How to Get an Internship at ISRO?
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has an impressive record of successfully deploying the highest number of satellites (104) into orbit. The organization has captured global attention for its cost-effective approach to space missions.
The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Modi, said in one of his speeches that a one-kilometer autorickshaw ride in Ahmedabad costs INR 10, while India reached Mars at INR 7 per kilometer. This is to the credit of India’s magic lamp, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Even more interestingly, ISRO’s magic goes beyond reducing the distance between us and infinite space; the organization has also been actively involved in nurturing budding scientists by providing them with meaningful internship opportunities. So let’s hop on the shuttle and find out how to get an internship at ISRO!
Types of Internships at ISRO
ISRO offers students the opportunity to work on a project aside from summer, winter, or long-term internships in one of its departments. The availability of internships depends on the ongoing research in the respective ISRO departments and can be anywhere from two to six months long. Research projects for postgraduate students can extend to twelve months as well.
An internship at ISRO covers a wide range of fields, including:
- Electronics
- Mechanical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Astrophysics
- Astronomy
- Solar physics
- Microwave
- Radars
- GPS Technology
- Geo-informatics
- Remote sensing
- Mathematical modeling
- Image processing
ISRO Internship Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for an internship at ISRO if you possess the following qualifications:
- You are a student in the final year of M.Tech/M.E, B.Tech/B.E, M.Sc.(Physics/Chemistry/Meteorology/ Space Science and Technology)/ Integrated M.Sc. (Physics/Chemistry), or MCA.
- You are an M.Phil or Ph.D. fellow from the Science stream.
- Students who wish to undertake a research project or dissertation research as part of their coursework are eligible to apply.
- You possess an excellent academic record, that is, 70% or above from schooling until the present course.
If you do not have a background in STEM studies, take a look at what ISRO has to offer from Manu’s journey at the Development and Educational Communication Unit.
How to apply for ISRO Internships?
Let’s understand the application process.
Step 1: Determine your area of interest and, accordingly, find a suitable center from the Department of Space (DOS) at ISRO.
Step 2: Check the specific eligibility criteria and application period of the respective DOS center. For easier navigation, you can use the guidelines below –
- National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) – Simply go to the home page of the website and click on Training & Outreach > Student Projects.
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) – Home page > Students Tab.
- Space Applications Center (SAC) – Home page> Work with SAC Tab > Research, Training & Internship
- UR Rao Satellite Center, Bengaluru – Home page > HRD Tab > Students Endeavor tab
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun (IIRS) – Home page > Notice Board tab > External Projects/Internships
- Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) – Click on the Opportunities tab on the Home page
- National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Tirupati – Home page>Work with NARL Tab > Students Projects
Step 3: Plan ahead and prepare the required documents – a cover letter, resume, and statement of purpose. You will also need to submit a letter of recommendation from your college’s dean.
Tip – Keep documents well-organized and highlight relevant skills and accomplishments.
Step 4: Prepare an outline of the project proposal. It should fit within the overall framework of each center’s research initiatives and programs.
Step 5: Check the submission mode of the DOS center to which you wish to apply.
ISRO Recruitment Process
The hiring process depends on the requirements of the research project, your academic performance, the availability of the supervisor, and the suitability of your profile. This is what happens after you submit the application form:
- A selection committee will review your application.
- After your application is selected, you will receive an official email of confirmation.
- In some cases, you may be interviewed.
Sample ISRO Internships Interview Questions
Some scientists may also be interested in a personal interview and ask questions about your field of study and areas of interest, as well as about yourself.
Basic Interview Questions
The basic interview questions are meant to get to know you. Some of them are:
1. Which subject do you find most interesting, and why?
2. How much do you know about ISRO?
3. Which is more important- work management or work ethic?
4. Would you still work at ISRO if you had sufficient money?
Computer Science Interview Questions
Here are some questions that are asked in an interview when you come from an IT background:
1. How do I set up ReactJS on Windows?
2. What is the difference between React JS and React Native?
3. What is the usage of virtual DOM in React Native?
4. What is the REST API used for?
5. What is the difference between a constructor and a destructor?
Core Engineering Interview Questions
To work at ISRO, you need to be very competent in technical subjects. Here are a few sample questions that you can encounter:
1. Which material would you prefer for designing shuttles, and why?
2. What is the difference between a rocket and a missile?
3. What is the humidity ratio, and how would you measure it?
4. Tell us about the free vibration of a cantilever beam.
5. Explain the stages of the refrigeration cycle.
6. What is the relationship between beamwidth and the directivity of the antenna?
7. Give at least three use of pipelining techniques
8. What is a Class-F microwave amplifier?
What to Expect After You Secure an Internship at ISRO
You will gain hands-on experience on ongoing projects and work with the latest technologies and real-time applications. You will have an excellent mentor to drive your research. Although ISRO internships do not offer stipends, you will have a great opportunity to work with the best scientists in the country. Read Umang’s internship experience at IIRS and Manu’s journey at the Development and Educational Communication Unit to delve deeper into the world of ISRO.
Tips to Apply for an Internship at ISRO by Ex-Interns
Here are some tips that will bring you closer to your dream internship at ISRO:
- Maintain your grades- Your grade sheet should have a high CGPA of 8 or higher.
- Do the Research- Research the department in which you would like to intern and show relevant work experience that could set your application apart from others.
- Stay Curious- An innovation-oriented mindset and a desire to learn new skills are highly valued at ISRO.
Apply for ISRO internships right away! You can also check out similar engineering internships to give your career a rocketing start.
Conclusion
This blog talks comprehensively about the details of getting an internship at ISRO. Use this guide to grab a golden opportunity to work at this amazing place. Make sure you have the curiosity to learn, explore your potential, and get a jump start on your academic and professional career.