What is the IIRS / ISRO Internship Program?
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a premier unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), conducts specialized internship and project trainee programs. These programs are designed for students pursuing degrees in science, engineering, and technology disciplines.
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), under ISRO, offers internships and project trainee programs for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students. With a focus on remote sensing, GIS, and Earth observation, these internships provide hands-on exposure, technical expertise, and certification, making them highly valuable for aspiring space and Earth scientists.
Two major schemes form the foundation of this initiative:
- External Student Internship (ESI): Designed for students at the UG, PG, and Ph.D. levels, enabling them to work on research-aligned projects in remote sensing and geospatial sciences.
- Student Project Trainee Scheme (SPTS): Tailored for final-year students or those at advanced stages of their academic programs who require internships or dissertations as part of their curriculum.
Through these schemes, IIRS not only nurtures the next generation of geospatial scientists but also supports India’s strategic growth in Earth observation and space-based applications.
Key Features and Benefits
style="text-align: justify;">Internships at IIRS ISRO are highly regarded because they combine rigorous academics with applied science. Some of the standout benefits include:
- Exposure to Real-World Projects: Interns participate in active projects covering remote sensing, Earth observation, and geographic information systems (GIS).
- Faculty Supervision: Each project is supervised by experienced IIRS faculty, ensuring mentorship and research guidance.
- Certification of Completion: A recognized certificate is issued, boosting academic and professional credentials.
- Flexible Duration: Programs typically last a minimum of 45 days, with extensions for postgraduate dissertations or doctoral research projects.
- Skill Development: Interns gain technical experience in advanced tools, modeling, image processing, and computational methods.
This blend of structured training and real-world problem solving positions participants for both higher studies and professional roles.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements vary by program type, but generally include:
Role / Program | Who Can Apply |
External Student Internship | Undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral students (India or abroad) in science/technology disciplines; Indian nationality preferred. |
Student Project Trainee Scheme | Final-year students (B.Sc., B.E./B.Tech., M.Sc., M.Tech., etc.) who need an academic internship or dissertation project. |
Academic Performance | Minimum of ~60% aggregate or ~6.32/10 CGPA is typically required. |
Additional requirements may include:
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the home institute.
- A strong academic background in Earth sciences, computer science, or related fields.
- Faculty availability within IIRS to supervise the proposed project.
Duration and Mode of Internship
The minimum duration for internships is 45 days, making it suitable even for short-term exposure. However, students pursuing postgraduate or doctoral dissertations may engage in projects lasting 120 days or longer.
Most internships are offline and in-person at the IIRS campus in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. While certain outreach or training programs may be conducted online, core internships usually require campus presence to access specialized laboratories and research facilities.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts – Proof of required grades or CGPA.
- NOC / Recommendation Letter – Issued by the home institution, permitting the student to intern at IIRS.
- Identification Documents – Government ID and institutional ID card.
- Passport-Size Photographs – For identification and official records.
- Application Form Submission – Completed via the IIRS admission or internship portal.
Applications that are clear, error-free, and well-documented stand a higher chance of being shortlisted.
Timeline and Deadlines
IIRS generally opens applications twice a year. The usual cycles are:
- August to October – Registrations open for
programs starting in January. - March to April – Registrations open for summer internships.
For many programs, deadlines fall around 31 October and 31 March, though exact dates vary. Applicants should regularly check the official IIRS website for announcements.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for IIRS ISRO internships is high. Here are some actionable tips:
- Align Your Interests: Choose project areas connected to your coursework, such as Earth sciences, computer science, or GIS.
- Write a Strong SOP: A statement of purpose explaining why remote sensing or Earth observation matters to you can stand out.
- Prepare Complete Documentation: Ensure your transcripts, ID proof, and NOC are up to date.
- Identify Faculty Connections: Mention faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.
- Apply Early: Submitting before deadlines shows seriousness and may improve your chances.
Possible Internship Topics
Internship projects often cover diverse and application-oriented themes, including:
- Remote sensing data analysis and pattern recognition
- GIS applications for disaster risk reduction and natural resource management
- Satellite imagery interpretation (land cover, land use, change detection)
- Climate, agriculture, and environmental modeling
- Computational tool development for geospatial sciences
These areas are aligned with ISRO’s mission of
harnessing space technology for national development.Limitations to Keep in Mind
While IIRS ISRO internships provide unmatched learning, students should be aware of some limitations:
- No or Minimal Stipend: Most internships are unpaid; financial assistance is rarely provided.
- Accommodation: Interns may need to arrange their own lodging in Dehradun.
- Faculty Availability: Internship acceptance depends on faculty willingness and project scope.
Despite these constraints, the exposure, certification, and learning outcomes often outweigh the limitations.
Why Consider an Internship at IIRS?
Interning at IIRS offers more than just a project; it’s an entry into India’s space and Earth science ecosystem. Students benefit from:
- Working alongside ISRO-affiliated scientists.
- Developing cutting-edge technical skills in geospatial technologies.
- Gaining credentials valued by universities and employers worldwide.
- Networking with peers and mentors in a highly competitive field.
Summary and Takeaway
The IIRS ISRO Internship Program is a gateway for students to immerse themselves in space-based applications of Earth sciences. Whether through the External Student Internship or the Student Project Trainee Scheme, participants acquire research skills, mentorship, and certifications that enhance both academic and career trajectories.
By preparing well, applying early, and selecting relevant project areas, students can maximize their chances of joining this prestigious program.
Reference:
- External Student Internship | Official website of Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, Government of India
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the IIRS ISRO internship program?The IIRS ISRO internship program provides hands-on training in remote sensing, GIS, and Earth observation, enabling students to gain research and technical experience.
Who can apply for the IIRS ISRO internship?Undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students in science or technology disciplines can apply. Final-year students are eligible for project trainee positions.
What is the minimum duration of an IIRS ISRO internship?The minimum duration is 45 days, but longer internships of up to 120 days are available for postgraduate or dissertation-level projects.
How do I apply for the IIRS ISRO internship?You can apply through the IIRS internship portal by submitting transcripts, a No Objection Certificate, identity proof, photographs, and required application forms.
What skills do applicants need for the IIRS ISRO internship?They should know remote sensing, GIS, computer programming, or related fields, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
Do I need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IIRS internship?Yes, your college or institution usually requires you to submit a No Objection Certificate to confirm your eligibility for the program.
What skills do you need for the IIRS ISRO internship?Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, computer programming, or related fields and show strong academic performance.
Where is the IIRS internship conducted?Most internships are conducted in person at the IIRS campus in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, though some outreach or training sessions may be online.
When are the IIRS ISRO internship deadlines?Applications are typically accepted twice a year, around March and October, for programs starting in summer or January.
What certificate do interns receive after completion?Interns receive a certificate of completion from IIRS, which validates their training and enhances their academic and professional profile.
