Last Update: 1 Sep, 2026
For the 2026 ISRO Scientist Engineer recruitment: apply online for 175 Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions at isro.gov.in, check the eligibility and see the salary level-10 and exam pattern
The official notice for the ISRO Scientist Engineer Recruitment 2026 has now been released. The Indian Space Research Organisation, via its ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), is recruiting 175 Scientist/Engineer 'SC' positions in the fields of Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science (Advt. No. ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026). Applicants who have a BE/B.Tech degree and obtained 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 can apply online at isro.gov.in from 27 August 2026 to 16 September 2026 (11:55 PM). Those who are selected will join Level 10 of the Pay Matrix with a monthly basic pay of ₹56,100.
The guide provides a breakdown of all the vacancies by branch, together with the exact fee-refund arrangement, the pattern of the CBT exam, and the 50:50 selection formula—details which most articles from competing sources either omit or get wrong.
ISRO Scientist Engineer Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) |
| Advertisement No. | ISRO:ICRB:03(EMC):2026 |
| Post Name | Scientist/Engineer 'SC' |
| Total Vacancies | 175 |
| Disciplines | Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science |
| Application Start | 27 August 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 16 September 2026 (11:55 PM) |
| Pay Level | Level 10 — Basic Pay ₹56,100/month |
| Selection Process | Written Test (CBT) + Interview |
| Final Merit Weightage | 50% CBT + 50% Interview |
| Official Website | isro.gov.in |
ISRO Scientist Engineer Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- A BE/B.Tech degree or one equivalent thereto in Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, or Computer Science Engineering from a university which is recognised.
- To be eligible, candidates must score at least 65% or a CGPA of 6.84 out of 10; those who fall below this threshold are not eligible regardless of their category, unless the official notification specifies a relaxation.
- Students in their final year who are waiting for their results are usually not eligible, since the degree has to be completed by the application deadline.
Age Limit
- The maximum age is 28 years as of 16 September 2026.
- For age relaxation: SC/ST by 5 years; OBC by 3 years; PwBD by 10 to 15 years depending on the category overlap; ex-servicemen as per the norms of the Government of India.
How to Apply Online for ISRO Scientist Engineer Recruitment 2026
- Go to the official website, isro.gov.in, and click on the 'Careers' section.
- To access the notification for the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' Recruitment 2026 (ICRB:03(EMC):2026), click on the notification link.
- You must use a valid personal email address since all hall tickets and interview call letters will be sent to this email address only, so be sure to check it before submitting.
- Please carefully enter the personal, educational, and category information.
- Upload your photo and signature in accordance with the given format and file size.
- It is essential that you enter your bank account details accurately (including the account number, IFSC, and branch) if you are to receive your refund of the processing fee later.
- Make the ₹750 processing fee payment through the Bharatkosh e-Payment gateway.
- Preview the form; after it has been submitted, editing will not be permitted — then submit and save your registration number.
ISRO Application Fee 2026 & the Unique Refund Policy
- All candidates, no matter what category they belong to or their gender, are required to pay a processing fee of ₹750 when they apply.
- Out of this amount, ₹250 is an application fee that is not refundable.
- Payment can only be made online via the Bharatkosh e-Payment Gateway using Internet Banking, UPI, or a Domestic Debit Card. Payments by cash, cheque, demand draft, money order, or IPO are not accepted.
Refund Table (Applicable Only If You Appear in the Written Test/CBT)
| Candidate Category | Amount Paid | Refund After Appearing in CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Women / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | ₹750 | Full ₹750 refunded |
| All Other Candidates (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹750 | ₹500 refunded (₹250 application fee deducted) |
Important note: A refund will be credited solely to those candidates who actually take the Written Test/CBT; if you register but do not take the exam, you lose the full amount of ₹750—there are no exceptions in the case of medical or personal reasons. It is essential that you enter your bank details accurately when completing the application, as refunds will be processed to the account that is recorded.
ISRO Scientist Engineer Salary 2026 — Level 10 Pay Matrix
- Candidates are assigned a position at level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix with a monthly basic pay that is at least ₹56,100.
- The posts at the constituent centres of ISRO are classified as Group 'A' Gazetted, while those at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) are Group 'A' Non-Gazetted.
- The total in-hand salary (which includes the basic pay as well as the DA, HRA and other allowances) is usually much higher than the basic amount, together with access to ISRO's research facilities, government housing (where it applies), and the central government's retirement benefits.
ISRO Scientist Engineer 2026: Discipline-Wise Vacancy Snapshot
| Discipline | Applicable For |
|---|---|
| Electronics | ECE / EEE / Electronics graduates |
| Mechanical | Mechanical Engineering graduates |
| Computer Science | CSE / IT graduates |
Of the 175 posts, the majority are located at ISRO's various constituent centres in India, while a small number are set aside for the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL); candidates should therefore refer to the detailed notification PDF to see the exact breakdown by centre and by category before applying, since this will determine whether you will be appointed as a Group A Gazetted or Non-Gazetted officer.
ISRO Scientist Engineer Exam Pattern 2026
The Written Test/CBT is a 120-minute, 100-mark exam split into two clearly weighted parts:
| Part | Section | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Discipline-Specific (Core Engineering) | 80 | 80 | 90 Minutes | −1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| Part B | Aptitude/Ability Test (Numerical, Logical, Abstract & Deductive Reasoning) | ~15 | 20 | 30 Minutes | No negative marking |
| Total | ~95 | 100 | 120 Minutes | As applicable |
Qualifying Criteria:
| Category | Part A Minimum | Part B Minimum | Aggregate Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | 50% | 50% | 60% |
| PwBD (where post is reserved) | 40% | 40% | 50% |
Here's a useful tip: As there is no negative marking for Part B, you should attempt all the questions in it—statistically, even guessings will raise your score. Use your spare time on the subject-specific questions in Part A, since incorrect answers in that section reduce your mark.
ISRO Scientist Engineer Selection Process 2026
Selection happens in two stages:
- The written test or computer-based test is used for shortlisting candidates for interviews on the basis of merit.
- The personal interview is used to evaluate aspects of technical depth, communication skills, and knowledge of ISRO's current missions.
The 50:50 Weightage Rule
Documents Required for ISRO Scientist Engineer Application 2026
| Document | Format/Notes |
|---|---|
| Recent Colour Photograph | As per specified pixel/size guidelines |
| Signature | Scanned – black ink on white paper in JPEG format |
| Educational Certificates | Degree/provisional certificate, mark sheets |
| Category Certificate | SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen, if applicable |
| Bank Account Details | For processing-fee refund — verify accuracy |
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | isro.gov.in |
| Browse Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Latest Govt Jobs Notification 2026 |
| Free Mock test series | Attemp Free Mock test |