Recruitment: Your Entry Point to ISRO
ISRO primarily recruits engineers for the post of Scientist/Engineer 'SC' through its Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB). These announcements are published on the official ISRO website. For instance, a recent notification in August 2026 announced 175
vacancies for engineers in Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science disciplines. Aspirants must keep a close watch on the 'Careers' section of the ISRO portal for the latest advertisements, as the application window is typically open for a few weeks only. For the August 2026 drive, the application deadline was September 16, 2026. The recruitment process involves submitting applications online; no other mode is accepted.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' post, candidates typically need a B.E./B.Tech or an equivalent engineering degree in the relevant discipline. A crucial requirement is securing a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. The maximum age limit is generally 28 years, though relaxations are provided for candidates from reserved categories as per government norms. It's important to note that ISRO sometimes uses GATE scores for shortlisting, while at other times it conducts its own written test. The specific requirements are always detailed in the official recruitment notification for each cycle.
The Two-Stage Selection Process
The selection process for an ISRO engineer is a rigorous two-step journey designed to identify top talent. The first stage is a written examination, conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) across various cities in India. This test is divided into two parts: Part A consists of 80 discipline-specific technical questions, while Part B contains up to 15 questions on aptitude and ability. There is negative marking for incorrect answers in Part A, so accuracy is key. Candidates who clear the written test are shortlisted for a personal interview, typically in a 1:5 ratio. The final selection is based on a 50-50 weightage given to both the written test score and the interview performance. The interview assesses not just technical depth but also communication skills and general awareness.
Decoding the Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the written test is comprehensive and rooted in core engineering principles. Part A covers the specific curriculum of your engineering branch. For example, the syllabus for Electronics and Communication includes topics like Circuit Analysis, Electronic Devices, Digital Circuits, Control Systems, and Electromagnetics. Mechanical Engineering aspirants can expect questions on Applied Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Sciences, and Manufacturing. Similarly, the Computer Science syllabus covers Digital Logic, Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Databases, and Computer Networks. Part B, the aptitude section, tests general reasoning and problem-solving skills and does not have negative marking.
Career Scope, Salary, and Growth
A career at ISRO is not just a job; it is an opportunity to be at the forefront of space technology. Newly recruited engineers join as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' in Level 10 of the pay matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. In addition to the basic salary, employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance, making the gross monthly salary quite attractive. ISRO offers a structured career progression path through its Merit Promotion Scheme, allowing dedicated scientists to rise through the ranks to senior positions like Scientist/Engineer 'SD', 'SE', 'SF', and beyond, potentially reaching the level of Distinguished Scientist. The organisation also provides ample opportunities for skill upgradation through regular training programs.
