Scientist/Engineer Recruitment at Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO India: Roles, Eligibility, Salary, and How to Apply

Space Applications Centre (SAC), a leading centre under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), regularly recruits Scientist/Engineers to strengthen India’s space-based services. If you are aiming for a career that blends deep technical work with national-scale impact, the Scientist/Engineer recruitment at Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO India is one of the most credible pathways.

This article explains what the SAC Scientist/Engineer roles involve, who can apply, and how the selection process works. In addition, you will learn how to plan your application, avoid common errors, and prepare for the written test or interview. All key factual details come from the official SAC recruitment advertisement and ISRO careers information.

Overview: What Is the SAC Scientist/Engineer Recruitment?

Space Applications Centre, based in Ahmedabad, works on Earth observation, satellite communication, navigation applications, and domain-specific services for agriculture, oceans, weather, and disaster support. Therefore, SAC’s Scientist/Engineer roles often combine research depth with mission delivery.

The current official recruitment notice covers two categories:

• • Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Group ‘A’) in Pay Matrix Level 11 (₹67,100–₹2,08,700) with allowances as per rules. It also places employees under National Pension System/Unified Pension Scheme provisions.

  • Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) with DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance as applicable. (Same official PDF)

Moreover, the online recruitment portal is scheduled to remain open from 10:00 on 23/01/2026 to 17:00 on 12/02/2026 for registration and submission. 

Why a Scientist/Engineer Role at SAC Matters

A Scientist/Engineer position at SAC is not just a job title. It is a technical role tied to real operational systems that support public services. For example, SAC’s work influences satellite-based crop monitoring, coastal studies, urban mapping, and communication payload development.

Key benefits for technical professionals

• • Mission-driven engineering: You work on payloads, algorithms, and applications that run at scale.

  • Strong technical peer group: ISRO centres attract researchers with advanced degrees and niche expertise.

  • Structured career framework: Central government pay levels and allowances offer stability, which supports long-term research planning.

  • Cross-centre opportunities: Some vacancies may be filled at other ISRO centres, based on post code and organisational needs, as indicated in the official notice.

In contrast to many private roles, SAC positions often focus on long-term capability building. As a result, candidates with a research mindset and patience for rigorous review processes tend to thrive.

Eligibility: Who Should Apply?

The official notice specifies that only Indian nationals are eligible to apply. (Official PDF)

Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ (Post Codes 01–03)

These roles require PhD-level expertise in specialised domains such as:

• • RF and Microwave Engineering (Post Code 01)

  • Wireless/Satellite/Digital Communication-related fields (Post Code 02)

  • Agricultural Physics / Agricultural Meteorology or related areas (Post Code 03)
    (Official PDF)

In addition, the notice lists minimum academic performance requirements in qualifying degrees, typically expressed as percentage or CGPA thresholds. (Official PDF)

Age limit: 18 to 35 years as on 12/02/2026 for Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’. (Official PDF)

Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ (Post Codes 04–16)

Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ roles cover multiple engineering and science specialisations. These include M.E./M.Tech-based and M.Sc.-based recruitment streams, depending on post code. (Official PDF)

Age limit:

• • Post Codes 04–11: 18 to 30 years as on 12/02/2026

  • Post Codes 12–16: 18 to 28 years as on 12/02/2026
    (Official PDF)

Because eligibility details vary by post code, you should review the “Qualification details” section in the official program guidelines carefully before applying.

Salary, Benefits, and Work Location Highlights

Pay levels and allowances

• • Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’: Level 11 pay ₹67,100–₹2,08,700, plus DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance. Employees also receive standard ISRO/DoS benefits such as medical facilities, canteen support, group insurance, and leave travel concession as applicable. (Official PDF)

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  • Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’: Level 10 pay ₹56,100–₹1,77,500, plus allowances and standard benefits under applicable rules. (Official PDF)

Location and posting

The ISRO careers listing describes the location as Ahmedabad, since SAC is headquartered there. (ISRO careers page) However, the advertisement also indicates that some vacancies can be filled at other ISRO centres based on post codes and organisational allocation. (Official PDF)

Therefore, applicants should remain flexible about posting and role assignments.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply on the SAC Recruitment Portal

The official listing notes that the online recruitment portal is accessible via careers.sac.gov.in, and it stays open during the notified window. (ISRO careers page)

Application steps

1. 1. Read the bilingual official advertisement and confirm post code eligibility.

   2. Register on the SAC recruitment portal and fill in personal, academic, and experience details.

   3. Upload documents in the required format (degree certificates, marksheets, proof of age, category certificate if applicable).

   4. Pay the application fee if required for Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’.

   5. Submit only once. The advertisement states that the application can be submitted only once, and submission is a final step. (Official PDF)

Application fee (Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’)

The fee is ₹750, and the official notice explains that it includes processing charges. (Official PDF) Importantly, SAC outlines a refund structure after the written test:

• • If a candidate is exempt from payment (women, SC/ST, PwBD, Ex-servicemen), SAC will refund the full amount after the written test.

  • For other candidates, SAC refunds ₹500 after the written test.
    (Official PDF)

Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ applications have no fee as per the notice. (Official PDF)

Selection Process: Written Test, Interview, and Qualifying Rules

Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’

SAC uses a screening and personal interview approach for Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’. It screens applications and then calls eligible candidates for interview. (Official PDF)

Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’

Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ follows a two-level process: written test and personal interview. (Official PDF)

Written test pattern (key points)

The written test uses a structured format with Parts A and B for all, and Part C for certain post codes:

• • Part A (discipline specific): MCQ, with negative marking (+1 and -1/3).

  • Part B (aptitude/ability): MCQ, 20 marks, no negative marking.

  • Part C (descriptive): applies for M.E./M.Tech-based recruitment post codes, focused on technical questions.
    (Official PDF)

SAC also states that it shortlists candidates for interview in a 1:5 ratio, with a minimum of 10 candidates, based on written test performance. (Official PDF)

Finally, SAC assigns 50% weightage to written test and 50% to interview when preparing the final panel. (Official PDF)

Expert Tips, Common Mistakes, and Practical Advice

Tips that improve shortlist chances

• • Match your post code precisely. Even small mismatches in specialisation can lead to rejection.

  • Use a clean academic summary. Present marks and CGPA conversions clearly.

  • Prepare for Part A depth. SAC’s discipline-specific section often rewards strong fundamentals and applied understanding.

  • Practice aptitude quickly. Part B is short, so speed matters.

  • Keep document filenames consistent. Portals sometimes reject uploads with unusual characters.

Common mistakes to avoid

• • Submitting without re-checking category or age eligibility.

  • Uploading unreadable scans.

  • Assuming interview calls are guaranteed after applying. Screening and written test cut-offs can be competitive.

  • Waiting until the last day to submit. Server load can cause timeouts, especially near deadlines.

A simple checklist helps. Before you click “Submit,” confirm: post code, age cut-off date, degree percentage, and correct email ID.

Conclusion: Plan Early and Apply with Precision

Scientist/Engineer positions at SAC offer a rare mix of advanced research and national service delivery. Moreover, the pay structure and mission environment can support long-term technical growth. However, eligibility rules are strict, and selection stages are competitive. Therefore, you should prepare your documents early and align your application with the exact post code requirements.

For the most reliable details, always read the official program guidelines and apply only through the authorised portal. Bookmark the official careers page, and share this article with peers who are targeting ISRO technical roles.

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