“Stepping into the powerhouse of India taught me more than any textbook ever could.”
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at NTPC Limited, India’s largest energy conglomerate, specifically at the Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) – a joint venture between NTPC Ltd. (74%) and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) (26%).
Situated in the lush surroundings of Ramgarh district, Jharkhand, PVUNL is home to a power project with three units of 800 MW each, playing a vital role in electrifying the state, with 85% of its output dedicated to Jharkhand.
Let me walk you through my journey and what I learnt from the inside.
🎯 Internship Title
“Optimizing Contact and Materials Management in NTPC: A Study on Procurement Practices, Risk Mitigation and Digital Transformation”
📍 Department: Contracts & Materials Management
During the internship, I was placed in the Contracts & Materials Department (C&M), where I observed how NTPC ensures seamless operations by efficiently managing materials, vendor relationships, tenders, and procurement logistics.
🔍 Objectives of My Study
- Understand the procurement cycle in a public sector energy enterprise
- Learn how e-tendering, GEM procurement, and manual tenders work
- Analyze risk mitigation strategies and contract execution
- Explore the digital transformation initiatives in supply chain and materials management
🛠️ Key Learnings
1. Procurement Process in NTPC
NTPC follows both GEM-based procurement and e-tendering through its own SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) portal. This ensures transparency, speed, and competitive pricing. I understood the lifecycle from requirement generation to vendor selection, bid evaluation, LOA (Letter of Award), and PO (Purchase Order) generation.
2. Material Codification & Inventory Control
Every material is codified and categorized through SAP. The ABC-VED analysis technique helps prioritize procurement based on value and criticality. I also learned how NTPC avoids overstocking and understocking using MIN-MAX level management and slow-moving/non-moving reports.
3. Risk Mitigation in Contracts
Delays, cost overruns, and non-performance risks are tackled via bank guarantees, penalty clauses, and legal vetting of contracts. NTPC’s approach to vendor performance monitoring was particularly insightful.
4. Digital Push & Automation
NTPC is integrating SAP modules, e-office systems, and digitized procurement tracking to move towards a paperless supply chain. This reduces manual intervention, enhances speed, and enables better audit trails.
📁 Tools & Resources I Worked With
- SAP ERP System
- NTPC’s internal SRM & contract management portal
- E-office document management
- Government e-Marketplace (GEM)
- Tender documents, RFQs, and procurement policies
🤝 Professional Takeaways
- Understanding PSU Protocols: Working in a public sector environment gave me a first-hand look at the balance between efficiency and accountability.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: The C&M department is deeply interconnected with finance, operations, and legal teams, offering me exposure to real-world coordination.
- Soft Skills: Professional communication, teamwork, and time-bound documentation were invaluable parts of the experience.
📝 Suggestions for Future Interns
- Brush up on basic supply chain terminologies and SAP navigation.
- Learn about public procurement rules in India (especially GFR and CVC guidelines).
- Be proactive – asking questions and observing meetings can give you deeper insights than manuals.
🌟 Final Reflections
Interning at NTPC was more than just an academic requirement—it was a turning point. I saw theory come alive in boardrooms, witnessed decision-making under constraints, and appreciated the scale of operations that power our homes.
This experience solidified my interest in supply chain and procurement management, especially in large-scale, public sector enterprises that drive national development.
If you ever get a chance to intern at a PSU like NTPC—take it. It’s not just about power generation, it’s about powering your career with experience.
CodeWithKriti 
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