What Is the Salary of ISRO Scientist? Check Eligibility, Selection Process
ISRO careers are back in focus after reports that the Department of Space tightened resignation rules for scientists involved in critical missions. Here's a detailed guide to ISRO scientist salary, eligibility, educational qualifications, age limits, selection process and career growth for Scientist/Engineer, Technician, Technical Assistant and Scientific Assistant posts.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has come under renewed public attention after reports that the Department of Space has tightened rules governing resignations and voluntary retirement of scientists and engineers involved in critical missions, including Gaganyaan. The move follows reports that more than 100 employees have left the space agency across various centres.
Amid growing interest in careers at India's premier space agency, many aspiring candidates are seeking information about ISRO's recruitment process, eligibility criteria, salary structure and career progression. Here's a detailed look at the qualifications, age limits and pay scales for key technical positions at ISRO. Why Are ISRO Scientists Resigning? Department of Space Tightens Exit Rules Amid Staff Exodus.
Scientist/Engineer-SC: Eligibility and Salary
The Scientist/Engineer-SC post is one of the primary entry-level positions for engineering graduates.
Eligibility
Candidates can apply through multiple educational pathways:
- BE/BTech or equivalent with at least 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10, along with a valid GATE score. Candidates are shortlisted for interviews based on their GATE performance. Upper age limit: 28 years.
- BE/BTech (65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10) along with a Master of Science (MSc) degree. Selection is through a written test and interview. Upper age limit: 28 years.
- Engineering degree (65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10) plus a first-class MBA. Selection is through a written test and interview. Upper age limit: 30 years.
- ME/MTech or equivalent (60% marks or CGPA 6.5/10) with a qualifying BE/BTech/MSc (65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10). Selection is through a written test and interview. Upper age limit: 30 years. New Zealand’s Space Sector Played Key Role in Chandrayaan-3 Success, Says PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video).
Salary
The pay scale for Scientist/Engineer-SC ranges from INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 under Level 10 of the pay matrix.
With promotions under the Merit Promotion Scheme, employees can advance to the post of Distinguished Scientist (Level 16) with a salary ranging from INR 2,05,400 to INR 2,24,400, subject to satisfactory performance.
Scientist/Engineer-SD: Eligibility and Salary
ISRO also recruits candidates with doctoral qualifications for senior scientific roles.
Eligibility
Applicants must possess a PhD, with the following pre-qualification requirements:
- ME/MTech/MS/MSc with at least 60% marks or CGPA 6.5/10
- BE/BTech with 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10
- BSc with 60% marks or CGPA 6.5/10
Selection is based on an interview.
Upper age limit: 35 years.
Salary
The salary for Scientist/Engineer-SD ranges from INR 67,700 to INR 2,08,700 (Level 11).
Employees can progress to the position of Distinguished Scientist (Level 16) with a salary between INR 2,05,400 and INR 2,24,400.
Technician-B: Eligibility and Salary
Eligibility
Candidates must have:
- SSLC
- ITI/NTC/NAC certification from NCVT (minimum two-year course)
Selection is based primarily on a written examination, followed by a qualifying skill test.
Upper age limit: 35 years.
Salary
Technician-B employees receive a salary between INR 21,700 and INR 69,100 (Level 3).
Through promotions, they can reach the position of Assistant Engineer (Level 12) with a salary ranging from INR 78,800 to INR 2,09,200.
Technical Assistant: Eligibility and Salary
Eligibility
Candidates must possess a first-class Diploma in Engineering from a recognised state board in the relevant discipline.
Selection includes:
- Written test
- Qualifying skill test
Upper age limit: 35 years.
Salary
The salary ranges from INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400 (Level 7).
Employees may be promoted to Technical Officer-SG (Level 13A), with salaries between INR 1,31,100 and INR 2,16,600.
Scientific Assistant: Eligibility and Salary
Eligibility
Applicants should hold a first-class BSc degree in the relevant discipline from a recognised university or institution.
Selection is based on:
- Written test
- Qualifying skill test
Upper age limit: 35 years.
Salary
Scientific Assistants receive salaries ranging from INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400 (Level 7).
They can be promoted to Scientific Officer-SG (Level 13A) with a salary between INR 1,31,100 and INR 2,16,600.
Why ISRO Careers Are Back in Focus
The latest interest in ISRO recruitment follows reports that the Department of Space has advised major ISRO centres not to routinely accept resignations or voluntary retirement requests from Group 'A' scientific and technical personnel involved in strategically important programmes such as Gaganyaan.
The reported advisory comes amid reports that more than 100 employees have resigned from various ISRO centres in recent months, placing renewed attention on the organisation's recruitment, compensation and career opportunities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 10:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
