Space Applications Centre (SAC) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details
The Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, a lead center of ISRO, offers prestigious career opportunities for high-caliber engineers and scientists in 2026. General eligibility typically requires a First Class BE/BTech, ME/MTech, or PhD for Scientist/Engineer roles, while Technical Assistant and Technician posts demand first-class Diplomas or ITI certificates respectively. As a premier R&D institute, SAC seeks specialists in Electronics, Remote Sensing, and Satellite Communication to drive India's next-generation space missions.
Active Space Applications Centre Vacancies
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Organization Overview
The Space Applications Centre (SAC) is a major research and development center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. SAC is responsible for the design, development, and realization of space-borne payloads for communication, navigation, and remote sensing satellites. From developing the sensors for Chandrayaan to the transponders for GSAT, SAC is at the forefront of satellite-based applications that impact national development, tele-medicine, and disaster management.
---About Space Applications Centre (SAC) Careers
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Type | Department of Space (Govt. of India) |
| Institutional Status | Premier ISRO Research & Development Centre |
| Headquarters | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Primary Entry Gateways | ISRO Centralised Recruitment (ICRB), Direct Recruitment (SAC Portal), NATS (Apprentice) |
| Salary Range | ₹21,700 to ₹2,08,700 (Plus ISRO Performance Incentives) |
Key Job Profiles
Recruitment at SAC is specialized, focusing on high-tech satellite subsystem development and ground segment operations:
- Scientist/Engineer 'SC' & 'SD': The core research cadre. 'SC' roles (Level-10) usually require ME/MTech or PhD, while 'SD' roles (Level-11) are for experienced doctoral researchers.
- Technical Assistant: Group 'B' non-gazetted technical roles for Diploma holders in Electronics, Mechanical, or Computer Science.
- Technician 'B': Highly skilled artisan roles for candidates with ITI/NTC/NAC in trades like Machinist, Electronics Mechanic, and Fitter.
- Administrative Cadre: Includes Assistants, Upper Division Clerks (UDC), and Junior Personal Assistants recruited via the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB).
- Apprentices: Graduate and Technician Apprenticeships under the NATS scheme for one-year vocational training.
Salary & Benefits
ISRO SAC employees receive remuneration under the 7th Pay Commission, enhanced by unique space-sector incentives:
- Pay Matrix: Scientist 'SC' starts at Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500), while Technical Assistants start at Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400).
- Variable Increments: Up to two additional increments based on performance appraisal (Professional Update Allowance).
- Space Incentives: Specialized allowances like the Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) including Organizational and Group incentives.
- Welfare: Comprehensive medical facilities (CHSS), subsidized transport, departmental housing (SAC Colony), and support for pursuing higher studies (M.Tech/PhD).
Selection Process
The selection process at SAC is rigorous, emphasizing conceptual clarity and technical proficiency:
- Screening: Applications are initially screened based on academic merit (typically requiring 65% or 6.84/10 CGPA for Engineers).
- Written Test: Conducted for 'SC' posts and Technical/Administrative cadres, focusing on core discipline knowledge.
- Skill Test: Mandatory for Group 'B' and 'C' technical roles to evaluate practical hands-on ability (Go/No-Go basis).
- Technical Interview: The final stage for Scientist/Engineer posts, where a panel of experts assesses the candidate's R&D aptitude and domain expertise.
How to Crack Space Applications Centre (SAC) Exams
- Strengthen Fundamentals: Focus on core subjects like Electromagnetic Theory, Digital Signal Processing, and VLSI for Electronics roles, as ISRO questions are deeply conceptual.
- Solve ISRO Previous Papers: Practice the 'Scientist/Engineer' papers from 2018–2025 to understand the balance between theory and numerical problems.
- Prepare the Projects: In the interview, be ready to defend your final year project or M.Tech thesis in extreme detail, as most technical questions will stem from your specialized work.
- Current Space Missions: Stay updated on ISRO's recent launches (LVM3, SSLV) and SAC's specific contributions to the Gaganyaan and NISAR missions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Space Applications Centre Jobs
Is SAC a separate entity from ISRO?
No, the Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the lead centers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), specializing in satellite payloads and applications.
What is the age limit for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' at SAC?
The upper age limit is generally 30 years for Scientist 'SC' and 35 years for Scientist 'SD', with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC and PwBD candidates.
Can I apply for SAC jobs with a distance education degree?
No, professional degrees (BE/BTech/ME/MTech) obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are generally not eligible for ISRO technical recruitments.
What is the CGPA requirement for ISRO SAC Scientist roles?
Candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale in their qualifying degree.
Where is the written test for SAC usually conducted?
For direct recruitments, the test is often held in Ahmedabad. For ICRB centralized recruitments, centers are available in major cities across India.
Does SAC provide housing for its employees?
Yes, ISRO maintains a dedicated residential colony in Ahmedabad for its employees, along with guest house facilities.
What is the 'CHSS' medical scheme?
The Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) is ISRO's comprehensive medical program providing free or subsidized healthcare for employees and their families.
How can I join SAC after 12th?
After 12th, you can pursue an ITI for Technician roles, a Diploma for Technical Assistant roles, or a BE/BTech/MSc for Scientist/Engineer roles.