1. Introduction

For aspirants from Arunachal Pradesh, central government scientific recruitments like ISRO SAC Scientist/Engineer 2026 always attract attention-but they also demand realism.

Unlike state-level APPSC or district recruitments, this is a highly competitive, all-India Group ‘A’ technical recruitment. Candidates from Arunachal often face added challenges: limited exposure to national-level technical exams, fewer peer groups in niche domains, long travel to exam centres, and intense competition from IITs, NITs, and central universities across India.

This recruitment can be career-defining for a small but well-prepared segment of Arunachal candidates-especially those with strong academic grounding and postgraduate specialisation. For others, applying blindly may only drain money, time, and confidence.

This article will help you decide honestly.

2. Key Details (Verified from Official Notification)

ItemDetails
Recruiting OrganisationSpace Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO
Advertisement NoSAC:01:2026 (dated 23.01.2026)
Total Vacancies49
PostsScientist/Engineer ‘SD’ & ‘SC’ (Post Codes 01-16)
Pay LevelLevel 10 (₹56,100-₹1,77,500) & Level 11 (₹67,100-₹2,08,700)
Job TypeCentral Government (Group ‘A’)
Application ModeOnline only
Last Date12 February 2026 (17:00 hrs)
Exam CitiesNo centre in Arunachal Pradesh
Official Websitehttps://www.sac.gov.in

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - Ground Reality Explanation

On paper, eligibility looks broad-B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, even Agriculture and Atmospheric Sciences. On the ground, this is not an entry-level engineering job.

Key realities for Arunachal candidates:

  • Scientist/Engineer ‘SD’ posts require a PhD. These are senior research roles. Fresh postgraduates should not consider them.
  • Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ posts require very strong fundamentals, often with M.Tech or specialised M.Sc aligned exactly with the post code.
  • Marks criteria (60-65%) are minimum eligibility, not selection benchmarks. Selected candidates usually exceed these comfortably.

If you studied in:

  • General engineering colleges without strong labs
  • ODL / distance mode (explicitly disallowed)
  • Non-aligned specialisations

👉 You are technically eligible but practically non-competitive.

4. How to Apply - Arunachal-Specific Guidance

Step-by-step (simplified):

  1. Register/update profile on ISRO Live Register portal.
  2. Apply through SAC recruitment portal.
  3. Upload photo, signature, certificates strictly as per size/format.
  4. Pay fee via Bharatkosh.
  5. Select exam city (nearest likely: Guwahati or Kolkata).
  6. Download and save application summary.

Common mistakes by Arunachal candidates:

  • Poor internet during final submission → incomplete application
  • Incorrect CGPA conversion assumptions
  • Uploading scanned mark sheets with unclear seals
  • Waiting till last date despite power/network issues
  • Selecting distant exam cities without travel planning

Advice:
Finish application at least 5-7 days early. Treat travel and logistics as part of exam preparation.

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook (Reality Check)

Salary:

  • In-hand (approx.): ₹75,000-₹95,000/month initially (location dependent).
  • Excellent long-term financial stability.

Career Growth:

  • Slow but structured promotions
  • Research-oriented work culture
  • Transfers possible across ISRO centres anywhere in India

Posting Reality:

  • Initial posting likely at Ahmedabad or other ISRO centres
  • No assurance of Northeast or Arunachal postings
  • Expect long stays outside home state

This job suits those ready to live outside Arunachal for decades, not those seeking local postings.

6. Preparation Strategy (ISRO-Oriented, Not APPSC Style)

This is not a general studies exam.

Written Test Focus (for SC posts):

  • 70%: Core discipline mastery (numericals + theory)
  • 20%: Aptitude (basic but time-bound)
  • 10%: Descriptive technical answers (for M.Tech posts)

Practical Plan for Arunachal Aspirants:

  • 3-4 hours daily core subject revision
  • Previous ISRO Scientist question papers (mandatory)
  • Focus on concepts, not coaching notes
  • Mock tests under timed conditions (even self-created)

Timeline Reality:
If you are starting now with weak fundamentals, February 2026 is too soon. Apply only if already prepared.

7. Pros & Cons (Mandatory Honesty)

Pros

  • Elite central government status
  • Excellent salary and research exposure
  • Long-term job security
  • Global relevance of ISRO experience

Cons

  • Extremely high competition
  • No Arunachal reservation advantage
  • No local exam centres
  • Academically demanding interviews
  • Long-term relocation from home state

8. Applicant Checklist (Critical)

Before applying, ensure you have:

  • Correct degree alignment with post code
  • Mark sheets with required percentages
  • No ODL/part-time qualification
  • Valid photo/signature in prescribed format
  • Financial readiness for exam travel
  • Mental readiness for all-India competition

If any one of these fails, reconsider.

9. Conclusion - Who Should Apply, Who Should Not

Apply if you are:

  • From Arunachal Pradesh with strong academic record
  • Postgraduate or PhD holder in a core domain
  • Comfortable relocating anywhere in India
  • Serious about a long-term scientific career

Avoid applying if you are:

  • A general engineering graduate without depth
  • Hoping for Northeast or Arunachal posting
  • Preparing mainly for APPSC/state jobs
  • Applying “just to try luck”

ISRO does not reward luck. It rewards preparation.

10. FAQs (Arunachal-Specific)

Q1. Is there any reservation or quota for Arunachal candidates?
No. Selection is purely all-India merit-based.

Q2. Is there any exam centre in Arunachal Pradesh?
No. Nearest centres are Guwahati or Kolkata.

Q3. Will ISRO posting ever come to Arunachal?
Not guaranteed. Posting is organisation-driven, anywhere in India.

Q4. Is interview difficult for candidates from lesser-known colleges?
Yes, if fundamentals are weak. Panel evaluates concepts, not college name.

Q5. Should final-year students apply?
Only if degree completion and results meet cut-off dates. Otherwise, avoid risk.