ISRO Scientist/Engineer

Designing and testing rocket engines, satellites, onboard electronics and software; ground stations and tracking; quality checks; launch campaigns at Sriharikota; and research with other ISRO centres.

A day in the work
You reach your ISRO centre in the morning and check test results from the previous day with your team. Then you might design a circuit, simulate a rocket part, write flight software or inspect hardware in a lab. Afternoons often go to review meetings where senior scientists question every number. Before a launch, days get long and everyone works in shifts, sometimes at Sriharikota far from a big city.

1. Step 1 · Class 11–12Take PCM and build strong basics in Maths and Physics. If IIST interests you, aim for 75% or more in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD) (reported).
2. Step 2 · Class 12Pick your way into B.Tech. One way is JEE Main, then JEE Advanced, for IIST Thiruvananthapuram. The other is any good B.E./B.Tech college in Electronics, Mechanical or Computer Science through JEE or a state entrance exam.
3. Step 3 · 4 yearsComplete B.E./B.Tech and keep your marks high. The 2026 ICRB notice asked for at least 65% or 6.84/10 CGPA (reported). At IIST you need CGPA 7.0 after semester 6 to be called for the ISRO interview, and 7.5 at the end of the degree for an offer letter (IIST official page).
4. Step 4 · After B.TechAppear in the ICRB computer-based test for Scientist/Engineer 'SC'. In 2026 the advertisement came out on 27 August 2026, the age limit was 28 on 16 September 2026, and the test was set for 29 October 2026 after a postponement. There was no GATE score in that drive (all reported). Dates, age and posts change every year, so read the notice on isro.gov.in. (reported — check with the official body)
5. Step 5Interview with an ISRO panel for those who clear the written test. The final merit list uses the test and interview together (reported). (reported — check with the official body)
6. Step 6Document verification and a medical examination. ISRO requires you to be medically fit under its norms (IIST page says the same for its students).
7. Step 7 · JoiningYou join as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' at an ISRO centre or unit. The centre is decided by ISRO, not by you (reported). I could not read ISRO's official rules on induction training and probation, so check the joining letter. (reported — check with the official body)

• IIST route (study first, absorbed on marks)Get in through JEE Advanced to B.Tech in Aerospace, Electronics & Communication (Avionics) or a Dual Degree at IIST. If you finish in 4 years (5 for Dual Degree) with CGPA 7.5 or more, are medically fit, and there are vacancies, you can be absorbed after an ISRO interview. This is not a guaranteed job.
• ICRB written test + interviewAny recognised B.E./B.Tech graduate in the advertised branch with the minimum marks can apply when ISRO announces a drive. Selection is by computer-based test and interview (2026, reported).
• GATE-based drive or centre-wise advertisementsIn some years ISRO shortlists through GATE scores, and individual centres (for example SAC and LPSC) put out their own notices for Scientist/Engineer posts (reported). Watch isro.gov.in each year.

Fees from: IIST – Undergraduate Admissions (merit scholarships, absorption) · IIST UG Admission Brochure 2022 (one-time fee, fee waivers) · NIT Uttarakhand B.Tech fee structure 2026-27 (PDF) · NIT Kurukshetra B.Tech fee structure AY 2026-27 (PDF) · NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology B.Tech fee structure 2026-27 (PDF). Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.

Starting pay is a fixed government pay level, and it grows with promotions and years of service. Take-home also depends on the city or project site you are posted to, because house rent allowance differs by city class.

In the 2026 ICRB notice, vacancies were marked for persons with benchmark disabilities and the application fee was fully refunded for women, SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen (reported). Age relaxations follow Government of India rules. Everyone must still meet ISRO's medical standards. IIST also reserves seats for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS and PD categories and adds extra seats for women (reported).

• Class 7–9Build a simple model, such as a balloon rocket or a water-bottle rocket, and note how changing one thing (fins, water amount) changes the flight.
• Class 10–12Look at the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO) syllabus and past papers from HBCSE, and try a few Physics and Maths problems each week.Open link ↗
• College or afterPick a free NPTEL course in your branch, such as control systems, embedded systems, aerospace basics or programming, and finish one with its assignments.Open link ↗

• The official post name is Scientist/Engineer 'SC'. Almost all entry is through an engineering degree. A B.Sc alone does not qualify for these posts.
• IIST says ISRO/DoS does not guarantee a job to every eligible student. Absorption is in order of merit and only up to the vacancies notified that year (IIST 2020 brochure). Students sign a service bond of 3 years after absorption.
• Only apply on isro.gov.in. Never pay any agent or website for a 'seat' or 'job'.
• Only Indian citizens can be appointed. IIST says graduates holding OCI/PIO cards are not eligible for absorption (IIST 2022 brochure).