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Knowing the URSC selection process 2026 helps you plan your preparation for Advt. No. URSC:04:2026. The U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO is recruiting Technician-B, Heavy Vehicle Driver-A, Light Vehicle Driver-A and Staff Car Driver-A (61 vacancies). Selection happens in three steps: initial screening, a written test / computer based test (CBT), and a skill test.
The pattern differs between Technician-B and the driver posts. This guide covers each stage, the exam pattern, marking scheme, qualifying marks, shortlisting ratios, tie-breaker rules, document verification and travel allowance.
URSC Selection Process 2026 Details – Notification PDF
Download the ISRO URSC Selection Process 2026 Notification PDF attached below to check the selection stages, written examination pattern, skill test requirements and other recruitment-related instructions for Technician-B and Driver posts.
ISRO URSC Selection Process 2026 Explained
1: Between the period of 1858-1947, how many Viceroys ruled over India?
| Stage | Technician-B | Driver Posts (LVD-A / Staff Car / HVD-A) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Screening | Based on online application details | Based on online application details |
| 2. Written Test / CBT | 80 MCQs, 1.5 hours | 100 MCQs, 2 hours |
| 3. Skill Test | 100 marks, qualifying | Driving test, 100 marks, qualifying |
| Skill Test location | Bengaluru only | Bengaluru only |
| Final steps | Document verification and biometric checks | Document verification and biometric checks |
Stage 1: Initial Screening
- The qualification prescribed is the minimum requirement. Having it does not automatically earn you a call for the written test.
- URSC/ISRO does an initial screening based on the academic performance and other parameters you enter in your online application.
- Only the screened-in candidates are called for the written test.
- Applications that are incomplete, missing a photo or missing documents are rejected summarily.
Enter your marks and details exactly as in your certificates. A wrong or inconsistent entry can cost you a call letter.
Stage 2: Written Test / Computer Based Test (CBT)
- URSC/ISRO reserves the right to conduct the written test online or offline.
- The test is held in Bengaluru or in different cities across India.
- Hall tickets and call letters are sent by e-mail only, with no hard copy.
- If exams for multiple posts clash in the same session, you must choose one post to appear for.
A. Technician-B: Written Test Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Written Test / CBT |
| Questions | 80 MCQs |
| Duration | 1.5 hours (90 minutes) |
| Marking | +1 for each correct answer, −0.33 for each wrong answer |
| Syllabus | Curriculum based |
| Time per question | About 67 seconds on average |
Qualifying marks (Written Test):
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| Unreserved candidates | 32 / 80 |
| Reserved candidates (only where a post is reserved for the category) | 24 / 80 |
Shortlisting for the Skill Test: Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio, with a minimum of 10 candidates.
B. Driver Posts: Written Test Pattern (HVD-A, LVD-A, Staff Car Driver-A)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Written Test / CBT |
| Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Marking | +1 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer (one-fourth negative marking) |
| Time per question | About 72 seconds on average |
Section-wise structure:
| Part | Subject | Questions | Level / Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 | 50 | Licensing of drivers, registration of vehicles, control of transport vehicles, control of traffic, insurance, offences/penalties/procedure, mandatory signs, accident claims, Accident Claims Tribunals |
| B | Elementary English | 15 | 8th standard: synonyms, antonyms, correct verbs, fill-in-the-blanks |
| C | Elementary Arithmetic | 15 | 10th standard: four basic operations, percentage, ratio, average |
| D | General Knowledge | 20 | Current affairs, Who’s Who, states & capitals, geography of India |
| Total | 100 |
Passing rules for the written test (driver posts):
- You must secure 50% in Part A and 50% in Parts B, C and D combined.
- Where a post is reserved for a category, passing marks are relaxed by 25% for applicants of that category.
- Total marks across all four parts are used to shortlist candidates for the Skill Test.
- Tie-breaker: in case of a tie in written test scores, the academic scores of the notified qualification break the tie.
Shortlisting for the Skill Test (drivers): Candidates who qualify in the written test are shortlisted in a 1:10 ratio.
Based on the 50% rule, the working pass marks are about 25 of 50 in Part A and 25 of 50 in Parts B+C+D combined. For reserved categories, the 25% relaxation works out to roughly 18.75 / 50 in each. These two numbers are my own calculations, since the notification gives only the percentages, so verify them before publishing.
Stage 3: Skill Test
A. Technician-B: Skill Test
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 100 |
| Nature | Qualifying |
| Qualifying marks (UR) | 50 / 100 |
| Qualifying marks (Reserved, where post is reserved) | 40 / 100 |
| Basis | Trade-related, curriculum based |
| Venue | Bengaluru only |
B. Driver Posts: Skill Test (Driving Test)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 100 |
| Nature | Purely qualifying |
| Qualifying marks | 60 / 100 |
| Relaxation | None for any category |
| Venue | Bengaluru only |
Key points on the Skill Test:
- The test is held only for screened-in / shortlisted candidates.
- It is held only in Bengaluru, so outstation candidates must travel.
- Your uploaded documents are verified during the skill test.
- Admission to the written or skill test does not confer eligibility for selection.
ISRO URSC Written Test vs Skill Test: Comparison
| Feature | Technician-B | Driver Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Written test questions | 80 | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Negative marking | −0.33 | −0.25 |
| Written test pass (UR) | 32 / 80 | 50% in Part A + 50% in Parts B–D combined |
| Written test pass (Reserved) | 24 / 80 | 25% relaxation on the above |
| Skill test shortlisting | 1:5 (min. 10) | 1:10 |
| Skill test marks | 100 | 100 |
| Skill test pass (UR) | 50 | 60 |
| Skill test pass (Reserved) | 40 | 60 (no relaxation) |
Tie-Breaker Rules for ISRO URSC Exam 2026
| Post Group | Tie-Breaker |
|---|---|
| Technician-B | If written test scores and the academic scores of the notified qualification (NAC/NTC/ITI) tie, candidates with a valid NAC (National Apprenticeship Certificate) score are preferred over those without one |
| Driver posts | The academic scores of the notified qualification break a tie in written test scores |
A valid NAC is a real advantage for Technician-B candidates, so keep your NAC certificate and marks ready.
ISRO URSC Final Selection
The notification describes screening, the written test and the skill test, and says that the skill test is qualifying in nature for both groups. It does not spell out the exact formula for the final merit list (for example, whether the final rank depends only on written test marks). Since the skill test is purely qualifying, your written test score is likely to be what ranks you, but this is my reading and not an official statement, so check the official website for any further clarification.
The notification also says that the numbers shortlisted depend on the number of vacancies notified, and that URSC/ISRO has the right not to fill all or any of the posts.
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Join NowISRO URSC Selection Process 2026 – Document Verification and Biometric Checks
Documents to Carry (Original)
- Educational certificates (SSLC/SSC/Matriculation, and ITI/NTC/NAC for Technician-B)
- Experience certificates (driver posts), valid driving licence and Public Service Badge (if statutory)
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in the Govt. of India format
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate for 2025-26, valid for FY 2026-27
- PwBD disability certificate or UDID card (minimum 40% disability)
- Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate (and equivalency certificate, if the qualification differs)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for those employed in Govt/PSU/autonomous bodies
- Date-of-birth proof, call letter and photo ID
Important Rules
- If you do not submit the original NOC at the skill test, you will not be allowed to take it, your candidature is cancelled and travel allowance is not paid.
- Biometric verification (photo, thumb impression and iris scan) is done at various stages. Any inconsistency can lead to rejection.
- If you do not meet the eligibility conditions on the last date of receipt of applications, your candidature can be cancelled at any stage: before, during or after the written test or skill test.
Special Provisions for PwBD Candidates in the Written Test – ISRO URSC 2026
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Scribe | PwBD candidates whose writing speed is permanently affected can use their own scribe, at their own cost |
| Scribe qualification | One step below the essential qualification for the post; any academic stream |
| Scribe rules | A person can be a scribe for only one candidate; the candidate must give an undertaking (Annexure-E) |
| Compensatory time | 20 minutes per hour, with the prescribed certificate (Annexure-D) and undertaking |
| Malpractice | If the scribe independently answers questions or malpractice is reported, candidature is cancelled |
Scribe and compensatory-time documents must be produced at the time of the written test.
Travel Allowance for the Skill Test – ISRO URSC 2026
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible | Outstation candidates shortlisted for the skill test after qualifying in the written test, and only those allowed for the skill test after successful document verification |
| Rail | Second Class / Sleeper to-and-fro fare by the shortest route |
| Bus | Non-AC bus fare, or actual fare, whichever is less |
| Higher class travel | Only second-class fare (excluding reservation/sleeper charges) is paid |
| Proof | Proof of journey must be produced |
| Candidates without NOC (where required) | Not paid |
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Join NowFee Refund Linked to the Written Test – ISRO URSC 2026
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Initial payment | ₹500 |
| Refund | ₹400 for those who appear in the written test |
| Full refund | Women, SC/ST, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen who appear in the written test |
| No-show | No refund if you do not appear |
ISRO URSC Selection Process 2026 – Tips to Clear Each Stage
For the Written Test (Technician-B)
- Revise your ITI trade theory and trade-related basics from your own course.
- Practise speed. You have about 67 seconds per question.
- Mind the −0.33 negative marking. Guess only when you can eliminate options.
- Aim for well above 32 marks, since qualifying is only the minimum and you are ranked against other candidates.
For the Written Test (Drivers)
- Part A carries 50 of 100 marks. Master the Motor Vehicles Act, traffic signs and licensing rules.
- Don’t ignore Parts B, C and D. You need 50% in them combined, and total marks decide shortlisting.
- Mind the −0.25 negative marking.
- Practise quick arithmetic (percentage, ratio, average) and basic English.
For the Skill Test
- Technician-B: practise the practical work of your trade, with safety, tools and procedures.
- Drivers: practise the driving test, vehicle checks and traffic rules. You need 60 marks with no relaxation.
- Reach Bengaluru in time, and carry all originals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid – ISRO URSC Selection Process 2026
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Ignoring Part A of the driver exam | Fail the 50% sectional rule |
| Random guessing in all questions | Negative marking cuts your score |
| Missing the NOC (employed candidates) | Not allowed at the skill test |
| Not checking e-mail (including spam) | Missed hall ticket or call letter |
| Applying for two posts with clashing exam timings | You can sit only one |
| Hiding or wrongly stating experience | Cancelled at any stage |
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