IIRS ISRO Internship: Eligibility, Stipend & Next Cycle

Getting an ISRO internship on your resume is a big deal. The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in Dehradun opens its doors twice a year for external students. Most students focus on the prestige and forget to check the fine print. And there is one big catch you need to know before applying.

This is a purely academic internship. No stipend, no accommodation. But the experience and the certificate are totally worth it if you're aiming for a career in space research or geoinformatics. Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 31 March 2026. The next cycle is expected to open around early 2027. While you wait, review the eligibility criteria and prepare your documents so you are ready to apply when the next cycle opens. Let's break down everything you need to know about the IIRS ISRO Internship.

IIRS ISRO Internship: Key Details at a Glance

ParticularsDetails
Organization | Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), ISRO 
Location | Dehradun, Uttarakhand 
Eligibility | UG/PG/PhD in Science/Technology, Min 60% or CGPA 6.32 
Duration | Minimum 45 days, Maximum 1 year 
Stipend | None (No financial assistance) 
Application Mode | Online only 
Application Deadlines | Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 31 March 2026. The next cycle is expected to open around early 2027. 
Official Website | www.iirs.gov.in

This is different from the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026, which is a completely different ISRO initiative for students. The IIRS internship is purely for academic project work and training.

IIRS ISRO Internship Eligibility Criteria

Before you get excited, check if you actually qualify. The rules are strict, and your aggregate percentage matters a lot.

You need a minimum aggregate of 60% or a CGPA of 6.32 on a 10-point scale. This is non-negotiable. Also, you must be a citizen of India.

For the Internship Scheme (UG/PG/PhD)

• Open to students pursuing UG, PG, or PhD from a recognized university in India or abroad.
• You can apply if you have completed your degree within the last six months of the application date.
• Minimum duration is 45 days.

For the Student Project Trainee Scheme

This one has specific rules based on your degree. Here's the breakdown:

• BE/BTech: Must have completed the 6th semester. Minimum duration is 45 days.
• ME/MTech: Must have completed the 1st semester. Minimum duration is 120 days.
• BSc/Diploma: Only final-year students are eligible. Minimum duration is 45 days.
• MSc: Must have completed the 1st semester. Minimum duration is 120 days.
• PhD: Scholars should have completed their coursework. Minimum duration is 30 months (which is what the official notice says for project work).

If you're interested in similar opportunities, check out our complete guide to ISRO internships for more options across different ISRO centres.

How to Apply for IIRS ISRO Internship

The application process is fully online. No offline applications, no emails, no post. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Prepare your documents: You'll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or recommendation from your college/institute, academic documents, and a valid photo ID proof issued by the Government of India.
2. Visit the IIRS admission portal: Go to the official IIRS website (www.iirs.gov.in) and navigate to the admission portal for external student internships.
3. Fill the online application: Complete all the details carefully. Your educational qualifications, subjects studied, and the duration of the project you're seeking.
4. Upload documents: Upload the NOC, academic transcripts, and other required documents along with your application.
5. Submit when the cycle is open: Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 31 March 2026. The next cycle is expected to open around early 2027.

You can apply only twice a year. If you're not selected, you won't be informed. So keep checking your email and the portal for updates.

Selection Process and What Happens After You Apply

Selection isn't guaranteed. It depends on the availability of seats and whether an IIRS faculty member agrees to guide you. The institute scrutinizes all applications based on your qualifications, academic record, and the relevance of your project to their ongoing work.

If you're selected, you'll receive a confirmation letter via email. It will also be available online under your login on the IIRS admission portal.

Documents Required for the IIRS Internship

Don't scramble at the last minute. Keep these ready:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college/institute
• Academic documents and mark sheets
• Valid photo ID proof issued by Govt. of India
• University/Institute ID card
• 3 passport-size colour photographs (to be brought when you join)
• Original copies of all documents (for verification when you report)

IIRS ISRO Internship Stipend: The Real Catch

Let's be clear about this: there is no stipend. Project trainees and interns are not eligible for any remuneration or financial assistance. You also won't get accommodation facilities during your internship.

So you'll need to arrange your own stay in Dehradun and cover your living expenses. That said, the certificate and the experience of working at an ISRO facility are valuable. Many students treat this as an investment in their future.

What You Get After Completing the Internship

You'll receive a certificate upon satisfactory completion of your project or internship. This is awarded after you submit your assignment report and it gets evaluated by the concerned division head or scientist.

Interns are only permitted access to UNCLASSIFIED areas of the ISRO labs. If you want to publish papers based on your work, you need clearance from the centre.

Tips to Get Selected for the IIRS Internship

The competition is tough. Here are some practical tips:

• Align your project with their work: IIRS focuses on remote sensing, geoinformatics, and geospatial technology. Tailor your project proposal to match their expertise.
• Maintain a strong academic record: The 60% aggregate is the minimum. Higher scores improve your chances.
• Get a strong NOC: A specific recommendation from your HOD or professor mentioning your skills can make a difference.

If you're also exploring other options, you might want to look at the IIT internships guide for more research opportunities in India.