Eligibility Criteria and Steps for Internship at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Many aspiring engineers and technologists dream of working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the leading space agency in India. However, the journey to becoming an intern at ISRO involves a careful adherence to specific eligibility criteria and a thorough application process.

Eligibility Criteria for ISRO Internship

Class 12th with more than 75%: A strong academic background is the foundation for applying to ISRO. Students with a well-rounded Class 12th education can enhance their chances. B Tech or BE degree: Depending on the internship scheme, a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) or a Bachelor of Engineering (B E) degree is typically required. This ensures that the student has a solid foundation in engineering principles. Necessity of Mathematics: Mathematics is often a core subject and is imperative for evaluating candidates' analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. CRB Exam: A Criminal Background Record (CRB) exam is mandatory for all applicants, ensuring that only eligible candidates are considered. Limited Chances for BSc PCB Graduates: Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) have fewer chances compared to those with a technical background. MS/PhD Possibilities: Master of Science (MSc) and PhD candidates can explore internship opportunities through updates in job sections of newspapers. These candidates often have a higher chance as their advanced education aligns well with ISRO's research and development needs.

Steps to Apply for ISRO Internship

Application through Head of Department (HOD): To initiate your application, you can reach out to your Head of Department (HOD) at your institution. The HOD plays a crucial role in forwarding your application to the Program Planning and Evaluation Group (PPEG) of the ISRO Human Resources Department. Your application should include the following:

Your academic background details Your interest in a specific project that aligns with ISRO's research areas Your availability for the internship period A copy of your resume and cover letter Mark sheets from all semesters to showcase your academic performance Award/Approval from your HOD certifying that you are allowed to intern at ISRO. This letter serves as a testament to your institution's support for your internship application.

Timeline for Application Submission: Ensure that your application is submitted at least 3-4 months in advance of the intended internship period. This gives the HR department ample time to process your application and coordinate with the relevant ISRO wings.

ISRO Internship Program Schemes

ISRO and its Space Applications Centre (SAC) offer three distinct internship programs:

Work-Experience Internship (WEI)

This scheme is designed for engineering students in their final year or semester. The duration of this internship is between 4 to 6 months. The primary objective is to gain practical experience and add this to their academic profile.

Dissertation Internship (DI)

This is targeted at postgraduate students studying in any Indian college. These interns get the opportunity to work alongside scientists and engineers at SAC, contributing to cutting-edge research and development projects. The internship duration is typically 6 to 12 months.

Research Internship (RI)

This scheme is reserved for PhD scholars working under a professor in an Indian institution. However, there is a stipulation that the candidate's thesis work should be relevant to the research activities pursued at SAC. The length of the internship can range from 4 to 12 months.

Contact Information

For further queries or to obtain more detailed information, you can contact the following:

Head, Human Resources Development Division, Space Applications Centre (ISRO) Jodhpur Tekra, Ambavadi Vistar Post, Ahmedabad- 380015

It is essential to submit your internship application three months prior to the start of the program to ensure timely processing and preparation for the internship.

Conclusion

Securing an internship at ISRO is a rigorous but rewarding process. Consistency, attention to detail, and a strong academic background are key to success. By following the outlined steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can significantly increase your chances of joining India's leading space agency and making your dream a reality.