The Opportunity: Scientist/Engineer 'SC'
ISRO has announced recruitment for approximately 93 Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions across various centres. These are prestigious Group 'A' Gazetted posts, placing new recruits at Level 10 of the pay matrix, with an initial monthly basic pay of ₹56,100.
This recruitment drive aims to attract top engineering talent to contribute to India's globally acclaimed space missions. The vacancies are spread across several disciplines, including Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering, at various ISRO centres like VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram, URSC in Bengaluru, and SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota.
Deadline Alert: Key Dates to Remember
The single most important piece of information for any applicant is the deadline. For the current recruitment cycle (Advt. No. ISRO:ICRB:02(EMC-CEPO):2026), the last date to submit online applications is August 17, 2026. The application window opened on July 28, 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues on the official ISRO portal. The last date for fee payment, where applicable, is August 19, 2026.
Core Eligibility: Education and Age
To be eligible, candidates must possess a B.E./B.Tech or equivalent degree in a relevant engineering discipline with a first-class distinction. Specifically, this translates to an aggregate minimum of 65% marks (average of all semesters) or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. The age limit for most posts is 28 years as of the application closing date, though age relaxation is available for OBC candidates (up to 31 years) and SC/ST candidates (up to 33 years) against reserved posts, as per government norms. Crucially, applicants must also have a valid GATE score from either 2025 or 2026 in their respective engineering paper.
The Selection Process: GATE Score and Interview
Unlike some past recruitments that involved a dedicated written test, this selection process is streamlined. There is no separate written examination. Instead, candidates will be shortlisted for a personal interview based on their valid GATE 2025 or 2026 scores. ISRO will shortlist candidates for the interview round in a ratio of approximately 1:7 for each vacancy category. The final selection will be based on a merit list with a 50% weightage given to the GATE score and a 50% weightage to performance in the personal interview. The interview is designed to assess the candidate's technical knowledge, subject clarity, and overall suitability for a research and development role.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online via the official ISRO website, www.isro.gov.in. Candidates should navigate to the 'Careers' section and find the relevant advertisement. Upon registration with a valid email ID and mobile number, applicants will receive a registration number to be preserved for future correspondence. The online form requires filling in personal details, academic qualifications, and the valid GATE score. Applicants also need to upload scanned copies of necessary documents. An application fee of ₹250 is applicable for male candidates from the Unreserved, EWS, and OBC categories, while women, SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, and PwBD candidates are exempted from the fee.
