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ISRO: All about Indian Space Research Organisation

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India headquartered in the city of Bengaluru. It is one of the most prestigious organizations for engineers to work in. ISRO has a vision to “harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration”.

With a total of 32 centers all over India, the ISRO entrance exam is conducted for which candidates are invited from Civil, Electrical, Architecture, Mechanical, Electronics, computer science, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning streams. The degrees eligible for applying to ISRO are B.E., B.Tech, B.Sc. (Engineering), Diploma + B.E/B. Tech (Lateral Entry), B.Sc. + B.E/B.Tech (Lateral Entry), AMIE, B.E/B.Tech degree part-time.

The ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB) of the Department of Space and Indian Space Research Organization ISRO conducts the recruitment drive. The recruitment is done to fill in the vacancies at the following 15 centers:

  1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
  2. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
  3. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR
  4. ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC)
  5. ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC)
  6. Space Applications Centre (SAC)
  7. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
  8. ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)
  9. ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU)
  10. Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS)
  11. Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU)
  12. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)
  13. Master Control Facility (MCF)
  14. Department of Space and ISRO HQ
  15. Antrix Corporation Limited

 

Why ISRO?

ISRO has shown tremendous growth in its research and missions and is deemed as one of the most prestigious organizations in recent times. Right from Chandrayan to MOM, ISRO has brought India on the map of Aerospace around the globe. Joining an organization like ISRO Presents you with an opportunity to learn from the best minds in the country and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

the job offers you a perfect work-life balance owing to its timing of 8 hours along with a decent salary and immense perks. It also gives you an opportunity to undertake your post-graduation from the best institutes in the country like IITs and IISC. So to all the students who have an interest in aerospace and are willing to join ISRO, this article will help clear all your doubts.

 

For a better understanding of the recruitment process in ISRO this article will be divided into 5 parts:

  1. Eligibility
  2. Exam pattern and syllabus
  3. Cut off
  4. Job Profile
  5. Life in ISRO

A. Eligibility

It is the basic qualification that ISRO expects the candidates appearing for the ISRO entrance exam must-have. Accordingly, the ISRO Exam Eligibility criteria are of various types: Age, Educational Qualification, other

Age Requirement:

  • The ISRO Requirement with respect to age is that the maximum age limit for all the candidates is 35 years i.e. candidates less than 35 years of age can apply for the post of Scientist in ISRO.
  • The maximum age limit for all the SC/ST candidates is 40 years
  • The maximum age limit for all the OBC candidates is 38 years
  • For the SC/ST and OBC, the age relaxation is only valid against posts reserved for these categories
  • Special relaxation is given to Ex-Servicemen and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) as per Govt. of India orders.

 

Education Qualification:

ISRO requires, for the post of scientist, graduates in the field of Civil, Electrical, Architecture, Mechanical, Electronics, computer science and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning streams. Accordingly, the required Educational Qualification for the candidates is:

  • All the candidates who are willing to apply must have qualified B.E/B.Tech or equivalent qualifying degree in first class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA of 6.84 on a scale of 10.
  • The Candidates who are in their final year of qualifying degree are eligible to apply if their final graduation degree will be available before the final results and they secure an aggregate of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84 (average of all semesters for which results are available).
  • For all the candidates who have done their diploma followed by B.E/B.Tech (Lateral Entry) are also eligible provided they have passed their degree in first class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84 on a scale of 10.
  • Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) candidates can also apply to ISRO but special conditions are specified for these candidates so AMIE candidates wishing to apply must check if they are eligible before applying.
  • All the candidates who have passed M.E/M.Tech with B.Tech is eligible to apply provided their B.Tech marks meet the eligibility specified above.
  • All the candidates who have studied the integrated courses of B.E/B.Tech and M.E/M.Tech is also eligible for the ISRO examination. These candidates must produce their Graduation certificate for B.E/B.Tech separately in first class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84 on a scale of 10.
  • Candidates with part-time B.E/B.Tech degrees are also eligible.
  • Candidates who have done their B. E or B.Tech through correspondence course not eligible.
  • The qualification for ISRO scientist mentioned and the benchmark set is only the MINIMUM requirement and fulfilling the same does not automatically make candidates eligible for Written Test.
  • Candidates who apply for the post of architect will have to produce the Registration Certificate for having registered with the Council of Architecture, at the time of the Interview, failing which he/she will not be allowed for an interview

 

These are the disciplines that are broadly allowed for ISRO recruitment:

  1. Electronics: Applied Electronics, Electrical electronics, communication, electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Power, Electronics & Telecommunication, Industrial Electronics, Power Electronics, Telecommunication, Instrumentation Technology, Instrumentation & Control, Electronics & Instrumentation, Avionics
  2. Mechanical: Industrial engineering, Industrial management, Industrial production, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Sciences/Engineering, Metallurgy, Production Engineering, Production Management, Aeronautical Engineering, Telecommunication, Mechatronics
  3. Computer science: Information Science, Information Technology
  4. Electrical: Electrical and Electronics

 

Others:

  • Candidates must be a citizen of India only.
  • For applying to ISRO, all the candidates are required to register first at National Career Services (NCS) portal.

 

B. Application form

  • All the candidates applying for the post released by ISRO are required to first register in National Career Services (NCS) portal subsequent to which they can apply.
  • After registration in NCS ports the candidates must visit the ISRO website at www.isro.gov.in to register their applications on-line.
  • During the registration Scanned copies of latest passport sized Photograph and Signature of the candidates in the prescribed file size is required to be uploaded in the application.
  • After the completion of application from the candidates will be provided an on-line Registration Number, which should be carefully preserved for future reference.
  • An NOC (no objection certificate) is also required from the employer concerned, by those already in employment under Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings or Autonomous Bodies.

 

C. ISRO Entrance exam Pattern and Syllabus

Considered as one of the most prestigious organization, ISRO Entrance Exam is conducted to test the technical understanding and application of the concepts of candidates in their respective streams. Therefore, the selection procedure for ISRO is conducted in three phases:

  • 1st phase: After the filling of the application form, the first screening process for the candidates is done. In this, the candidates are shortlisted for their written exam based on the academic performance in college and their bio-data.
  • 2nd phase: In the second phase, all the candidates shortlisted in the screening process are called for the written examination. The written examination has limited cities in which the exam is conducted. The call letter for the written examination is sent by email. The written test is conducted in the following twelve venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Thiruvananthapuram.

 

ISRO Entrance Exam pattern:

  • The written exam is an objective type exam and is set in English.
  • In the question paper, 80 objective type questions carrying equal marks (3 marks) are asked.
  • The total time allotted is 90 minutes.
  • The written test is only a screening process and the marks of the same are not considered while preparing the final list of selection.
  • All those candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the interview

3rd Phase: The last and final round of the selection is the interview round. All the candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the interview round. The final selection of the candidate is solely dependent on this phase, the interview round. All the candidates who score more than 60% marks in the interview are eligible and will be considered for empanelment in the selection process.

Candidates attending the interview are reimbursed to and fro second-class train fare by the shortest route from the city indicated in the on-line application form to the place of interview (change of address and city for the purpose will not be entertained).

Also, the candidates called for interview are required to produce all relevant original documents in proof of details furnished in their applications submitted on-line, at the time of interview. Failing to do so may the candidate’s interview will stand canceled.

 

ISRO Syllabus

ISRO recruitment Syllabus for the Phase 2 entrance exam for the four main branches is mentioned below. For the sub-branches the syllabus will depend on the branch being applied from.

S No. Branch  
1. Civil Engineer 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
2. 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 and Electrical Energy.

3. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Applied Mathematics for Thermal Engineers, Advanced Thermodynamics, Advanced Heat Transfer, Refrigeration Systems Design, Air Conditioning Systems Design, Computer Simulation of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems, Instrumentation for Thermal Systems, Design of Condensers Evaporators and Cooling Towers

 

4. Architecture The syllabus of the written test will be based on the curriculum taught in B.Arch

 

D. Job Profile:

Unlike the other government jobs, the ISRO scientist has an interesting job profile for aspirants depending on their stream. The Job profile for scientist varies depending on the post applied for and the stream.

 

S. No. Post Job profile
1 Mechanical Design and analysis of satellite structures and related Mechanical components, • Design and analysis of spacecraft mechanisms and study of kinematics • Structural dynamics (theory & experimental) including smart structures, Advanced Composites • Reliability and Quality Assurance of mechanical designs and systems
2 Electronics Digital Signal Processing
Design of microprocessor based onboard systems High speed data compression
Design, development and testing of digital circuits FPGA& ASIC development and testing Analog & Mixed Signal SIC Development & Testing
3 Civil Construction and maintenance of its infrastructure.
remote sensing , GIS and mapping of urban planning, water shed management, digitization of land records, catchment areas, land use etc.
4 Mechatronics Development of Control algorithms & Computer Simulation
Navigation Guidance and Control for various missions Robotics related developments
5 Instrumentation Installation, Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance of Environmental Test Systems for spacecraft & sub system testing.
Operation & Maintenance high speed specialized data acquisition & control systems
6 Electrical and Electronics

Fabrication and testing avionics systems Development of Test & Evaluation systems for spacecraft hardware

Installation, Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance of Environmental Test Systems for spacecraft & sub-system testing

7 Industrial Resource Management, Financial & Personnel Management functions, Systems Engineering & Project Management.
8 Opto Electronics

Design, development of electro-optical devices and their characterization.

Optoelectronic devices, MOEMS and infrared detectors.

Development of THz detectors for space applications. MOEMS sensors for micro-satellites.

Development of un-cooled IR detectors for passive and active detection systems

9 Metallurgy

Process development & qualification of space-qualified materials for spacecraft

Optical thin films process and material development, design and development of multilayer optical coatings

 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that ISRO aspirants must know about:

How to become an ISRO scientist?

If you want to become an ISRO scientist, then you must have researched to find out the expert-recommended ways to become an ISRO scientist. Here are the expert-recommended ways that will guide an aspirant to become an ISRO scientist right from the scratch.

  1. Subject experts and toppers recommend aspirants prepare themselves mentally for the ISRO entrance exam before entering the 10+2. It helps them build the mindset and plan required to secure their dream cracking the ISRO entrance exam. Aspirants must choose Maths, Physics, and Chemistry as their primary subjects in the 10+2 exam to become eligible and sit for the ISRO examination.
  2. Once an aspirant completes the 10+2 boards exam, he must prepare for the ISRO entrance exam such as JEE Mains and JEE Advanced exams. This way, you can crack these examinations and secure an engineering seat in one of the top engineering colleges in the country. If becoming an ISRO scientist is your dream, you must secure admission to colleges such as IITs, NITs, and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IISST), Thiruvananthapuram, to name a few. Experts recommend candidates to secure admission in specific engineering streams such as Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Radio Engineering, and similar engineering fields.
  3. After the completion of the B.Tech program, you must start with the preparation to attempt the ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board exam, also known as the ICRB exam. It is a critical step toward becoming a successful ISRO scientist. ISRO examination aims to recruit deserving candidates from the top national-level colleges such as IITs, NITs, and other government-run premier institutions. Therefore, aspirants must aim to secure admission to these premier institutions after completing 10+2. Another point that ISRO aspirants must remember is that ISRO authorities have mentioned that aspirants must score at least 65% or more as an aggregate percentage in the chosen engineering field.
  4. ISRO scientist qualification allows candidates to apply for the ISRO examination after completing M.Tech in the streams such as Instrumentation, Applied Mathematics, Geophysics, and Geography. It also accepts applications from aspirants with equivalent degrees in Mathematics or Physics. Aspirants with these degrees can apply for the ISRO recruitment directly. Aspirants must take note of the ISRO age limit through GATE. The best part is that if you enroll in one of the top IITs M.Tech programs after clearing the GATE exam, then you can sit for the interviews that ISRO conducts to recruit deserving candidates from these premier institutions. Toppers suggest aspirants secure a top rank below 200, to increase the chances of successful selection as an ISRO scientist. The recruitment team responsible to recruit the ISRO scientists prioritizes GATE scores of candidates during the recruitment process.
  5. The ISRO age limit through GATE is 35 years for General category aspirants. This age limit for OBC and SC/ST is 38 and 40 years respectively. Aspirants must consider this aspect while preparing for the ISRO exam. ISRO aspirants must also check out other details related to ISRO exam eligibility to save time and efforts thus getting their application selected in the ISRO scientist selection exam.
  6. The selected candidates receive the opportunity to join ISRO as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF). The role of ISRO candidates is much more challenging and requires the respective professional to possess patience and team spirit along with subject knowledge. Therefore, aspirants must work on these skills while preparing to become an ISRO scientist.

 

If you follow this expert-recommended plan layout with patience and consistency, you will see yourself walking towards achieving your ISRO scientist goal in the upcoming months.

 

Which engineering is best for ISRO?

If you are presently researching to find out the best engineering stream that will align with your goal to become an ISRO scientist, then it is essential to know a particular fact. You must know that certain engineering streams will fasten your pace to achieving your dream job at Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as an ISRO scientist. Experts recommend that ISRO aspirants must choose one of the following engineering streams to increase their chances at ISRO.

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Engineering Physics
  • Radio Engineering

You can even pursue a Ph.D. in specific engineering niches such as physics, and astronomy, to name a few.

You can also choose the following engineering streams as per your interest and long-term goals as ISRO conducts the recruitment via the ISRO entrance exam in the following engineering streams:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering
  • Computer Science Engineering

Thus, ISRO aspirants must consider choosing one of these specializations in engineering and stepping towards a prestigious selection as an ISRO scientist.

 

Benefits enjoyed by the ISRO scientists:

  • The candidates selected after the final interview round are appointed as Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in Level 10 of Pay Matrix.
  • They will be paid a minimum basic pay of Rs. 56,100/- per month.
  • In addition to the basic pay House Rent Allowance [HRA] and Transport Allowance at the prescribed rates in force at the place of posting are also paid to those who are not availing Departmental Housing and Transport facility, respectively.
  • Other facilities such as medical facilities for self and dependents, subsidized canteen, transport allowance when official transport is not availed, a limited housing facility for fresh entrants in lieu of HRA, Leave Travel Concession, Group Insurance, advance for construction of the house, etc will be as per Central Government orders.

 

Life in ISRO

Compared with other government jobs Job at ISRO is different with its own perks and pros.

  1. While working with immensely talented and smart people one feels proud while dealing with classified national information which is otherwise inaccessible from outside the organization.
  2. The environment at ISRO is academics-friendly.
  3. At Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), you’ll be having one large library, free subscriptions to IEEE, and other paid journals without paying a single penny from your pocket.
  4. Opportunities are given to visit different workshops held at various IITs and IISc being sponsored by the organization.
  5. One gets to know space science and technology closely.
  6. Computer Science people generally work in launch vehicle software development which is used either directly on-board a flight or related to the development of such software indirectly.
  7. Depending on the division you have been put in, you may get chances to travel to other ISRO centers, especially SDSC-SHAR, the only launch port.
  8. It is an 8-hour job for five days a week which also gives you immense time with your family to enjoy and relax.
  9. One gets to be a part of all the missions that ISRO launches and the success of every mission will make you feel prouder as your service is towards the nation
  10. The work environment is less hostile and less competitive compared to any private company. But those who’ll expect the usual “sit-back-and-relax” type environment what is seen in many other Govt. organizations, a severe shock is awaiting them.
  11. After finishing three years of service life in ISRO, one can also appear in GATE as a sponsored candidate to get a relatively easy seat in IISc and IITs. Given the level of competition in GATE nowadays, this is a chance to fulfill the dreams of those who couldn’t make it through.

 

Conclusion

Thus while there are lots of opportunities available for the engineers, ISRO is a blessing that every engineer dreams of. Apart from being a job, it is a place that makes you proud of your accomplishment as it not only gives you the chance to increase your skills but also makes the nation proud by developing and launching new space missions and helping in the growth of the nation.

Are you preparing for the upcoming ISRO exam? Then, do not forget to go through previous years’ answer keys in your engineering discipline with detailed solutions to acquaint yourself with the ISRO exam pattern for the best results. Keep practicing and see improvement in your test scores from today.

 

ISRO Previous Year Question Paper and Detailed Solutions

 

We hope this article has helped you, for more queries you can always write to us.

 

 

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