ISRO | Exam Dates, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus 2026
Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan… you must have heard about these iconic missions that have put India on the global space map. From landing on the Moon to preparing for human spaceflight, these achievements have inspired millions of dreams across the country. Somewhere in that inspiration, many of you might also carry a dream to become a part of the organisation behind it all.
So, if you are searching for the ISRO Exam Date 2026 or want to understand everything about the ISRO recruitment exam, you are in the right place. This exam is not just another recruitment test; it is a gateway to working on real space missions and contributing to India’s scientific progress. So, let's dive into the world of ISRO and explore everything about this prestigious organisation.
What is ISRO?
The Indian Space Research Organisation is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering, and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and mankind. ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various centres or units within ISRO.
ISRO was previously known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai. ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969, and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology. DOS was set up, and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972. Now, let's move forward and explore the ISRO exam.
ISRO Scientist/Engineer Examination 2026
The ISRO Scientist/Engineer Examination 2026 is a great opportunity for engineering graduates who want to build their careers in space science and technology. The exam will be conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) for the post of Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’. If you are searching for the ISRO exam full form, ISRO stands for the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Through this exam, selected candidates will get a chance to work on real space projects like satellites, rockets, and space missions. It is one of the most respected government job exams for engineers in India. ICRB hires engineers from different branches, such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Architecture, and more. Each branch has its own role in supporting ISRO’s space missions.
| ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam 2026: Important Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | ISRO |
| Post | Scientist/Engineer |
| Selection Process | Written Test/CBT and Interview |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Official Notification | Click here to download |
| Exam Date | Not announced yet |
| Official Website | www.isro.gov.in/ICRB_Recruitment10.html |
| ISRO EXAM 2026 Notification Date (Expected) | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Expected Registration Start | Early to mid-2026 |
| Application Mode | Online ICRB portal |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 to 4 weeks after notification |
NOTE: All the information mentioned above is based on the ISRO Scientist/Engineer 2025 official notification, as the ISRO exam 2026 official notification has not been released yet. The details are expected to change once the official notification is published by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
ISRO Exam Pattern 2026
If you are also stepping into the ISRO exam preparation, then you must first understand the exam pattern. The ISRO exam is designed to test both your technical knowledge and basic aptitude skills. It checks how well you understand your engineering subjects, along with your problem-solving ability. The selection process mainly includes a written test followed by an interview.
Written Examination
The written test is objective in nature and is divided into two parts: Part ‘A’ and Part ‘B’, with a duration of 120 minutes (with compensation time as applicable for PwBD candidates).
Part A: Technical Section
- 80 Questions
- 1 mark for each correct answer
- Negative marking: -1/3 for wrong answers
- Based on the core engineering subjects of your branch
Part B: Aptitude Section
- 20 Questions
- No negative marking
- Includes reasoning, basic mathematics, and general aptitude
Selection Process for Interview
1)Based on performance in the written test, candidates will be shortlisted for the interview in the ratio of 1:5, with a minimum of 10 candidates in total
2)For reserved vacancies, additional or separate candidates will be shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio (maximum), without considering candidates already shortlisted under the Unreserved (UR) category, if any.
3)Allocation of marks will be done as per the prescribed criteria.
| Sl. No. |
Attribute |
Marks Allocation |
| 1. | Technical (Academic) Knowledge | 40 |
| 2. | General Awareness related to the area of specialization (Technical) | 20 |
| 3. | Presentation / Communication Skill | 20 |
| 4. | Comprehension | 10 |
| 5. | Academic Achievements | 10 |
ISRO Exam Qualifying Criteria
The selection process for the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Examination is designed to select the most skilled and deserving candidates. Selection is based on how well you perform in the written exam and the interview, along with the minimum qualifying marks set for different categories.
| ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam 2026: Important Highlights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category |
Written Test |
Interview |
Aggregate |
| Unreserved Candidates | 50% each in Part A & Part B | 50/100 marks | 60% |
| Reserved Candidates (PwBD only) | 40% each in Part A & Part B | 40/100 marks | 50% |
ISRO Exam Eligibility
To apply for the ISRO exam, candidates must meet the required eligibility conditions in terms of education, age, and academic performance.
Educational Qualification
⮚ Candidates must have completed a B.E./B.Tech degree in Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Electrical, or an equivalent engineering from a recognised institute/university of India with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84.
⮚ Candidates who are in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided the essential qualifications have been completed before the release of the ISRO final results.
⮚ Candidates with a lateral entry degree are also eligible, provided they have completed their degree first-class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA.
⮚ The education eligibility criteria (streams) for the post of Scientist/Engineer may change as per the recruitment notification. It will be notified as per the latest notification.
ISRO Exam Age Limit
To apply for the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam, candidates must meet the required age criteria set by the recruitment authority.
- ⮚ Minimum Age: 18 years
- ⮚ Maximum Age: 28 years
Note: The maximum age limit is relaxed to 33 years for SC/ST candidates and 31 years for OBC candidates, against posts reserved for these categories. Serving Central Govt. employees, Ex-Servicemen, and Persons with Disabilities are eligible for age relaxation as per the Govt. of India orders.
ISRO Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the ISRO exam is based on your engineering branch. It mainly checks your understanding of core technical subjects along with basic aptitude skills. Below, we have mentioned the syllabus for different engineering branches.
| Branch |
Topic |
| Civil Engineering | Building Materials, Surveying, Transportation Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Hydraulics, Irrigation Engineering, Estimating Costing and Valuation, Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering, Theory of Structures, RCC Design, Steel Design, Concrete Technology |
| Electrical Engineering | Basic Concepts, Circuit Law, AC Fundamentals, Basic Electronics, Measurement and Measuring Instruments, Electrical Machines, Fractional Kilowatt Motors, Single-phase Induction Motors, Synchronous Machines, Magnetic Circuit, Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Estimation and Costing, Utilization of Electrical Energy |
| Electronics Engineering | Basics of Circuits and Measurement Systems, Digital Electronics, Analytical and Optical Instrumentation, Analog Electronics, Electrical and Electronic Measurements, Transducers, Mechanical Measurement and Industrial Instrumentation, Control Systems and Process Control, Signal Systems and Communications |
| Mechanical Engineering | Heat Engines, Strength of Materials, Structural Engineering, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Automobile Engineering, Theory of Machines, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Engineering, and Management |
| Computer Science Engineering | Databases, Computer Organization and Architecture, Operating System, Compiler Design, Web Technologies, Information Systems and Software Engineering, Computer Networks, Theory of Computation |
ISRO Scientist/Engineer 2026 Vacancy Distribution
The vacancy distribution for the ISRO Scientist/Engineer 2026 exam has not been released by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Candidates will get the complete information once the official notification is published.
FAQs
The ISRO exam is conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation to recruit talented engineers/scientists for various technical posts. It mainly focuses on streams such as Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, and other engineering branches, allowing engineering graduates to contribute to India’s space research and technology.
For Scientist/Engineer (SC) posts, the maximum age limit is 28 years as per the latest recruitment notification. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per the Government of India rules.
Anyone with a B.E./B.Tech degree in the required engineering streams with at least 65% marks (or equivalent CGPA) can apply. Final-year students are also eligible, as long as they meet the qualification at the time of final selection.
You just need to apply online through the official ISRO recruitment website (ICRB). Once the notification is out, fill the form, upload your details and documents, and submit them within the deadline.
No, GATE is not required for ISRO scientist/ Engineer recruitment. ISRO conducts its own written exam followed by an interview for selection.