ISRO Preparation Guide 2025-2026 | Complete Placement Strategy

This guide is for ISRO’s placement: a 90-minute written exam (technical discipline-specific + general aptitude + space technology), often with negative marking, followed by technical and HR rounds. ISRO is India’s national space agency. Eligibility is 65% / 6.5+ CGPA; freshers join as Scientist/Engineer (SC) with ₹8–12 LPA. Focus on GATE-style technical depth and space technology basics.

Key Topics for ISRO

Core Engineering (40%)

Aerospace: Aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, flight mechanics. Electronics: Circuits, signals, communication, control. Mechanical: Thermodynamics, mechanics, design. CS: Algorithms, DSA, programming. Electrical: Power, control, machines. Discipline-specific; GATE-level.

Space Technology (25%)

Satellite systems (communication, remote sensing, navigation), rocket propulsion (chemical, specific impulse), orbital mechanics (Kepler, geostationary, Hohmann), ISRO missions (PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter, Gaganyaan).

Aptitude (20%)

Quantitative, logical reasoning, verbal ability. Often similar to GATE aptitude.

Week-by-Week Preparation Plan

Week	Focus
1–2	Core engineering (your discipline) + space technology basics (orbits, propulsion, satellites). Aptitude daily.
3	Space technology in depth; ISRO missions and recent achievements. Practice previous year papers; manage negative marking.
4	Full-length mocks (90 min). Revise formulas and concepts. Prepare project summary and “Why ISRO?“
5–6	Mock tests + interview prep: technical explanations, space tech questions, HR answers. Stay updated on Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1.

ISRO-Specific Tips

• GATE-style technical: Questions are often at GATE level in your discipline; use standard textbooks and GATE material.
• Space technology: Focus on satellite systems, orbital mechanics, propulsion, and ISRO’s major missions; helps in both exam and interview.
• Negative marking: If applicable, avoid blind guessing; attempt only when reasonably sure.
• Technical interview: Expect deep discipline questions and space tech; show genuine interest in ISRO’s work.

Salary as Motivation

Freshers join as Scientist/Engineer (SC) (Level 10) with ₹8–12 LPA (basic + HRA, DA, allowances). Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate roles have different pay bands. ISRO offers job security, cutting-edge projects, and a strong research environment.

Related Resources

ISRO Interview Experience

Real candidate experiences

ISRO Coding Questions

Programming (CS roles)

ISRO 2025 Papers

Previous year papers

ISRO Main Page

Eligibility, process, salary

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Last updated: February 2026