SJVN uses GATE scores to shortlist candidates for its written test. Candidates must have a valid GATE score in the relevant engineering discipline and must meet the minimum GATE score cutoff set by SJVN for each recruitment cycle. Shortlisted candidates appear for a CBT followed by a Personal Interview. The final merit list is prepared giving weightage to GATE score, written test marks, and interview performance. Candidates targeting SJVN should appear for GATE in the Electrical or Civil stream depending on the available vacancies.

SJVN Trainee Engineers are placed in the E1 Grade with a starting basic pay of approximately Rs. 40,000 per month (IDA pay scale). The total CTC including HRA, Project Allowance for hill/remote site postings, medical benefits, and performance-linked pay is approximately Rs. 7–9 lakh per annum. SJVN's projects are primarily in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and site postings attract higher field allowances. The pay structure is comparable to other Miniratna PSUs.

SJVN requires Trainee Engineers to serve a bond period of two years. The bond amount is approximately Rs. 1 lakh and is recoverable for early resignations. Postings are primarily at SJVN's hydroelectric project sites in Himachal Pradesh (Nathpa Jhakri, Rampur), Uttarakhand, Nepal, and upcoming projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and international locations. Candidates posted to high-altitude project sites receive Altitude Allowance in addition to standard pay.

For SJVN TE Electrical, important topics include Power Systems (transmission, distribution, load flow), Electrical Machines (synchronous generators, transformers), Protection and Switchgear, Power Electronics, and Measurement & Instrumentation. For Civil, Hydraulics and Hydraulic Machinery, Structural Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering, and Construction Management are key. SJVN-specific hydro concepts like penstocks, surge tanks, and hydroelectric plant layouts are also tested at an awareness level.

SJVN Trainee Engineers start at E1 and progress through E2, E3, E4, E5 (Dy. General Manager), and E6 (General Manager) over their career. SJVN has been expanding from purely hydro into solar, wind, and thermal power, offering broader career opportunities. The company also has international hydro projects in Nepal and Bhutan, providing overseas postings for senior engineers. Career growth is steady and merit-based, with annual APARs and departmental suitability tests for key promotions.