ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 48 JRF, RA and Project Scientist-I Posts

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 has opened applications for 48 temporary research positions at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. The recruitment covers Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA), and Project Scientist-I (PS-I) posts across 16 post codes, with opportunities in specialised areas such as VLSI, RF and microwave engineering, photonics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, geophysics, remote sensing, GIS, hydrology and computer science.

The online application window is open from 10 September 2026 at 10:00 AM to 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Eligible Indian Nationals can apply online through the SAC recruitment portal, and no application fee is required. The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. SAC:02:2026.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

ISRO SAC Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details

SAC has distributed the 48 vacancies across 16 post codes. The recruitment includes 33 JRF posts, 8 Research Associate posts and 7 Project Scientist-I posts.

The vacancy figures are provisional. SAC may increase or decrease the number of posts depending on its requirements and may also decide not to fill a post.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

ISRO SAC Eligibility Criteria 2026

The required qualification depends heavily on the post code. Candidates should therefore match their degree and specialisation against the exact post before submitting the application.

Educational Qualification

For prescribed M.E./M.Tech qualifications, candidates generally need at least 60% aggregate or 6.5 CGPA/CPI on a 10-point scale. For prescribed M.Sc/B.E./B.Tech qualifications, the requirement is 65% aggregate or 6.84 CGPA/CPI. SAC does not permit rounding off marks or conversion between CGPA and percentage for establishing eligibility.

Additional Requirement for JRF Posts

Candidates applying for JRF post codes 01 to 07 must also possess a valid qualifying national-level examination result or score card as on 30 September 2026.

Accepted qualifications include CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, and specified national-level examinations conducted by Central Government departments, agencies and institutions such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER and NISER.

Candidates whose final-year or final-semester result was not declared by 30 September 2026 are not eligible. Candidates pursuing professional courses through Open and Distance Learning are also excluded.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

The maximum age is different for JRF and RA/PS-I positions.

Age relaxation is 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates, with other applicable relaxations governed by Government of India rules.

ISRO SAC Salary 2026

The fellowship or associateship amount varies according to the post and, for Research Associates, the applicable level.

HRA is payable at prescribed rates where hostel accommodation is not provided. The notification also states that the fellowship/associateship is treated as Basic Pay for specified benefits such as medical facilities.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 Application Fee

There is no application fee for any post or category under this recruitment.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

Selection for these SAC research positions is based on interview performance. If SAC receives a large number of applications for a particular post, it may shortlist candidates using their academic records and subject specialisation before the interview.

Shortlisted candidates will receive interview call letters by email, while the interview schedule will be published on the SAC website. The final selection panel is prepared based on interview performance.

What Candidates Should Prepare for the SAC Interview

This recruitment requires much more targeted preparation than a general government-job interview because the post codes are tied to specialised research areas.

A candidate applying for JRF Post Code 02, for example, should be ready to discuss VLSI, embedded systems, digital systems, signal processing or the specific area matching their academic background. Someone applying for PS-I Post Code 13 should be prepared to explain remote sensing and GIS concepts, particularly microwave remote sensing where applicable.

Candidates targeting the atmospheric, oceanographic or earth-science positions should revise the research concepts directly connected with their chosen post code rather than preparing a broad science syllabus. For RA and PS-I applicants, it is also sensible to be able to explain their doctoral research, publications, research methodology and how their specialisation fits the advertised project area.

The source notification makes the interview especially important because the final selection panel is based on interview performance, while shortlisting, when necessary, considers academic records and subject specialisation.

SAC JRF, RA and PS-I Tenure

These are temporary project-based positions, not regular ISRO appointments.

• JRF: Initially one year, extendable according to work assessment and project requirements, with a maximum engagement period of five years.
• RA: Initially one year, extendable according to work assessment and project requirements, with a maximum period of three years.
• PS-I: Initially one year or until the project duration, whichever applies; these positions are co-terminus with the project.

The engagement does not create a claim or right to regular appointment in ISRO or any Department of Space centre.

How to Apply for ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026

Candidates must submit the application online only. SAC will not accept physical or offline applications.

1. Visit the SAC website or its career portal.
2. Register on the online recruitment portal during the prescribed application period.
3. Select the appropriate post code after checking the qualification and other conditions.
4. Enter the required information carefully and complete all mandatory fields.
5. Upload a recent colour passport-size photograph in JPEG format, below 1 MB, with a plain or white background.
6. Upload the signature in JPEG format, below 1 MB, with a 7:2 aspect ratio.
7. Upload the required educational qualification and applicable category/PwBD documents in the prescribed format.
8. Check every entry before submission because the application can be submitted only once and corrections are not permitted after clicking Submit.
9. Submit the form before 5:00 PM on 30 September 2026.
10. Note the application number and print the application summary for future reference.

The portal will not remain available for printing the application summary after the closing time, so candidates should save or print it before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in SAC Recruitment

• Choosing the wrong post code: SAC has 16 post codes with different specialisations, so selecting a position only because the degree title appears similar can lead to eligibility problems.
• Ignoring the JRF test requirement: JRF applicants must have the prescribed valid NET, GATE or other accepted national-level qualification.
• Rounding marks: The notification specifically states that rounding-off is not permitted for the prescribed percentage/CGPA requirements.
• Uploading incorrect files: The photograph, signature and supporting documents have specific format and size requirements.
• Submitting without checking: SAC does not permit corrections after the application is submitted.
• Missing interview documents: Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents and self-attested copies as required at the interview.

Documents Required for SAC Recruitment 2026

Applicants should keep the following application-related records and documents ready as applicable:

• Recent colour passport-size photograph in the prescribed JPEG format.
• Signature image meeting the specified size and aspect-ratio requirements.
• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets relevant to the selected post code.
• Valid caste/tribe or PwBD certificate where applicable.
• Valid NET/GATE or other accepted national-level examination proof for JRF applicants.
• NOC and other applicable supporting documents for candidates employed with Government organisations, PSUs or autonomous bodies.

Candidates called for interview must produce original documents along with self-attested copies. Foreign university degree holders must also produce the prescribed equivalency certificate where applicable.

Important Links for ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026

The official SAC website and the recruitment notification should be checked for any addendum, corrigendum, interview schedule or other recruitment update.

ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026?

It is a recruitment drive by the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, for 48 temporary JRF, Research Associate and Project Scientist-I positions across 16 post codes.

How many vacancies are available in SAC Recruitment 2026?

There are 48 vacancies in total, comprising 33 JRF, 8 Research Associate and 7 Project Scientist-I positions.

What is the last date for ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application is 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.

What is the age limit for SAC JRF posts?

The maximum age for JRF post codes 01 to 07 is 28 years as on 30 September 2026.

What is the age limit for SAC RA and PS-I posts?

The maximum age for RA and PS-I post codes 08 to 16 is 35 years as on 30 September 2026.

Is there an application fee for SAC Recruitment 2026?

No. SAC has specified no application fee for any post or category.

Is NET or GATE mandatory for SAC JRF posts?

Yes. Applicants for JRF post codes 01 to 07 must have qualified CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or one of the specified accepted national-level examinations, with a valid result or score card on the closing date.

How will SAC select candidates?

Eligible candidates may be shortlisted based on academic records and subject specialisation when application numbers are high. The selection committee then conducts interviews, and the selection panel is prepared based on interview performance.

Conclusion

The ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 notification is particularly relevant for candidates with specialised postgraduate or doctoral backgrounds in electronics, VLSI, computer science, atmospheric and ocean sciences, geophysics, remote sensing, GIS, hydrology and related research fields. With 48 temporary positions spread across 16 post codes and no application fee, applicants should focus on matching their exact academic specialisation to the correct post code before submitting the online form.

Candidates should complete the ISRO SAC Recruitment 2026 application before 5:00 PM on 30 September 2026 and regularly check the official SAC website for shortlist, interview and recruitment updates.