Getting hands-on project experience at India’s space agency is more accessible than most students realize — ISRO runs two separate, ongoing programs for students, and neither requires you to already have a connection inside the organization. Here’s everything you need, pulled directly from ISRO’s own official page.
Two Different Programs — Know Which One You Qualify For
ISRO runs two distinct schemes, and it’s worth knowing the difference before you apply to either.
1. Internship Scheme
- Open to UG, PG, and PhD students who are Indian citizens, studying at a recognized university or institution in India or abroad, in Science or Technology disciplines
- Also open to those who completed their degree within the last six months
- Duration: maximum 45 days
- Minimum eligibility: 60% aggregate, or a CGPA of 6.32 on a 10-point scale
2. Student Project Trainee Scheme This one runs in offline mode and has more specific eligibility depending on your degree level:
| Degree | Eligibility | Minimum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BE / BTech | Completed 6th semester | 45 days |
| ME / MTech | Completed 1st semester | 120 days |
| BSc / Diploma | Final-year students only | 45 days |
| MSc | Completed 1st semester | 120 days |
| PhD | Completed coursework | 30 months |
The same minimum eligibility applies here too — 60% aggregate or CGPA 6.32 on a 10-point scale, across all degree levels.

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What You Should Know Before Applying
A few important details ISRO states clearly on its own eligibility page, which matter for setting realistic expectations:
- No stipend or financial assistance. ISRO explicitly states that interns and project trainees are not eligible for any stipend, remuneration, or financial assistance — this is unpaid, project-based experience, not a paid role.
- Accommodation isn’t guaranteed. Depending on availability, some Centres/Units may offer guest house or hostel accommodation on a chargeable basis, or shared quarters — but this isn’t assured, and charges are on par with regular employees. Canteen access is typically extended on the same basis as employees.
- You’ll be restricted to unclassified areas. As a student, your access is limited to unclassified sections of ISRO’s labs and facilities — this is standard for a national space agency and shouldn’t come as a surprise.
- Placement depends on availability, not just your application. ISRO Internship Eligibility being met doesn’t automatically guarantee placement — the actual project or internship allotment depends on the availability of relevant expertise, ongoing projects, and facilities at a given Centre, along with how well your course aligns with the work being carried out there.
- A completion certificate is provided, but only after you submit your assignment report and it’s evaluated by the concerned division head.
How to Apply — By Centre
Unlike a single centralized application form, ISRO’s internship and project programs are managed individually by each Centre or Unit, and each has its own application process and portal. Here’s the full official list:
- U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru: Apply here
- Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad: Apply here
- North Eastern Space Applications Centre, Shillong: Apply here
- Master Control Facility, Hasan: Apply here
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram: Apply here or see general student info
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun: Apply here
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Thiruvananthapuram/Bengaluru: Internship link / Projects link
- ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram: Apply here
- National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad: Apply here
- ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri: Apply here
- National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Gadanki: Visit narl.gov.in → Work with NARL → Student Projects
- Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad: EPT program / Summer internship
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota: Apply here
- ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru: Apply here
Since eligibility and openings vary by Centre based on the specific work happening there, it’s worth checking the Centre closest to your field of study or location first, rather than applying broadly without matching your course to their focus area.
Working at ISRO, even briefly, is the kind of experience that speaks for itself on a resume regardless of what field you eventually move into.
If you’re building out your resume alongside opportunities like this, here are today’s fresh openings on JobVisitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISRO’s internship eligibility criteria? UG, PG, and PhD students who are Indian citizens, studying in Science or Technology disciplines (or graduated within the last six months), with a minimum of 60% aggregate or CGPA 6.32 on a 10-point scale.
Does ISRO pay a stipend for internships or student projects? No. ISRO explicitly states that interns and project trainees are not eligible for any stipend, remuneration, or financial assistance.
How long does an ISRO internship or student project last? It depends on the program and degree level — the general Internship Scheme runs a maximum of 45 days, while the Student Project Trainee Scheme ranges from a minimum of 45 days for BE/BTech and BSc/Diploma students up to 30 months for PhD scholars.
Is there a single application form for all ISRO Centres? No. Each ISRO Centre or Unit manages its own applications through its own portal, so you’ll need to apply directly through the specific Centre relevant to your field of study.
