ISRO Entrance Exam

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Aspiring to join the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in 2026? This SEO-optimized guide provides everything you need to know about the ISRO entrance exam 2026, including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, and application process. Dive in to start your journey toward a prestigious career in India’s space program!

What is the ISRO Entrance Exam?

The ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB) conducts the entrance exam for recruiting Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in disciplines like Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electrical, and Aerospace Engineering. This competitive exam tests your technical expertise and aptitude, offering a chance to work on groundbreaking missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.

Eligibility Criteria for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ 2026

To apply for the ISRO entrance exam 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Qualification:
    • B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in relevant disciplines (Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electrical, Aerospace, etc.) with a minimum of 65% marks or 6.84/10 CGPA from a recognized university.
    • Final-year students can apply, provided they submit their degree certificates by the specified deadline.
    • M.E./M.Tech or Ph.D. holders in relevant fields may apply for specific roles.
  • Age Limit:
    • Maximum 28 years for general category candidates as of the application deadline (likely June 2026, based on past trends).
    • Relaxations: OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), PwD, and ex-servicemen as per government norms.
  • Nationality: Indian citizens only.

SEO Tip: Highlight your B.Tech project and relevant skills in your resume to impress during the ISRO interview.

ISRO Exam Pattern 2026

The ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ exam consists of two stages:

  1. Written Test (Screening):
    • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) or offline (based on ICRB notification).
    • Duration: 120 minutes.
    • Structure:
      • Part A (Core Engineering): 80 MCQs on discipline-specific topics (1 mark each, -1/3 for incorrect answers).
      • Part B (General Aptitude): 15-20 MCQs on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and problem-solving (20 marks total, no negative marking in some cases).
    • Total Marks: 100.
    • Purpose: Qualifies candidates for the interview (1:5 ratio).
  2. Personal Interview:
    • Evaluates technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and alignment with ISRO’s mission.
    • Minimum 60% marks required for final empanelment.

ISRO Syllabus 2026

The syllabus aligns with GATE-level topics and varies by discipline. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Mechanical Engineering

  • Applied Mechanics and Design: Engineering mechanics, strength of materials, theory of machines, vibrations, machine design.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences: Fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, refrigeration, turbomachinery.
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Casting, machining, metrology, production planning.

Electronics and Communication Engineering

  • Circuit Theory: Network theorems, AC/DC circuits.
  • Signals and Systems: Fourier, Laplace, Z-transforms.
  • Communication: Modulation (AM, FM), PCM, error control coding.
  • Control Systems: Stability analysis, Bode plots, PID controllers.

Computer Science Engineering

  • Data Structures and Algorithms: Arrays, trees, graphs, sorting, searching.
  • Operating Systems: Process scheduling, memory management, deadlocks.
  • Networks: TCP/IP, OSI model, routing protocols.
  • Databases: SQL, normalization, ER models.

Civil Engineering

  • Structural Engineering: Beams, columns, concrete/steel design.
  • Geotechnical Engineering: Soil mechanics, foundation engineering.
  • Water Resources: Fluid mechanics, hydrology, open channel flow.

Electrical Engineering

  • Circuits: Network analysis, transients, theorems.
  • Power Systems: Fault analysis, transmission, distribution.
  • Electrical Machines: Transformers, DC/synchronous motors.

Aerospace Engineering

  • Aerodynamics: Lift, drag, compressible flow.
  • Propulsion: Jet/rocket engines, thrust.
  • Avionics: Navigation, satellite systems, radar.

General Aptitude (Common)

  • Numerical ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, English proficiency.

Tip: Download the official ISRO syllabus PDF from www.isro.gov.in for the latest updates.

Tentative Dates for ISRO Recruitment 2026

Based on previous years (e.g., 2025 recruitment), the tentative schedule is:

  • Notification Release: May 2026.
  • Application Start: May 2026.
  • Application Deadline: June 2026.
  • Fee Payment Deadline: June 2026.
  • Exam Date: August/September 2026.
  • Result: To be announced.

Note: Check www.isro.gov.in for exact dates closer to the announcement.

Application Process

  • Website: Apply online at www.isro.gov.in.
  • Fee:
    • Rs. 750 (processing fee, refunded post-exam).
    • Rs. 250 (non-refundable, exempted for Women, SC/ST, PwD, ex-servicemen).
  • Steps:
    1. Register with personal and academic details.
    2. Upload documents (degree, mark sheets, ID proof, etc.).
    3. Pay the fee online or via SBI offline.
    4. Save the registration number for future reference.
    5. Employed candidates need a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Preparation Tips for ISRO Entrance Exam 2026

  1. Know the Syllabus: Prioritize high-weightage topics (e.g., thermodynamics for Mechanical, algorithms for Computer Science).
  2. Solve Past Papers: Practice ISRO and GATE papers (2010-2025) to understand question patterns.
  3. Mock Tests: Take timed CBTs to improve speed and accuracy.
  4. Recommended Books:
    • Mechanical: “Engineering Thermodynamics” by P.K. Nag, “Strength of Materials” by R.K. Bansal.
    • Electronics: “Microelectronic Circuits” by Sedra/Smith.
    • Computer Science: “Introduction to Algorithms” by Cormen.
    • Civil: “Structural Analysis” by R.C. Hibbeler.
    • Electrical: “Power Systems” by C.L. Wadhwa.
  5. Aptitude Practice: Strengthen reasoning and numerical skills for Part B.
  6. Interview Prep: Revise your B.Tech project, ISRO missions (e.g., Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan), and recent space technology developments.

Key Details

  • Vacancies (2026): Expected to be similar to 2025 (320 posts: Electronics: 113, Mechanical: 160, Computer Science: 44, others: 3). Check official notification for exact numbers.
  • Salary: Rs. 56,100/month (Level 10, 7th CPC) + DA, HRA, medical benefits.
  • Exam Centers: Major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad (subject to change).
  • After 12th: Direct entry not possible; pursue B.E./B.Tech or join IIST for ISRO placement.

Why Join ISRO?

ISRO offers a unique opportunity to contribute to India’s space exploration, from satellite launches to interplanetary missions. With competitive pay, job security, and a prestigious work environment, it’s a dream career for engineering graduates.

* ISRO career benefits, ISRO Scientist job, ISRO space missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can final-year students apply for the ISRO 2026 exam?
Yes, provided they complete their degree with 65% marks by the deadline.

Q2: Is there negative marking in the ISRO exam?
Yes, -1/3 mark for incorrect answers in Part A (core engineering).

Q3: How to prepare for the ISRO interview?
Revise your B.Tech project, core concepts, and ISRO’s recent missions like Gaganyaan.

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