Starting Young: School-Level Initiatives
ISRO's mission to nurture talent begins early with its flagship "Young Scientist Programme," also known as YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram). This two-week residential program is designed for students studying in Class 9 to give them a foundational understanding
of space science and technology. The selection is merit-based, considering Class 8 marks, performance in an online quiz, and participation in science fairs and olympiads, with special weightage for students from rural areas. Selected students visit major ISRO centres across the country, interact with senior scientists, and participate in hands-on activities. All expenses, including travel, accommodation, and course materials, are borne by ISRO. Beyond YUVIKA, ISRO's educational body, the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), offers free online courses on topics like space exploration for students aged 10 and above, providing a certificate upon completion.
The Direct Gateway: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
For those serious about a career with ISRO, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram is the premier gateway. Functioning directly under the Department of Space, IIST offers undergraduate (B.Tech) and dual degree programs in highly specialised fields like Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics), and Engineering Physics. Admission is highly competitive and is based on merit in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. Students must secure at least 75% aggregate marks in their Class XII board examinations (65% for SC, ST, and PD candidates) to be eligible. Based on vacancies and academic performance, top-performing graduates from IIST are eligible for direct absorption as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' into various ISRO centres.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Pathways
A degree from IIST is not the only route into ISRO. Graduates with a B.E. or B.Tech in disciplines like Mechanical, Electronics, and Computer Science from any recognized university are highly sought after. ISRO conducts a nationwide competitive exam through its Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) to recruit Scientists/Engineers. Candidates generally need a minimum aggregate of 65% marks in their degree. For students pursuing postgraduate studies, ISRO has the Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) program, an online course for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in physical sciences and technology. Furthermore, various ISRO centres offer internship and project trainee schemes for students pursuing B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhDs, providing invaluable hands-on experience. These internships, though often unpaid, provide a significant boost to a candidate's profile and practical knowledge of ISRO's work.
Joining ISRO: The Recruitment Process
The most common method for engineers to join ISRO is by clearing the ICRB written test, followed by an interview. The written test is discipline-specific, focusing on core engineering concepts. In recent years, ISRO has also started using GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) scores for shortlisting candidates for certain specialised roles, sometimes bypassing the written test. Vacancies are announced on the official ISRO careers portal, which candidates should monitor regularly. It is important to note that ISRO's recruitment is a multi-step process, and getting a good academic score and clearing the entrance exam are both crucial. Beyond engineering, ISRO also hires for scientific roles requiring MSc degrees in Physics or Mathematics, as well as administrative and other non-technical positions.
