The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is a global leader in space technology, offering exciting career opportunities for engineering graduates through its Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ recruitment exam. Conducted by the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), this highly competitive exam is a gateway to contributing to India’s space missions, such as Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan. For aspirants aiming to secure a position as a Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in 2026, understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is critical for effective preparation. Here we provides a detailed guide to the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam Pattern 2026, preparation tips, and a FAQ section to address common queries.
Overview of ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Recruitment 2026
ISRO typically announces hundreds of vacancies for the Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts across disciplines like Mechanical, Electronics, and Computer Science. The recruitment process involves two main stages:
- Written Test: A multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam testing technical knowledge and general aptitude.
- Interview: A technical and personal assessment for candidates shortlisted based on their written test performance.
The final selection is based on a combined score, with 50% weightage from the written test and 50% from the interview. This guide focuses on the exam pattern, subject-wise breakdown, and strategies to help aspirants excel.
ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam Pattern 2026
The ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ written exam is designed to assess both technical expertise and general aptitude. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern presented in a table for clarity:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper Based) |
| Type of Questions | Objective (Multiple-Choice Questions) |
| Total Questions | 95 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Negative Marking | Part A (Core Engineering): 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer Part B (General Aptitude): No negative marking |
| Sections | Part A (Core Engineering Topics): 80 questions, 80 marks Part B (General Aptitude and Reasoning): 15 questions, 20 marks |
Detailed Breakdown
- Part A (Core Engineering): This section focuses on discipline-specific topics (e.g., Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science). Each question carries 1 mark, constituting 80% of the exam’s weightage. Questions test in-depth knowledge of undergraduate-level engineering concepts tailored to ISRO’s requirements.
- Part B (General Aptitude and Reasoning): This section evaluates logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and problem-solving skills. With 15 questions carrying 20 marks, it assesses analytical abilities without negative marking.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum qualifying marks vary by category, as outlined in the table below:
| Category | Written Test (Part A) | Written Test (Part B) | Interview | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | 50% | 50% | 50/100 marks | 60% |
| Reserved (PwBD) | 40% | 40% | 40/100 marks | 50% |
Interview Stage
Candidates who clear the written test are shortlisted for the interview, typically in a 1:5 ratio based on written test performance (with a minimum of 10 candidates shortlisted). The interview carries 100 marks and evaluates the following components:
| Assessment Area | Marks |
|---|---|
| Technical (Academic) Knowledge | 40 |
| General Awareness in Specialization | 20 |
| Presentation/Communication Skills | 20 |
| Comprehension | 10 |
| Academic Achievements | 10 |
Note: Academic Achievements include degrees from IIT/IISc/NIT or top 20 NIRF-ranked institutes, CGPA ≥ 9 or Percentage > 85%, and institute rank 1–3. The final selection combines the written test score (50%) and interview score (50%). In case of a tie, priority is given to higher written test marks, higher marks in essential qualifications, or older age.
Subject-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
The ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ syllabus aligns with the undergraduate B.E./B.Tech curriculum but emphasizes practical and ISRO-specific applications. Below is a detailed syllabus for key disciplines:
Mechanical Engineering
- Applied Mechanics and Design:
- Engineering Mechanics: Free-body diagrams, friction, trusses, dynamics, virtual work.
- Mechanics of Materials: Stress-strain, Mohr’s circle, bending, torsion, thermal stresses.
- Theory of Machines: Kinematics, dynamics, cams, gears, governors, gyroscopes.
- Vibrations: Free/forced vibrations, damping, resonance.
- Machine Design: Failure theories, fatigue, design of joints, bearings, shafts, brakes.
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences:
- Fluid Mechanics: Fluid statics, Bernoulli’s equation, pipe flow, compressible flow.
- Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic cycles, availability.
- Heat Transfer: Conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers.
- Applications: I.C. engines, refrigeration, air-conditioning, turbomachinery.
- Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering:
- Engineering Materials: Phase diagrams, heat treatment, stress-strain.
- Casting, Forming, Joining: Casting types, forging, welding, powder metallurgy.
- Machining and Machine Tools: Tool geometry, CNC, non-traditional machining.
- Metrology and Inspection: Limits, fits, tolerances, CMM.
- Production Planning: Forecasting, lean manufacturing, MRP.
- Operations Research: Linear programming, PERT/CPM, queuing models.
Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Electromagnetics: Maxwell’s equations, wave propagation, transmission lines, waveguides, antennas.
- Networks, Signals, and Systems: Circuit analysis, Fourier/Laplace transforms, LTI systems.
- Electronic Devices: Semiconductors, PN junction, BJT, MOSFET, LEDs.
- Analog Circuits: Amplifiers, op-amps, oscillators, filters.
- Digital Circuits: Logic gates, flip-flops, counters, ADC/DAC.
- Control Systems: Stability analysis, Routh, Nyquist, Bode plots.
- Communications: AM, FM, PCM, digital modulation, information theory.
Computer Science Engineering
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting, searching.
- Operating Systems: Process management, memory management, deadlocks.
- Databases: SQL, normalization, transactions, indexing.
- Computer Networks: OSI model, TCP/IP, routing, error detection.
- Software Engineering: SDLC, testing, agile methodology.
- Discrete Mathematics: Set theory, graph theory, automata.
- Computer Organization: CPU, memory, pipelining, cache.
General Aptitude and Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude: Probability, time and distance, percentages, profit/loss, mensuration.
- Logical Reasoning: Number series, coding-decoding, blood relations, venn diagrams.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian history, science and technology, awards.
For a complete syllabus, candidates can download the official ISRO Scientist/Engineer Syllabus 2026 PDF from www.isro.gov.in.
Preparation Tips for ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam 2026
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Review the syllabus for your discipline and familiarize yourself with the exam structure to prioritize high-weightage topics.
- Create a Study Schedule: Allocate time for technical subjects (80% weightage) and aptitude/reasoning. Focus on weaker areas while revising strengths regularly.
- Use Standard Textbooks:
- Mechanical: Mechanical Engineering (Objective) by R.S. Khurmi, Theory of Machines by S.S. Rattan.
- Electronics: Electronic Devices & Circuits by Boylestad & Nashelsky, Network Analysis by Van Valkenburg.
- Computer Science: Data Structures and Algorithms by Narasimha Karumanchi, Operating Systems by Galvin.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice ISRO’s previous question papers to understand question types and difficulty levels.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy for the 80 technical questions in 120 minutes.
- Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Emphasize understanding over memorization, as ISRO questions test practical applications.
- Revise Formulas and Notes: Maintain a formula sheet and short notes for quick revision.
- Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on technical fundamentals, ISRO projects (e.g., Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan), and communication skills.
- Stay Updated: Follow ISRO’s official website and news for updates on exam dates and notifications.
- Maintain a Healthy Routine: Balance study with breaks, exercise, and a healthy diet to stay focused.
FAQs – ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam 2026
Q1. What is the duration of the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam 2026?
A1. The written exam lasts 120 minutes (2 hours).
Q2. Is there negative marking in the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam 2026?
A2. Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Part A (Core Engineering). There is no negative marking in Part B (General Aptitude).
Q3. How many questions are asked in the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam 2026?
A3. The exam consists of 95 questions: 80 from Core Engineering (Part A) and 15 from General Aptitude (Part B).
Q4. What is the selection process for the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam 2026?
A4. The selection process includes a written test (100 marks) and an interview (100 marks). The final selection is based on 50% weightage from each.
Q5. Is the ISRO Scientist/Engineer syllabus the same for all streams?
A5. No, the syllabus varies by discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science), though Part B (General Aptitude) is common for all.
Q6. What are the minimum qualifying marks for the ISRO exam?
A6. Unreserved candidates need 50% in each part of the written test and 60% aggregate. For PwBD candidates, it’s 40% in each part and 50% aggregate.
Q7. Is a GATE score required for the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Exam 2026?
A7. No, a GATE score is not mandatory, as ISRO conducts its own exam. However, valid GATE 2025/2026 scores may be required for interview shortlisting in some cases.
Q8. Can final-year students apply for the ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ Exam 2026?
A8. Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., B.E./B.Tech with 65% or 6.84/10 CGPA) at the time of document verification.
Q9. What is the weightage of the interview in the final selection?
A9. The interview carries 50% weightage, with the written test contributing the other 50%.
Q10. Where can I download the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Syllabus 2026 PDF?
A10. The syllabus PDF is available on the official ISRO website (www.isro.gov.in)