ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026 is currently open under Advertisement No. ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026, giving eligible engineering graduates an opportunity to apply for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts in Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science. The official ISRO recruitment page shows the application window from 27 August 2026 to 16 September 2026, with the online portal closing at 11:55 PM on the last date.
This recruitment is especially relevant for candidates who want a technical government career rather than a general clerical or administrative role. The official notification specifies 175 provisional vacancies across ISRO Centres and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL). It also sets the basic maximum age at 28 years as on 16 September 2026, requires the relevant engineering degree with the prescribed academic performance, and uses a written test/CBT followed by an interview.
For candidates who have already checked the age rule, this article goes a step further: it explains the vacancy structure, discipline-wise qualification, application fee, document requirements, written-test pattern, interview screening, salary, practical application steps, and the mistakes that can cause an otherwise eligible application to fail. The separate ISRO Scientist Engineer Age Limit 2026 guide can be used for a deeper DOB and cutoff-date calculation, while the ISRO Scientist Engineer Salary 2026 guide covers the pay side in more detail.
Important: ISRO’s official advertisement and FAQ are the final reference if a later corrigendum changes any vacancy, eligibility, date, or process detail. The official notification currently lists 175 vacancies; use the official table rather than third-party summaries that may show a different total.
ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Particular | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space |
| Recruitment board | ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) |
| Advertisement | ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026 |
| Post | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ |
| Disciplines | Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science |
| Total vacancies | 175, provisional |
| Application mode | Online only |
| Application period | 27 August 2026 to 16 September 2026 |
| Last time on closing date | 11:55 PM |
| Maximum age | 28 years as on 16 September 2026 |
| Academic threshold | Minimum 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10 in the relevant qualifying engineering degree |
| Pay level | Level 10 of the Pay Matrix |
| Minimum basic pay | ₹56,100 per month |
| Selection | Written Test/CBT and Interview |
The recruitment page on the ISRO website is marked open, and the official advertisement provides the detailed rules that control eligibility and application. The organisation also links the FAQ and previous-year question papers for Computer Science, Electronics and Mechanical candidates on the same recruitment page. citeturn954673view0
What Is New or Important About This Recruitment?
The most useful way to understand ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026 is to treat it as a full recruitment process rather than an age-limit announcement. Candidates need to clear several separate checkpoints: the date-of-birth and age condition, discipline-specific degree requirement, minimum academic marks, application and payment steps, document rules, written-test performance, interview screening, and final panel preparation.
There is also a practical reason to act early. ISRO’s official portal is open only through 16 September 2026 at 11:55 PM. The application requires registration, an accurate e-mail address, image uploads and the applicable fee process. ISRO states that hall tickets and interview call letters for screened-in candidates will be communicated through the registered e-mail address, so candidates should use an e-mail account they monitor regularly. citeturn566272view1turn954673view0
ISRO Scientist Engineer Vacancy 2026: 175 Posts Explained
The official notification lists six post codes. The three main ISRO Centre post codes account for 172 vacancies, while three additional PRL-associated post codes add one seat each, producing an official total of 175.
| Post code | Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| BE001 | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Electronics) | 99 |
| BE002 | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Mechanical) | 52 |
| BE003 | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Computer Science) | 21 |
| BE001A | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Electronics) – PRL | 1 |
| BE002A | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Mechanical) – PRL | 1 |
| BE003A | Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Computer Science) – PRL | 1 |
| Total | 175 | |
For the three main post codes, Electronics has the largest number of vacancies at 99, followed by Mechanical at 52 and Computer Science at 21. The notification also identifies PwBD vacancies by disability category and marks certain figures as backlog vacancies. The notice makes clear that vacancy numbers are provisional and may be increased or reduced through a corrigendum on the ISRO website. citeturn169595view0
Why the Official Total Matters
Search results and recruitment summaries can sometimes report slightly different counts when they mix main posts, backlog seats or separate sources. In this case, the cleanest approach is to add the six post-code figures in the official notification: 99 + 52 + 21 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 175. That is the figure you should use when referring to the present notification unless ISRO later publishes a corrigendum.
ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Eligibility 2026
Eligibility has more than one layer. Being within the age ceiling is necessary, but it does not by itself make an applicant eligible. The relevant post code, engineering discipline, marks or CGPA, degree-completion timing and supporting records also matter.
Electronics Qualification
For post code BE001, the notification requires a BE/B.Tech or equivalent in Electronics & Communication Engineering with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10. The same academic threshold applies to the PRL Electronics post code BE001A. Candidates with a differently named allied discipline should not assume equivalence from general internet lists; ISRO directs candidates to the official FAQ for acceptable allied disciplines.
Mechanical Qualification
For BE002 and the PRL-linked BE002A post, the required degree is a BE/B.Tech or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering with at least 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10. The exact degree title and the acceptable equivalent or allied disciplines should be checked against the current advertisement and FAQ.
Computer Science Qualification
For BE003 and BE003A, the notification requires a BE/B.Tech or equivalent in Computer Science Engineering with the prescribed minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10.
ISRO also states that graduation should have been completed within the stipulated duration of the course as prescribed by the university. This means a candidate should not stop at “I have the degree”; the timing and academic record need to satisfy the notification as well. citeturn236651view0
Important CGPA Rule for ISRO Applications
The current notification contains a valuable document-level clarification that can prevent mistakes during verification. Where a university degree certificate or consolidated marksheet displays both CGPA and percentage, at least one of those measures must satisfy the Department of Space/ISRO eligibility norm. Where only CGPA is shown, the CGPA itself must meet the required level.
The notice also says that applicants are not allowed to independently convert CGPA into percentage simply to create an eligible percentage where the relevant university document reports only CGPA. Dual or integrated degree cases have additional rules explaining which CGPA or percentage is reckoned. citeturn236651view0turn609615view0
ISRO Scientist Engineer Age Limit 2026 and DOB Check
The current advertisement sets the basic upper age at 28 years as on 16 September 2026. It also states that serving Central Government civilian employees, ex-servicemen and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are eligible for age relaxation according to applicable Government of India orders. citeturn566272view0
That rule is best understood as a cutoff-date calculation. A candidate who is exactly 28 on 16 September 2026 is within the basic maximum age. A candidate who has already completed 29 on that date is above the basic ceiling unless a valid applicable relaxation changes the result.
Do not calculate your age on the day you read this article if the notification uses a different reference date. Use the official cutoff date and your complete date of birth. For an exact years-months-days calculation, see how to calculate your exact age on any date or use the site’s Age Calculator.
Age Relaxation
The notification itself does not give a single universal “add X years” figure for everyone. Instead, it identifies serving Central Government civilian employees, ex-servicemen and PwBD candidates as categories eligible for relaxation under the applicable Government of India orders. Candidates should therefore verify the rule that specifically applies to their status rather than borrowing a relaxation from a different ISRO recruitment.
For a deeper explanation of the present cutoff and DOB boundary, use the site’s ISRO Scientist Engineer Age Limit 2026 article.
ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026: Application Dates
The official recruitment page states that the advertisement is dated 27 August 2026 and the online application deadline is 16 September 2026. The advertisement itself states that the online registration window runs from 27 August 2026 to 16 September 2026 at 11:55 PM. The same final date applies to submission of the application and payment of the application fee. citeturn954673view0turn566272view1turn609615view2
| Event | Date / time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date | 27 August 2026 |
| Online registration opens | 27 August 2026 |
| Application closes | 16 September 2026 |
| Closing time | 11:55 PM |
| Fee payment deadline | 16 September 2026 |
| Written test/CBT date | To be notified by ISRO |
Because the application involves multiple steps, it is safer to submit well before the final evening. A payment issue or an upload problem near a deadline is much harder to correct than a problem discovered while there is still time to act.
ISRO Recruitment Application Fee 2026
The notification states a non-refundable application fee of ₹250 for all posts. In addition, candidates initially have to pay a ₹750 processing fee. The notice explains that the processing fee may be refunded after the candidate appears in the written test/CBT, subject to the stated conditions.
| Candidate group | Initial amount described in the notice | Refund rule stated by ISRO |
|---|---|---|
| All applicants | ₹750 processing fee initially | Depends on exemption category and appearance in written test |
| Women, SC/ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen | Application fee exemption applies | Full refund of processing fee if the stated conditions are met and the candidate appears in the written test |
| Other candidates | ₹250 application fee within the ₹750 initial payment | ₹500 refund after deduction of the ₹250 application fee, provided the candidate appears in the written test |
The fee is collected online through the Bharatkosh e-Payment gateway. ISRO lists Internet Banking, UPI and domestic debit cards among the available modes and states that service charges, where applicable, are borne by the applicant. If a candidate does not appear in the written test/CBT, the refund is not considered. citeturn236651view1turn609615view2
Documents Required for the ISRO Application
The online application does not require every supporting certificate to be uploaded in the same way for every applicant. The notification specifically requires clear image/scanned files and explains which records are uploaded at application stage and which originals must later be produced when called.
- Recent colour passport-size photograph in the required JPG/JPEG format and size range.
- Signature image in JPG/JPEG format within the prescribed size range.
- Applicable SC/ST, disability or ex-servicemen certificate where required for processing-fee exemption/refund.
- Original documents supporting qualification, age, category and employer NOC, ready for later verification when requested.
ISRO says incomplete applications and applications that do not conform to the advertisement requirements will not be entertained. The photograph should be recent, clear and in a light-coloured background; the notification gives preferred dimensions and file-size requirements. The signature should be made with black ink on white paper and should not be in capital letters. citeturn585652view0turn236651view2
How to Apply for ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026
The official recruitment page links directly to the application portal and the bilingual advertisement. A clean application workflow is:
- Read the official advertisement and FAQ first. Check your discipline, marks/CGPA, age and any special condition relevant to your case.
- Confirm the correct post code. Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science have separate codes, and PRL has additional post codes.
- Keep your records ready. Have your degree details, marks/CGPA, DOB, category information, photograph and signature available.
- Register online. ISRO says an online Registration Number is generated after registration; preserve it for future reference.
- Enter your e-mail address accurately. Hall tickets and call letters are sent by e-mail, so a typo can cause avoidable problems.
- Upload the required files. Follow the specified JPG/JPEG and size requirements instead of resizing randomly.
- Review every field before submission. ISRO explicitly advises candidates to check the entered fields and avoid multiple applications for the same post.
- Complete the fee step. The application-fee link appears after submission and payment is online through Bharatkosh.
- Save proof of submission. Preserve the registration number and relevant application/payment records.
- Monitor your e-mail and the ISRO website. Future communication and updates can be provided through the registered e-mail and official website.
ISRO states that only online applications are accepted and advises candidates to read the advertisement and FAQ carefully before proceeding. citeturn566272view1turn566272view2
ISRO Scientist Engineer Selection Process 2026
The selection process is not based on age or academic marks alone. The notification describes a Written Test/CBT followed by an Interview, with a defined screening and final-panel methodology.
Written Test / CBT Pattern
| Part | Duration | Questions / marks | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A – Discipline Specific | 90 minutes | 80 MCQs / 80 marks | +1 correct, 0 unattempted, −1/3 incorrect |
| Part B – Aptitude/Ability | 30 minutes | Up to 15 MCQs / 20 marks | No negative marking |
| Total | 120 minutes | 100 marks | Combined paper structure |
Part A tests the candidate’s area or discipline-specific knowledge. Part B covers aptitude or ability areas including numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, diagrammatic reasoning, abstract reasoning and deductive reasoning. The official notification specifies negative marking only for Part A, not Part B. citeturn609615view4
Who Gets Shortlisted for Interview?
On the basis of written-test performance, candidates are shortlisted for interview in a maximum ratio of 1:5, with an aggregate minimum of 10 candidates. For reserved vacancies, the notice provides for distinct or additional candidates to be shortlisted under the stated process. citeturn236651view3
How the Interview Is Assessed
The notification describes a 100-mark interview assessment. The allocation includes technical or academic knowledge, general awareness relevant to the technical area, presentation and communication skill, comprehension, and academic-achievement components. Academic achievements may include specified institute type and academic-performance criteria, alongside institute rank where applicable.
For qualifying purposes, the notification states minimum thresholds for the written test, interview and aggregate. For unreserved candidates, the table specifies 50% in the written test, 50% in the interview and 60% aggregate. For PwBD candidates where the post is reserved, the corresponding thresholds shown are 40%, 40% and 50%. The final panel is generated with 50% weightage to Written Test marks and 50% weightage to Interview marks. citeturn236651view3turn566272view3
ISRO Scientist Engineer Salary 2026
Selected candidates are appointed as Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix. The notification states a minimum basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. In addition, DA, HRA and Transport Allowance are payable according to the applicable rules. The notice also describes medical facilities, subsidised canteen facilities, limited quarters in lieu of HRA, Leave Travel Concession, group insurance and other Central Government benefits, subject to the relevant rules.
The salary article on this site provides a separate detailed explanation of the pay structure and allowances, while the present recruitment guide keeps the pay information tied directly to the current notification. citeturn585652view1
Where Can Selected Candidates Be Posted?
The appointment is not restricted to one city. ISRO says appointees may be posted in any Centre or Unit of the Department of Space/Indian Space Research Organisation and may be transferred to another Centre or Unit as required.
The notification also identifies multiple centres associated with the PwBD vacancy mapping, including HSFC Bengaluru, NRSC Hyderabad, IPRC Mahendragiri, ISTRAC Bengaluru, LPSC Valiamala, MCF Hassan, SAC Ahmedabad, SDSC SHAR, URSC Bengaluru and VSSC Thiruvananthapuram. A specific candidate should rely on the post code and appointment communication rather than assume a particular location from the vacancy table. citeturn169595view0turn585652view1
ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026: Practical Eligibility Checklist
Before pressing the final submit button, work through this checklist:
| Check | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Post code | Choose the correct Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science or PRL post code |
| Age | Maximum 28 years as on 16 September 2026 under the basic rule |
| Relaxation | Verify whether a Government of India age-relaxation rule applies to your status |
| Degree | Relevant BE/B.Tech or equivalent for the chosen discipline |
| Marks / CGPA | At least 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10, as prescribed |
| Degree timing | Completed within the stipulated course duration |
| DOB record | Matches your official documents |
| Photo/signature | Meets current file type, size and quality requirements |
| Correct and actively monitored | |
| Fee | Correct fee/processing step completed through the specified gateway |
| Submission | Application number and payment proof preserved |
Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
1. Checking only the age limit
Age is just one part of the eligibility test. A candidate can be under 28 and still fail the discipline, marks or document conditions.
2. Using an unofficial CGPA conversion
The notification explicitly explains how CGPA and percentage are treated. Do not create a percentage yourself when the relevant university document only reports CGPA.
3. Choosing the wrong engineering discipline
The three main post codes are not interchangeable. Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science each have their own qualification requirement.
4. Ignoring the exact cutoff date
A candidate near the birthday boundary should calculate age on 16 September 2026, not on the day of application. The site’s age calculator for forms guide also explains why completed age and cutoff-date age are different concepts.
5. Assuming every PRL vacancy is identical to the main ISRO Centre post
The notification has separate post codes for PRL. Read the exact row you are applying against and follow the current instructions.
6. Uploading poor-quality images
The application can be rejected if the required scans do not meet the stated conditions. Prepare the photograph and signature before beginning the form.
7. Submitting multiple applications casually
ISRO advises candidates to avoid multiple applications for the same post. The notification also explains which application would be considered if multiple applications are submitted.
8. Waiting until the last hour
The final date is 16 September 2026 at 11:55 PM, but the practical goal should be an error-free submission earlier than the deadline.
How to Prepare for the ISRO Written Test
The written paper gives a clear clue about where preparation effort belongs. Part A is the larger component: 80 questions for 80 marks and a negative-marking rule. Part B has up to 15 aptitude/ability questions for 20 marks and no negative marking.
For discipline preparation, use the exact engineering syllabus and subject areas associated with your qualifying branch, then solve previous-year papers linked from the official ISRO recruitment page. The current recruitment page specifically provides previous-year Computer Science, Electronics and Mechanical papers for 2023 and 2025, which makes them useful official practice material rather than relying only on generic coaching summaries. citeturn954673view0
A practical preparation routine is to split study time between concept revision, timed MCQ practice and error analysis. Because Part A carries negative marking, accuracy matters as much as speed. Part B requires a different approach because the official paper specifies no negative marking there.
What Documents Should You Keep Ready for Interview?
ISRO requires candidates who progress to later stages to produce original documents supporting the details entered in the online form. The notice specifically mentions qualification, age, category and employer NOC where relevant.
For a smooth verification stage, candidates should keep the original degree or final qualifying documents, marksheets, DOB proof, category/PwBD or ex-servicemen documents where applicable, and NOC documentation where required. This is not a substitute for reading the advertisement: the exact documents you must present can depend on your application details.
The broader site guide on government job age limits in India is useful for understanding the general importance of cutoff dates and relaxation rules, but the current ISRO advertisement should control this specific recruitment.
Official ISRO Links for This Recruitment
For the latest status and any corrigendum, use first-party sources:
- ISRO ICRB:03(EMC):2026 recruitment page
- Official bilingual advertisement PDF
- ISRO Careers page
- Direct online recruitment portal
ISRO’s own recruitment page is particularly useful because it combines the current advertisement, FAQ, previous-year question papers and direct application link in one place. The page currently marks the recruitment as open. citeturn954673view0
Frequently Asked Questions About ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026
What is the total vacancy in ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026?
The current official notification lists 175 provisional vacancies across the six post codes covering Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science at ISRO Centres and PRL.
What is the last date to apply for ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026?
The online application and fee deadline is 16 September 2026 at 11:55 PM, according to the current official advertisement.
What is the age limit for ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026?
The basic maximum age is 28 years as on 16 September 2026. Certain categories may be eligible for age relaxation under applicable Government of India orders.
What percentage is required for ISRO Scientist Engineer SC?
The specified posts require a relevant BE/B.Tech or equivalent qualification with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10.
Which branches are eligible for the current ISRO Scientist Engineer SC recruitment?
The current notification covers Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science, with separate post codes for the main ISRO Centre vacancies and three PRL-associated vacancies.
Is ISRO Scientist Engineer selection based only on GATE?
The current ICRB:03(EMC):2026 notification describes a Written Test/CBT followed by Interview. Candidates should follow the current advertisement rather than assume that a previous recruitment method automatically applies.
What is the ISRO Scientist Engineer exam pattern?
Part A is an 80-question, 80-mark discipline-specific MCQ section with 90 minutes and negative marking of one-third for each wrong answer. Part B is an aptitude/ability section of up to 15 MCQs carrying 20 marks, with 30 minutes and no negative marking.
What is the basic pay for ISRO Scientist Engineer SC?
The selected candidate is appointed in Level 10 with a minimum basic pay of ₹56,100 per month, plus applicable allowances and benefits under the rules stated in the notification.
How is the final panel prepared?
The official notification states that final panel generation uses 50% weightage for Written Test marks and 50% for Interview marks. The notification also provides qualifying thresholds and tie-breaker rules.
Can I apply with only a current-age calculation?
No. Recruitment eligibility uses the official reference date. For this advertisement, calculate your completed age on 16 September 2026 and then check the applicable qualification and relaxation rules.
What should I do if the vacancy count or deadline changes later?
Recheck the official ISRO recruitment page and any corrigendum. The current notification itself says that vacancy numbers are provisional and that changes can be communicated by ISRO.
Final Application Checklist
- Read the current ISRO advertisement and FAQ.
- Confirm your exact post code and engineering discipline.
- Calculate age on 16 September 2026, not only today.
- Verify 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10 as applicable.
- Check degree-completion timing.
- Confirm whether any age relaxation applies to you.
- Prepare a compliant photograph and signature.
- Use a valid e-mail address you check regularly.
- Submit the online form and complete the fee process.
- Save the registration number and payment/application records.
- Use the official previous-year papers as part of written-test preparation.
- Continue checking ISRO’s official website for hall-ticket, test and later-stage notices.
Conclusion
ISRO Scientist Engineer SC Recruitment 2026 is a timely opportunity for eligible engineering graduates because the official application window is open only until 16 September 2026 at 11:55 PM. The current notification lists 175 provisional vacancies across Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science, including PRL-linked post codes. The basic maximum age is 28 years as on the cutoff date, while the qualifying degree must meet the prescribed discipline and academic standard.
The strongest way to approach this recruitment is to verify the entire chain of eligibility rather than focusing on one headline number. Check the exact post code, degree discipline, CGPA or marks rule, age cutoff, any applicable relaxation, document consistency and application requirements. Then prepare specifically for the 100-mark written test and the interview, remembering that the final panel gives equal 50% weightage to written-test and interview marks. citeturn566272view0turn609615view4turn566272view3
For the safest and most current information, use ISRO’s own recruitment page, advertisement PDF and FAQ. The official page is the right place to confirm any later corrigendum, test schedule, call letter or application update. citeturn954673view0
Source note: This guide is based primarily on the current ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026 advertisement and official recruitment page. The external launch images are embedded from Wikimedia Commons and are not uploaded to the Agecalculators WordPress Media Library.
