India has long been known for its formidable prowess in cutting-edge space technology and research. It is becoming increasingly important as a force in an ever-growing commercial global space industry, with ISRO leading the charge. With its rich legacy of innovation and research, ISRO is the best platform for entering the practical working field through its internship and student project trainee programs. These initiatives help ensure academic learning is complemented with real-world applications to prepare the next generation of minds to shape or contribute to the country’s dreams in space.
Through ISRO’s Internship Scheme and Student Project Trainee Program, students can work on advanced projects with seasoned scientists and engineers. These programs are open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students from any technical discipline, such as aerospace engineering, electronics, computer science, etc.
ISRO internship and student project trainee programs provide a microcosm of guidance to future engineers and scientists, helping to build a critical future for the industry as the demand grows. Not only do these programs deepen technical expertise, but they also teach important professional skills, including teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking. ISRO prepares students for careers in space research, satellite technology, and related fields by allowing them to be involved in real-world initiatives.
ISRO Internship Scheme 2025
The ISRO Internship Scheme aims to expose undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and PhD students to ISRO projects and research activities at ISRO centres through active involvement in project work. This exposes students to the nitty-gritty details of space science and technology.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Education Background: Students studying for a degree in Science or Technology at a recognised university or other institutions in India and abroad. Applicants may also apply if they will be graduating within 6 months from the application.
- Academic Qualification: Minimum 60% aggregate or 6.32 out of 10 CGPA.
- Internship Timeline: The maximum duration of internship is up to 45 days.
Application Process:
- Identify the ISRO Centre: Find out which ISRO centre best suits your academic goals. All centres specialise in various fields of space research and technology.
- Collect Necessary Documents: Make sure you have your academic transcripts, a resume emphasising relevant studies and projects, and a recommendation letter from your institution.
- Application Process: Applications are usually submitted online through the respective ISRO centre’s official website or email. Follow guidelines pertinent to the chosen centre.
- Selection Process: The projects available with the ISRO Centres are relevant to students’ academic backgrounds and the resources available at respective ISRO centres. Selection is dependent on these aspects, and meeting eligibility does not entitle you to it.
Stipend and Accommodation: All internship positions are unpaid, and interns are not entitled to any stipend, remuneration or financial aid. Usually, there are no accommodation facilities, but some of the centres may be available in a guest house or hostel on a chargeable basis and availability. Interns are generally offered canteen services.
Internship Completion: After successfully completing the internship and submitting the assignment report to the respective ISRO centre, the interns receive a certificate from ISRO recognising their efforts.
ISRO Student Project Trainee Scheme 2025
This scheme is designed for students planning to complete academic projects as part of their course. The Memorandum of Understanding between ISRO and the university for research and development work also facilitates practical exposure to students by allowing them to work on real-time projects at any of the ISRO centres, which helps to improve their research and technical skills.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Engineering (BE/BTech): Students should have completed their 6th semester.
- ME/MTech: 1st semester pass.
- BSc/Diploma: Only 3rd/ Final year students.
- MSc: 1st semester completed.
- PhD Scholars: Coursework must be finished or in progress.
Duration:
- BE/BTech and BSc/Diploma: 45+ days.
- Minimum for ME/MTech: Minimum 120 days.
- PhD Scholars: Minimum 30 months.
Application Process:
- Consult Academic Institution: Contact your academic department supervisor or faculty members. Investigate project areas that are suitable and fall within ISRO’s research areas.
- Application Documents: You need your academic transcripts, a project proposal, a resume, and a letter of recommendation from your institution.
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted to the HR department of the ISRO centre, either via the Internet or email, according to the stated methods.
- Selection Process: Selection is based on the proposed project’s relevance to ISRO’s ongoing research work, the availability of resources, and the student’s academic credentials. Applications are examined by the particular ISRO centre.
Stipend and Accommodation: As with the internship scheme, project trainees are not offered a stipend or financial help. No tented accommodation will be provided; however, some centres may offer facilities on a chargeable basis, depending on availability.
Certificate after Completing the Project: The project trainees will receive a certificate after completing their project work, submitting the final report, and receiving satisfactory feedback from the respective division heads.
Other Considerations for Both Schemes
- Access Restriction: Interns and project trainee personnel are allowed access only to unclassified areas of ISRO laboratories and establishments.
- Publications: Any papers or reports intended for publication based on work carried out over the years at ISRO shall have to be cleared through the concerned centres/units.
- Professional Conduct: Participants must abide by ISRO’s code of conduct, ensuring confidentiality and integrity during their time.
Why should you join ISRO programs?
- Hands-on Experience: You learn about space research and technology projects, and they provide you with hands-on experience that brings theory and practice together.
- Networking Opportunities: Building relationships with seasoned scientists, engineers, and your fellow interns can give valuable insights for future career opportunities.
- Practical Application of Skills: You will be able to work on real-life technical problems, which, in turn, will help you hone your technical skills, ingenuity, and project management skills.
- Opportunities in Space Research or Aerospace: An internship or project at ISRO can provide opportunities to work in space research, aerospace, and related fields.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to see and learn firsthand about this country’s top space research organisation is through the ISRO Internship Scheme & Student Project Trainee Program. Working on projects that the world faces will help the students learn how to apply their knowledge academically to the real world and nurture their technical and analytical skills.
At a time when space exploration is developing like never before, ISRO’s investment in nurturing young talent speaks volumes about how it envisions developing scientific and technological acumen. With ISRO investing in the future of space science through investment in its next generation of space scientists and engineers, it is also laying the work for the ‘next generation‘ to drive innovation and discovery. Through these programs, students with a keen interest in space research and technology have a golden opportunity to play a significant role in India’s ascendance in the global space industry.
