ISRO VSSC JRF Interview Schedule 2026 - Advt 339 Date, Venue & Shortlisted Candidates

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a major unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), conducts recruitment for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions through Advertisement 339. VSSC is ISRO's lead centre for launch vehicle development and is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This interview schedule pertains to shortlisted candidates who applied for JRF positions and have been called for the interview round in 2026. JRF positions at ISRO VSSC offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge space technology research projects under the guidance of senior scientists. The recruitment is conducted on an All India basis, open to candidates from all states who meet the educational and age criteria.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact vacancy count varies by specialization and project requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Minimum: ITI (Industrial Training Institute) diploma in relevant trade from a recognized institution
• Preferred Trades: Machinist, Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, Welder, Carpenter, or related technical trades
• Additional: Candidates with National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or National Trade Certificate (NTC) are preferred
• Some positions may require additional qualifications like Diploma in Engineering or equivalent technical certification

Age Limit

Age as on closing date of application:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, are also eligible as per Government of India rules

How to Apply

1. Visit the official ISRO VSSC website at www.vssc.gov.in or ISRO careers portal at www.isro.gov.in/careers
2. Navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Recruitment' section and locate Advertisement 339 for JRF positions
3. Click on 'Apply Online' link and register using valid email ID and mobile number
4. Fill the online application form with personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience
5. Upload scanned copies of photograph (50KB, JPEG), signature (20KB, JPEG), and relevant documents
6. Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
7. Review all filled information carefully and submit the application form
8. Take a printout of the completed application form for future reference
9. No need to send hard copy unless specifically mentioned in the advertisement

Application Fee

Payment gateway charges as applicable

Selection Stages

1. Screening of Applications: All received applications are screened based on eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, and submission of required documents. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for the interview.

1. Shortlist Preparation: Based on the qualifications, academic performance, relevant experience, and number of vacancies, a merit list of shortlisted candidates is prepared. Selected candidates are intimated via email and SMS.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for personal interview at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. The interview panel assesses technical knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for the role. Interview carries significant weightage in final selection.

1. Document Verification: Original documents including educational certificates, experience certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), age proof, and identity proof are verified at the time of interview.

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates undergo medical fitness examination as per ISRO standards to ensure they are physically and mentally fit for the role.

1. Final Merit List: Based on interview performance and document verification, final merit list is prepared category-wise and candidates are offered appointment letters.

Selection Pattern

Note: There is no written examination for JRF positions. Selection is based on interview performance.

Interview Assessment Pattern

Total Interview Duration: 45-60 minutes per candidate

No negative marking is applicable as there is no written test component.

Interview Topics

Trade-Specific Technical Knowledge

• Core concepts related to candidate's ITI trade (Machinist/Fitter/Electrician etc.)
• Practical skills and hands-on experience in workshop operations
• Safety procedures and workshop practices
• Tools, equipment, and machinery operations
• Material properties and selection
• Measurement and precision instruments
• Basic engineering drawing reading

General Engineering Awareness

• Basic mechanical engineering principles
• Electrical and electronics fundamentals
• Manufacturing processes and techniques
• Quality control and inspection methods
• Workshop calculations and measurements

Research Aptitude and Methodology

• Understanding of research processes
• Scientific method and experimentation
• Data collection and analysis
• Problem-solving approaches
• Innovation and improvement mindset

ISRO and Space Technology

• History and achievements of ISRO
• Recent space missions (Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Gaganyaan)
• Launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV, GSLV Mk III)
• Satellite applications and technology
• Role of VSSC in Indian space program

General Awareness

• Current affairs (national and international)
• Science and technology developments
• Indian economy and governance
• Environmental and sustainability issues
• Government initiatives in science and technology

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits

• Medical Facilities: Medical care at ISRO hospitals/empanelled hospitals
• Leave Entitlement: Casual leave and medical leave as per ISRO norms
• Research Support: Access to ISRO facilities, libraries, and technical resources
• Accommodation: Subsidized hostel/residential accommodation may be available
• Annual Increment: Fellowship amount may increase after annual performance review

Note: JRF is a fellowship position, not regular employment. Terms are project-based and may vary by specific project duration.

As a Junior Research Fellow at ISRO VSSC, candidates work on specific research projects under senior scientists and gain valuable experience in space technology development. After successful completion of the fellowship tenure (typically 2-3 years), JRFs may be considered for regular technical positions at ISRO through internal assessments or may pursue higher studies with enhanced qualifications. Many former JRFs transition to Technical Assistant or Scientist/Engineer positions within ISRO through subsequent recruitment cycles, leveraging their research experience and organizational familiarity.

Admit cards or interview call letters for shortlisted candidates are released approximately 10-15 days before the scheduled interview date. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official ISRO VSSC website using their registration number and date of birth. The admit card contains important details including interview date, time, venue address, reporting time, and list of documents to be carried. Candidates must bring a printed copy of the admit card along with original documents for verification at the interview venue.

The final result of the interview process is typically declared within 4-6 weeks after completion of all interview sessions. Results are published on the official ISRO VSSC website in PDF format containing roll numbers or registration numbers of selected candidates. Selected candidates are also individually informed via email and registered mobile number. The result includes category-wise merit lists and waiting lists. Candidates can check their selection status by downloading the result PDF and searching for their roll number.

Since selection is based on interview performance rather than written examination, there are no numerical cutoff marks in traditional sense. However, typically candidates scoring above 60-65% marks in the interview are considered for selection, subject to availability of vacancies. Category-wise selection is done proportionately as per reservation rules, with SC/ST/OBC candidates selected against reserved vacancies with relatively lower interview scores compared to general category. The actual selection depends on overall performance of all candidates and number of vacancies in each category.

Interview Centres

Interviews for ISRO VSSC JRF positions are typically conducted at:

Primary Location: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Alternative Centres (if specified in advertisement):

• South: Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana)
• North: New Delhi, Chandigarh
• West: Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra)
• East: Kolkata (West Bengal)
• Northeast: Guwahati (Assam)

Most candidates are required to appear at VSSC Thiruvananthapuram. Alternative centres are provided only in specific circumstances.