ISRO SAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online | SAC Ahmedabad Vacancies

Understanding the Application Timeline and Age Calculation

Strategic Planning for the Two-Week Application Window

The application portal for ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 opens at 10:00 AM on 23 January 2026 and remains accessible until 5:00 PM on 12 February 2026. This gives candidates approximately three weeks to complete the entire process. However, it is highly advised not to wait until the final day. The online registration involves multiple steps: updating/creating an ISRO Live Register profile, filling the detailed application form, uploading documents, and making the payment. Server slowdowns or technical glitches are common on the last day, which could jeopardize your submission. The cut-off date for all eligibility criteria—age and educational qualification—is also 12 February 2026. This means your age and the completion of your degree must be verified against this specific date. For instance, if your degree certificate is dated 15 February 2026, you will not be eligible, even if you have completed all exams earlier. Similarly, candidates turning 19 on 13 February 2026 will be considered 18 years old on the cut-off date and are eligible. Plan to submit your application at least 3-4 days before the deadline to allow time for troubleshooting.

Precise Age Calculation and Category-Based Relaxations

Your age is calculated as of 12 February 2026. For the Scientist/Engineer 'SC' posts requiring an M.E./M.Tech, the upper age limit is 30 years. This means your date of birth must be on or after 13 February 1996. If you were born on 12 February 1996, you will be considered 30 years and 0 days old on the cut-off date, making you ineligible. Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules for specific categories: Serving Central Government employees, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen. The extent of relaxation varies. For example, PwBD candidates typically get up to 10 years of relaxation. However, you must possess a valid certificate from a designated medical authority as per the RPWD Act 2016. It is a common mistake for candidates to assume automatic relaxation; you must select the correct category during application and upload the supporting certificate. Furthermore, cumulative relaxation (e.g., for both PwBD and Ex-Serviceman) is usually not granted; only the most beneficial one is applied.

Decoding the Educational Qualification Requirements

Scientist/Engineer 'SD': The PhD or High-Percentage Pathway

For the three 'SD' posts, the eligibility is a combination of advanced degrees and high academic scores. For Post Code 01 (RF & Microwave) and 03 (Agri Physics), you need an M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale. Alternatively, a B.E./B.Tech with 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 is also acceptable. There is a third pathway of just a B.Sc with 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA. However, for Post Code 02 (Wireless Comm), a PhD in the relevant field is an additional essential requirement along with the same M.Tech/B.Tech percentage criteria. This means a candidate with only an M.Tech and 60% but no PhD is not eligible for Post Code 02. A critical point is that the percentage/CGPA must be the average of all semesters as mentioned in your final degree certificate or consolidated mark sheet. Universities that award only a CGPA must ensure it meets the exact threshold (e.g., 6.5); converting it to a percentage using a university formula is not permitted by ISRO rules.

Scientist/Engineer 'SC': M.Tech vs M.Sc Streams and Specializations

The 'SC' posts are divided into two streams: M.E./M.Tech based (Post Code 04-11) and M.Sc based (Post Code 12-16). For M.Tech posts, the essential qualification is typically an M.E./M.Tech in the specified specialization with 60% aggregate or a 6.5 CGPA. For example, Post Code 05 requires M.Tech in Microelectronics/VLSI Design. The alternative is a B.E./B.Tech in the relevant branch with 65% or a 6.84 CGPA. For M.Sc posts like Agriculture (Post Code 12) or Atmospheric Science (Post Code 16), the requirement is an M.Sc with 65% or a 6.84 CGPA, with a B.Sc (60% or 6.5 CGPA) as the alternative. It is vital to match your specialization exactly with the post code. For instance, an M.Tech in "Communication Systems" may not be considered for Post Code 04 which specifies "RF Engineering." Candidates with degrees obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode are not eligible. Also, if you possess a Dual/Integrated Degree, the overall CGPA for the entire course is considered for eligibility determination.

Understanding Centre Allocation and In-Hand Salary

Preference for Posting Centre and Its Implications

The recruitment notice clearly states that for certain posts, vacancies are apportioned between SAC and other ISRO centres. For example, out of the 3 vacancies in Post Code 04 (Electronics & Comm), one is identified for VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. Similarly, out of 6 vacancies in Post Code 12 (Agriculture), five are for NRSC, Hyderabad. This is crucial for your application strategy. Candidates applying for Post Code 04, 05, 12, and 16 will be required to provide their order of preference for the posting centre at the time of the Personal Interview. However, ISRO reserves the right to post a selected candidate to any of its centres across India as per requirement. This means even if you prefer Ahmedabad, you could be posted to Thiruvananthapuram or Hyderabad based on organizational needs. You should be mentally prepared for an all-India service condition. The work profiles for the same post code may also vary slightly between centres, so reviewing the "Job Requirement" section for each centre is advisable.

Breaking Down the Salary and Comprehensive Benefits Package

The basic pay for a Scientist/Engineer 'SC' starts at ₹56,100 per month and for 'SD' at ₹67,100. This is just the basic component. On top of this, you receive Dearness Allowance (DA), which is a cost-of-living adjustment currently around 46% of basic pay, revised quarterly. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided if you do not occupy government quarters; it is city-category dependent (24%, 16%, or 8% of basic). Transport Allowance is also given. After adding these, the gross monthly salary for an 'SC' scientist at the entry level will be approximately ₹85,000 to ₹95,000. Deductions include the mandatory National Pension System (NPS) contribution of 10% (Basic+DA) and income tax. The approximate in-hand salary ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per month for 'SC' and higher for 'SD'. Beyond salary, benefits include subsidized healthcare for self and dependents, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), access to subsidized canteens, Group Insurance, and House Building Advance (HBA) facilities, making it a comprehensive package.

Fee Refund Policy and PwBD Reservation Categories

A Unique Refundable Application Fee Model

ISRO SAC employs a unique refundable application fee system for the 'SC' posts. All applicants, regardless of category, must initially pay ₹750. This fee is fully refunded to candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Women categories, but only if they actually appear for the Written Test. For General and OBC candidates, ₹500 is refunded after a deduction of ₹250, again contingent upon test appearance. If you fail to appear for the written exam, you forfeit the entire fee. This mechanism is designed to ensure serious candidates apply. Payment is accepted online only via the Bharatkosh gateway using Net Banking, UPI, Credit/Debit Cards. Cash, cheques, or demand drafts are not accepted. A critical warning: The application fee for Post Code 07 (for ISRO Centres) and Post Code 08 (for NESAC) must be paid separately if you apply for both. Also, if you apply for multiple posts, you must choose a common city for the written test.

Specific Disability Categories for Different Posts

The reservation for PwBD candidates is highly specific. For engineering posts (04-06, 09-11), the Locomotor Disability (LD) category includes candidates with One Leg (OL), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Leprosy Cured (LC), Dwarfism (Dw), and Acid Attack Victims (AAV). For Post Code 11 (Civil Engg), One Arm (OA) is also included. For computer science and science posts (07, 12-16), the reservation is for Blindness and Low Vision. To claim this reservation, you must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Government, clearly indicating a disability of 40% or more. The certificate format should comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. During the interview, you must produce the original certificate. Merely selecting the PwBD category in the online form without a valid certificate will lead to disqualification. There is no separate reservation mentioned for SC, ST, or OBC categories in this advertisement; all vacancies are currently indicated as Unreserved (UR), but PwBD reservations are applied within these UR vacancies.

Avoiding Rejection: Document Specifications and Form Filling

Strict Technical Specifications for Uploads

The online application mandates uploading specific documents in strict formats. The photograph must be a recent (not older than 6 months) colored passport-size image with a plain white background. Selfies, group photos, or pictures with accessories are not allowed. The system will reject blurred or low-quality images. The signature should be done on white paper with a black pen and scanned clearly. For qualification certificates, you must upload the final degree/provisional certificate and mark sheets for all semesters in a single PDF file not exceeding 1MB. A common mistake is uploading individual mark sheets as separate files or uploading files in PNG/Word format, which leads to rejection. If you are claiming fee exemption/refund under a reserved category, you must upload the corresponding valid certificate (Caste/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen). The system does not allow edits after final submission, so verify all uploads are clear and legible before proceeding. Candidates often get rejected because the name or date of birth on the photo ID (used for exam hall) does not match the application form.

Navigating the Dual-Portal Application System

The application process involves two key portals. First, you must ensure you are registered in the ISRO Live Register at https://www.isro.gov.in (under Careers) on or before 12 February 2026. This is a prerequisite. Second, the actual application is submitted via the SAC recruitment portal at https://www.sac.gov.in or https://careers.sac.gov.in. The link will be active from 23 January 2026. You will need your ISRO Live Register credentials to log in. Fill in all details meticulously. For posts with similar names (like Post Code 04, 05, 06), apply only against the post code that exactly matches your specialization. After payment, you will get an online registration number; save it and take a printout/screenshot of the application summary. The site will not allow printing after the deadline. Remember, if you are employed, you do not need an NOC during application, but you must produce it during the personal interview if shortlisted.

From Written Test to Final Panel: The Selection Roadmap

Two-Tier Selection for 'SC' and Single Interview for 'SD'

The selection process differs for 'SC' and 'SD' posts. For Scientist/Engineer 'SC', it is a two-stage process: a Written Test followed by a Personal Interview. The written test is qualifying in nature, but its marks carry a 50% weightage in the final selection panel. Based on written test performance, candidates are shortlisted for interview in a ratio of 1:5 (minimum 10 candidates). For reserved PwBD vacancies, shortlisting is done separately in the same ratio. For Scientist/Engineer 'SD', there is no written test. Candidates are shortlisted for interview based on an initial screening of their online application. The final selection for 'SD' is based 100% on interview performance. The qualifying criteria are strict: For 'SC' posts, UR candidates must score at least 50% in each part of the written test and 50% in the interview, with an aggregate of 60%. Reserved category candidates need 40% in each part and 40% in the interview, with an aggregate of 50%.

Decoding the Written Test Structure and Strategy

The written test for 'SC' posts is computer-based and divided into parts. For M.Tech candidates, Part-A consists of 60 technical MCQs from your core engineering discipline in 75 minutes. This is the most critical section with negative marking (-0.33 for each wrong answer). Part-B is an aptitude test (20 marks, no negative marking) covering numerical, logical, and diagrammatic reasoning. Part-C is a descriptive section with technical questions from your specialization, to be answered in 30 minutes. For M.Sc candidates, Part-A has 80 MCQs from the science discipline in 90 minutes, and Part-B is the same aptitude test. There is no descriptive part. The key to cracking the written test is time management and accuracy. Given the negative marking, avoid blind guessing. Focus on strengthening core subject knowledge from your M.Tech/M.Sc syllabus. The aptitude section can be prepared using standard reasoning books. The interview is technical and will delve deep into your project work, thesis, and fundamental concepts related to the job requirement mentioned in the notification.

Adhering to ISRO's Strict Eligibility and Anti-Fraud Norms

Non-Negotiable Eligibility Conditions and Common Pitfalls

ISRO SAC has zero tolerance for deviation from its stated eligibility norms. A major point of rejection is the non-acceptance of degrees obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode for these scientific posts. The qualification must have been completed within the stipulated duration prescribed by the university. For dual/integrated degrees, the cumulative CGPA for the entire course is considered. If your university awards only CGPA, it must meet the exact threshold (e.g., 6.5); you cannot convert it to a percentage. Rounding off marks or CGPA is not permitted. For instance, 59.8% is not considered as 60%. Candidates employed in government/PSUs must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview; failing this, you will not be allowed to appear. Another critical rule is that you cannot edit the application after final submission. Therefore, cross-verify all details—especially your name, date of birth, percentage/CGPA, and category—before hitting the submit button.

Consequences of Malpractice and Jurisdiction Clause

The notification explicitly warns that canvassing in any form will be a disqualification. This includes trying to influence the selection committee through recommendations. Providing any false information or forged documents will lead not only to cancellation of candidature but may also result in legal action and permanent debarment from future ISRO recruitments. All legal disputes arising from this recruitment will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Ahmedabad only. Candidates are strongly advised to rely only on the official SAC/ISRO websites (sac.gov.in, isro.gov.in) for updates and beware of fake websites or touts. The number of vacancies is provisional and can be increased, decreased, or even the recruitment canceled by ISRO at any stage. No interim correspondence regarding the selection status will be entertained. The final authority on the interpretation of any clause in the advertisement rests with SAC.

1. I have a CGPA of 6.48 on a 10-point scale. Can I round it off to 6.5 to be eligible?

No, rounding off of CGPA or percentage is strictly not permitted as per ISRO's eligibility rules mentioned in the notification. Your CGPA must meet the minimum criteria exactly as prescribed. A CGPA of 6.48 is less than 6.5, so you will not be considered eligible. The same applies to percentages; 59.9% is not considered as 60%. The university's conversion formula cannot be used to derive a percentage that meets the criteria if the original CGPA does not. You must ensure your final degree certificate or consolidated mark sheet reflects the required CGPA/percentage without any rounding.

2. Can I apply for both Scientist 'SD' (Post Code 01) and Scientist 'SC' (Post Code 04)?

Yes, you can apply for multiple posts if you meet the respective eligibility criteria. However, you must submit separate online applications for each post code. For 'SD' posts (01-03), there is no application fee. For 'SC' posts (04-16), you need to pay the ₹750 fee for each application. If you are applying for both, ensure you choose the same city for the written test (for 'SC' posts) to avoid conflicts. SAC also reserves the right to conduct the exam for multiple posts simultaneously for administrative convenience.

3. My M.Tech is in "Electronics & Communication" but Post Code 05 asks for "VLSI Design." Am I eligible?

It depends on your specialization. Post Code 05 explicitly requires M.Tech in Microelectronics, VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, or equivalent. If your M.Tech in "Electronics & Communication" included a specialization or major project in VLSI, you might be eligible, but this will be determined during application scrutiny. Your transcripts or degree certificate should reflect the specialization. It is safer to apply for the post code that exactly matches your degree title to avoid rejection. For Post Code 04, "Electronics & Communication" is the specified discipline.

4. Is there any travel allowance (TA) for attending the written test?

No. Travel Allowance (TA) is not provided for appearing in the Written Test. However, outstation candidates who are called for the Personal Interview will be reimbursed to-and-fro second-class railway fare or non-AC bus fare (whichever is less) by the shortest route from the address given in the application to the interview venue. You must produce original tickets as proof for this reimbursement.

5. I am a serving Central Government employee. How much age relaxation do I get?

Serving Central Government employees are eligible for age relaxation as per extant Government of India rules. The exact number of years is not specified in this advertisement and is subject to those rules. Typically, it can be up to 5 years, provided you have rendered at least 3 years of continuous service. You will need to upload/service a certificate from your employer at the time of application (if required for fee relaxation) and produce a proper NOC during the interview.

6. What is the ISRO Live Register, and is it mandatory?

The ISRO Live Register is a common registration portal for job seekers interested in ISRO careers. You need to create and update your profile at https://www.isro.gov.in (under Careers). It is a mandatory prerequisite for applying to this SAC recruitment. You will use your Live Register credentials to log in to the SAC application portal. Ensure your Live Register profile is updated with your latest qualifications before starting the SAC application.

7. My degree is from a foreign university. What should I do?

Candidates with degrees awarded by foreign universities must obtain an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. You must produce this original equivalency certificate at the time of the Personal Interview. Your application will not be processed without this certificate if you are shortlisted. It is advisable to initiate the AIU equivalence process well in advance as it can be time-consuming.

8. Where will the written test be conducted?

The written test for 'SC' posts is planned in 18 cities across India: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, and Thiruvananthapuram. You can choose your preferred city during the online application. However, SAC reserves the right to allot a different center or conduct the exam only in Ahmedabad based on the number of applications received. The final center allotted will be mentioned on your e-admit card.