ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 48 vacancies including Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate and other posts. Eligible candidates can check the eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, salary, important dates and apply online through the official ISRO SAC recruitment portal.
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Introduction to ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
The Space Applications Centre (SAC), a premier lead centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space, has released a significant recruitment notification under Advertisement No. SAC:02:2026 dated 10 September 2026. This drive aims to fill 48 temporary project-based positions comprising Junior Research Fellows (JRF), Research Associates (RA), and Project Scientist-I (PS-I) across 16 specialised post codes. These opportunities are ideal for highly qualified Indian nationals seeking hands-on research exposure in cutting-edge domains such as semiconductor technology, RF and microwave systems, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, geophysics, hydrology, and computer science applications linked to space technology.
Working at SAC, Ahmedabad, offers unmatched professional growth within India’s space programme. Selected candidates will contribute to projects involving earth observation, communication payloads, navigation technologies, and planetary studies while enjoying competitive fellowships ranging from ₹37,000 to ₹67,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance. Although these are purely temporary and project-linked roles that do not confer any right to regular appointment in ISRO or the Department of Space, they provide exceptional research experience, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and the prestige of association with one of the world’s leading space agencies.
With the online application window open only until 30 September 2026 (1700 hours), eligible candidates must act swiftly. The absence of any application fee further lowers the entry barrier, making this an attractive opportunity for fresh postgraduates as well as experienced researchers holding Ph.D. degrees. Aspiring space scientists and engineers should carefully review the post-wise eligibility, age criteria, and application procedure detailed below to secure their place in this prestigious recruitment.
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Overview Table – ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Department of Space |
| Post Names | Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA), Project Scientist-I (PS-I) |
| Total Vacancies | 48 (across 16 post codes) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Online Registration Dates | 10 September 2026 (1000 hrs) to 30 September 2026 (1700 hrs) |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting (if required) followed by Interview |
| Official Website | https://www.sac.gov.in / https://careers.sac.gov.in |
Post-wise Vacancy Details – ISRO SAC 2026
The 48 vacancies are distributed across three categories and sixteen distinct post codes covering a wide spectrum of engineering and scientific disciplines. The largest share belongs to Junior Research Fellow positions, which account for 33 posts, followed by Research Associate roles (8 posts) and Project Scientist-I positions (7 posts). These posts are temporary and project-linked; the number indicated is provisional and may vary according to SAC’s actual requirements.
Below is the complete post-code-wise vacancy breakdown:
| Post Code | Post Name | Vacancies | Field / Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 3 | Semiconductor Technology / Quantum / Micro or Nano Electronic Devices / RF & Microwave |
| 02 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 7 | Electronics & Communication / VLSI / Digital System Engineering / Embedded Systems / Signal Processing |
| 03 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 5 | Engineering Physics / Photonics / Optoelectronics / Material Science / Solid State Physics |
| 04 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 10 | Atmospheric Sciences / Meteorology / Physical Oceanography / Physics / Mathematics |
| 05 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 2 | Geo-physics / Geo-Sciences / Earth Sciences / Geotechnical Engineering |
| 06 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 4 | Computer Science / Computer Engineering |
| 07 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 2 | Geo-informatics / Remote Sensing and GIS |
| 08 | Research Associate (RA) | 6 | Oceanic / Marine / Atmospheric Sciences / Meteorology / Earth System Sciences / Physics |
| 09 | Research Associate (RA) | 1 | Mathematics / Physics |
| 10 | Research Associate (RA) | 1 | Earth / Environmental Sciences (Remote Sensing in forestry, ecology, wetlands) |
| 11 | Project Scientist-I (PS-I) | 1 | Geophysics / Applied Geophysics (Cryosphere Studies) |
| 12 | Project Scientist-I (PS-I) | 1 | Ecology / Environmental Sciences / Forestry or Geo-informatics |
| 13 | Project Scientist-I (PS-I) | 1 | Remote Sensing & GIS / Geo-informatics / Geomatics / Civil Engineering |
| 14 | Project Scientist-I (PS-I) | 1 | Geophysics / Earth Sciences (Crustal Deformation Studies) |
| 15 | Project Scientist-I (PS-I) | 2 | Water Resources Engineering / Hydrology / Soil and Water Engineering |
| 16 | Project Scientist-I (PS-I) | 1 | RF & Microwave / Applied Physics |
No category-wise (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) reservation split has been published in the notification. Selected candidates will primarily be posted at SAC, Ahmedabad; however, project requirements may necessitate short-term travel or stay at other locations within India. Candidates must note that these positions are purely temporary and do not provide any claim toward permanent employment in ISRO or any other Department of Space establishment.
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Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria – ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
Eligibility is strictly post-code specific. Candidates must possess the exact degree in the prescribed discipline with the minimum marks indicated below. Degrees obtained through Open and Distance Learning mode are not accepted for professional courses. Final-year students whose results are not declared by the cut-off date of 30 September 2026 are ineligible.
For all M.E./M.Tech qualifications, a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (average of all semesters) or a CGPA/CPI of 6.5 on a 10-point scale is mandatory. For M.Sc., B.E. or B.Tech qualifications, the minimum requirement is 65% aggregate marks or a CGPA/CPI of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. Rounding off of marks or conversion between CGPA and percentage is not permitted even if the university provides a conversion formula.
- Post Codes 01–02 (JRF): M.E./M.Tech in the relevant specialisation listed against each code.
- Post Code 03 (JRF): B.E./B.Tech in Engineering Physics or related disciplines, OR M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc in Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Optoelectronics, Material Science, Nanotechnology or Solid State Physics.
- Post Codes 04–07 (JRF): M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc in the respective disciplines of Atmospheric Sciences, Geophysics, Computer Science, Geo-informatics, etc.
- Post Codes 08–10 (RA): Ph.D in the relevant field. For Code 08, candidates with three years of research/teaching/design experience after M.E./M.Tech plus at least one SCI-indexed journal paper are also eligible.
- Post Codes 11–16 (PS-I): Ph.D and/or M.E./M.Tech in the specialised areas indicated against each code (Cryosphere Studies, Ecology, Microwave Remote Sensing, Hydrology, RF & Microwave, etc.).
In addition, every applicant for JRF posts (Codes 01 to 07) must have a valid score/result in CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship), GATE, or any other national-level examination conducted by central government agencies such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER or NISER, valid as on 30 September 2026.
Age Limit and Relaxations
Age is calculated as on the crucial cut-off date of 30 September 2026.
- Junior Research Fellow (Post Codes 01–07): Maximum age 28 years.
- Research Associate and Project Scientist-I (Post Codes 08–16): Maximum age 35 years.
Age relaxation is granted as per Government of India rules: 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates (non-creamy layer certificate must be valid). Additional relaxation is available for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), Ex-Servicemen, and serving Central Government employees as per extant orders. OBC candidates claiming relaxation must ensure their certificate specifically excludes the creamy layer and remains current on the date of application.
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Application Fee and Payment Mode
There is no application fee for any category of candidate or any post code under this recruitment. All eligible Indian nationals belonging to General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwBD or women categories can submit their applications completely free of cost. Since no fee is prescribed, the question of payment modes such as Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking or UPI does not arise. Candidates are simply required to complete the online form and upload the mandatory documents before the closing deadline. The application once submitted cannot be edited, and no refund mechanism is applicable as no money is collected. This zero-fee policy significantly widens access and encourages maximum participation from deserving researchers across the country.
Salary, Stipend & Pay Scale Details – ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
Selected candidates under ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 will receive attractive monthly fellowships and associateship amounts that are competitive within India’s research ecosystem. Junior Research Fellows (JRF) will be paid ₹37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) during the first two years of engagement. From the third year onward, the fellowship rises to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA, subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements. Research Associates are placed in one of three levels based on qualification and experience: Level-1 at ₹58,000, Level-2 at ₹61,000, and Level-3 at ₹67,000 per month, each accompanied by HRA. Project Scientist-I positions carry a fixed monthly emolument of ₹56,000 plus HRA.
HRA is admissible only if hostel accommodation is not provided by SAC. Medical facilities are extended to the selected candidate (self only) as per Department of Space rules. Leave and other service benefits follow the norms applicable to temporary project staff. These positions do not attract Dearness Allowance, pension contributions, or other perks available to regular ISRO employees. The fellowship amount is treated as basic pay for the limited benefits that apply. Overall, the compensation package offers solid financial support while providing invaluable research experience at a premier ISRO centre.
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Detailed Selection Process – ISRO SAC 2026
The selection process for ISRO SAC Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate, and Project Scientist-I posts is entirely interview-based. There is no written examination, computer-based test, physical test, or skill test prescribed in the notification. The process begins with scrutiny of all online applications received for each post code. Meeting the minimum educational and age criteria does not automatically entitle a candidate to appear for the interview.
If the number of applications for any post is large, SAC will shortlist candidates on the basis of academic record, relevance of specialisation, and other objective criteria decided by the selection committee. The shortlist and interview schedule will be published only on the official SAC website. Call letters will be sent exclusively by email to shortlisted candidates; those not shortlisted will not receive any communication.
Shortlisted candidates must appear for a personal interview before the selection committee. Final merit is prepared solely on the basis of interview performance. Candidates currently employed in Central or State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or autonomous bodies must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their present employer at the time of interview; failure to do so will result in disqualification. Document verification is conducted during the interview stage. No medical examination is mentioned as a separate stage prior to offer of engagement. The decision of the SAC selection committee is final and binding.
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ISRO SAC Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 does not involve any written examination or computer-based test. Consequently, there is no formal syllabus covering Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, or General Awareness, nor any prescribed number of questions, total marks, duration, or negative marking scheme.
Selection rests entirely on interview performance after possible shortlisting. Candidates should, however, prepare thoroughly for a technical interview that will probe depth of knowledge in the specific discipline advertised under each post code. For JRF posts, interviewers typically assess understanding of core subjects related to semiconductor devices, VLSI design, atmospheric modelling, remote sensing principles, signal processing, or computer science fundamentals, depending on the code applied for. Research Associate and Project Scientist-I candidates can expect detailed questions on their Ph.D. or M.Tech research work, publications, experimental techniques, and relevance of their expertise to ongoing SAC projects such as earth observation data analysis, microwave remote sensing, cryosphere studies, or hydrology applications.
Candidates are strongly advised to review recent research papers published by SAC scientists, familiarise themselves with ISRO missions relevant to their domain, and be ready to discuss problem-solving approaches, data interpretation, and future research interests. Soft skills, clarity of communication, and ability to work in a project-oriented environment are also evaluated. Since no written paper exists, focused preparation on the technical domain and research experience remains the only pathway to success.
Step-by-Step How to Apply Online for ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates must submit applications exclusively through the online mode. Follow these sequential steps carefully:
- Visit the official SAC recruitment portal at https://careers.sac.gov.in or navigate via the Careers section on https://www.sac.gov.in.
- Click on the link corresponding to Advertisement No. SAC:02:2026 for Junior Research Fellows, Research Associates, and Project Scientist-I posts.
- Complete the one-time registration by providing a valid email ID and mobile number. Note the system-generated credentials for future login.
- Log in and carefully fill the online application form with personal particulars, educational qualifications, post-code preference, and other required details. Ensure absolute accuracy as no correction facility is available after final submission.
- Upload a recent colour passport-size photograph (JPEG format, less than 1 MB, plain background, full frontal face) and signature (JPEG, less than 1 MB, aspect ratio approximately 7:2).
- Upload scanned copies of degree certificates, mark sheets, caste/tribe certificate (if applicable), PwBD certificate (if applicable), and any other supporting documents as specified, each under the prescribed size limit.
- Review the entire form thoroughly. Once satisfied, submit the application. Note down the unique application number generated upon successful submission.
- Take a printout of the application summary immediately. The portal will not permit printing after 1700 hours on 30 September 2026.
No hard copy of the application needs to be sent to SAC by post. Candidates are advised to complete the process well before the closing deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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Important Dates – ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 September 2026 (1000 hours) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 September 2026 (1700 hours) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | Not Applicable (No Fee) |
| Cut-off Date for Age & Qualification | 30 September 2026 |
| Admit Card / Interview Call Letter | To be notified on SAC website (email only to shortlisted candidates) |
| Tentative Interview Dates | To be announced after shortlisting |
Candidates must regularly visit the official SAC website for updates on shortlisting and interview schedules, as no individual communication will be sent to non-shortlisted applicants.
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FAQs – ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
1. Can I correct my application after final submission?
No. Once the application is submitted online, no correction or editing facility is available under any circumstances. Candidates must double-check every detail before clicking the final submit button.
2. Is NET or GATE mandatory for all posts?
NET, GATE, or an equivalent national-level examination is compulsory only for Junior Research Fellow posts (Post Codes 01 to 07). Research Associate and Project Scientist-I applicants are exempt from this requirement.
3. What is the maximum age limit for SC/ST candidates applying for JRF?
The upper age limit of 28 years for JRF is relaxed by five years for SC/ST candidates, making the effective maximum age 33 years as on 30 September 2026.
4. Are these posts permanent in nature?
No. All positions are temporary and project-linked. Engagement does not confer any right or claim for regular appointment in ISRO or the Department of Space.
5. Will there be a written examination?
No written examination or computer-based test will be conducted. Selection is based solely on interview after possible shortlisting.
6. How will I know if I am shortlisted for interview?
The list of shortlisted candidates and interview schedule will be published only on the official SAC website. Call letters will be emailed exclusively to shortlisted candidates.
7. Is there any application fee for women or reserved category candidates?
There is no application fee for any category of candidate, including women, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwBD applicants.
8. Can final-year students apply?
No. Candidates whose final semester or year results have not been declared by the cut-off date of 30 September 2026 are not eligible to apply.
9. Where will the interview be conducted?
Interviews are expected to be held at the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad. Exact venue and schedule details will be communicated to shortlisted candidates via email and the official website.
10. What documents are required at the time of interview?
Candidates must carry original certificates of educational qualifications, mark sheets, age proof, caste/PwBD certificates (if applicable), No Objection Certificate (if employed), and a printout of the submitted application form along with a valid photo identity proof.
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Conclusion
ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 presents a rare and prestigious opportunity for talented researchers and engineers to contribute directly to India’s space applications programme. With 48 project positions offering competitive fellowships, cutting-edge research exposure, and the chance to work at one of ISRO’s most advanced centres, eligible candidates should not delay. The application window is open only until 30 September 2026 (1700 hours). Complete your registration early, ensure all documents are ready, and submit a carefully filled form to maximise your chances of being shortlisted for interview.
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared solely for informational purposes on the basis of the official Advertisement No. SAC:02:2026. While every effort has been made to present accurate details, candidates are strongly advised to verify all information, including eligibility criteria, vacancy numbers, important dates, and application procedures, directly from the official Space Applications Centre website (sac.gov.in) and the recruitment portal (careers.sac.gov.in). The author and publisher accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes that may occur in the official notification. Always rely on the authentic documents published by SAC/ISRO for final decision-making.
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