Space agencies like ISRO and NASA are household names these days. Most of you want to work on exciting space projects in these organizations. It’s difficult to remember any sci-fi movie without reference to space agencies. If you are a science enthusiast studying at an IISER or NISER and want to work for top space agencies such as ISRO, NASA, ESA, and others, this blog is for you.
In blog we will tell you:
- Why join ISRO?
- How to get into ISRO after your BSc, MSc, or BS-MS from any normal college or after IISER/NISER?
- What are the entrance exams and procedures to get into ISRO?
- And finally, what salary do you get working at ISRO?
Why ISRO?
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are space agencies that explore space and advance scientific knowledge. ISRO primarily focuses on India’s space program and developing technologies to meet national requirements.
ISRO is a relatively younger organization with a mandate to develop and deploy space technology for national and societal benefits. Its primary focus is on developing remote sensing, communications, and navigation technologies and launching satellites for scientific, commercial, and strategic purposes. ISRO is emerging as the most efficient space agency and hosts a lot of fantastic career opportunities. Every year, a large number of technicians, scientists, and engineers from various disciplines apply for job openings.
ISRO after IISER/NISER:
The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) are national institutes dedicated to providing high-quality research to the country. You get to experience actual research and core science in these institutions. There is no direct way, as in IIST, to get into ISRO after BSMS from IISER or NISER. You can apply to ISRO after your Integrated Master’s Degree of 5 years. Below are some ways in which you can do so:
1. Maintain CV-
Maintain a good CV throughout your degree. Keep your grades good in relevant subjects (physics, chemistry, mathematics, earth sciences, etc.). Take part in various space-science-based competitions, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, Olympiads, reading projects, and internships. This will help you get more information about ongoing projects at ISRO and get in touch with the experts. Learn various software and programming languages.
Keep updating your CV regularly. Choose relevant courses outside of your curriculum to learn more and make your CV more interesting.
2. Keep an eye on ISRO’s official website-
Whenever the DoS (Department of Space) requires the services, it posts vacancies for jobs like a technician, assistant (scientific, library, or media), electrical engineer, etc. You must regularly check their website for such updates. Some job opportunities don’t require much expertise or a degree, i.e., you can apply for them even after completing your BS degree. An initial screening is based on academic performance and other parameters provided in the online applications. According to ISRO recruitment procedures, only screened-in candidates are invited to a written test or interview.
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3. Research Fellowship Programmes-
Various research organizations associated with ISRO, like the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), invite applications from highly motivated candidates for Junior Research Fellowships and Postdoctoral programs in various frontier research areas of Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Chemistry, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Geosciences, and Theoretical Physics. The research associate positions at SPL are always open; candidates can apply at any time of the year. However, most fellowship programs require you to clear some examinations, whose eligibility and mode of conduct vary accordingly.
4. Examinations-
After the BSMS degree, you can appear for the ISRO exam by ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB) for your respective field. A set of interviews follows the exams. Some of the examinations are:
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ICRB Exam
ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB) is the only exam that recruits directly. The application process typically begins in May, with the exam in July. You must have a bachelor’s degree and be under 35 years old (General Category). The exam is worth 240 points. There are 80 multiple-choice questions, each worth three points if answered correctly. The duration of the exam is 90 minutes. Its syllabus is almost similar to GATE, with the addition of 3 or 4 subjects.
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GATE
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a test that is needed to get into IITs/IISC, NITs, and some other colleges for higher education, as well as for some PSUs and other organizations to hire people. But ISRO doesn’t hire people directly based on their GATE score, passing GATE helps get into the fellowship programs listed above. Also, you can sit for direct interviews with ISRO if you get into an old IIT through good GATE scores.
5. Other skills
Work on your presentation and communication skills. It will help you clear interviews and advance your scientific career. Participate in such activities at your colleges. Improve problem-solving skills. You should have a keen eye for detail, as even a minor error in space technology can cause a significant problem. You should be able to pay attention to small details and work carefully to ensure accuracy. Space technology is a fast-evolving field, and you should be able to adapt to changes and learn new skills quickly. IISERs and NISER are not technical institutes like IITs, so learning some technical skills is advantageous.
Salary:
The salary in ISRO as a scientist or in any position varies based on the position. The pay level ranges from RS 15,600 to 39,000 per month on an entry basis, and it increases from RS 75,500 to RS 80,000 per month on a higher level. The basic salary level in ISRO is around RS 15,000 per month. Experience, position, and other factors determine salary.
ISRO is among the most reputed organizations in India. With proper planning and educational preparation, one can get into ISRO. All you need is hard work and dedication to enter the organization. Young and inquisitive minds are required to excel in the challenges and develop. If you want to know about other job opportunities after BSMS from IISER/NISER checks out other blogs on our website.
