Two Major Opportunities, Two Deadlines
This August, ISRO has opened its doors for both technical and administrative roles, but they operate on separate tracks with different requirements and deadlines. The first is for the coveted Scientist/Engineer 'SC' position, aimed at engineering graduates
with strong technical credentials. The second is a larger drive for administrative roles, including Assistants, Upper Division Clerks (UDC), Junior Personal Assistants (JPA), and Stenographers. Whether you are an engineer with a valid GATE score or a graduate aspiring to support India's space missions from a non-technical position, there is a potential opening for you. Understanding which path aligns with your qualifications is the first critical step, as the application processes and selection criteria are distinct for each.
The Technical Track: Scientist/Engineer 'SC'
This recruitment drive is for 93 Scientist/Engineer 'SC' posts across various ISRO centres. These are highly specialised, Group 'A' gazetted positions for which the application window closes on August 18, 2026. To be eligible, candidates must possess a B.E./B.Tech or equivalent degree in a relevant engineering discipline, such as Electronics, Mechanical, or Computer Science, with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. Crucially, applicants must also have a valid GATE 2025 or GATE 2026 score in their corresponding engineering paper. The selection process does not involve a separate written test; instead, ISRO will shortlist candidates for a personal interview based on their GATE scores. This makes a strong GATE performance an essential prerequisite for consideration.
The Administrative Track: Assistant, UDC, and More
For graduates from various backgrounds, ISRO is recruiting for 267 administrative posts. This includes positions like Assistant, Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Junior Personal Assistant, and Stenographer. The deadline for these applications has been extended to August 20, 2026. Eligibility for Assistant and UDC roles generally requires a graduation degree, while posts like Stenographer have additional skill requirements. The age limit for these positions is typically between 18 and 28 years, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories as per government norms. The selection process here is different from the technical track. It involves a comprehensive written examination, followed by a skill test which is qualifying in nature. The final selection is based on marks obtained in the written exam.
Your Step-by-Step Application Guide
Navigating the application process requires careful attention to detail. First, visit the official ISRO website at isro.gov.in and find the 'Careers' section. Here, you will see listings for current opportunities. It is vital to select the correct advertisement number. For the Scientist/Engineer posts, the notification is tied to the GATE score route, while the administrative posts are under a separate advertisement for Assistants, JPAs, and UDCs. Once you click the relevant link, you will be prompted to register with a valid email and mobile number. Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and educational details, and upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other required documents. Double-check all entries before submitting and proceed to pay the application fee, if applicable. Always save a copy of the final submitted application and payment receipt for future reference.
Preparing for Selection
For engineering aspirants, the primary focus is already determined by your GATE score. If your score is competitive, your preparation should pivot entirely towards the personal interview. This interview will rigorously test your core subject knowledge and practical understanding. For candidates applying to administrative roles, preparation for the written test is key. The exam typically covers four main areas: General English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Knowledge. The paper consists of objective-type questions, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer. A structured study plan focusing on these subjects will be essential to score well and secure a call for the subsequent skill test.
