How to Join ISRO after 12th - A Complete Guide

About ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is one of the world's top space agencies, known for its remarkable space missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan and Gaganayaan. Headquartered in Bengaluru, ISRO offers exciting opportunities for those who are curious about science, technology and space exploration. ISRO focuses on research and development in satellite technology, space science and more, making it a dream place to work for scientists.

Step 1 - Choose PCM in 10+2

The first step to begin your journey towards a career in ISRO is to opt for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) as core subjects during 10+2 education. A strong aptitude and understanding of the mathematical and physical principles are key elements that can boost your chances of employability in ISRO. This is an important step for students who want to know how to join ISRO after 12th science and build a career in space.

Step 2- Pursue Engineering After Class 12

After the completion of the 12th standard, the next academic step should be appearing for entrance examinations like JEE Main and JEE Advanced Exams. These exams are crucial stepping stones for meeting the ISRO exam eligibility after 12th. Because scoring well on these examinations can land you in India’s top-tier engineering institutes, like:

• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)

• National Institutes of Technology (NITs)

Recommended Engineering Branches for ISRO:

To pursue a career in ISRO, the preferred engineering branches are as follows:

• Aerospace Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical/Electronics Engineering

• Engineering Physics

• Radio Engineering

Students can also explore specialised courses like space technology courses or a space medicine course to improve their scientific knowledge.

Joining the ISRO will be relatively easier for students who get into the IIST after Class 12. If these students maintain a CGPA of at least 7.5 or above, they will receive direct placement at ISRO. However, due to limited vacancies, only the most deserving students will be selected through ISRO counselling. So if you are thinking, “How can I join ISRO after 12th?”Getting into IIST is one of the best and direct routes.

Step 3: Clear the ICRB Exam

The third important step in understanding “how to join ISRO after 12th” is to qualify for the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) exam, which is the main ISRO entrance exam. Candidates can apply for this highly competitive exam after completing a B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline. Also, there are strict eligibility criteria and a selection process to be eligible for this profession.

Eligibility:

• A B.Tech or a BE course/ degree in a relevant discipline

• Minimum 65% marks or 6.8 CGPA (on a 10-point scale)

• Age: Minimum 21 years

Selection process:

• Stage 1: Written Test (Objective Type, National-level)

• Stage 2: Personal Interview

Only those candidates who clear both of these stages with high merit are finally selected. With the successful completion of these two stages with excellent performance, candidates are welcomed to ISRO in the post of Scientist/ Engineer-SC.

Alternate Route: Postgraduate and Doctoral Route

Do you know that pursuing higher education can also be beneficial for securing a career in ISRO? Another pathway to answer how to join ISRO after 12th is to pursue postgraduate or doctoral studies.

Suitable PG/PhD Courses:

Aspirants can enrol in fields such as,

• Applied Mathematics

• Geophysics

• Instrumentation

• Geoinformatics

• Remote Sensing

After completing postgraduation or a PhD in any of these relevant disciplines, candidates are perfectly eligible to apply for ISRO recruitment drives. Positions such as scientist/ engineer or Junior Research Fellow (JRF) are open for aspirants through this route. To secure these positions, candidates must also qualify for the ISRO entrance exam, which focuses on their technical knowledge and research skills.

Step 4: Appear for ISRO Recruitment Drives (Post PG/PhD)

Postgraduates or PhD holders can directly apply for vacancies at ISRO. You can familiarise yourself with important notifications through the ISRO’s official website. To select the most deserving candidates, there are mainly 2 steps in the recruitment process.

• Written Test

• Personal Interview

It is worth noting that ISRO also maintains a "Live Register" where candidates with research experience can register. This enhances their employability prospects as they will be directly considered for upcoming opportunities or vacancies. Thus, if you start working on research credentials through higher education, like a PG or PhD, it will reflect on your chances of getting into ISRO. This is a key step in understanding the ISRO exam eligibility after 12th and beyond.

ISRO Scientist’s Salary and Allowances

One of the most well-known advantages of working in ISRO is the attractive salary package, which comes along with numerous other benefits. The salary structure of an ISRO scientist is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission.

If you are an aspirant, understanding these different pay levels and their corresponding salary levels is highly important for making a wise career decision. Check out the table below to get a clear overview of the ISRO scientists' salaries with respective pay level details. This information is highly beneficial for those preparing for the ISRO entrance exam.

Salary source: ISRO official website

Additional Allowances

In addition to the basic pay, ISRO salaries also include various allowances and perks, which make this profession highly desirable for candidates.

• Dearness Allowance (DA): Variable, revised semi-annually (January and July)

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on city classification is as

• 
  

  • X Cities: 27% of Basic Pay

  • Y Cities: 18% of Basic Pay

  • Z Cities: 9% of Basic Pay

• Transport Allowance (TA): Fixed + DA. This varies by city and post.

• Other Allowances: Include NPS, medical facilities, leave travel concession (LTC), and more.

Conclusion

Not only education, but it takes significant dedication, academic excellence and clear planning to build a career in ISRO. Your journey toward this high-profile career starts from selecting the right courses after the 12th to securing admission in the top-tier colleges. ISRO offers a variety of opportunities, such as scientist, engineer, or researcher, to candidates of varying qualifications. For those truly passionate about innovation, science and technology, learning about the ISRO exam eligibility after 12th is highly recommended to shape a fulfilling career.