Understanding the Spectrum of Roles at ISRO
While the Scientist/Engineer role is the most prominent, ISRO offers a wide array of career opportunities across different categories. The primary streams are Scientific & Technical and Administrative. The Scientific and Technical category includes not
only Scientist/Engineer posts for graduates and postgraduates but also Technical Assistant roles for diploma holders and Technician or Draughtsman positions for those with ITI qualifications after their matriculation. The Administrative category is vital for the organisation's smooth functioning, with roles like Administrative Officer, Accounts Officer, Assistants, and Junior Personal Assistants. This diverse structure means that candidates from various educational backgrounds, from ITI certificate holders to PhDs, can find a potential career path within the space agency.
The Coveted Scientist/Engineer 'SC' Position
The Scientist/Engineer 'SC' is the primary entry-level post for engineering graduates and is highly sought after. The fundamental requirement is a B.E./B.Tech or equivalent degree in specific disciplines like Electronics, Mechanical, or Computer Science with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. Recruitment for these positions happens through two main channels: the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) conducting its own written test, or more recently, through shortlisting based on valid GATE scores. For a recent drive in August 2026 for 93 Scientist/Engineer posts, selection was based on GATE scores followed by an interview. For these GATE-based recruitments, the final selection often gives 50% weightage to the GATE score and 50% to the interview performance.
Qualifications for Technical Support Staff
The backbone of ISRO's technical workforce includes a range of assistant and technician roles. For the post of Technical Assistant, the typical qualification is a First Class Diploma in a relevant engineering discipline. For Technician 'B' and Draughtsman 'B' posts, the eligibility criterion is usually an SSLC/SSC/Matriculation pass along with an ITI/NTC/NAC certificate in the relevant trade. For example, a recent recruitment for ISRO ISTRAC included vacancies for technicians and technical assistants with an age limit of 18 to 35 years. The selection process for these roles generally involves a written test and a skill test, where the skill test is often qualifying in nature, and final selection is based on marks from the written exam.
Opportunities in the Administrative Wing
ISRO also recruits for crucial administrative roles to support its scientific endeavours. For posts like Assistant and Upper Division Clerk (UDC), the requirement is typically a Graduation degree with a specified minimum percentage. For roles like Junior Personal Assistant (JPA) or Stenographer, the criteria often include a Graduation degree or a Diploma in Commercial/Secretarial Practice, along with specific skills in stenography. A recent recruitment drive, with a deadline extended to August 20, 2026, sought to fill 267 vacancies for Assistant, UDC, JPA, and Stenographer roles. The age limit for these posts is generally between 18 and 28 years, with relaxations for reserved categories. The selection process for these administrative posts usually consists of a written test followed by a skill test.
Navigating the Application and Selection Process
Regardless of the post, the recruitment process begins with an online application submitted through the official ISRO website. It is critical for applicants to use only the official portal (isro.gov.in) to avoid fraudulent job offers. After applications are submitted, there is an initial screening based on the academic performance and other parameters provided. Shortlisted candidates are then called for the next stage, which could be a written test or, for some Scientist/Engineer posts, a direct interview based on GATE scores. The written tests are typically computer-based and designed to assess subject knowledge. This is usually followed by an interview or a skill test, depending on the role's requirements. Candidates must carefully read the official notification for each specific recruitment drive, as the process and criteria can vary.
