The Latest Recruitment Opportunity
ISRO's Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) has announced recruitment for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions for 2026, creating a significant opportunity for engineering graduates. According to the notification released on August 27, 2026, a total of 175
vacancies have been opened across the Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science disciplines. These posts are classified as Group 'A' positions, placed in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. The application window is set from August 27, 2026, to September 16, 2026. It's important for aspirants to note that ISRO sometimes uses two different routes for recruitment: a written test followed by an interview, or shortlisting based on GATE scores followed by an interview. The current drive primarily follows the written test and interview model.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the stringent eligibility requirements. Applicants need a B.E./B.Tech or an equivalent qualification in the relevant engineering discipline with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. The upper age limit is set at 28 years as of September 16, 2026, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories as per government norms. It is crucial that the degree is completed within the standard duration prescribed by the university; candidates who took extra time due to backlogs are not eligible. Applications are accepted only through the official ISRO careers portal, and candidates employed by government or public sector undertakings must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the interview stage.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process is entirely online via the official ISRO website, www.isro.gov.in. Aspirants should navigate to the 'Careers' section to find the relevant advertisement, numbered ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026. The process involves registering with a valid email and mobile number, filling out the detailed application form with personal and educational information, and uploading necessary documents like a photograph and signature. There is an initial processing fee of ₹750, which must be paid online. A portion of this fee may be refunded to candidates who appear for the written test, depending on the category. Once submitted, a registration number is generated, which must be saved for all future correspondence. The deadline for online submission is September 16, 2026.
Decoding the Exam Format
The selection process consists of two main stages: a Written Test/Computer Based Test (CBT) and an interview. The final selection gives equal weightage to both stages, with 50% from the written test and 50% from the interview. The written test itself is a two-hour objective exam with 100 multiple-choice questions. It is divided into two parts. Part A is discipline-specific, containing 80 questions for 80 marks. Part B assesses aptitude and reasoning skills through 15-20 questions. There is a negative marking scheme in place, where 1/3 of a mark is deducted for each incorrect answer, while correct answers receive one mark.
Syllabus and The Interview Stage
The syllabus for Part A of the written test is comprehensive and based on the curriculum of the specific engineering discipline (e.g., Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science). Candidates can find previous years' question papers on the ISRO website to understand the scope and difficulty level. Part B typically covers topics like numerical, logical, and abstract reasoning. Candidates who perform well in the written test are shortlisted for the interview, generally in a 1:5 ratio. The interview is a crucial stage designed to assess the candidate's technical depth, practical knowledge, and overall suitability for a scientific role at ISRO.
