ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 49 Scientist/Engineer Posts | Eligibility, Salary & Exam Date

The Space Applications Centre (SAC), a lead center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) located in Ahmedabad, has announced a massive recruitment drive for the year 2026. The center is inviting online applications from eligible candidates for the posts of Scientist/Engineer 'SD' (Pay Level 11) and Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Pay Level 10).

This is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates, post-graduates, and PhD holders to work on prestigious projects involving communication, navigation, remote sensing, and planetary missions. The official notification (Advt No. SAC:01:2026) was released on January 23, 2026.

In this detailed guide, we provide a complete breakdown of the ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026, including the vacancy distribution, educational qualification, age limit, selection process, and step-by-step application procedure.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the recruitment drive.

ISRO SAC Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details

The recruitment is divided into two categories: Group 'A' posts for Scientist/Engineer 'SD' (requiring PhD) and Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (requiring M.E./M.Tech or M.Sc).

1. Scientist/Engineer 'SD' (Level 11)

• Total Posts: 04
• Salary: ₹67,100 – ₹2,08,700

2. Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Level 10)

• Total Posts: 45
• Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500

Eligibility Criteria for ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026

Candidates must strictly meet the educational and age criteria as of 12.02.2026.

Educational Qualification

For Scientist/Engineer 'SD' (Post Code 01-03):

• Essential: Ph.D. in relevant fields (RF Engineering, Communication, Agriculture Physics).
• Pre-requisite: M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc with at least 60% marks (or 6.5 CGPA) AND B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc with at least 65% marks (or 6.84 CGPA).

For Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Post Code 04-11):

• Essential: M.E./M.Tech in relevant specialization with 60% marks (or 6.5 CGPA).
• Pre-requisite: B.E./B.Tech with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks (or 6.84 CGPA).

For Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Post Code 12-16):

• Essential: M.Sc. in relevant discipline (Agriculture, Physics, Mathematics, etc.) with 65% marks (or 6.84 CGPA).
• Pre-requisite: B.Sc. with 60% marks (or 6.5 CGPA).

Age Limit (As on 12.02.2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Age:
  • For Post Codes 04-11 (M.Tech based): 30 Years
  • For Post Codes 12-16 (M.Sc based): 28 Years
  • For Post Codes 01-03 (PhD based): 35 Years
• Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen as per Govt. of India rules.

Application Fee & Refund Policy

ISRO has a unique fee structure where the fee is refunded to serious candidates who appear for the written test.

• Application Fee: ₹750/- (Uniform for all candidates).
• Refund Details:
  • Women/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-SM: Full refund of ₹750/- (after appearing in the written test).
  • Other Candidates (Gen/OBC/EWS): Refund of ₹500/- (after deducting ₹250 service charge) after appearing in the written test.
• Note: If you do not appear for the written exam, no refund will be issued.

Selection Process for ISRO Scientist/Engineer 2026

The selection procedure involves two stages:

1. Written Test: Conducted at 18 centers across India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, etc.).
2. Personal Interview: Shortlisting ratio is 1:5 (minimum 10 candidates).

Final Selection Weightage:

• Written Test: 50%
• Interview: 50%
• Candidates must score minimum 50% in each part of the Written Test and 50/100 in the Interview to qualify.

Exam Pattern (Written Test)

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

• Part A: Area/Discipline Specific (60 Marks) - 75 Mins.
• Part B: Aptitude/Ability (20 Marks) - 30 Mins.
• Part C: Descriptive Technical Questions (20 Marks) - 30 Mins.
• Total: 100 Marks.

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

• Part A: Area/Discipline Specific (80 Marks) - 90 Mins.
• Part B: Aptitude/Ability (20 Marks) - 30 Mins.
• Total: 100 Marks.

Direct Links to Apply Online

The application portal is now live. Ensure you have your photo, signature, and educational certificates (PDF format) ready before applying.

Important Dates to Remember

• Online Registration Starts: 23 January 2026 (10:00 AM)
• Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: 12 February 2026 (05:00 PM)
• Cut-off Date for Age/Qualification: 12 February 2026
• Exam Date: To be notified later (Keep checking sac.gov.in)

This recruitment drive is a fantastic chance to contribute to India's space missions. With a transparent selection process and a lucrative salary package, the competition will be tough. Start your preparation early!