What it does: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) engages in space exploration and develops space-related applications and technologies.
Best known for: ISRO is part of the ‘cryo club’, an inner circle of six space agencies in the world with advanced cryogenic rocket engine technology.
Staff stats: more than 17,000 employees
Financials: INR134.79 billion in government-allocated funds for the fiscal year 2020
The good bits: Insiders lauded the inclusive and supportive work culture where entry-level employees’ opinions are valued.
The not-so-good bits: ISRO may charge a fee for applications. Insiders also revealed that the recruitment process can take up to nine months.
ISRO used to be known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962.
The organization later became ISRO in 1969 under the Department of Atomic Energy. ISRO credits its inception to Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as ‘the founding father of Indian space program’.
To date, the space agency has 44 space and research centers across 23 locations in India. ISRO’s significant accomplishments include:
Freshers should expect a work environment driven by tight deadlines. They should be willing to work long hours and even during weekends.
The prolonged schedule happens because of precise timelines set for each project, where a small delay can cause a huge impact on its launch.
Despite long working hours, ISRO insiders cited a culture of inclusivity and openness. An employee’s opinion, especially if correct in a scientific way, is much appreciated even if they are relatively new.
In 2021, the Central Bureau of Investigation began a probe in the frame-up of former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan. The inquiry is directly related to the 1994 espionage case.
ISRO promotes space technology and applications through galleries at some of its major centers in India. The agency regularly collaborates with academic and STEM institutions to educate students about space exploration.
Freshers should have a contingency plan after they apply for a job at ISRO because of the months-long process. Candidates with advanced degrees and further studies have more options for entry-level roles.
Once they successfully clinch a job offer, the prestige of working for a renowned space agency may be a good counterbalance for working extended and long hours.
Freshers need to take note of schedules for ISRO’s release of recruitment notices. For example, the agency’s recruitment of engineers and scientists is expected to happen in late 2021. In other words, they can only apply for jobs once ISRO after the release of an official notice.
The Space Application Center may also invite qualified candidates to apply for certain roles such as technical assistants and technicians. ISRO doesn’t normally postpone interviews and tests, except during a crisis (eg COVID-19).
Freshers in general need to pay an application fee that costs INR250. ISRO frequently conducts a written test and technical interview to select the best candidates.
Applicants need to answer 80 questions about arithmetic and reasoning, English, trade or knowledge skills, and descriptive topics. The questions are only written in English, and candidates must complete the test within 90 minutes.
Shortlisted candidates will usually know the test results two weeks before a technical interview. Applicants should perform better during this round. The technical interview accounts for 60% of a candidate’s score during the hiring process.
Successful candidates should prepare for a long recruitment process. Previous applicants said that their application took nine months, beginning in May and ending in February.
Most entry-level employees at ISRO comprise engineers and scientists, but freshers can also join as graduate apprentices, junior research fellows, or technicians.
Engineering and tech graduates can join as graduate apprentices if they have at least 65% marks and a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale.
Freshers can only become junior research fellows if they completed further studies such as a master’s degree. Someone with a Master of Science degree in a relevant field (eg physics) should have at least 65% marks and a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale.
Those with a Master of Tech degree should have at least 60% marks and a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale.
A technician (diploma) apprenticeship requires a First Class Diploma in Engineering from a State Board of Technical Education. ISRO also requires technicians to have at least 60% in aggregate marks.
Like other government agencies in India, ISRO follows a salary band and structure for compensating employees. A fresher’s salary will depend on their educational background and skills.
Entry-level engineers and scientists earn between INR15,600 and INR 39,100 per month. A 7th Pay Commission will trigger an increase in compensation worth INR6,600.
Junior research fellows earn at least INR31,000 per month. The monthly salaries of graduate apprentices and technicians may range from INR8,000 to INR9,000 per month. While the average salaries are fixed, ISRO provides different kinds of allowances:
Other benefits include food subsidies, group insurance, and access to medical facilities.