ISRO, DRDO and BEL Recruitment for Engineering Freshers

Last updated: 12 October 2026 · By the Asuraa Team

Quick answer: ISRO hires engineering freshers as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' through its Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB), using a written test and interview. DRDO hires Scientist 'B' through RAC using GATE scores and an interview, and runs CEPTAM for diploma and B.Sc technical posts. BEL hires Probationary Engineers through a computer-based test and interview. Each needs a separate application on its official site.

Key takeaways

• ISRO's 2025 ICRB drive for Electronics, Mechanical and CS needed 65% or 6.84 CGPA, an age of 28 or below, and a written test plus interview.
• DRDO's RAC hires Scientist 'B' using GATE: a first class B.E./B.Tech, a valid GATE score, shortlisting on GATE marks and an 80:20 GATE-interview merit.
• DRDO's CEPTAM is for Senior Technical Assistant-B and Technician-A posts. STA-B needs a diploma or B.Sc, not a B.Tech.
• BEL's 2025 Probationary Engineer notice set an upper age of 25, a CBT followed by an interview, and an 85:15 written-to-interview merit split.
• None of these share a common form. Track isro.gov.in, rac.gov.in, drdo.gov.in and bel-india.in and confirm each rule in the latest notification.

Three employers, three different routes

ISRO, DRDO and BEL are often grouped together because they all work on space and defence technology. But they hire freshers in very different ways:

The rules below come from the most recent notifications we could check. They change between cycles, so always read the current advertisement before you apply.

ISRO: Scientist/Engineer 'SC' through ICRB

ISRO's Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) in Bengaluru recruits Scientist/Engineer 'SC' for ISRO centres. Its 2025 advertisement ISRO:ICRB:02(EMC):2025, dated 27 May 2025, covered Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science. A separate notice, ISRO:ICRB:03(CEPO):2025, covered Civil, Electrical, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, and Architecture.

Eligibility in the 2025 EMC notice:

• B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in the relevant discipline with at least 65% aggregate or 6.84/10 CGPA
• Upper age of 28 years as on the last date of application, with relaxations for specified categories
• Final-year students could apply if the degree would be available by the date set in the notice

Selection process:

1. Online application on isro.gov.in during the short application window.
2. Written test with a discipline section (80 multiple-choice questions with negative marking) and an aptitude section.
3. Shortlisting for interview, which in that notice was 1:5 per vacancy.
4. Personal interview at Bengaluru, with a large share of marks for academic and technical depth.
5. Selection panel published discipline-wise on the ISRO site.

The 2025 cycle shows how long this takes. Applications closed in June 2025, the written test was held on 26 October 2025, and selection panels for Electronics and Computer Science came out in August 2026. Plan for a wait of a year or more.

Earlier ICRB drives, such as the November 2022 one, shortlisted candidates using GATE scores instead of a written test. The method can change, so check each advertisement.

DRDO: Scientist 'B' through RAC

The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) hires Scientist 'B' for DRDO labs, and sometimes for related agencies such as ADA. This route uses GATE.

Eligibility in recent RAC notices (for example Advt. No. 156 of 2025):

• First class B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in the relevant discipline
• A valid GATE score in the matching paper
• Upper age of 35 years for unreserved candidates, with relaxations of 3 years for OBC (NCL), 5 years for SC/ST and 10 years for Divyangjan

Selection process:

1. Apply online on rac.gov.in with your GATE details.
2. Shortlisting on GATE marks, discipline-wise and category-wise (1:10 in the 2025 notice).
3. Personal interview.
4. Final merit with 80% weightage for GATE and 20% for the interview.

Because GATE carries most of the weight, a strong GATE score is the single biggest factor. If you are weighing a GATE year, our guide on GATE vs a job after B.Tech can help.

DRDO: CEPTAM for diploma and B.Sc holders

DRDO's Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) runs exams for technical cadre posts. CEPTAM-11, with applications from 11 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, was for Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) and Technician-A.

• STA-B needs a diploma or B.Sc in the relevant subject. The notice said higher qualifications such as B.Tech are not considered for eligibility.
• Age: 18 to 28 years as on 1 January 2026, with relaxations as per government rules.
• Stages: Tier-I computer-based screening and Tier-II subject test for STA-B. Technician-A also has a qualifying trade test.

This route suits diploma and B.Sc graduates more than B.Tech freshers. See our guide to diploma and polytechnic jobs for related options.

BEL: Probationary Engineer and trainee posts

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence. Its main permanent fresher post is Probationary Engineer.

BEL's October 2025 Probationary Engineer notice covered Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical:

• Full-time B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engg.) in the relevant discipline
• Upper age of 25 years as on 1 October 2025, with relaxations for reserved categories and ex-servicemen
• Computer-based test with technical and aptitude questions and negative marking
• Interview for shortlisted candidates (1:5)
• Final merit: 85% written test and 15% interview

BEL units also advertise Trainee Engineer and Project Engineer posts from time to time. These are fixed-tenure roles, usually filled through a written test or shortlisting, and a recent Trainee Engineer notice set an upper age of 28. They are a useful way to get defence-sector experience even if you miss the Probationary Engineer exam.

How to prepare and stay on track

1. Make a notification calendar. Bookmark isro.gov.in (Careers), rac.gov.in, drdo.gov.in and bel-india.in. Application windows are often only two to three weeks long.
2. Build your core subjects. ISRO's and BEL's written tests, like GATE, are mostly technical questions from your branch with negative marking. One strong core preparation helps across all three.
3. Protect your percentage. ISRO's 65% or 6.84 CGPA bar and DRDO's first class rule mean your final-semester marks still matter.
4. Practise aptitude. BEL and ISRO tests include an aptitude section. Our aptitude test preparation guide covers the basics.
5. Prepare for a technical interview. Expect questions on your core subjects and your final-year project. Be ready to explain every line on your resume.
6. Watch the age limits. BEL's 25-year limit is tighter than ISRO's 28 and DRDO's 35, so apply to BEL early.

For ECE graduates who also want a software backup, read software jobs for ECE students.

Keep earning while you wait

These recruitments are competitive and slow, so most freshers keep a private job or internship going alongside. You can find verified fresher jobs on asuraa.in in core engineering, electronics and IT. Every company is checked before posting and apply links are rechecked every morning.

Also be careful of fake ISRO or DRDO job messages asking for fees on WhatsApp. Apply only on the official sites, and always confirm eligibility, dates and fees in the official notification.

Frequently asked questions

Is GATE compulsory for ISRO Scientist/Engineer jobs?

Not in the 2025 ICRB drives for Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science, which used ISRO's own written test. ISRO has used GATE scores in some earlier drives, so read the advertisement for each cycle.

Can final-year B.Tech students apply to ISRO?

In the 2025 ICRB drive, yes, if the final degree with the required 65% or 6.84 CGPA was available by the date set in the advertisement. Check the cut-off date in each new notice.

What is the age limit for DRDO Scientist B?

Recent RAC notices set 35 years for unreserved candidates, with 3 years of relaxation for OBC (NCL) and 5 years for SC/ST. Confirm the limit and the cut-off date in the current advertisement on rac.gov.in.

Can a B.Tech graduate apply for DRDO CEPTAM STA-B?

The CEPTAM-11 notice asked for a diploma or B.Sc in the relevant subject and said higher qualifications such as B.Tech are not counted for eligibility. Read the notice carefully before applying.

Does BEL hire freshers only through Probationary Engineer exams?

No. BEL units also advertise fixed-tenure Trainee Engineer and Project Engineer posts, often with a written test. These are separate from the permanent Probationary Engineer recruitment.