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How To Get An Internship In ISRO: Student’s Playbook

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is the premier space agency in India, responsible for landmark missions in satellite technology, planetary science, and more. Securing an internship there offers rare exposure to space research, mentorship under top scientists, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects.

In this article, we’ll walk you through ISRO’s internship and student project trainee schemes, how they work, their benefits, and a detailed explanation of how to apply for an internship in ISRO. Plus, we’ll share tips to improve your chances and common pitfalls to avoid to get the internship.

What are ISRO’s Internship Schemes & Benefits?

ISRO offers two main engagement programs: the Internship Scheme and the Student Project Trainee Scheme.

The Internship Scheme is shorter in duration (maximum 45 days) and aimed at giving students hands-on experience with space science, technology, design, and development tasks.
The other is the Student Project Trainee Scheme, which supports longer project work suitable for academic projects:

For BE/BTech: must have completed the 6th semester, with a minimum duration of 45 days.
For ME/MTech: must have completed the 1st semester; duration of 120 days.
Similarly, for MSc, BSc/Diploma, and Ph.D. roles, there are defined eligibility and durations.

Interns/ project trainees are placed in unclassified areas of ISRO work only, i.e., they are not given access to classified or sensitive projects.
Remuneration: interns/ project trainees under ISRO’s schemes are not eligible for financial assistance, stipends, or remuneration under the standard scheme. However, there are paid opportunities, details of which are available with official notifications.
Certification: Upon satisfactory completion and submission of project reports, interns receive certificates from ISRO.

Benefits of Interning at ISRO

Hands-on exposure to space science, satellite technology, and R&D domains.
Working under renowned scientists and engineers provides mentorship, domain insight, and professional connections.
A prestigious internship on your resume: “Intern at ISRO” is a strong signal for future recruiters and academic applications.
Access to real problems and projects, bridging academic theory with applied research.
Networking opportunities within Indian space science/ research circles.

How to Get Internship in ISRO: Application Process

To get into ISRO as an intern or project trainee, you must follow the general/ standard process. Below is a step-by-step breakdown, including centre practices, document tips, and submission routes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Scheme & Centre

ISRO offers two main schemes: the Internship Scheme (for short durations, up to ~45 days) and the Student Project Trainee Scheme (longer durations, aligned with academic projects).
Each centre/ unit (e.g., URSC, SAC, VSSC, IIRS, ISAC, etc.) handles its own internship/ project work announcements.
Choose a centre whose research domain matches your specialization (e.g., remote sensing, electronics, propulsion, astrophysics) and focus on the internship requirements of these centres to increase your chances of getting an internship in ISRO.
For this, review the ISRO “Internships & Projects” page for links to each centre’s internship pages.

Step 2: Collect & Prepare Required Documents

Before applying, ensure all your documents are ready and formatted correctly. Here is what you will generally need when applying for an internship in ISRO:

Updated Resume/ CV: Your resume must highlight relevant coursework, projects, tools, and skills.
Academic transcripts/ mark sheets of prior semesters. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Many centres require a bona fide certificate/ NOC/ college recommendation letter (on letterhead, signed by HOD / Principal), so have them ready on hand.
Request/ cover letter/ application letter addressed to the centre/ lab, stating your project interest, duration, and alignment with the centre’s work.
Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
Passport-size photographs (if required by that centre).
Any project proposals, prior publications, or technical work to strengthen your case.

Also read: Purpose of an Internship: Crafting a Compelling Statement of Purpose

Step 3: Submit Application to the Centre / Unit

Some centres accept email/hardcopy applications to their HR or Student / Research division. For example, SDSC SHAR requires sending a request letter + documents to hrdd@shar.gov.in at least a month before the start date.
Many centres use online application portals for internships. Check the centre’s internship/ student project page.
Ensure you adhere to submission guidelines: document formats, labeling, order, file types, and signatures.

Step 4: Selection/ Scrutiny by the Centre

The centre screens applications based on domain fit, academic performance, project alignment, and engineering/ science specializations. So make sure you align with them.
Centres also select candidates based on available expertise, project, and facility availability.
Notifications of acceptance or rejection are typically sent by email.

Step 5: Offer, Onboarding & Execution

Once selected, you’ll receive an offer letter stating project duration, reporting centre, supervisor, and other formal conditions.
Upon joining, you’ll be inducted, given a project brief, access to facilities, and guidelines about submission & evaluation.
Interns/ project trainees must complete and submit a project/ assignment report, which is evaluated by the centre. Certificates are issued upon satisfactory performance.
Note that interns/ project trainees aren’t generally eligible for any stipend, financial assistance, or accommodation under the standard ISRO scheme. Though there may also be instances of paid internships, they greatly vary.

Also read: 41 Important Tips While Doing An Internship: How To Excel From Day One

Example: Centre-Specific Application (Case: SDSC SHAR)

For SDSC SHAR, you send your complete application (request letter, transcripts, ID, etc.) to hrdd@shar.gov.in a month ahead.
The request letter must include details like your name, degree, branch, CGPA, desired duration, etc., and be on college letterhead.

Example: IIRS (ISRO Unit) Application Flow

IIRS’s External Student Internship scheme opens with registrations between 1st August and 31st October annually.
You register via its portal, submit required documents (NOC, transcripts, etc.), and projects are assigned based on faculty consent, domain fit, and availability.

Also read: How To Find Summer Internships For 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Eligibility to Apply for ISRO Internship

To be eligible for ISRO’s Internship/ Student Project Trainee programs, typically, you must meet:

Be an Indian citizen enrolled in a recognized institution in the Science/ Technology disciplines.
For the Internship Scheme: maximum duration ~45 days; minimum aggregate ~60% (or CGPA ~6.32/10) in prior academics.
For the Project Trainee Scheme:
• BE / BTech – must have completed 6th semester; minimum 45 days.
• ME / MTech – must have finished 1st semester; usually 120 days.
• MSc / BSc / Diploma – eligibility and duration vary, often final year or after the first semester.
All applicants must work only in unclassified ISRO domains—no access to classified projects.

Important: Many ISRO internship and trainee schemes have fixed annual deadlines, and some may be open on a rolling basis. Check out this blog for information on such internships and a detailed description of eligibility: ISRO Internship 2025: Eligibility & Application Links To Centres

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting an ISRO Internship

Tailor Your Application to Centre & Domain: Research the specific ISRO centre’s projects (e.g., SAC, VSSC, URSC) and align your skills and interests. Don’t send a generic SOP; mention the lab, domain, and how your background fits.
Highlight Relevant Projects / Research Experience: Prior work in space systems, electronics, remote sensing, simulation, or academic project work gives you credibility. Craft your resume to showcase this in the best way possible, and make a lasting impression.
Meet or Exceed Academic Benchmarks: ISRO requires a minimum of 60% or a CGPA of 6.32 (on 10) across courses. While this is the minimum benchmark, exceeding this shows consistency and seriousness, increasing your chances of getting an internship in ISRO.
Get Good Recommendations/ Institutional Backing: A recommendation from professors or having departmental support/ NOC shows legitimacy and trust. Sending a recommendation even when not required might earn you extra brownie points.
Get Relevant Certifications or Skills: Learn domain-specific tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, simulations, remote sensing software) and/or get certifications in those.
Apply Early & Watch Centre Websites Closely: Many ISRO centres publish internship calls at different times (e.g., SAC’s “Vyom / SRDT” portal). Being first and prompt helps increase your chances, so keep an eye out for openings periodically.
Prepare for Interviews & Technical Questions: Be ready to defend your project work, domain knowledge, and motivation.
Follow Instructions & Format Rigorously: Use correct document formats, naming, and signatures, and follow lab-specific instructions. Missing small format rules is often a rejection reason.
Express Genuine Passion & Motivation for Space Work: ISRO values commitment. In your SOP and interviews, show that you care about space missions and R&D, and are not just chasing prestige.

You might find this interesting: How To Find An Internship While In College?

Common Pitfalls When Applying for Internship in ISRO & How to Fix Them

Pitfall	Fix/ Prevention
Incomplete applications/ missing fields	Double-check every field in the application before submission. Incomplete applications are often auto-rejected.
Submitting late/ after the deadline	Submit well ahead of time. Don’t rely on last-minute windows.
Generic SOP/ cover letter	Tailor your letter to the specific ISRO centre & domain. Show alignment, not generic ambition.
Applying to irrelevant centres/ domains	Match your academic specialisation with the centre’s research focus. Don’t apply just for prestige.
Not routing via college/ ignoring internal protocol	Many ISRO calls prefer or require applications via your institution’s Training & Placement cell.
Underestimating document formatting rules	Follow file formats, name conventions, and signature rules exactly. Small layout errors are common rejection reasons.
Weak or no follow-up	After applying, send a polite follow-up email if you don’t hear back in 2–3 weeks.
Assuming stipend/ benefits by default	Standard ISRO internships don’t provide payment or accommodation; don’t state them as expectations.
Overlooking device/ security rules	Some ISRO centres restrict devices, internet, gadgets — don’t assume full freedom.
Poor proofing/ spelling errors	Typos or grammatical mistakes reduce credibility. Always proofread or use peer reviews.

Conclusion

Getting an internship at ISRO is a challenging yet rewarding path. It gives you exposure to real space research work, the opportunity to learn directly from scientists, and a credential that stands out on your resume.

What truly makes or breaks your application is how well you align your domain, preparation, and documents with what the centre is looking for—and whether you present that alignment clearly and confidently. Use the steps, tips, and pitfalls above to boost your chances.

Want Access to Treasure Trove of Internships?

Head over to Unstop’s Internship Portal to browse, filter, and apply to roles that match your interests, skills, and schedule. Build your experience, wherever your passion lies.

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Shivani Goyal

Manager, Content

An economics graduate with a passion for storytelling, I thrive on crafting content that blends creativity with technical insight. At Unstop, I create in-depth, SEO-driven content that simplifies complex tech topics and covers a wide array of subjects, all designed to inform, engage, and inspire our readers. My goal is to empower others to truly #BeUnstoppable through content that resonates. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me immersed in art, food, or lost in a good book—constantly drawing inspiration from the world around me.