ISRO SAC Scientist/Engineer Recruitment 2026 – 49 Space Technology Jobs!

Overview

Space Applications Centre (SAC), an elite unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is recruiting 49 Scientist/Engineer positions across multiple cutting-edge disciplines. This is a fantastic opportunity for engineering and science graduates to work at India’s most prestigious space research organization on projects that contribute to satellite technology, earth observation, agriculture, and atmospheric sciences. SAC is based in Ahmedabad and develops remote sensing applications and space technology solutions. If you’re passionate about space research, satellite systems, or advanced engineering, this is your dream opportunity!

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🏢 Organization Details

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💼 Total Vacancies

49 Positions Available across two distinct levels:

• Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Senior Designation): 4 posts (for PhD holders)
• Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Junior Designation): 45 posts (for M.Tech/M.Sc holders)

These positions span 16 different disciplines covering RF, Microwave, Communications, Electronics, Computer Science, Agriculture, Oceanography, and Atmospheric Sciences.

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📌 Post Type & Job Type

Post Type: Scientist/Engineer (Two Levels: SD and SC)

Employment Type: Permanent Government Position (Central Government Service under Department of Space)

Career Category: Group A (Gazetted) Officers with excellent growth prospects, government benefits, and pension

Nature: Technical/Research positions for working on cutting-edge space technology projects

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📲 Application Mode

Online Only – All applications must be submitted through the official ISRO/SAC online portal. Physical or offline applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

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🌐 Official Website

Main Portal: www.sac.gov.in OR careers.sac.gov.in

Registration Portal: www.isro.gov.in (Career tab – ISRO Live Register)

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📅 Important Dates

Important Note: The 12 February 2026 deadline is used for online registration, application submission, fee payment, and downloading the application summary. This is also the cut-off date for determining age eligibility and essential qualifications.

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📍 Vacancy Details by Discipline

Given the complexity of 49 positions across multiple disciplines, here’s the complete breakdown:

Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ Posts (PhD Required):

Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Posts (M.Tech/M.Sc Graduates):

All vacancies are for Unreserved (UR) category unless otherwise specified. Total = 49 posts

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🎓 Educational Qualifications

The qualifications are specific to each post code. Here’s a simplified overview:

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Post Codes 01-03):

Essential:

• PhD Degree in relevant field (RF/Microwave, Communication, Agricultural Physics, or related disciplines)
• Plus meeting one of the minimum qualification criteria below:

Minimum Undergraduate Qualifications (EITHER of the following):

• M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engineering)/M.Sc with minimum 60% marks or CGPA 6.5
• B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engineering) with minimum 65% marks or CGPA 6.84
• B.Sc with minimum 60% marks or CGPA 6.5

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Post Codes 04-16):

For M.E./M.Tech-Based Posts (04-11):

Required qualifications vary by specific post:

Post Code 04 (Electronics & Communication – RF/Microwave/Radar):

• M.E./M.Tech in RF Engineering, Microwave Engineering, Radar Engineering, Electronics, Electronics & Communication, or related fields with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Electrical, or equivalent with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84

Post Code 05 (Microelectronics/VLSI/Embedded Systems):

• M.E./M.Tech in Microelectronics, VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, Integrated Circuits, Semiconductor Technologies with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/related fields with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84

Post Code 06 (Wireless/Satellite/Digital Communication):

• M.E./M.Tech in Wireless/Satellite/Digital Communication with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/related fields with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84

Post Codes 07-08 (Computer Science Engineering):

• M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, AI & ML, Cyber Security, Data Science with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/IT-related disciplines with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84

Post Code 09 (Power Electronics):

• M.E./M.Tech in Power Electronics, Power Systems, Power Control & Drives, or related fields with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in corresponding disciplines with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84

Post Code 10 (Applied Optics/Optical Engineering):

• M.E./M.Tech in Applied Optics, Optical Engineering, Optics & Photonics with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in Optics/Photonics/Engineering Physics with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84 OR M.Sc (Physics)

Post Code 11 (Civil/Agricultural Engineering/Hydrology):

• M.E./M.Tech in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or Hydrology (Water Resources/Soil-Land-Water Engineering) with minimum 60% or CGPA/CPI 6.5
• PLUS B.E./B.Tech in Civil/Agricultural Engineering with minimum 65% or CGPA/CPI 6.84

For M.Sc-Based Posts (12-16):

Post Code 12 (Agriculture):

• M.Sc in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Physics, Agricultural Meteorology with minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84
• PLUS B.Sc/B.Sc (Honors) in Agricultural Sciences with minimum 60% or CGPA 6.5

Post Code 13 (Statistics/Mathematics/Applied Mathematics):

• M.Sc in Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics with minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84
• PLUS B.Sc in Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics with minimum 60% or CGPA 6.5

Post Code 14 (Physical Oceanography):

• M.Sc in Physics, Mathematics, Physical Oceanography, Oceanography, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences with minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84
• PLUS B.Sc in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry with minimum 60% or CGPA 6.5

Post Code 15 (Marine Biology/Marine Science):

• M.Sc in Marine Biology, Marine Biology & Oceanography, Fisheries Sciences with minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84
• PLUS B.Sc with minimum 60% or CGPA 6.5

Post Code 16 (Atmospheric Science & Oceanography):

• M.Sc in Physics, Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, Oceanography with minimum 65% or CGPA 6.84
• PLUS B.Sc in Physics, Mathematics with minimum 60% or CGPA 6.5

Important Notes:

• Open and Distance Learning (ODL) qualifications are NOT eligible
• Degrees must be completed within prescribed course duration
• Percentage/CGPA must meet exact ISRO norms without conversion beyond stated thresholds
• All degrees must be from recognized universities

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💰 Monthly Salary & Benefits

Pay Levels:

Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Post Codes 01-03):

• Pay Level: 11 in 7th CPC Pay Matrix
• Salary Range: ₹67,100 – ₹2,08,700 per month
• Starting Basic Pay: ₹67,100

Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Post Codes 04-16):

• Pay Level: 10 in 7th CPC Pay Matrix
• Salary Range: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
• Starting Basic Pay: ₹56,100

Additional Allowances (All Applicants):

• Dearness Allowance (DA): As per current government rates (varies by location)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Depends on city/posting location
• Transport Allowance: Monthly transport assistance
• City Compensatory Allowance: Applicable for specific locations

Government Benefits (Permanent Service):

✅ Pension: National Pension System (NPS) or Unified Pension Scheme (as per government rules) ✅ Medical Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage for self and dependents ✅ Subsidized Canteen: Affordable food facilities at work ✅ Quarters: Government housing in lieu of HRA (subject to availability) ✅ Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Annual travel benefits ✅ Group Insurance: Life and accident insurance coverage ✅ House Building Advance: Loan assistance for home purchase/construction ✅ Other Benefits: As per Department of Space/Central Government orders

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⏳ Age Limit (as on 12 February 2026)

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Post Codes 01-03):

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 35 years
• Age Range: 18-35 years (17 years window)

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ – M.Tech/M.E. Based (Post Codes 04-11):

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 30 years
• Age Range: 18-30 years (12 years window)

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ – M.Sc Based (Post Codes 12-16):

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 28 years
• Age Range: 18-28 years (10 years window)

Age Relaxations (For Eligible Categories):

• Serving Central Government Employees: Upper age relaxation as per government rules
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Upper age relaxation as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Ex-Servicemen: Upper age relaxation as per extant government orders
• SC/ST/OBC Candidates: Relaxation as per applicable government rules

Check official notification for exact relaxation amounts for your category.

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💸 Application Fee

Fee Structure:

Fee Exemptions for ‘SC’ Posts:

• ✅ Women Candidates – No fee
• ✅ SC/ST Candidates – No fee
• ✅ Persons with Disability (PwBD) – No fee
• ✅ Ex-Servicemen – No fee

Fee Refund Policy (for ‘SC’ Posts):

• Candidates who appear for written test get refund
• Exempt categories: Full refund (₹750)
• Other candidates: Partial refund of ₹500 (after deducting ₹250 as processing fee)
• Refund credited to bank account provided in application
• SAC is not responsible for non-receipt of refund due to incorrect bank details

Payment Method:

• Online only through Bharatkosh Payment Portal
• Accepted modes: Net banking, UPI, Credit/Debit cards
• NOT accepted: Cash, cheque, draft, money order, IPO
• All service charges borne by candidate

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🎯 Selection Process

The selection process differs based on post level:

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Post Codes 01-03):

Step 1: Online Application Review

• Your online application screened against minimum qualifications
• Prescribed qualifications are minimum requirements (don’t guarantee eligibility)
• Screening done through ISRO Live Register portal

Step 2: Shortlisting for Interview

• Candidates meeting qualifications shortlisted for interview
• Shortlist ratio and number not specified in advance

Step 3: Personal Interview

• Face-to-face interview with selection panel
• Evaluation of research background, technical knowledge, and suitability
• Final selection based entirely on interview performance
• No written test for SD posts

Timeline: Typically 2-3 months after application closure

For Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Post Codes 04-16):

Step 1: Written Test

Exam Format:

• Duration: Varies by post code (typically 2-3 hours)
• Total Marks: Varies by post code
• Negative Marking: Yes (typically 0.25-0.5 mark deduction per wrong answer)

Test Components:

For M.Tech/M.E. Based Posts (04-11):

• Part A: Area/Discipline-Specific MCQs (40-50 marks)
• Part B: Aptitude/General Ability MCQs (20-30 marks)
• Part C: Descriptive Technical Questions (20-30 marks)
• Total: Typically 100 marks

For M.Sc Based Posts (12-16):

• Part A: Subject-Specific MCQs (50-60 marks)
• Part B: Aptitude/General Ability MCQs (20-30 marks)
• Total: Typically 100 marks

Step 2: Shortlisting for Interview

• Shortlisting Ratio: 1:5 (5 candidates shortlisted for every 1 interview slot)
• Minimum Candidates: At least 10 candidates shortlisted for interview
• Reserved Vacancies: Shortlisting done separately for SC/ST/OBC (if any vacancies)
• Candidates must meet minimum passing percentage in each part (varies by category)

Step 3: Personal Interview

• Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes per candidate
• Panel evaluates technical knowledge, research interest, communication skills
• Out of total marks for interview
• Qualifying criteria: Candidates must achieve minimum percentage in interview

Step 4: Final Merit List

Final Selection Weightage:

• 50% Weight: Written Test Score
• 50% Weight: Personal Interview Score
• Final Marks: (Written Test × 0.5) + (Interview × 0.5)

Tie-Breaking Rules (in order of priority):

1. Higher marks in written test
2. Higher marks in essential qualification (degree)
3. Date of birth (older candidates ranked higher)

Overall Timeline: 3-4 months from application closure to final result

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📑 How to Apply

Follow these detailed steps to apply online:

Step 1: Register in ISRO Live Register

• Visit: www.isro.gov.in → Career tab
• Click “Register” or “Sign Up”
• Fill personal details: Name, Email, Phone, Date of Birth, Address
• Create username and strong password
• Complete registration by 12 February 2026, 5:00 PM
• Keep your registration number safe

Step 2: Log Into SAC Recruitment Portal

• Visit: www.sac.gov.in or careers.sac.gov.in
• Portal opens: 23 January 2026, 10:00 AM
• Portal closes: 12 February 2026, 5:00 PM
• Log in with ISRO Live Register credentials or create new account on SAC portal

Step 3: Fill Online Application Form

• Fill all fields accurately and completely
• Personal details must match ID proofs
• Select appropriate post code (only one selection recommended initially)
• Indicate academic qualifications with exact marks/CGPA
• For M.Tech/M.Sc based posts, specify both postgraduate and undergraduate marks/CGPA
• Fill all mandatory fields marked with *

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Prepare scanned copies in specified formats before starting application
• Photograph:
  • Format: .jpg/.jpeg
  • Size: Max 1 MB
  • Dimensions: 500 × 500 pixels
  • Requirements: Recent color, not older than 6 months, clear face visible
  • NOT acceptable: Selfies, black & white, blurred, sunglasses, hat
• Signature:
  • Format: .jpg/.jpeg
  • Size: Max 1 MB
  • Dimensions: 700 × 200 pixels
  • Requirements: Clear and legible
  • NOT acceptable: Blurred or unclear signatures
• Certificates:
  • Format: .pdf only
  • Size: Max 1 MB per file
  • Upload: Essential & pre-requisite qualifications
  • Upload: Caste/PwBD/Ex-Serviceman certificates (if applicable)
  • Ensure all PDFs are clear and readable

Step 5: Choose Exam City

• Select your preferred city for written test (if applicable)
• Available cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram
• Note: SAC reserves right to conduct exam only in Ahmedabad or other cities as feasible
• If applying for multiple posts, select same city for all

Step 6: Submit Application

• Review all information for accuracy before final submission
• Once submitted, application cannot be edited
• After successful submission, you’ll get acknowledgment with application number
• Keep application number safe for future reference

Step 7: Pay Application Fee (if required)

• You’ll be automatically redirected to Bharatkosh Payment Portal
• Select payment aggregator (as displayed)
• Choose payment method: Net banking, UPI, Credit/Debit card
• Complete payment and retain SMS/email confirmation
• Important: If payment debited but confirmation not received, wait 24 hours before retrying
• No refund on grounds of withdrawal after payment

Step 8: Download Application Summary

• After fee payment (or within application window if no fee), download application summary
• Print or save PDF of application summary
• Keep this with you on exam/interview day
• Online portal closes at 5:00 PM on 12 February 2026 – print before this time

Step 9: Monitor Email for Admit Card

• Keep registered email ID active
• e-Admit Card will be sent only via email (no hard copy mailed)
• Check email regularly (including spam folder)
• Download e-Admit Card and print before exam day
• Bring printed e-Admit Card to examination center

Step 10: Appear for Examination/Interview

• Bring valid government-issued photo ID in original
• Bring printed e-Admit Card
• Bring printed application summary
• Arrive 15-30 minutes before scheduled time
• Follow all examination center instructions

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⚙️ Key Documents Required

For Online Application (Scanned Copies):

Mandatory Documents:

• Recent color photograph (not older than 6 months)
• Signature scan
• Essential qualification certificates (degree/diploma)
• Pre-requisite qualification certificates

Category-Specific Certificates (if applicable):

• Caste Certificate (SC/ST candidates) – from Taluka/District authority
• OBC Certificate (if applicable) – issued within last 3 years
• Disability Certificate (PwBD candidates) – issued by Medical Board per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, indicating minimum 40% disability
• Ex-Serviceman Certificate (if applicable)

For Examination/Interview (Original Documents):

Educational Documents (Originals):

• Bachelor’s degree certificate & mark sheets
• Postgraduate degree certificate & mark sheets
• Diploma certificates (if any)
• Transcripts showing marks/CGPA in each semester
• Migration certificate (if studying outside home state)

Identity & Age Proof (Originals):

• Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, Driving License, PAN)
• Birth certificate or 10th standard mark sheet (for age verification)

Category Certificates (Originals – if applicable):

• Caste certificate in prescribed format
• OBC certificate (issued within 3 years)
• Disability certificate in prescribed format (PwBD)
• Ex-Serviceman ID or discharge certificate

Other Documents:

• CGPA to percentage conversion formula (if applicable)
• Any relevant certificates or achievements
• 2-3 passport-size color photographs (backup copies)

Important Reminders:

• All documents must be clear and legible
• Bring both originals and photocopies
• No incomplete documentation accepted
• False information at any stage leads to disqualification
• Ensure all documents are recent and valid

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📘 Important Links

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ and ‘SC’? A: ‘SD’ is Senior Designation requiring PhD and higher pay (₹67,100-₹2,08,700), while ‘SC’ is for M.Tech/M.Sc graduates with lower pay (₹56,100-₹1,77,500). ‘SD’ requires research doctorate; ‘SC’ does not.

Q2: Can I apply for multiple post codes? A: Yes, you can apply for more than one post code. However, you must choose the same city for written test if applying for multiple ‘SC’ posts. Separate applications and fees are required for Computer Science posts (ISRO Centers vs NESAC).

Q3: Is there age relaxation for any categories? A: Yes, age relaxations are available for Serving Central Government Employees, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen as per government rules. Check official notification for exact relaxation amounts.

Q4: What if my payment is debited but I don’t receive confirmation? A: Wait 24 hours before initiating another payment. If still not resolved, contact SAC support with transaction details.

Q5: When will I get the e-Admit Card? A: e-Admit Card will be sent to your registered email ID. Typically sent 1-2 weeks before exam. Check email regularly including spam folder.

Q6: Can I edit my application after submission? A: No, once submitted, applications cannot be edited. Review thoroughly before submitting.

Q7: What is the minimum percentage required in written test to qualify? A: Different qualifying percentages apply for UR and reserved categories. Check official notification for exact cutoff marks.

Q8: Will there be negative marking in written test? A: Yes, typically 0.25-0.5 mark deduction per wrong answer (exact deduction varies by post).

Q9: What is the interview weightage in final selection? A: For Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts, 50% weightage to written test and 50% to interview marks are given for final ranking.

Q10: What happens if I don’t meet the minimum qualification percentage? A: You will not be eligible even if shortlisted. Minimum percentage is mandatory for each qualification level.

Q11: Are Open and Distance Learning (ODL) degrees accepted? A: No, ODL qualifications are NOT eligible. Only regular degree programs are accepted.

Q12: How is the final merit list prepared? A: Final merit based on 50% written test + 50% interview marks. Tie-breaking uses: written test marks, qualification marks, then date of birth.

Q13: What if I’m a PwBD candidate? A: You must produce original disability certificate in prescribed format from duly constituted Medical Board indicating minimum 40% benchmark disability. Application fee is waived.

Q14: Can I get refund if I withdraw after paying fee? A: No, once payment made, no refund on withdrawal. Refund only if you appear for written test.

Q15: What documents should I bring on exam day? A: Bring printed e-Admit Card, valid government photo ID, and printed application summary. Arrive 15-30 minutes early.

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🌟 Why Apply to ISRO SAC?

✅ Prestigious Institution – India’s premier space research organization ✅ Mission-Critical Work – Contribute to nation-building through space technology ✅ Excellent Salary – ₹56,100 to ₹2,08,700 per month based on level ✅ Permanent Government Job – Job security and stability ✅ Comprehensive Benefits – Pension, medical, housing, leave travel, insurance ✅ Research Opportunities – Work on cutting-edge satellite and space projects ✅ Career Growth – Clear promotion and advancement pathways ✅ Professional Development – Training and skill development programs ✅ Work Environment – International-standard facilities and research labs ✅ National Importance – Be part of India’s space exploration programs ✅ Work-Life Balance – Government sector work culture and hours ✅ Legacy Building – Your work impacts future space missions

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⚠️ Important Reminders

🔔 Application Window is LIMITED: 23 Jan – 12 Feb 2026 (Only 3 Weeks!)

🔔 Online Only: No offline or physical applications accepted

🔔 Single Submission: Submit application once only, no editing after submission

🔔 Document Quality: Clear, legible documents in specified formats are mandatory

🔔 Fee Payment: Complete before deadline, no refund on withdrawal

🔔 Email Monitoring: Check email regularly for e-Admit Card and updates

🔔 Original Documents: Bring originals on exam/interview day

🔔 Multiple Posts: If applying for multiple posts, use same exam city

🔔 Qualification Cut-off: 12 February 2026 is qualification and age cut-off date

🔔 No Interim Correspondence: Only official notifications via email/portal

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🚀 Ready to Launch Your Space Career? Apply Today! 🛰️

For complete and official information, visit www.sac.gov.in

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Disclaimer: This article is based on official ISRO SAC Advertisement SAC:01:2026. Please verify all details from the official website before applying. ISRO/SAC reserves the right to modify recruitment criteria or dates as required. Candidates are responsible for meeting all eligibility criteria and following instructions in the official notification.