ISRO India Jobs in 2026
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is one of the most respected space agencies in the world, and 2026 is one of its most ambitious years in history. With the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program approaching its crewed mission milestone in 2027, Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return in development, and India's commercial space sector expanding rapidly, demand for ISRO talent has never been higher. This guide covers everything you need to know about securing a job at ISRO in 2026 — from the ICRB exam process to salary grades, major programs, and application timelines.
About ISRO
ISRO, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is India's primary space agency responsible for the nation's space program. Founded in 1969, the organization has grown into a global leader in cost-effective space exploration, satellite technology, and launch vehicle development. ISRO operates under the Department of Space, which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
Key ISRO centers include:
- VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) — Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — Launch vehicle development
- ISAC/URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre) — Bengaluru, Karnataka — Satellite design and fabrication
- SDSC SHAR (Satish Dhawan Space Centre) — Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh — Launch operations
- SAC (Space Applications Centre) — Ahmedabad, Gujarat — Payload and applications
- LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) — Thiruvananthapuram/Bengaluru — Propulsion systems
- ISITE (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network) — Bengaluru — Tracking and communications
How ISRO Recruitment Works
ISRO recruits primarily through the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), which conducts nationwide competitive examinations for Scientist/Engineer positions. The recruitment process is highly competitive, attracting tens of thousands of applicants for a few hundred positions.
2025-2026 ICRB Recruitment Cycle
The most recent ICRB recruitment announced 263 vacancies for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions in Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science disciplines, plus an additional 39 vacancies in Civil, Electrical, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning, and Architecture. Applications were open from May 27 to June 16, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions through ICRB:
- Education: BE/BTech degree in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognized university
- Age limit: Generally 28 years (with relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms)
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Application fee: Rs 750 (processing fee for all candidates)
Selection Process
The ICRB selection process consists of:
- Written Examination — A single objective-type paper with two parts:
- Part A: 80 MCQs on discipline-specific subjects
- Part B: Up to 15 MCQs on aptitude and general ability
- Total duration: 120 minutes
- Interview — Shortlisted candidates appear before a selection panel
- Medical Examination — Standard fitness assessment
- Document Verification — Original certificates and identity verification
ISRO Salary Structure
ISRO follows the Central Government pay matrix. The entry-level Scientist/Engineer 'SC' position starts at Level 10 of the pay matrix:
| Grade | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. Total CTC (Metro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist/Engineer SC | Level 10 | Rs 56,100/month | Rs 1,00,000/month |
| Scientist/Engineer SD | Level 11 | Rs 67,700/month | Rs 1,20,000/month |
| Scientist/Engineer SE | Level 12 | Rs 78,800/month | Rs 1,40,000/month |
| Scientist/Engineer SF | Level 13 | Rs 1,23,100/month | Rs 2,00,000/month |
| Scientist/Engineer SG | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200/month | Rs 2,30,000/month |
| Distinguished Scientist | Level 15+ | Rs 1,82,200/month | Rs 2,80,000+/month |
Total cost-to-company (CTC) includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other benefits. The actual CTC varies based on posting location, with metro cities offering higher HRA.
Additional Benefits
ISRO employees enjoy comprehensive government benefits:
- Housing: Subsidized government accommodation or HRA
- Medical: CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) coverage
- Leave: Earned leave, casual leave, and restricted holidays
- Pension: National Pension System (NPS) contributions
- LTC: Leave Travel Concession for domestic travel
- Children's Education: Allowance for children's schooling
- Professional Development: Opportunities for higher education and international collaborations
Major ISRO Programs in 2026
Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program
Gaganyaan is India's most ambitious space program ever. The first uncrewed test flight (Gaganyaan-1) is targeted for March 2026, with subsequent uncrewed missions leading to India's maiden crewed spaceflight in 2027. The program involves developing a crew module, service module, launch escape system, and crew training infrastructure.
Over 8,000 ground tests and all structural qualification tests have been completed. The Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) was successfully conducted in August 2025, validating the parachute deceleration system. In February 2026, ISRO and DRDO completed final qualification load testing for the capsule.
Engineers working on Gaganyaan contribute to:
- Crew module thermal protection and life support systems
- Launch escape system design and testing
- Flight software development and simulation
- Recovery operations planning
- Astronaut training systems
Chandrayaan-4 Lunar Sample Return
Building on the success of Chandrayaan-3's historic lunar landing in 2023, ISRO is developing Chandrayaan-4 as a lunar sample return mission. This complex mission involves multiple spacecraft modules for orbiting, landing, sample collection, ascent, and Earth return. The mission timeline targets a launch window around 2028.
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
NISAR is a joint Earth observation satellite mission with NASA, featuring both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar. The satellite, developed collaboratively by NASA's JPL and ISRO's URSC, will provide unprecedented monitoring of Earth's land and ice surfaces.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station
India has announced plans for its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), to be operational by 2035. Early development work is underway, with technology demonstrations planned alongside Gaganyaan missions. This long-term program will generate significant hiring demand across multiple ISRO centers.
Other Recruitment Pathways
Beyond ICRB, ISRO offers additional entry points:
ISRO Technical Assistants
Technical Assistant positions are available for diploma holders. These roles involve hands-on work in fabrication, testing, and assembly. The pay starts at Level 6 of the pay matrix (approximately Rs 35,400 basic pay).
ISRO Apprenticeships
ISRO offers apprenticeship programs under the Apprentices Act across its various centers. These provide hands-on experience in space technology and can serve as a stepping stone to permanent positions.
ISRO Junior Research Fellows (JRF)
Research fellowships are available for postgraduate students working on specific ISRO projects. JRFs receive a monthly stipend and can pursue doctoral research aligned with ISRO's technology development priorities.
GATE-Based Recruitment
Some ISRO positions use Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores as a screening criterion. Candidates with strong GATE performance may be shortlisted directly for interviews without a separate ICRB examination.
India's Growing Commercial Space Sector
The Indian government's decision to open the space sector to private companies has created a vibrant ecosystem alongside ISRO. Companies like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Dhruva Space are actively hiring engineers with skills relevant to ISRO's mission areas. This expanding ecosystem provides additional career pathways for space professionals in India.
For professionals interested in the broader global space job market, explore opportunities at organizations like NASA, SpaceX, and other companies listed on Zero G Talent's aerospace engineering job board.
How to Prepare for the ICRB Exam
Successful ICRB candidates typically follow these preparation strategies:
- Master your core discipline — The 80 MCQs in Part A cover fundamental engineering concepts from your BTech curriculum
- Practice previous papers — ISRO publishes previous question papers on its website
- Focus on aptitude — Part B tests logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English comprehension
- Time management — 120 minutes for 95 questions demands efficient pacing
- Stay current — Follow ISRO's recent missions and programs for interview preparation
- Physical fitness — Maintain health standards required for the medical examination
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for ISRO Scientist/Engineer SC?
The general age limit is 28 years as of the application closing date. Relaxation is available for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and Persons with Disabilities as per government reservation norms.
Can I apply to ISRO with a degree from a private university?
Yes, as long as your engineering degree is from a university recognized by UGC/AICTE. The specific discipline must match the advertised vacancy requirements.
How often does ISRO recruit through ICRB?
ISRO typically conducts one major ICRB recruitment cycle per year, though the timing varies. Additional smaller recruitment drives for specific disciplines or centers may occur separately. Monitor isro.gov.in for the latest notifications.
What is the promotion timeline at ISRO?
Promotion from SC to SD typically takes four to five years, with subsequent promotions every four to six years based on performance and vacancy availability. Senior positions (SF and above) are increasingly competitive and may require significant contributions to major programs.
Is there a bond period after joining ISRO?
ISRO generally requires a minimum service commitment of three to five years after joining. Leaving before completing this period may require reimbursement of training costs.
Can foreign nationals work at ISRO?
No, ISRO positions are restricted to Indian citizens only. Foreign nationals interested in collaborating with ISRO can explore partnership opportunities through their respective national space agencies.
