How to become an ISRO Scientist?

ishant_mrinal · September 23, 2023, 7:19am

In this article, we will delve into the requisite qualifications and the steps one needs to take to become a scientist/engineer at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

ISRO: Pioneering Space Technology for National Development

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stands as the esteemed space agency of the Indian government, established in 1969 with the visionary goal of leveraging space technology for the country’s development. Over the years, ISRO has made significant strides in space science and technology, playing a pivotal role in India’s economic and social progress.

The Genesis of ISRO

ISRO’s roots trace back to 1962 when the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was set up to coordinate space research activities in India. In 1969, INCOSPAR metamorphosed into ISRO, with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai serving as its inaugural chairman.

Under Dr. Sarabhai’s astute leadership, ISRO rapidly advanced. In 1975, ISRO launched its maiden satellite, Aryabhata, in collaboration with the Soviet Union. By 1980, ISRO achieved an unprecedented feat by deploying its inaugural satellite using its indigenous launch vehicle, the SLV-3, making India the seventh nation globally to possess satellite-launching capabilities.

Moon Landing

On August 23, 2023, the ISRO successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the Moon. This made India the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, after the Soviet Union, the United States, and China.

India is the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.

How to get job at ISRO

Becoming an ISRO Scientist: Two Pathways

Joining IIST after Class 12:
- Notably, enrolling in the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) after completing your 12th grade is one route to becoming an ISRO scientist.
- ISRO directly recruits IIST graduates for various Engineer/Scientist roles.
- It’s important to note that joining IIST does not guarantee immediate employment at ISRO. Success in academia, including maintaining a minimum CGPA of 7.5, is vital for eventual recruitment.
Clearing ICRB Examination after Completing BTech:
- For engineering graduates, an alternative path is to apply for positions after completing a BTech degree.
- Eligible engineering branches for this route include Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science.

IIST pathway

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

IIST, nestled in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, holds the esteemed status of being a Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Established in 2007, it operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India. IIST’s mission is to nurture exceptional human resources for ISRO, offering education at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels, with a special focus on space sciences, technology, and applications.

Admission to IIST

IIST offers undergraduate (BTech, 4 years) and dual-degree programs (BTech+MTech, 5 years) in Aerospace Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics).

The admission process involves the following three checks,

Get your qualified - class 12 marks
Get good marks at JEE Advanced
Fill out an online application form at the IIST website

Eligibility

Minimum Marks Requirement in Qualifying Examination.

Marks in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, a language, and any other subject will be considered for calculating the aggregate.

General

Candidates must secure at least 75% aggregate marks in the Class XII (or equivalent) board examination.

Reserved

The aggregate marks for SC, ST, and PD candidates should be at least 65%.

Entrance Exam

IIST considers only JEE Advanced marks for admission.

Candidates should have appeared for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to qualify for the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) conducted by IITs.

Application

Candidates seeking admission to IIST must apply through the online application portal http://admission.iist.ac.in.

Once the JEE Advanced results are declared, IIST releases its own merit lists.

The IIST Admission Rank List will be prepared based on the aggregate marks scored in JEE
Advanced Examination.

ICRB

ICRB: ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board

This option applies to engineering graduates, including BTech final-year students and BTech graduates in eligible branches such as Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science.

BTech Minimum Grade 6.8 or 65% marks is required.

ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB) conducts examinations to recruit SCIENTIST/ENGINEER ‘SC’ positions. The application process can be accessed through ISRO’s “CAREERS” portal on their official website.

Becoming an ISRO scientist/engineer involves a combination of rigorous academic preparation, diligent examination performance, and a commitment to furthering India’s achievements in space technology.

References

Read these posts on how to prepare for JEE and which books to use. JEE guides

Entrance examination details

To know more about the syllabus and exam dates visit the official website of JEE-mains and JEE-advanced.