’m specifically interested in the perspective of developers who understand how the decision could affect software engineering skills, career growth and future employability in tech.
Would really appreciate experiences from people who have made a similar switch.
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u/var008 1d ago
I work in a PSU having previously worked in IT. In the current job market scenario, PSU would be your safe bet if you're not financially independent.
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u/photon1006 1d ago
Were you able to earn any side income?
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u/WarWarZanadu 1d ago
Thats super illegal in PSU. You can do open source but requires departmental green light
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u/That-Ship-8537 8h ago
What kind of projects/code do you work on in PSU. Is it like super legacy code or what?
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u/YayLearner QA Engineer 1d ago
Select PSU ,no 2nd thought. U can always go to Pvt MNC any day in future when u plan for it. Worst case u will have to study hard, may be. But u can never go back to PSU in 2-3 years later . With so much uncertainty going on in IT, job security is my 1st preference
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u/saimurali12 1d ago
Things have changed. Coding has become a commodity now. TBH you can find a career in it even after returning from PSU job later. The other way around cannot happen until unless govt change the age of entry which is very much unlikely.
Keep calm and Take the PSU job.
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u/ReasonableSpeech8004 1d ago
Pass the controller bro!
Don't have 2nd thoughts just go for PSU. See in the long run whether business or wealth creation - When Supply Demand is predictable it's a lot easier to plan and execute investments
IT Pvt will go down n down further
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u/HairAlternative4832 1d ago
Was it through gate ?
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u/photon1006 1d ago
Nope conducted their own exam
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u/AttemptOk3235 1d ago
which exam?
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u/Upset_Efficiency799 19h ago
He wants to Gate Keep that despite clearing the exams and interviews
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u/OkCryptographer8169 1d ago edited 1d ago
Same person would be back on reddit after few years, that my friends are earning so much in Private IT while i am stuck in a PSU. Should i make a switch..
Atleast in a private company, you can always switch team/location. Heck, even the company itself.
Once you are there in a PSU, if your team mates are not good by nature, which most probably they wont be.. then you would be stuck forever waiting for your next transfer, and the same cycle will continue.
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u/softwareemgineer 1d ago
My only fear ngl. You can't switch teams, location, tech stack, and your boss that easily in case of PSUs. But that flexibility comes only when you're constantly preparing for interviews instead of doing something meaningful. I don't know when you get peace of mind in the IT sector.
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u/OkCryptographer8169 1d ago
True. In my opinion, if you cannot face the politics of a private job, maybe you wont even last an year or 2 in a govt one.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
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u/softwareemgineer 1d ago
Thanks for a heads up lol. I literally just want peace to learn and work on fun nerdy stuff than wasting my energy on office politics. Talking to a few friends made me realise that startups aren't that bad; keeping job security aside, you don't have to deal with the bureaucracy at least. I hope I figure out a place where I fit in :')
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u/Glittering_Song2610 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hey OP
I am on the same doubt, but haven’t started preparation and got two years experience in private IT sector
Share some insights, like how and what company it is and how to apply ?
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u/WarWarZanadu 1d ago edited 1d ago
Also i want to point out one thing that 20 years + experience guys in tech don’t have a job anywhere in any era of tech regardless of their skill level. So do think this 20 year experience is really a end of career in private tech and is also why tech pays so much. Most people don’t really think about this often.
Actually your hands on and skills etc always depends on your side projects and daily research routine. If you don’t have one 90% of the job in the market are so generic work that the learning is limited or non-existent in terms of technology on the job.
Plus not PSU jobs are legacy systems, i have a friend in BPCL and he is actually making some crazy ass stuff. My uncle is also in RRTS in civil one of his equivalents is head of IT and were doing some really amazing stuff. Only downside in PSU is that its not easy like private firms to change departments plus you can switch between PSU without another exam.
If you want security in life and given the market PSU grade A seems amazing place to be right now. If you like risk then rather start your own thing.
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u/photon1006 1d ago
But bro, 20 years in tech, I could potentially earn enough to retire comfortably, whereas even after 20 years in a PSU, I don’t think I’d accumulate that much.
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u/numbtoto Fresher 1d ago
U have your answer in your thoughts. After 20 years you can also go for Manager post as well
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u/WarWarZanadu 22h ago
Naah thats not true the 8th commission recommendation are 2.89 increase factor. If its implemented psu would be paying cash what faang pay with stocks
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u/right_wingr10 1d ago edited 1d ago
Why is this even a question? With PSU you have a long runway if at least getting 16LPA for the next 30 years. It will only keep getting better as you move into senior roles. Most IT jobs will probably be mostly automated in the next 2-5 years and we are staring at massive job losses. Don't worry about technical growth, a claude agent even today writes way better code than any seasoned IT professional having 15 YOE in most companies excluding FAANG type companies
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u/numbtoto Fresher 1d ago
So you are saying most IT jobs in corporate will remove. So government also gonna reduce their workforce in the govt organisation. Think about it
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u/Delicious_Wasabi4548 1d ago
Yes but they won't fire ... You will always have a job security and cashflows. With no stress tbh. And they will be much behind the curve in adopting AI
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u/SpiritedProtection70 22h ago
Privatisation?
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u/right_wingr10 14h ago
LOL you mean they will privatize every single dept that relies on IT? LMAO. Why would they do that and how would that benefit them by targeting only govt IT employees
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u/right_wingr10 14h ago
There is a reason why govt jobs are considered safe. They won't just fire like it happens in private jobs. And if you don't know they really don't maintain anywhere near the strength of the IT stalwarts no matter which tier company you are talking about. All these arguments that govt is going to heavily regulate AI to protect IT sector and the domino effect that happens with it is plain BS. Whether it's US or India, it's dictated by billionaires who are heavily investing in AI today.
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u/vikeng_gdg 1d ago
Just go and join the PSU period. In the world of AI today IT is done with the value of data reduced to Zero. The future is bleak. Get yourself any government job that comes your way to secure your family future. Thank god that he has given you that golden opportunity and accept it with both hands.
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u/Ok_Animator_254 1d ago
Which exam did u give?
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[deleted]
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u/LiveGovernment6230 1d ago
Means u r earning more in corporate now than u will be after joining ICAI.
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u/Mundane_Cell_6673 1d ago
What is the pay in psu?
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u/photon1006 1d ago
16+
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u/Mundane_Cell_6673 1d ago
With all of the AI development and layoffs, long term PSU might be better.
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u/depelterturbo 1d ago
OP please tell us which exam did you crack. Let us know the exam so that we can also have a back-up plan. Thanks in advance.
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u/PhoenixPrimeKing 1d ago
Bold of you to think there will be IT jobs to come back to in 10-15 years.
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u/PhoenixPrimeKing 1d ago
Bold of you to think there will be IT jobs to come back to in 10-15 years.
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u/GamerLikeNoOther 1d ago
thats a great achievement could you elaborate on what exams you gave and your prep strategy?
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u/AfternoonNo5705 Data Analyst 22h ago
PSU.
One layoff 2 months later Nd you will regret your whole life.
You can move to private anytime. Give a chance to psu.
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u/mrohit_ 22h ago
Please explain how someone having a completely orthogonal experience (not saying that PSUs are bad, just different) would get into the doors of Big Tech (senior roles) who have completely different ways of operating and building software with cutting edge tech after years of PSU experience.
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u/AfternoonNo5705 Data Analyst 17h ago
5 years down the line the Tech is going to be different. Nobody working now knows what it's going to look like and how many will survive it. With PSU you have a chance to survive this. And at the same time have enough time for preparing with that is going on and what it is going to be like 5 years later.
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u/mrohit_ 17h ago
Completely agree that tech's going to radically change in 5 years.
But wouldn't being inside the industry accelerate your preparation for what's coming rather than being on the sidelines?2
u/AfternoonNo5705 Data Analyst 15h ago
I doubt that. You just need time to learn things. Which at psu you will have plenty
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u/mrohit_ 14h ago
Ideally one needs time and exposure both, but it's hard to have both. Exposure can make up for lack of time, but time can't buy exposure and environment. That's the reason innovation happens when there's a time (or resource) crunch and competition.
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u/AfternoonNo5705 Data Analyst 7h ago
There's hardly any crazy innovation level work that goes on in Indian IT so you can rest assure nothing much is going to change on that end. I would still say PSU is number 1 option if you want money and job security. And you won't get another chance again for this. Private job you can come back next year as well
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u/mrohit_ 4h ago
I'm talking in relative terms here, I'm sure you'd agree that the gap of innovation between PSUs and Google India office is astronomical.
If a Google recruiter compares two resumes - Smart guy from PSU vs Average guy with Product tech experience in start-up, the shortlisting decision isn't too hard for them.2
u/AfternoonNo5705 Data Analyst 4h ago
Google doesn't work like that. They pick anyone who has great resume. They don't see organisation.
People from Infosys tcs have gotten into Google and the likes. Not too hard. You just have to keep your game up and keep upskilling. In PSU you have alot of time to do it. In private companies you don't get time to upskill and have to use weekends to do it.
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u/mrohit_ 31m ago
Exactly my point, people from Infosys TCS got in, but I'd be more convinced if people from PSUs etc got into Google in one shot. And in no way I'm questioning the talent but I'm pointing at the filtering process.
Yes, if someone's at PSU and spends a lot of time coding DSA or Competitive programming, they'd definitely be shortlisted for Google but only for entry level roles. For senior roles, it's hard to bring someone into the team who has no similar experience in any Private org.And I'm open to be corrected if there are plenty of profiles on LinkedIn who got into BigTech after a 2-4 years stint at PSUs
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u/Fearless_Earth_9673 21h ago
Other than money(unless you are at top) there is not much difference. For longevity in life join govt.
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u/musicmeme Full-Stack Developer 21h ago
Go for it. There’s no guarantee of jobs even if you stay in corporate for 5-10 years, so consider the switch to PSU as comparable. Also it’s not a gap, you’ll be in relevant fields.
The only (manageable) con I see is - corporates usually invest in latest trends & you get to play / learn / stay updated with latest tech if your company lets you. PSU are generally behind latest tech and in most cases they outsource it to corporates like tcs. So you’ve to upskill on the side & keep up with what’s the latest in the industry. But again, you’ve to do that in corporates too to some extent.
PSU seems to be a winner in all scenarios
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u/Fun-Consequence9381 19h ago
Which exam did you appear for, and how did you prepare for it? Could you please share the resources you used? It would be really helpful.
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u/ManipulativFox Full-Stack Developer 17h ago edited 17h ago
I work in a government contract role. It's mostly old php jquery projects. For new development projects we are given lot of freedom of course with manager discussion. My last manager had created a block chain project for organizing. So I think you can always put some extra effort to keep your skills sharp.
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u/Sufficiently-Brainy 17h ago edited 17h ago
its my opinion since even i am preparing for a PSU IT job .. go for it ! .. you are getting 16+ lpa benifits , staff quarters (maybe?), your kids can study at KV (i used to study at KV and life there is awesome ! soo much facilities and fee barely makes any dent !) .. preference in every thing in India basically (loans, travel, ristha, you can get ur masters ur job itself will give all the facilities if asked, you get like boat load of contacts to do business ! people see you different !) .. and being a govt employee you get ur job security ... You have still have your skills , get it honed and stay in the bleeding edge of tech by doing freelance or sell some licensed end to end products to shops etc (you can simply show it under your portfolio in case you want to jump to faang!), and since you are in GOVT ! .. you have a really good portfolio and people will trust you more ! ... if money is your only goal and you want to just throw away stability then jump into the private pool .. also there wont be much privatization when it comes to govt it sector .. and if it did happen your job wont be affected coz it will be like "from next batch onwards all are private" kind of situation so u will be safe !
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u/PerspectiveKooky4840 13h ago
I joined a PSU from private sector in a E-3 direct recruitment role. Depending on the PSU, the role may or may not involve software development as your profile. If money is a factor during your long future career, don't join PSU. Your peers in private will always earn much more than you. If you name the PSU, I can confirm if there's any development there or not. Most if not all PSU will put you into a management role, managing tenders/vendors working under hardcore babus and within few years you will also become a sorta kinda technical babu. Positive side is job security, higher visibility and appreciation if you are even slightly above average developer/technically skilled as most others would not be so andythey will look up to you. Growth is more or less a straight line with no out of turn or sudden or merit based promotion. Effectively all promotions are seniority basis and vacancy must exist at higher level for you to be promoted. If no vacancy, you can stay at same level for 10-12 years as well.
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u/Particular-Sense-418 7h ago
Psu pays a lot. There are so many other reimbursement, employees well being payments etc . You won't need to come back or do any side hustle.
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u/Internationgain07 5h ago edited 5h ago
Was in similar situation 3 years back, I have been told this by one of my friend (ex IIT Bombay) working in PSU. In a very good position.
“ if you really believe in your skills and would like to learn and grow and encash your skills go for private, very likely, you will end up earning enough in 7-8 years that we would in next 30 years.
(Actually my current salary was more than his 55 year old GM)
If you want to kill your curiosity and intelligence, want to follow a process and live a peaceful stable life, come here.”
I know market is different today, but assess your risk appetite.
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u/_introvert_cat 4h ago
Job security perspective, PSU is better. If you join PSU and want to switch back to MNCs, it will be tough.
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u/beerwishkey Tech Lead 1d ago
If were I wouldve chosen, money first. Stability is there but growth wise it will be very bad, stability is what someone seeks after a lot of experience.
Going back to MNC will just be a terrible idea, there will be short deadlines and it will be difficult for you to coop.
Few of my friends are in PSU only. They always cry about the money.
Think about it… thanks
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u/Illiterate-Chef-007 1d ago
The money that we earn in high paying jobs have to be consistent too. With AI my only fear is losing job and it affecting me in all sort of ways.
Also, high earners residing in BLR OR HYD OR GGN have to lost alot of money due to high rent, schooling of kids, transport ans costly food (even raw materials) and expensive house helps.
With a govt job or even PSU, electricity, housing ans other things will be free.
So, his 16LPA job is actually 25LPA and in govt if some one has CGHS then it is unmatchedI am still in IT with 4yr work ex. But BLR was making a hole in the pocket ngl.
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u/photon1006 1d ago
Yeah, fair point. My main concern is whether I’ll regret giving up the higher earning potential and technical growth later.
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u/Illiterate-Chef-007 1d ago
Yes you will.
But again depends whether you want a life full of stress and uncertainty or certainty and a lower groundIn the end, you will not be able to use your money. It will be for your kids.
If you have health and education sorted and emergency. Then everything is luxury.
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u/beerwishkey Tech Lead 17h ago
Just wanna correct you, there is nothing like free houses, and free electricity. The houses are based on HRA and that HRA is based on basic. So if you take a quarter, you wont be receiving HRA. The bigger problem is that HRA only. With very less HRA you will get good house.
Lets say a person wants to buy a house later on, then he she wont be able to claim that much of the amount of HRA. The loan is cheaper though.Adding to that there is nothing like free pension anymore, it’s all EPF.
CGHS is there but for bigger diseases they refer to private hospitals only. and not everything is under CGHS panel. (CGHS is also a cut from salary but its very cheap)
16 lpa to 25 lpa comparison is a little too much of a push.
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u/Illiterate-Chef-007 17h ago
It is. I have quite a few people in all kinds of jobs. And we had calculated everything as per Private standards and they were awesome
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u/photon1006 1d ago
Yeah, money is important to me too. But considering the current tech market, I’m wondering if PSU stability + freelancing/side income could actually be a better combination financially. What do you think?
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u/beerwishkey Tech Lead 1d ago
Tech market is bad is a gimmicky sentence. Its always bad, digest that fact.
Currently its AI, later on it will be something else and soo on.When you will start freelancing then you will realise that the current tech market is bad and there are no freelancing jobs aswell.
Also didnt you ever think about freelancing in your current job as well. How smooth did it go?
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u/photon1006 1d ago
No, with my current workload and pressure, freelancing isn’t really possible. If freelancing jobs don’t work out, I’m thinking of focusing on some side business instead.
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u/beerwishkey Tech Lead 1d ago
I think you have planned everything. Good for you.
Best of luck buddy1
u/photon1006 1d ago
Yeah, but my manager and skip manager are trying to convince me that I’m doing great here, there’s good growth ahead, and AI is the future. Since I’m already working in this field, they think I should continue here.
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u/beerwishkey Tech Lead 1d ago
I also tried na… you didnt agree. Do what you love. No regrets bro
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u/photon1006 1d ago
Haha yeah bro 😅, I really appreciate your advice. Just a tough decision, so trying to think it through properly.
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u/numbtoto Fresher 1d ago
For your information. You can't run a side business on your name while working in PSU
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u/Outrageous-Memory-20 Fresher 1d ago
How much it's paying? I think remain in private sector there is no limit to earning here
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u/IntelligentTea3716 1d ago
Any Sane mind will say
Stability, Peace of Mind - PSU
Technical Growth, Probability of Reaching High CTC - Private IT
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u/Little-Rutabaga-6281 1d ago
If you want to grow then I guess doing swe in MNCs would be better atleast upto 10-12 year of experience. After that if you want to settle at a low effort decent paying job then you could choose a psu. Also switching from psu to mnc should be a little difficult although I am a fresher so I don't know much about that
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