ISRO Recruitment Exam 2026: Launch Your Career in India's Space Program
Join ISRO as Scientist/Engineer 'SC'/'SD'. Crack the written test + interview and contribute to Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan, and beyond. Latest: SAC 49 Vacancies Open (Apply by Feb 12, 2026)!
1. Exam Overview: The 2026 Reality
Key 2026 Update: SAC Advt. SAC:01:2026 (23 Jan 2026) – 49 vacancies (45 SC + 4 SD) in RF/Microwave, Electronics, etc. Apply: 23 Jan – 12 Feb 2026. ICRB major drives often annual for Electronics/Mechanical/CS (next expected soon). Pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10) + perks.
2. Detailed Selection Process & Exam Pattern
| Stage | Details | Questions/Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Test | Technical MCQs from UG/PG syllabus (branch-specific: Electronics/Mech/CS etc.) + some aptitude | 80–100 Questions (80–100 marks) | 90–120 Minutes |
| Interview | Technical + HR (panel at ISRO centers). Weightage: Written 85% + Interview 15% (typical ICRB) | Qualifying | 20–40 Minutes |
| Final Merit | Based on written + interview scores | - | - |
Note: No GATE required in many ICRB drives. Negative marking usually 1/3. Shortlisting for interview: ~1:5–1:10 ratio from written.
3. Eligibility & Branch Mapping
Educator's Tip: BE/B.Tech (65% or CGPA 6.84/10) in relevant branch for 'SC'. ME/M.Tech/PhD for 'SD'/specialized. Age: 18–28/35 (relaxations: SC/ST 5 yrs, OBC 3 yrs). Check exact branch mapping in notification—e.g., Electronics for ECE, Mechanical for Mech. Always verify on isro.gov.in or careers.sac.gov.in as mismatch rejects application.
4. Detailed Syllabus Breakdown (Core Branches)
Electronics / ECE
Networks, Electronic Devices, Analog & Digital Circuits, Signals & Systems, Control Systems, Communications, Electromagnetics, Microwave Engineering, VLSI, Embedded Systems. Focus: High-weight on Analog/Digital + Comm.
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Manufacturing, Machine Design, Theory of Machines, Industrial Engineering, IC Engines, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
Computer Science / IT
Algorithms, Data Structures, OS, DBMS, Computer Networks, Compiler Design, Theory of Computation, Digital Logic, Programming (C/C++/Java), Software Engineering, Computer Architecture.
General (if included)
Basic Aptitude, Reasoning, Current Affairs (Space/Tech news), Engineering Maths basics.
Pro Tip: Syllabus aligns with GATE but deeper in core subjects. Refer official advt. PDF for exact topics.
5. The 100-Day Intensive Prep Plan
- Days 1-30: Revise core concepts from standard books. Cover full syllabus branch-wise + note weak areas.
- Days 31-70: Solve previous ISRO papers (2015–2025) + GATE papers (same branches). Target 100+ MCQs daily. Time-bound sectional tests.
- Days 71-100: Full-length mocks (simulate 90–120 mins). Analyze errors deeply. Revise formulas/notes. Practice interview questions (technical + "Why ISRO?"). Stay updated on ISRO missions.
6. Recommended Books & Resources
Online: Unacademy/Gradeup ISRO courses, YouTube channels (e.g., GATE Academy for concepts).
7. Final Application Checklist
- ✅ Scanned Degree/Marksheets (BE/B.Tech/ME/PhD)
- ✅ Category Certificate (if applicable, valid)
- ✅ PwBD Certificate (if claiming)
- ✅ Recent Passport Photo & Signature
- ✅ ID Proof (Aadhaar) & Payment Proof (if fee applicable, usually ₹250 for Gen/OBC)
