Two Main Recruitment Paths
ISRO primarily recruits Scientist/Engineer 'SC' personnel through two main channels. The first is the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), which conducts written tests for various engineering disciplines. The second method involves shortlisting
candidates based on their scores in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Both pathways lead to the same esteemed Group 'A' Gazetted position, but the initial screening process differs. Additionally, individual ISRO centres like the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad or the U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru sometimes announce their own specific vacancies.
Checking Your Eligibility
The foundational requirement for the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' post is a B.E. or B.Tech degree in a relevant discipline, such as Electronics, Mechanical, or Computer Science. Candidates are generally required to have a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. The upper age limit is typically 28 years for general category candidates, with relaxations for reserved categories as per government norms. It is crucial to check the specific notification, as requirements for disciplines can vary with each recruitment drive.
The Application Process
All applications for ISRO recruitment are submitted online through the official ISRO website, www.isro.gov.in. When a recruitment notification is released, candidates must register on the portal, fill out the application form with accurate personal and educational details, and upload necessary documents like a recent photograph and signature. After successful registration, an online Registration Number is generated, which must be preserved for all future correspondence. For recruitments based on GATE scores, applicants must provide their valid GATE registration details.
The Written Test vs. GATE Score
For recruitment via the ICRB's own test, the exam is a major hurdle. This written test is an objective, multiple-choice exam lasting two hours. It typically consists of 95 questions, with 80 questions dedicated to the specific engineering discipline and 15 questions on general aptitude. There is negative marking for incorrect answers in the discipline-specific section. For recruitments based on GATE, there is no separate written test. Instead, candidates are shortlisted for the next stage directly based on their GATE 2025 or 2026 scores in the relevant paper.
The All-Important Interview Stage
Candidates who clear the written test or are shortlisted via their GATE scores are called for a personal interview. This stage is critical and carries significant weight in the final selection. The interview panel assesses the candidate's technical knowledge, practical understanding of engineering concepts, problem-solving abilities, and passion for space technology. Expect deep questioning on your core subjects, final year projects, and even current ISRO missions. The final merit list is prepared by giving equal 50% weightage to the written test/GATE score and 50% to the interview performance.
