A Mission of National Pride
Joining ISRO as a Scientist/Engineer 'SC' is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of India's ambitious space exploration journey. From launching satellites that power communication and weather forecasting to landmark missions to the Moon
and Mars, ISRO is at the forefront of global space technology. This prestige, combined with the chance to contribute to nation-building projects, makes these roles some of the most sought-after in the country. For engineering graduates, it represents a direct path to applying their skills to challenges of cosmic proportions.
Available Posts and Disciplines
ISRO's recruitment drive for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions typically spans several engineering disciplines. Recent notifications for 2026 highlight vacancies across various centres in fields like Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science. For example, a recent announcement detailed 93 total vacancies, with 35 in Electronics, 26 in Mechanical, and 13 in Computer Science, among others. These roles are crucial for the design, development, and testing of the systems that make India's space missions successful. Vacancies are posted for specific ISRO centres, including major hubs like Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ahmedabad.
Core Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
The primary eligibility requirement for the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' post is a B.E./B.Tech degree or its equivalent in the relevant engineering discipline. Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. For the general category, the upper age limit is typically 28 years, though relaxations apply for OBC (31 years) and SC/ST (33 years) candidates as per government norms. It is crucial to have completed the degree within the standard duration and meet these criteria as of the date specified in the official notification.
The Selection Process Explained
For the 2026 recruitment, ISRO is using a multi-pronged approach. Many of the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' vacancies are being filled based on a valid GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score from 2025 or 2026. Candidates are shortlisted for an interview based on their GATE scores, with a typical ratio of 1:7. The final selection is then determined by giving 50% weightage to the GATE score and 50% to performance in the technical interview. This interview assesses technical knowledge, subject awareness, and communication skills. Other vacancies may be filled based on a separate written test conducted by ISRO, followed by an interview.
Salary, Perks, and Career Growth
A career at ISRO is financially rewarding and stable. A newly appointed Scientist/Engineer 'SC' is placed in Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. When allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA) are included, the gross monthly salary can be between ₹75,000 and ₹90,000, and the in-hand salary can range from ₹70,000 to over ₹1,00,000 depending on the city of posting and other factors. Beyond the salary, employees get benefits like comprehensive medical coverage, leave travel concession, and excellent long-term career progression opportunities.
How to Apply for the Latest Openings
All applications for ISRO recruitment must be submitted online through the official ISRO website, www.isro.gov.in. For the recent call for 93 posts, the application window was open until August 17, 2026. Aspiring candidates should regularly visit the 'Careers' section on the website to stay updated on new notifications. The application process involves online registration, filling in personal and educational details, and providing a valid GATE score if required for the specific post. It's vital to have a valid email ID, as all communications from ISRO will be sent there.
