Last updated: October 2026
Source: Facts on this page for the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' route come from the official ISRO ICRB advertisement (Advt. No. ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026 dated 27-08-2026). Vacancy numbers, dates and criteria change every cycle, so always confirm on isro.gov.in before applying.
Almost everyone asking how to join ISRO wants one of three jobs: Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (for B.E./B.Tech graduates), Technical Assistant (for Diploma holders) or an administrative post such as Assistant/UDC (for any graduate). Each has a different exam, different eligibility and a different way to prepare. This page explains all three and then goes deep on the Scientist/Engineer route, which is the most searched.
In this guide
The routes into ISRO
| Route | Who can apply | Level / starting basic pay | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (ICRB) | B.E./B.Tech in Electronics, Mechanical or Computer Science with at least 65% or CGPA 6.84/10 | Level 10, ₹56,100 basic | Written test (CBT), then interview |
| Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (GATE-based) | B.E./B.Tech with a valid GATE score | Level 10 | Based on GATE score through a separate ISRO GATE-based notification (see isro.gov.in) |
| Technical Assistant | 3-year First-Class Diploma in Engineering | Level 7 | CBT, then qualifying Skill Test |
| Assistant / UDC | Graduate in any stream with 60% or CGPA 6.32/10 | Level 4 | CBT, then qualifying computer Skill Test |
There is no walk-in route and no direct recruitment without one of these processes. ISRO also warns candidates to ignore fake offers of appointment.
Scientist/Engineer 'SC' through ICRB: eligibility
The 2026 ICRB advertisement (Advt. No. ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026 dated 27-08-2026) invited online applications for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' in Level 10 (Group 'A' gazetted posts) at ISRO centres, plus Group 'A' non-gazetted posts at the autonomous body PRL.
| Post code | Discipline | Vacancies (as notified) | Required degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE001 | Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Electronics) | 99 | B.E./B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering, minimum 65% aggregate or CGPA 6.84/10 |
| BE002 | Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Mechanical) | 52 | B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84/10 |
| BE003 | Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Computer Science) | 21 | B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering, minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84/10 |
| BE001A / BE002A / BE003A | Same three disciplines at PRL (autonomous body) | 1 each | Same as above |
Vacancy numbers are tentative, and ISRO may add or reduce them through a corrigendum. Together the posts add up to 175 vacancies (Electronics 100, Mechanical 53, Computer Science 22, including PRL).
Eligibility rules that cause the most rejections
- Age limit: 28 years as on 16-09-2026. Serving central government civilian employees, ex-servicemen and persons with benchmark disabilities get relaxation as per Government of India orders.
- Marks or CGPA: at least 65% aggregate or CGPA 6.84/10. Where a university mentions both CGPA and percentage on the degree certificate, at least one must meet the norm. Where only CGPA is mentioned, that CGPA must meet the norm. Converting CGPA to percentage is not permitted for deciding eligibility.
- Course duration: graduation must have been completed within the stipulated duration of the course as prescribed by the university.
- Allied branches: the allied B.E./B.Tech disciplines accepted under each post are listed in the ISRO FAQs published with the advertisement.
- Nationality: only Indian nationals can apply.
Selection process step by step
Stage 1: Written test (CBT)
| Part | Content | Duration | Questions / marks | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Discipline-specific | 90 minutes | 80 MCQs, 80 marks | +1 correct, 0 unattempted, -1/3 wrong |
| Part B | Aptitude/ability (numerical, logical, diagrammatic, abstract and deductive reasoning) | 30 minutes | Up to 15 MCQs, 20 marks | No negative marking |
- Total written marks: 100. Qualifying: 50% each in Part A and Part B for unreserved candidates; 40% each for PwBD candidates where posts are reserved.
- Venues: the test is held in cities across India; the call letter is sent only to your registered e-mail ID.
- Answer key: published on the ISRO website within three working days of the test. Objections with valid justification are allowed within 5 days through the link provided.
Stage 2: Interview
Candidates are shortlisted for the interview in the ratio 1:5 (with an aggregate minimum of 10 candidates) based on written test performance. The interview carries 100 marks:
| Attribute | Marks |
|---|---|
| Technical (academic) knowledge | 40 |
| General awareness relevant to your area of specialisation (technical) | 20 |
| Presentation / communication skill | 20 |
| Comprehension | 10 |
| Academic achievements (institute type, CGPA/percentage, institute rank) | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Final panel
- Weightage: 50% written test marks and 50% interview marks.
- Qualifying criteria (unreserved): 50% in the written test, 50% in the interview and 60% in the aggregate. For PwBD candidates the bars are 40%, 40% and 50%.
- Tie-breakers, in order: marks in the written test, marks in the essential qualification, then date of birth (older candidate first).
Note: ISRO reserves the right to change the qualifying criteria for interview and final selection for administrative reasons.
Pay, posts and what the job looks like
Selected candidates are appointed as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' in Level 10 of the pay matrix with a minimum basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance are payable as per extant rules. Other benefits listed in the advertisement include medical facilities for self and dependents, a subsidised canteen, limited quarters (in lieu of HRA), Leave Travel Concession, group insurance and House Building Advance. Employees are governed by the New Pension Scheme.
Appointees can be posted to any ISRO/Department of Space centre or unit and transferred at any time on need basis. The advertisement lists the centres that hold these vacancies: HSFC Bengaluru, NRSC Hyderabad, IPRC Mahendragiri, ISTRAC Bengaluru, LPSC Valiamala, MCF Hassan, SAC Ahmedabad, SDSC SHAR Sriharikota, URSC Bengaluru and VSSC Thiruvananthapuram.
How to apply
- Read the full advertisement and FAQs on isro.gov.in before starting.
- Register and apply online only. For this cycle the window was 27-08-2026 to 16-09-2026 (11:55 PM).
- Fee: application fee ₹250 (non-refundable). Initially every candidate pays a uniform ₹750 processing fee; ₹500 is refunded to candidates who appear in the written test (full refund for women, SC/ST/PwBD and ex-servicemen who appear). Pay online through the Bharatkosh gateway (net banking, UPI or domestic debit card).
- Enter a correct e-mail ID. Hall tickets and call letters for the written test and interview are sent by e-mail only.
- Upload a recent colour photograph (.jpg/.jpeg, 100–200 KB) and your signature (.jpg/.jpeg, 80–150 KB), plus the relevant certificate if you claim a fee refund.
- Keep original documents ready for qualification, age, category and, if employed, a No Objection Certificate for the interview.
Do not submit multiple applications for the same post. If duplicates are found, only the one with the fee received within the last date is considered.
Other routes: Technical Assistant and Assistant/UDC
- Technical Assistant (Diploma holders): centre-wise recruitment with an 80-question, 90-minute CBT and a qualifying Skill Test. Full guide: How to prepare for ISRO Technical Assistant.
- Assistant and UDC (any graduate): 200-mark written paper plus a computer Skill Test. Full guide: How to prepare for ISRO UDC & Assistant.
A realistic preparation path
- Confirm eligibility first: degree branch, 65% / 6.84 CGPA, and the age limit for your cycle.
- Learn the pattern: read the ISRO ICRB exam pattern and syllabus guide and the What is ISRO ICRB explainer.
- Build fundamentals: core subjects of your branch plus the aptitude section.
- Solve previous year papers: practise ISRO ICRB PYQs under timed conditions on CMB HUB. They are free and come with solutions.
- Prepare for the interview: technical depth in your branch and clear communication. Read the ISRO interview experience and tactics.
Start with free ISRO ICRB previous year papers and solutions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit to join ISRO as Scientist/Engineer?
In the 2026 ICRB advertisement the age limit was 28 years as on 16-09-2026, with relaxation for serving central government civilian employees, ex-servicemen and persons with benchmark disabilities as per Government of India orders.
How many marks do I need in B.E./B.Tech to apply?
At least 65% aggregate or a CGPA of 6.84 out of 10, in the relevant discipline.
Is there an interview for ISRO Scientist/Engineer?
Yes. After the written test, candidates are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio for a 100-mark interview, and the final panel gives 50% weight to the written test and 50% to the interview.
Can I join ISRO without GATE?
Yes. The ICRB route recruits through its own written test and interview and does not require a GATE score. A separate GATE-based recruitment also exists.
Can a diploma holder join ISRO?
Yes, as a Technical Assistant, through a centre-wise CBT and a qualifying Skill Test.