ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 48 JRF, Research Associate and Project Scientist Posts
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| ISRO Space Applications Centre invites online applications for 48 temporary research positions. Apply by 30 September 2026. |
ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 48 JRF, Research Associate and Project Scientist Posts
The Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, functioning under the Indian Space Research Organisation and Department of Space, has invited online applications for 48 temporary research positions.
The vacancies are available for Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate and Project Scientist-I posts under Advertisement No. SAC:02:2026.
Eligible Indian citizens with qualifications such as B.E., B.Tech., M.E., M.Tech., M.Sc. or Ph.D. in the prescribed disciplines can submit their applications online. The last date is 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Candidates should understand that these are temporary project and research positions. Selection will not provide an automatic right to regular employment in ISRO or any Department of Space centre.
ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Space Applications Centre, ISRO |
| Department | Department of Space, Government of India |
| Advertisement number | SAC:02:2026 |
| Posts | Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate and Project Scientist-I |
| Total positions | 48 |
| Employment type | Temporary research/project engagement |
| Place of work | SAC, Ahmedabad; project work may require travel or work elsewhere |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application fee | No application fee |
| Selection method | Shortlisting and interview |
| Application opening date | 10 September 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Last date | 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Official portal | SAC Online Recruitment Portal |
Post-Wise Vacancy Details
| Post | Post codes | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow | 01–07 | 33 |
| Research Associate | 08–10 | 8 |
| Project Scientist-I | 11–16 | 7 |
| Total | 01–16 | 48 |
Junior Research Fellow Vacancies and Qualifications
Post Code 01 – 3 Positions
M.E. or M.Tech. in Semiconductor Technology, Quantum Technology, Micro or Nano Electronic Devices, RF and Microwave Engineering or a related discipline.
Post Code 02 – 7 Positions
M.E. or M.Tech. in Electronics and Communication, Microelectronics, Nanoelectronics, Digital Electronics, VLSI, Digital System Engineering, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, Semiconductor Technology or related disciplines.
Post Code 03 – 5 Positions
B.E. or B.Tech. in Engineering Physics or a related discipline;
or
M.E., M.Tech. or M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Optoelectronics, Optics, Material Science, Nanotechnology, Solid-State Physics or related disciplines.
Post Code 04 – 10 Positions
M.E., M.Tech. or M.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, Oceanography, Physical Sciences, Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics or a related discipline.
Post Code 05 – 2 Positions
M.E., M.Tech. or M.Sc. in Geophysics, Geosciences, Earth Sciences, Geotechnical Engineering or related disciplines.
Post Code 06 – 4 Positions
M.E., M.Tech. or M.Sc. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
Post Code 07 – 2 Positions
M.E., M.Tech. or M.Sc. in Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing and GIS or related disciplines.
Additional Requirement for JRF Applicants
Applicants for Junior Research Fellow post codes 01 to 07 must also have qualified in at least one of the following:
- CSIR–UGC NET, including Lectureship or Assistant Professorship
- GATE
- An eligible national-level examination conducted by Central Government departments, agencies or institutions such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, Ministry of Education, ICAR, ICMR, IITs, IISc, IISER or NISER
The qualifying examination result or scorecard must remain valid on 30 September 2026.
Research Associate Vacancies and Qualifications
Post Code 08 – 6 Positions
Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Oceanic Sciences, Marine Sciences, Environmental Modelling, Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, Earth System Sciences, Physics or a related discipline.
Alternatively, candidates may possess an M.E. or M.Tech. in the prescribed discipline along with:
- Three years of research, teaching, design or development experience after the degree; and
- At least one research paper published in a Science Citation Indexed journal.
Post Code 09 – 1 Position
Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline.
Post Code 10 – 1 Position
Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline, with specialisation in remote-sensing applications in forestry, ecology or wetlands.
Project Scientist-I Vacancies and Qualifications
| Post code | Positions | Essential qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | Ph.D. in Geophysics, Applied Geophysics or a related discipline, with specialisation in cryosphere studies |
| 12 | 1 | Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry or related disciplines; or M.E./M.Tech. in Geoinformatics or a related discipline |
| 13 | 1 | Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and GIS with specialisation in microwave remote sensing; or M.E./M.Tech. in Remote Sensing and GIS, Geoinformatics, Geomatics, Civil Engineering or related disciplines |
| 14 | 1 | Ph.D. in Geophysics, Earth Sciences or a related discipline, with specialisation in crustal-deformation studies |
| 15 | 2 | M.E./M.Tech. in Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Soil and Water Engineering or a related discipline |
| 16 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech. in RF and Microwave Engineering, Applied Physics or a related discipline |
Applicants must check the detailed notification because the required specialisation and proposed scope of research differ for every post code.
Minimum Marks Required
Where the qualification is prescribed, candidates should have secured the following minimum marks:
- M.E./M.Tech.: At least 60% aggregate marks or CGPA/CPI of 6.5 on a 10-point scale
- M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech.: At least 65% aggregate marks or CGPA/CPI of 6.84 on a 10-point scale
The aggregate should be calculated using all semesters, as explained in the official notification.
Candidates awaiting their final-year or final-semester results as of 30 September 2026 are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit
| Category of post | Maximum age on 30 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow – Post Codes 01–07 | 28 years |
| Research Associate and Project Scientist-I – Post Codes 08–16 | 35 years |
Upper-age relaxation is available as follows:
- SC and ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC–NCL candidates: 3 years
- Central Government employees, persons with benchmark disabilities and ex-servicemen: According to Government of India rules
Candidates seeking relaxation must possess valid certificates in the prescribed format.
Salary and Fellowship
| Post | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow – first and second years | ₹37,000 plus HRA |
| Junior Research Fellow – subsequent years | ₹42,000 plus HRA |
| Project Scientist-I | ₹56,000 plus HRA |
| Research Associate-I | ₹58,000 plus HRA |
| Research Associate-II | ₹61,000 plus HRA |
| Research Associate-III | ₹67,000 plus HRA |
The Research Associate level will be determined according to the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.
HRA will be paid at the applicable rate when hostel accommodation is not provided, subject to the notification conditions.
Duration of Engagement
The positions are temporary and do not constitute permanent ISRO employment.
- Junior Research Fellows will initially be engaged for one year. The engagement may be extended based on performance and project requirements, up to a maximum of five years.
- Research Associates will initially be engaged for one year and may receive extensions up to a maximum of three years.
- Project Scientist-I appointments will initially be for one year or the project duration. These positions are co-terminus with the concerned project.
Selected JRFs may be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. programme with a recognised university, subject to SAC rules and work requirements.
Selection Process
SAC may shortlist applicants based on:
- Academic record
- Relevant qualification
- Subject specialisation
- Research experience
- Suitability for the advertised work
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The shortlist and interview schedule will be published on the SAC website, while call letters will be sent through email.
The final selection panel will be prepared based on interview performance. Merely possessing the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call.
Documents to Keep Ready
Applicants should prepare scanned copies of the following documents before starting the application:
- Recent colour passport-size photograph in JPEG format below 1 MB
- Scanned signature in JPEG format below 1 MB
- Educational qualification certificates
- Semester-wise or consolidated marks sheets
- NET, GATE or eligible national-examination scorecard for JRF posts
- Ph.D. certificate or proof of the prescribed research qualification
- Experience certificates, wherever required
- Research publication details for applicable Research Associate posts
- SC, ST, OBC–NCL or PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Valid email address and mobile number
Selfies, black-and-white photographs and unclear photographs should not be uploaded. The photograph should have a plain or white background with the applicant’s full face clearly visible.
How to Apply Online
- Open the official SAC recruitment portal.
- Locate Advertisement No. SAC:02:2026.
- Select the appropriate post code after comparing your qualification with the notification.
- Complete the online registration using a valid email address and mobile number.
- Enter personal, educational, research and experience details carefully.
- Upload the photograph, signature and required eligibility documents.
- Preview every entry before clicking the final submit button.
- Submit the application on or before 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Download and print the application summary for future reference.
The application can be submitted only once. Candidates may not be able to make corrections after clicking the final submit button.
Important Dates
| Recruitment event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Online applications opened | 10 September 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Last date for registration and submission | 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Last date to print application summary | 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Interview date | To be announced on the SAC website |
Applicants should submit their forms early to avoid server congestion or document-upload problems on the closing date.
Important Official Links
- Apply online: SAC Online Recruitment Portal
- Download notification: SAC:02:2026 Official Notification PDF
- Official recruitment page: ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026
- ISRO careers page: ISRO Current Career Opportunities
- SAC official website: Space Applications Centre
Candidates should use only official ISRO and SAC websites for applications, corrigenda, shortlists and interview updates.
Related Job Updates on The Complete School
- ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 410 Posts
- NRSC Recruitment 2026 Notification
- Junior Research Fellowship Updates
- Latest Government Job Notifications
Readers should confirm whether the application dates for related notifications are still active before applying.
Practical Application Checklist
Before submitting the form, make sure that:
- Your degree discipline exactly matches the chosen post code.
- You satisfy the minimum percentage or CGPA requirement.
- Your NET, GATE or other qualifying score remains valid on the closing date if applying for JRF.
- Your final degree result was declared on or before 30 September 2026.
- Your experience certificates clearly mention the period and nature of work.
- Your photograph, signature and certificates satisfy the prescribed file requirements.
- Your email address remains active for receiving an interview call letter.
- You have saved and printed the final application summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026?
There are 48 positions: 33 Junior Research Fellow posts, 8 Research Associate posts and 7 Project Scientist-I posts.
What is the last date to apply?
The online application must be submitted by 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Is there an application fee?
No. SAC has stated that there is no application fee for any of the advertised posts.
Is NET or GATE compulsory for JRF applicants?
JRF applicants must have qualified CSIR–UGC NET, GATE or another eligible national-level examination listed in the official notification. The result or scorecard must be valid on the closing date.
Can final-year students apply?
No. Candidates whose relevant final-year or final-semester result has not been declared by 30 September 2026 are not eligible.
Is there a written examination?
The notification provides for shortlisting followed by an interview. The final selection panel will be prepared based on interview performance.
Are these permanent ISRO jobs?
No. These are temporary research and project positions. Appointment does not provide a right to permanent employment in ISRO or another Department of Space centre.
Conclusion
ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 is a valuable opportunity for qualified engineering, science and research candidates to contribute to important projects involving satellites, remote sensing, meteorology, oceanography, environmental studies, RF systems, hydrology and NISAR data applications.
However, qualifications vary considerably across the 16 post codes. Candidates should not apply solely based on the general degree name. They must compare their specialisation, marks, national-examination qualification, research experience and publications with the requirements of the selected post code.
Apply through the official portal well before 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM and retain the submitted application summary.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent educational and employment-information summary prepared for job seekers. The Complete School is not affiliated with ISRO, the Department of Space or the Space Applications Centre. Recruitment conditions, vacancy numbers and schedules may be amended. The official notification and subsequent updates issued by SAC or ISRO will prevail.
