ISRO Internships & Project Traineeships, Register now | Limited seat avaliable
Are you passionate about space technology and dreaming of contributing to India's ambitious space program? The Department of Space (DoS) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) offer excellent opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through their Internship and Student Project Trainee Schemes. These programs provide a unique gateway for aspiring space scientists and engineers to learn from India's premier space agency while working on cutting-edge projects.
The ISRO Internship Scheme: Your First Step into Space Science
ISRO's Internship Scheme is designed to give students exposure to real-world space research and technology development. Here's everything you need to know:
Who Can Apply?
- Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students who are Indian citizens
- Academic Requirements: Students must be currently enrolled in a recognized university or institution (in India or abroad) in science or technology disciplines, or have completed their degree within six months of application
- Academic Performance: Applicants need a minimum aggregate of 60% or a CGPA of 6.32 on a scale of 10
Program Duration
The internship lasts for a maximum period of 45 days, offering a compact but intensive learning experience.
The Student Project Trainee Scheme: Deep Dive into Space Research
For students looking for a more extensive engagement with space technology, the Student Project Trainee Scheme provides opportunities to work on longer-term projects with ISRO scientists and engineers.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme accommodates students from various academic backgrounds with specific eligibility criteria:
| Degree Program | Eligibility Criteria | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BE/BTech | Completed 6th semester | Minimum 45 days |
| ME/MTech | Completed 1st semester | Minimum 120 days |
| BSc/Diploma | Final-year students only | Minimum 45 days |
| MSc | Completed 1st semester | Minimum 120 days |
| PhD | Completed coursework | Minimum 30 months |
All applicants must maintain an aggregate of at least 60% or a CGPA of 6.32 on a scale of 10.
What to Expect from Both Programs
Project Allocation
Projects are assigned based on:
- Available expertise at the ISRO center
- Ongoing projects that align with student interests
- Facility availability
- Suitability of the student's academic background
Application Process
All applications undergo scrutiny by the respective ISRO Center or Unit according to established norms.
Important Considerations
Financial Aspects
Neither internships nor project traineeships come with stipends or remuneration. These are learning opportunities rather than paid positions.
Accommodation
While ISRO centers don't guarantee accommodation, some facilities may be available:
- Guest house or hostel accommodation may be offered on a chargeable basis (subject to availability)
- Some centers provide shared quarters
- Charges are typically on par with those for employees
- Canteen facilities are extended to trainees, similar to regular employees
Recognition
Upon successful completion of the program and submission of assignment reports, students receive certificates after evaluation by division heads.
Security and Confidentiality
- Access is limited to unclassified areas of ISRO labs and establishments
- Publication of papers or reports related to work done at ISRO requires clearance from the respective Center/Unit
ISRO Centers Offering Internships and Project Traineeships
ISRO's network spans across India, with various specialized centers offering unique learning opportunities:
Space Technology Centers
- U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru: Specializes in satellite technology
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram: ISRO's lead center for launch vehicle development
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru): Focuses on liquid propulsion technologies
- ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri: Works on engine testing and development
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota: India's primary spaceport and launch facility
Application-Oriented Centers
- Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad: Develops applications of space technology
- National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad: Specializes in remote sensing data acquisition and processing
- North Eastern Space Applications Centre, Shillong: Focuses on space applications for the northeastern region
Research and Monitoring Centers
- Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad: Conducts fundamental research in space and allied sciences
- National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Gadanki: Studies atmospheric science
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun: Specializes in remote sensing education and research
Operational Centers
- Master Control Facility, Hassan: Monitors and controls satellites in orbit
- ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru: Provides tracking support for satellite and launch vehicle missions
- ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram: Develops inertial sensors and systems
Why Consider an ISRO Internship or Project Traineeship?
Beyond the technical skills and knowledge you'll gain, these programs offer several unique advantages:
- Firsthand Experience: Work alongside scientists and engineers who are shaping India's space program
- Network Building: Connect with professionals and peers who share your passion for space
- Career Pathway: Gain insights that could help you pursue a career in the space sector
- National Contribution: Be part of projects that contribute to India's scientific and technological advancement
- Resume Enhancement: Add prestigious work experience that stands out to future employers
How to Apply
For specific application procedures and current opportunities, visit the websites of individual ISRO centers listed below:
- U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru: https://www.ursc.gov.in/hrd/students.jsp
- Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad: https://www.sac.gov.in/Vyom/srtd
- North Eastern Space Applications Centre, Shillong: https://nesac.gov.in/outreach/
- Master Control facility, Hasan: https://www.mcf.gov.in/website/Internship
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram:
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun: https://www.iirs.gov.in/content/external-student-internship
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre: https://www.lpsc.gov.in/Internship.html and https://www.lpsc.gov.in/projects.html
- ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram: https://www.vssc.gov.in/STUDENTS/
- National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad: https://www.nrsc.gov.in/Student_Eligibility
- ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri: https://www.iprc.gov.in/careers.html
- National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Gadanki: https://www.narl.gov.in/ > Work with NARL > Student Projects
- Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad: https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/ept, https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/summer_internship
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota: https://www.shar.gov.in/sdscshar/internship.jsp
- ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru: https://www.istrac.gov.in/Student_Internship.html
Final Thoughts
ISRO's Internship and Student Project Trainee Schemes represent exceptional opportunities for students to contribute to India's space program while developing valuable skills and knowledge. Although these programs don't offer financial compensation, the experience, mentorship, and potential career pathways they provide are invaluable for anyone aspiring to work in space science and technology.
Whether you're interested in satellite technology, launch vehicles, remote sensing, or space applications, ISRO's diverse centers offer learning experiences aligned with various specializations in the space sector. By participating in these programs, you'll gain not just technical expertise but also insight into the workings of one of the world's leading space agencies.
Take your first step toward the stars—explore the ISRO center websites, find a program that matches your interests and qualifications, and launch your journey into the exciting world of space exploration and technology!