Bengaluru, May 7, 2025 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced its 2025 recruitment drive for 63 Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ positions, offering a prestigious opportunity to contribute to India’s space exploration and satellite technology programs. Managed by the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), the recruitment targets graduates in Electronics, Mechanical, and Computer Science disciplines. Applications are open from April 29 to May 19, 2025, with selections based primarily on valid GATE 2024 or 2025 scores. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process, eligibility, and key details.

Vacancy Details

The recruitment covers 63 Group ‘A’ Gazetted posts across ISRO’s constituent centers:

• Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Electronics): 22 posts
• Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Mechanical): 33 posts
• Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Computer Science): 8 posts

These vacancies are provisional, and ISRO reserves the right to adjust the number based on organizational needs.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

• Electronics: B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in Electronics & Communication Engineering with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks (or CGPA 6.84/10). A valid GATE score in Electronics & Communication Engineering (Paper Code: EC) is required.
• Mechanical: B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks (or CGPA 6.84/10). A valid GATE score in Mechanical Engineering (Paper Code: ME) is required.
• Computer Science: B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in Computer Science Engineering with a minimum aggregate of 65% marks (or CGPA 6.84/10). A valid GATE score in Computer Science & Information Technology (Paper Code: CS) is required.
• Final-year students are ineligible unless their results are declared before the application deadline.
• Lateral entry degree holders are eligible if they meet the 65% marks or CGPA requirement.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years as of May 19, 2025.
• Age relaxation applies per Government of India rules:
  • Serving Central Government employees, ex-servicemen, and persons with benchmark disabilities are eligible for upper age relaxation.
  • Specific relaxations are detailed in the official notification.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary: Appointed candidates will be placed in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix with a minimum basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. Additional allowances include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance.
• Other Benefits:
  • Medical facilities for self and dependents
  • Subsidized canteen
  • Limited quarters facility (in lieu of HRA)
  • Leave Travel Concession
  • Group Insurance
  • House Building Advance
  • New Pension Scheme/Unified Pension Scheme
• Career Progression: ISRO’s Merit Promotion Scheme offers promotions to higher levels delinked from vacancy availability for Scientific and Technical posts, providing excellent growth opportunities.

Selection Process

• Shortlisting: Candidates are screened based on valid GATE 2024 or 2025 scores. The GATE paper and qualifying degree must align with the discipline applied for (Electronics, Mechanical, or Computer Science). ISRO’s ICRB verifies scores, and falsified entries may lead to criminal proceedings.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for interviews in a 1:5 ratio (minimum 10 candidates per post). For reserved vacancies, additional candidates are shortlisted in the same ratio without regard to unreserved category candidates.
• Final Selection: The final panel is generated with 50% weightage to GATE scores and 50% to interview performance.
• Note: Some vacancies may be filled via a written test instead of GATE scores, with details to be specified in the notification. Candidates should refer to FAQs on the ISRO website for clarity.

Application Process

• Online Registration: Applications are accepted exclusively online via the ISRO website (isro.gov.in) from April 29 to May 19, 2025.
• Steps:
  1. Visit the “Current Opportunities” page and click the application link for the desired post.
  2. Complete registration with personal, educational, and professional details.
  3. Upload required documents (e.g., degree certificates, GATE scorecard).
  4. Review and submit the application.
  5. Pay the application fee online via the Bharatkosh portal.
• Application Fee: ₹250 per application, non-refundable. Exemptions apply for women, SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Payment modes include Internet Banking, UPI, and domestic Debit/Credit Cards; cash, cheques, or drafts are not accepted. The payment deadline is May 21, 2025.
• Registration Number: Upon submission, candidates receive a Registration Number, which must be preserved for future reference. Call letters for interviews are sent via registered email only.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Candidates employed in Central/State Government, PSUs, or autonomous bodies must submit an NOC from their employer at the time of the interview.

Important Dates

• Online Registration Opens: April 29, 2025
• Online Registration Closes: May 19, 2025
• Application Fee Payment Deadline: May 21, 2025
• Interview Schedule: To be notified via email to shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

• Access the application portal at apps.ursc.gov.in or isro.gov.in.
• Avoid using browser “Back” and “Forward” buttons during form filling to prevent errors.
• Candidates applying for multiple posts must select the same written test center (if applicable) and pay separate fees for each application.
• Regularly check the ISRO website for updates, as no separate admit cards are issued for written tests or interviews.

Skeptical Perspective

The reliance on GATE scores streamlines the process but may disadvantage candidates who excel in practical skills over standardized tests. The limited number of vacancies (63) relative to India’s vast engineering talent pool could raise concerns about accessibility, especially for underrepresented groups, despite fee exemptions. The provisional nature of vacancies and ISRO’s right to cancel posts may also create uncertainty for applicants. However, the transparent online process, clear eligibility criteria, and robust career benefits underscore ISRO’s commitment to meritocracy and national development through space technology.

For detailed information, candidates should refer to the official notification on isro.gov.in and consult FAQs to ensure compliance with application requirements.