ISRO Scientist Recruitment 2026: Applications Open for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Posts – Your Chance to Join India’s Space Mission

ISRO Scientist Recruitment 2026

If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what it would feel like to contribute to rockets, satellites, and deep-space missions, this is one of those rare moments when the door actually opens. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), through its Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), has invited online applications for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ positions. These are Group ‘A’ gazetted posts (and one non-gazetted post in an autonomous body) in Level 10 of the pay matrix. Applications opened around the end of July 2026 and the last date to apply is 17 August 2026.

While some reports mention 92 vacancies and others list 93 (including the single post at the Physical Research Laboratory), the core opportunity remains the same: entry-level scientific and engineering roles across key disciplines at ISRO centres and units. Selection is based on a valid GATE score (2025 or 2026) followed by an interview—no separate written examination for this drive.

Why This Recruitment Matters

ISRO and the Department of Space have been facing significant staff shortages in recent years, reportedly the highest in about 25 years, along with attrition in scientific talent. This recruitment forms part of a larger hiring push (alongside administrative posts and apprenticeships) aimed at strengthening the organisation’s capacity for launch vehicles, satellites, space applications, and ground infrastructure.

For young engineers, these posts represent more than a government job. They offer the chance to work on real hardware and systems that go into orbit, support national programmes, and contribute to self-reliance in space technology. Postings are expected across major centres including Bengaluru (URSC, HSFC, ISRO HQ, ISTRAC), Thiruvananthapuram (VSSC), Sriharikota (SDSC SHAR), Ahmedabad (SAC), Hyderabad (NRSC), Mahendragiri (IPRC), Valiamala (LPSC), Hassan (MCF), and PRL Ahmedabad for the autonomous body post.

Vacancy Snapshot

The vacancies are distributed across several engineering streams:

• Electronics: Around 34–35 posts (largest share)
• Mechanical: 26 posts
• Computer Science: 13 posts
• Civil: 10 posts (plus 1 at PRL)
• Electrical: 4 posts
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning: 2 posts
• Architecture: 2 posts

Some posts include reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). Exact category-wise breakdowns and centre-wise tentative allocations are given in the official advertisement.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply

Educational Qualification Candidates need a BE/B.Tech or equivalent degree in the relevant discipline (or Bachelor’s degree in Architecture for the Architecture posts) with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks (average of all semesters) or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. The degree should have been completed within the standard duration prescribed by the university.

A valid GATE score in the corresponding paper is mandatory:

• Electronics → GATE EC
• Mechanical → GATE ME
• Computer Science → GATE CS
• Civil → GATE CE
• Electrical → GATE EE
• Architecture → GATE Architecture & Planning
• Relevant paper for Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

GATE 2025 or GATE 2026 scores are accepted.

Age Limit Maximum age is 28 years as on 17 August 2026. Age relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC, PwBD, and serving government employees as per Government of India rules, wherever posts are reserved.

Application Fee ₹250 for General/OBC/EWS candidates (payable online via Bharatkosh). SC/ST/PwBD candidates and all female candidates are generally exempt. The last date for fee payment is typically a couple of days after the application deadline (around 19 August 2026).

Selection Process – Straightforward and GATE-Driven

Unlike many other recruitment drives, there is no written test for these posts. Shortlisting for the interview is done purely on the basis of the GATE score in the ratio of approximately 1:7 (candidates shortlisted relative to the number of vacancies). GATE marks or rank are not used; only the score matters.

After shortlisting:

1. Personal Interview
2. Document Verification
3. Medical Examination

For certain streams (especially Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science), the final merit is often prepared by giving weightage to both GATE score and interview performance (commonly 50:50), with a minimum aggregate requirement. Exact weightage and cut-offs will be as per the detailed notification and subsequent communications.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. Visit the official ISRO website: www.isro.gov.in
2. Go to the Careers or Current Opportunities section.
3. Locate Advertisement No. ISRO:ICRB:02(EMC-CEPO):2026 dated 28 July 2026.
4. Click on the link for online application (usually available under “View More Details” or a direct apply button).
5. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number, fill in personal, educational, and GATE details carefully.
6. Upload the required documents (photograph, signature, degree certificates, GATE scorecard, category certificate if applicable, etc.) in the prescribed format and size.
7. Pay the fee (if applicable) and submit the form.
8. Download and save the application confirmation / printout for future reference.

Applications can be edited until the last date; the final submitted version will be considered. After 17 August 2026, category or other critical details generally cannot be changed.

Direct application path tip: Look under Careers → Current Opportunities on isro.gov.in. The detailed bilingual advertisement PDF and FAQs are also hosted there.

Salary and Benefits

Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month plus Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other benefits admissible to Central Government employees. Additional perks typical of ISRO include medical facilities, leave travel concession, and the intangible reward of working on national space missions.

A Few Practical Tips for Applicants

• Double-check that your GATE paper code exactly matches the post you are applying for. Mismatches lead to rejection.
• Keep scanned copies of all certificates ready in the correct size and format before starting the form.
• Ensure your percentage/CGPA calculation is accurate (average of all semesters as specified).
• Read the official advertisement and FAQ carefully—especially the clauses on equivalent degrees, degree completion timeline, and reservation.
• Apply well before the deadline. Last-day rushes can lead to technical glitches or payment failures.
• Candidates registered on the National Career Service (NCS) portal who meet the criteria can also apply through the regular process.

Working at ISRO is still one of the most respected career paths for engineering graduates in India. These Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts are the classic entry point into a world of satellites, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, ground stations, and space science. With selection tied directly to GATE performance plus an interview, preparation that focuses on strong fundamentals and clear communication of your technical understanding will serve you well.

The window is open only until 17 August 2026. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid GATE score, do not wait. Visit the official ISRO careers page, read the full advertisement, and submit your application carefully.

This is more than a job notification—it is an invitation to be part of India’s continuing journey into space. Best of luck to every aspirant.

Official sources to bookmark

• ISRO website: www.isro.gov.in (Careers section)
• Official advertisement PDF (available under the relevant recruitment notice dated 28 July 2026)

Always verify the latest details on the official portal, as any updates or clarifications will appear there first.