ISRO Recruitment
Introduction
Recruitments for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ are conducted for technical roles across major ISRO centres through ICRB, with selection based on shortlisting, written test, and interview.
ISRO Recruitment for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ is the recruitment route used by the Indian Space Research Organisation to hire engineers for its various centres and units such as VSSC, URSC, SAC, LPSC, and other ISRO establishments. These posts are meant for candidates with strong technical foundations in relevant engineering disciplines.
This recruitment opens the door to a scientific career in India’s national space programme. The typical growth ladder includes:
- Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’
- Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ / Senior Scientist
- Scientist/Engineer ‘SE’ / Scientist-G and higher levels
Important Dates
ISRO recruitment cycles are announced as notified through the official careers page. A recent cycle was announced in July–August 2026 for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC/SD’.
Key timeline points generally include:
- Notification release: As per official advertisement
- Application window: As per notification dates
- Written test: After shortlisting
- Interview: After written test shortlist
- Result: Published on the official website
Always verify dates on the official website before acting on any schedule.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- B.E./B.Tech in the relevant discipline
Minimum Marks Requirement
- 70% aggregate marks or
- CGPA 6.84/10
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 28 years
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC | 5 years |
| ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | As per Government of India rules |
| Ex-servicemen | As per Government of India rules |
Nationality
- Indian citizen
Reservation
ISRO recruitment follows Government of India reservation norms.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
Horizontal Reservation
- PwBD
- Ex-servicemen
Reservation and relaxations are applicable as per Government of India rules and the official recruitment notification.
Selection Process
The ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ selection process typically includes:
1. Shortlisting
- Initial shortlisting is done on the basis of academic performance, especially CGPA/percentage criteria.
2. Written Test
- Candidates shortlisted from the application pool are called for the written test.
3. Interview
- Based on written performance, candidates are shortlisted for interview.
4. Final Merit
- Final selection is prepared using performance in the written test and interview, as per the official notification.
Exam Pattern
Stage-wise Structure
| Stage | Papers | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Test | Discipline + Aptitude | 240 | 2 hours | No |
| Interview | — | 100 | — | — |
Selection Weightage
- Written test: Main screening stage
- Interview: Final assessment stage
The written test focuses on the candidate’s core engineering discipline along with aptitude.
Syllabus
The syllabus is broadly based on:
1) Core Engineering Discipline
Topics from the candidate’s relevant branch, such as:
- Electronics and Communication
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Civil
- Computer Science
- Instrumentation
- Aerospace or other notified disciplines
2) Aptitude
- Quantitative ability
- Logical reasoning
- Basic analytical skills
- Problem-solving
3) Suggested Topic Buckets
- Fundamental engineering concepts
- Applied engineering principles
- Numerical methods and calculations
- Design and analysis basics
- Engineering applications and formula-based questions
How to Apply
ISRO applications are submitted online through the official website.
Step-by-step application flow
1. Visit the official careers page on https://isro.gov.in/Careers.html" class="inlink">isro.gov.in
2. Read the notification carefully
3. Register with valid details
4. Fill in the application form
5. Upload required documents
6. Pay the application fee, if applicable
7. Submit the form and save the confirmation
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Educational certificates
- Identity proof
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Experience documents, if any are asked in the notification
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering the wrong discipline code
- Missing the eligibility cut-off on percentage/CGPA
- Uploading unclear documents
- Not completing fee payment
- Applying after the last date
Application Fee
- General / OBC: ₹250
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Exempted
Payment is generally made online through the official application portal.
Vacancies
Recent and historical vacancy trends for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment are shown below.
| Year | Approx. Posts |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 300 |
| 2025 | 250 |
| 2024 | 200 |
| 2023 | 300 |
| 2022 | 250 |
Salary
Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts are typically placed in:
- Level 10 pay matrix
- Basic pay: ₹56,100 and above
- Total compensation: around ₹80,000 and above with allowances
Benefits and Allowances
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance, where applicable
- Transport and other admissible benefits
- Growth in technical and scientific responsibilities
Cutoff Trends
| Year | Written Test Cutoff / Shortlist Trend |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 70% |
ISRO shortlisting commonly starts with academic criteria, followed by written-test and interview performance.
Previous Year Timelines
| Cycle | Notification | Exam | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jul 2026 | 2026 | — |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2025 |
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 |
Preparation
A practical preparation plan for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ can be built around a 3–4 month focused schedule.
1) Discipline First
- Revise core engineering subjects thoroughly
- Focus on standard formulas, concepts, and applications
- Solve topic-wise questions from GATE-level books and notes
2) Aptitude Practice
- Daily quantitative aptitude practice
- Basic reasoning and analytical questions
- Time-bound mock practice
3) Interview Readiness
- Prepare project work, internships, and technical basics
- Revise key concepts from your branch
- Practice clear and concise answers
4) Revision Strategy
- Make one-page formula sheets
- Revise frequently asked core topics
- Attempt full-length mock tests before the exam
Career Path
A career in ISRO through Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ can grow through a structured scientific hierarchy.
Typical progression:
- Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’
- Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’
- Scientist/Engineer ‘SE’ / Senior Scientist
- Scientist-G and higher levels
With experience, officers can move into:
- Advanced design and mission support roles
- Project leadership
- Research and development responsibilities
- Technical management roles within ISRO centres
Official Sources
- https://isro.gov.in" class="inlink">ISRO Official Website
- https://isro.gov.in/Careers.html" class="inlink">ISRO Careers Page
FAQs
1. What is ISRO Recruitment for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
It is the recruitment process used by ISRO to hire Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ candidates for technical roles across its centres.
2. Which organisation conducts the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment?
ISRO conducts the recruitment through its recruitment mechanism, ICRB.
3. What is the full form of ICRB in ISRO recruitment?
ICRB stands for Internal Committee for Recruitment Board.
4. What is the minimum educational qualification required for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
Candidates must have a B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline.
5. Is there a minimum percentage or CGPA requirement for eligibility?
Yes. Candidates must have 70% aggregate marks or CGPA 6.84/10.
6. What is the age limit for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts?
The upper age limit is 28 years.
7. Is there age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, or PwBD candidates?
Yes. SC/ST get 5 years, OBC gets 3 years, and PwBD get relaxation as per Government of India rules.
8. Is the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment open to candidates from all over India?
Yes. It is open to Indian citizens across India.
9. What is the selection process for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
The selection process includes shortlisting, written test, and interview.
10. Does ISRO conduct a written exam for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment?
Yes. ISRO conducts a written test for shortlisted candidates.
11. Is there an interview after the written test in ISRO recruitment?
Yes. Candidates shortlisted after the written test are called for interview.
12. What is the exam pattern for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
The written test consists of Discipline + Aptitude, carrying 240 marks and lasting 2 hours.
13. Is there any negative marking in the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ written test?
No. There is no negative marking.
14. What subjects are included in the syllabus for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
The syllabus includes core engineering discipline topics and aptitude.
15. What is the application fee for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment?
The application fee is ₹250 for General and OBC candidates.
16. Which categories are exempted from paying the application fee?
SC, ST, PwBD, and Women candidates are exempted from the fee.
17. What is the salary of an ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
The post is placed in Level 10, with basic pay starting at ₹56,100+ and total compensation around ₹80,000+ with allowances.
18. What is the career growth path after joining ISRO as Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’?
The growth path includes Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ → Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ → Scientist/Engineer ‘SE’ → Scientist-G and higher levels.
19. How can I apply for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment?
You can apply online through the official ISRO website after the notification is released.
20. Where can I find the official notification and application portal for ISRO recruitment?
You can find both on the official website: https://isro.gov.in" class="inlink">https://isro.gov.in and the https://isro.gov.in/Careers.html" class="inlink">Careers page.