ISRO SAC Scientist & Engineer Recruitment 2026 – 49 Group-A Technical Posts Notification

The Space Applications Centre (SAC) under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced a significant recruitment drive for the year 2026. This notification, numbered SAC 04/2026, invites online applications for a total of 49 prestigious Scientist and Engineer positions. These roles are categorized into two primary groups: Scientist/Engineer-SD (Level-11) and Scientist/Engineer-SC (Level-10). The recruitment is a golden opportunity for highly qualified professionals in specialized fields like RF & Microwave Engineering, Wireless Communication, Computer Science, Microelectronics, Agricultural Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, and various other engineering and scientific disciplines. SAC, headquartered in Ahmedabad, is a premier centre of ISRO focused on the development of space-borne instruments and payloads for communication, broadcasting, earth observation, and more.

This recruitment is particularly notable for its stringent academic standards and specific role-based requirements. The Scientist/Engineer-SD posts (Post Codes 01-03) are PhD-level positions, demanding candidates with doctoral research in highly niche areas. On the other hand, the Scientist/Engineer-SC posts (Post Codes 04-16) are primarily for candidates with M.E./M.Tech or M.Sc qualifications. The notification clearly states that there is no relaxation in the minimum percentage or CGPA criteria mentioned for any post, making it imperative for candidates to thoroughly verify their academic scores before applying. With postings likely in major ISRO centres like SAC Ahmedabad, VSSC Thiruvananthapuram, NRSC Hyderabad, and NESAC Umiam, this recruitment offers a career at the forefront of India's space technology endeavors.

The timeline for the ISRO SAC 2026 recruitment is compact and strictly defined. Candidates must pay close attention to each deadline, as the notification explicitly states that no correction or editing is permitted after the final submission of the application. The entire application process—from registration to fee payment and printing the application summary—must be completed within a three-week window. The crucial date to remember is 12th February 2026, 5:00 PM. This is not just the last date to submit the form; it is also the cut-off date for age calculation, qualification attainment, and the last moment to print your application summary for future reference. Missing this deadline by even a minute will result in the application portal closing, with no possibility for extension.

It is critical to understand the distinction between starting your application and completing it. Many candidates make the mistake of filling the form and saving it as a draft, assuming they can submit it later. However, the system does not auto-submit drafts. Only applications that have been through the final submission step, resulting in a confirmation and a printable summary, are considered complete. Furthermore, the notification warns that the application summary can only be printed until 5:00 PM on 12th February. After that, even if you submitted successfully, you cannot retrieve the summary, which you may need during later stages of the selection process. Therefore, planning to complete all steps at least 24-48 hours before the final deadline is a wise strategy to avoid last-minute technical glitches or server overload.

The application process commences precisely at 10:00 AM on 23rd January 2026. This start time is strategic, allowing system administrators to ensure all backend processes are stable during working hours. Candidates should note that the ISRO SAC application portal requires a fresh registration for this specific advertisement. You will need to generate a new Online Registration Number, even if you have applied for ISRO posts in the past. The first step is to visit the official ISRO Live Registration Portal (careers.sac.gov.in) and click on the link for this advertisement. The registration process will ask for basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. It is paramount that you provide an active email ID and mobile number, as all future communication, including admit cards for the written test, will be sent there.

A common pitfall candidates encounter right at the start is using an incorrect name spelling or mismatched date of birth compared to their educational certificates. The name you enter during registration should exactly match the name on your degree certificates and proof of date of birth. Any discrepancy can lead to disqualification during document verification, even if you clear all examination stages. After successful registration, you will receive a unique Online Registration Number. This number is critical and must be noted down safely, as it will be required for all future logins and correspondence. The portal will remain open 24/7 after launch, but experienced applicants often avoid the first few hours due to potential heavy traffic, opting instead for the late evening of the first day or the subsequent days to begin their application filling process smoothly.

The deadline of 12th February 2026 at 5:00 PM is non-negotiable and multi-faceted. Firstly, it is the last moment to submit your online application form. The system will not accept submissions after 17:00:00 hours. Secondly, this is the last time you can make the online application fee payment. Unlike some recruitments, there is no separate or extended window for fee payment in the SAC recruitment; it must be completed within the same timeframe as form submission. Thirdly, and very importantly, this is the cut-off date for all eligibility criteria. Your age will be calculated as on this date. Similarly, you must have acquired the essential qualification (final degree/provisional certificate) on or before this date. Candidates who are in their final semester and whose results are declared after 12th February 2026 are not eligible to apply for this cycle.

Perhaps the most critical warning related to this deadline is about the "Application Summary Printing." The notification explicitly states that you can only take a printout or screenshot of your submitted application summary until 5:00 PM on 12th February. After that, the option disappears from the portal. This summary contains your application details, registration number, and post preferences. It serves as your acknowledgment and is often required during the written test or interview stage for verification. Failing to save this document is a serious mistake. Therefore, immediately after the final submission and fee payment, candidates must download the PDF summary and take a clear screenshot, saving it in multiple secure locations. The notification's emphasis on "NO EDIT allowed after final submission" further underscores the importance of reviewing every single detail carefully before hitting the submit button well before the final hour.

The age limit for ISRO SAC recruitment varies significantly depending on the post level and the required qualification. The cut-off date for calculating age is fixed as 12th February 2026. This means your age as on this specific date will determine your eligibility. The calculation is based on your date of birth as recorded in your Matriculation/10th Standard or equivalent certificate. Only completed years are considered. For instance, if the maximum age limit for a post is 30 years, a candidate must not have attained 31 years of age as of 12/02/2026. If your 31st birthday is on 12th February itself, you are considered ineligible as you have attained the age of 31 on the cut-off date.

The Scientist/Engineer-SD posts (Post Code 01-03), which are PhD-level, have an upper age limit of 35 years. The Scientist/Engineer-SC posts are divided further: those requiring an M.E./M.Tech degree (Post Code 04-11) have a maximum age of 30 years, while those requiring an M.Sc degree (Post Code 12-16) have a stricter maximum age of 28 years. The minimum age for all posts is 18 years. These limits are for the Unreserved (UR) category. The notification mentions that age relaxation is applicable for Serving Central Government Employees, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen as per the prevailing Government of India rules. Candidates eligible for relaxation must upload the requisite certificate (like a disability certificate or ex-servicemen discharge certificate) during the application process to claim the benefit.

The educational qualification requirements for ISRO SAC posts are precise and non-negotiable. The notification emphasizes that NO RELAXATION is permitted in the minimum percentage or CGPA criteria. This is a critical point where many aspirants falter. The criteria differ for SD (PhD) and SC (Master's) posts. For Scientist/Engineer-SD posts (01-03), an essential qualification is a PhD in the specified field (e.g., RF & Microwave, Wireless Communication, Agricultural Physics). Additionally, candidates must also possess one of the prerequisite degrees (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc/B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc) with the specified minimum percentage, which acts as a foundational qualification. For example, for Post Code 01, a candidate must have a PhD in RF & Microwave AND have an M.E./M.Tech with 60% OR a B.E./B.Tech with 65% OR a B.Sc with 60%.

For Scientist/Engineer-SC posts, the essential qualification is the Master's degree itself. Post Codes 04-11 require an M.E./M.Tech in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% aggregate or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale. They also require a prerequisite B.E./B.Tech degree with 65% or CGPA 6.84. Post Codes 12-16 require an M.Sc degree with 65% or CGPA 6.84 and a prerequisite B.Sc with 60% or CGPA 6.5. The percentage/CGPA is calculated as per the university's norms. For CGPA, if your university provides a CGPA on a scale other than 10 (e.g., 8 or 4), you must convert it to the equivalent percentage as per your university's conversion formula and ensure it meets the threshold. Candidates from IITs/IIITs/NITs with a CGPA must check their institute's conversion rules to avoid disqualification.

The SAC 2026 recruitment offers a total of 49 vacancies distributed across 16 different Post Codes. The vacancies are highly specialized, catering to niche research and engineering domains within space technology. The 04 vacancies for Scientist/Engineer-SD (Level-11) are all for Unreserved (UR) category and are PhD-mandatory roles in cutting-edge fields like RF & Microwave Engineering and Agricultural Meteorology. The bulk of the vacancies, 45 in number, are for Scientist/Engineer-SC (Level-10). These include popular disciplines like Electronics & Communication (with specializations in RF, VLSI, Communication), Computer Science & Engineering (including AI/ML, Cyber Security), Power Electronics, Civil/Agricultural Engineering, and various Science streams like Physics, Statistics, Oceanography, and Marine Biology.

It is important to note that the notification lists all vacancies under the "UR" column. However, it explicitly mentions that there are reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per government rules. A detailed reading reveals there is 1 backlog vacancy for candidates with Locomotor Disability (LD) specifically earmarked for Post Codes 04-06 and 09-11. Furthermore, there are reservations for Blind/Low Vision candidates in Post Codes 07 and 12-16. This means while the post is advertised as UR, PwBD candidates who belong to the specific disability category can apply against these reserved positions. The final selection will follow the mandated reservation roster. Candidates can apply for multiple posts if they are eligible, but they must select the same examination city for all applications.

Selected candidates for ISRO SAC will be appointed in Level-11 or Level-10 of the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. This translates to a handsome and prestigious compensation package with all central government benefits. The Scientist/Engineer-SD positions (Post Code 01-03) are in Level-11, with a pay scale of ₹67,100 - ₹2,08,700. The Scientist/Engineer-SC positions (Post Code 04-16) are in Level-10, with a pay scale of ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500. This is the basic pay. In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA) currently over 46%, House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per city classification, Transport Allowance, and other special allowances as applicable to ISRO.

The comprehensive benefits package makes an ISRO career highly attractive. It includes membership in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) / Unified Pension Scheme, comprehensive medical facilities for self and dependents, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Group Insurance, House Building Advance (HBA), and subsidized housing in lieu of HRA (subject to availability). The initial gross monthly emoluments (basic pay + DA + HRA) for a Level-10 recruit will be approximately ₹1,05,000/- and for a Level-11 recruit approximately ₹1,20,000/- at the minimum of the pay scale in Class-X city. This is apart from the non-monetary benefits of working on nationally significant space projects, unparalleled job security, and opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

The first stage is a screening of the online applications. The SAC recruitment cell will verify the information (qualifications, percentage, age, category, etc.) provided by candidates against the uploaded documents. Applications that are incomplete, do not meet the eligibility criteria, have discrepancies, or have incorrectly uploaded photos/signatures will be summarily rejected at this stage. There is no communication for rejected applications at this point. Therefore, the onus is entirely on the candidate to ensure their application is flawless. A common reason for rejection is failing to meet the minimum percentage/CGPA criteria or applying for a post for which one's educational specialization does not exactly match the requirement (e.g., applying for a VLSI post with an M.Tech in Electronics without a VLSI specialization). Only screened-in candidates will receive an admit card for the written test.

Candidates who clear the initial screening will be called for a written test. The exact pattern, syllabus, duration, and whether there is negative marking are not specified in this advertisement. This information will be provided in the admit card or through a separate communication to shortlisted candidates. Typically, for such technical posts, the written test assesses core subject knowledge relevant to the applied discipline. Since the written test is qualifying, candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks set by SAC to become eligible for the interview. The marks obtained in the written test are not added to the final merit score. However, appearing in the written test is mandatory to get the application fee refund and to proceed further.

The interview is the most critical stage. Only candidates who qualify in the written test will be called for an interview. The notification clearly states that the final merit list will be prepared based only on the interview performance. The interview panel, comprising senior scientists and experts, will assess the candidate's depth of knowledge, research aptitude, technical skills, problem-solving ability, and overall suitability for a research and development role in ISRO. Performance in the PhD (for SD posts) or M.Tech/M.Sc project work will likely be a key discussion point. Candidates must bring all original certificates for verification during the interview. Any discrepancy between uploaded copies and originals will lead to disqualification. The final selection will be based on the interview marks and the number of vacancies, following the reservation policy.

The SAC notification includes several non-negotiable warnings that candidates must adhere to strictly to avoid disqualification. The most critical is that the application once finally submitted CANNOT be edited or withdrawn. There is no correction window after the final submission. Therefore, double-checking every field—from personal details to percentage entries and post selection—is imperative before clicking the final submit button. Another major cause for rejection is incorrect photo or signature upload. The photo must be a recent, front-facing, full-face photograph with a plain white background. Black & white photos, selfies, or blurred images will lead to direct rejection of candidature. The signature must be in running hand on white paper with black ink.

Applications will be rejected if mandatory documents are not uploaded. The fee paid will not be refunded if you withdraw your application or if you are absent from the written test. SAC also clarifies that it is not responsible for transactions that fail due to wrong bank details entered by the candidate. Candidates applying for multiple posts must select the same examination city for all applications. SAC reserves the right to conduct written tests for multiple posts simultaneously, so choosing one city is mandatory. The physical/functional requirements mentioned (Sitting, Standing, etc.) are generic; specific requirements, if any, will be assessed during the selection process. Adherence to these instructions is not a formality but a strict compliance requirement for your application to be considered valid.

Beyond the main eligibility and application rules, the ISRO SAC notification contains several subtle but critical points that candidates must understand to ensure a smooth application process and avoid unexpected disqualification. These guidelines cover functional requirements for PwBD candidates, technicalities of payment failures, implications of applying for multiple posts, exam city selection rules, and documentation formalities. Overlooking these details is a common mistake that can derail an otherwise perfect application. This section consolidates these essential clarifications to provide candidates with a complete understanding of all notification stipulations.

The notification lists specific functional and physical requirements relevant to the job roles, which are particularly important for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) to assess their suitability. These requirements are denoted by codes. For instance, a post requiring "S" (Sitting) and "RW" (Reading & Writing) indicates that the candidate must be able to perform these functions, possibly with reasonable accommodation. PwBD candidates should review these codes against their disability certificate and consult with medical professionals if unsure about their capability to perform the essential functions of the post with or without aids/appliances. This self-assessment is crucial before applying for a specific post reserved for PwBD.

Online transactions can sometimes fail due to network issues, bank server problems, or other technical glitches. The notification provides a clear protocol for such scenarios. If your bank account or card is debited but you do not receive a successful payment confirmation on the SAC application portal, DO NOT initiate a duplicate payment immediately. The instruction is to wait for at least 24 hours. Often, the transaction is held in a pending state by the bank and gets reconciled automatically. If the status does not update to "Payment Successful" even after 24 hours, you should then contact the helpdesk or bank with your transaction reference number. Making a second payment for the same application in panic will likely result in a double debit, and the refund process for the extra amount can be lengthy and complicated.

While candidates are allowed to apply for multiple Post Codes if eligible, it is imperative to understand that each application is independent and requires a separate fee payment. The system does not offer a combined fee option. For example, if you are eligible and wish to apply for Post Code 05 (VLSI) and Post Code 07 (Computer Science), you must submit two separate applications and pay ₹750 for each, totaling ₹1,500. The fee refund policy will apply separately to each application based on your category and appearance in the respective written test. Many candidates assume a single fee covers multiple choices, leading to incomplete applications for their additional post preferences. Budget accordingly and ensure you have the necessary funds before deciding to apply for more than one post.

When applying for multiple posts, you are mandatorily required to select the same examination city for all your applications. This rule is in place because SAC reserves the right to conduct written tests for different posts/disciplines simultaneously. Your choice of exam city, once selected and submitted, cannot be changed later under any circumstances. The admit card will be issued for the city you selected. Therefore, choose a city that is convenient and accessible to you, considering travel and accommodation needs well in advance of the exam date. Do not select a city arbitrarily with the hope of changing it later via a request; such requests are not entertained as per the notification's strict "no correction" policy.

Some government job notifications require candidates to download, fill, and upload specific annexure forms (like undertaking, certificate proforma, etc.). For this particular ISRO SAC Advertisement No. SAC 04/2026, no such separate annexure or proforma forms are required. All necessary information is to be entered directly into the online application form, and certificates (caste, disability, ex-servicemen, qualification) are to be uploaded as they are, in their original or attested format. This clarification is important to prevent candidates from searching for non-existent forms or worrying about missing attachments. Simply ensure you have scanned copies of your original/certified documents ready in the prescribed PDF format for upload.