The Gateway to India's Space Mission
A position at ISRO is more than a job; it's a chance to contribute to nation-building projects that capture global attention, from lunar missions like Chandrayaan to the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). Engineers are recruited for the prestigious role
of 'Scientist/Engineer SC', a Group 'A' government post. The primary path for recruitment is through the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), which conducts written tests for various engineering disciplines. According to a recent notification in August 2026, ISRO announced 176 vacancies for engineers in Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science streams. These opportunities are for positions across various ISRO centres and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL).
Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' position, candidates must possess a B.E./B.Tech degree or an equivalent qualification in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognised university. A crucial requirement is securing a minimum of 65% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. As per the late August 2026 notification, the upper age limit is set at 28 years, with relaxations applicable for candidates from reserved categories, ex-servicemen, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per government norms. It's essential for aspirants to carefully check the specific requirements mentioned in the official notification on the ISRO website before applying.
Breaking Down the Selection Process
The selection for a Scientist/Engineer is a two-stage process: a written test followed by a personal interview. The final selection gives equal weightage to both stages, with 50% attributed to the written test score and 50% to the interview performance. The written test is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted in cities across India. The exam, lasting 90 minutes, is divided into two parts. Part A consists of 80 multiple-choice questions specific to your engineering discipline. Part B contains around 20 questions assessing aptitude and ability. Aspiring candidates should note that there is negative marking in the discipline-specific section, where one-third of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
The Interview: Beyond the Books
Candidates who perform well in the written test are shortlisted for a personal interview, typically in a 1:5 ratio for the number of vacancies available. The interview is a critical component, designed to assess a candidate's practical and conceptual understanding beyond theoretical knowledge. The evaluation criteria for the 100-mark interview often include technical academic knowledge (40 marks), general awareness of the specialisation (20 marks), presentation and communication skills (20 marks), comprehension (10 marks), and academic achievements (10 marks). This stage aims to identify candidates with the right temperament and problem-solving skills for a research-oriented environment.
A Rewarding Career Path and Salary
Engineers who join ISRO are appointed as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix. The basic pay starts at ₹56,100 per month, and with the inclusion of allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA), the gross monthly salary can be substantial. The in-hand salary is estimated to be around ₹72,000 to over ₹90,000 per month, depending on various factors. ISRO offers a structured career path with promotions based on performance through the Merit Promotion Scheme. This allows engineers to grow from Scientist 'SC' to higher grades like 'SD', 'SE', 'SF', and potentially reach the level of 'Distinguished Scientist', a position of great prestige.
