3 Common Mistakes Candidates Must Strictly Avoid
- Mistake 1 — Do NOT look for an online application form: While ISRO's generic portal page mentions online application in standard fields, the detailed official notification explicitly mandates a neatly typed physical application submitted by Ordinary Post. Handwritten applications and emails are rejected.
- Mistake 2 — Do NOT assume the ₹750 fee is non-refundable: All candidates must initially deposit ₹750 via BharatKosh/NTRP portal. However, female, SC/ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates who appear for the interview receive a 100% refund (Net Fee ₹0), and other candidates receive a ₹500 refund (Net Fee ₹250). Candidates absent from interview receive no refund.
- Mistake 3 — MBBS alone is NOT sufficient: The prescribed qualification requires MBBS along with a recognized Postgraduate qualification (MD or DNB in General Medicine, MD in Physiology, or MD in Aerospace Medicine). Minimum second class and compulsory rotatory internship are mandatory.
ISRO HSFC Medical Officer SD Recruitment 2026: Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, has advertised 4 Group A Medical Officer–SD provisional vacancies under Advertisement No. HSFC:02:RMT:2026 (dated 9 October 2026). The posts cover General Medicine (1 UR), Physiology (1 UR) and Aerospace Medicine (2 UR). The position carries Pay Level 11 (₹67,700–₹2,08,700) with a starting basic pay of ₹67,700 per month plus 20% Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) and admissible central allowances. There is no upper age limit. Applications must be neatly typed in the prescribed Annexure-I format and submitted along with documents and fee receipt by Ordinary Post to HSFC, Bengaluru so as to reach on or before 8 November 2026.
The Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), the lead centre under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, Government of India, has invited applications for direct recruitment to 4 Medical Officer–SD Group A posts under Advertisement No. HSFC:02:RMT:2026, dated 9 October 2026.
The vacancies are across three high-precision medical disciplines: General Medicine (Internal Medicine), Physiology, and Aerospace Medicine. The posts carry Central Government Pay Level 11, with a pay scale of ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 and lucrative benefits admissible to Department of Space officers.
The receipt of application window is active from 9 October 2026 to 8 November 2026. Candidates must carefully note that the detailed notification prescribes a typed application submitted by Ordinary Post. This is not an online application-form submission process.
ISRO HSFC Medical Officer SD Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO |
| Department | Department of Space, Government of India |
| Advertisement Number | HSFC:02:RMT:2026 |
| Notification Date | 9 October 2026 |
| Post Name | Medical Officer–SD |
| Classification / Group | Group A (Gazetted) |
| Total Vacancies | 4 Provisional Vacancies (All Unreserved / UR) |
| Disciplines Advertised | General Medicine (Internal Medicine), Physiology, Aerospace Medicine |
| Job Location | Bengaluru, Karnataka; posting may also be at other ISRO / DOS centres or units across India |
| Application Mode | Offline through Ordinary Post |
| Application Receipt Period | 9 October 2026 to 8 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Receipt | 8 November 2026 (Application must reach HSFC Bengaluru) |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | 8 November 2026 |
| Pay Level & Scale | Level 11 (₹67,700–₹2,08,700) |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹67,700 per month + 20% NPA + DA, HRA, TA |
| Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit specified for these posts |
| Selection Process | Initial Screening followed by Personal Interview |
| Official Websites | isro.gov.in / hsfc.gov.in |
Important Dates & Receipt Deadline
| Recruitment Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
| Official Advertisement Release Date | 9 October 2026 |
| Opening Date for Receipt of Applications | 9 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment via BharatKosh / NTRP | 8 November 2026 |
| Crucial Date for Determining Eligibility Criteria | 8 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Receipt at HSFC Bengaluru | 8 November 2026 |
| Interview Call Letter / Intimation | To be communicated to registered email ID after screening |
Vacancy Details & Discipline Breakdown
HSFC has advertised four provisional vacancies for Medical Officer–SD. All four posts are unreserved (UR), meaning eligible candidates from any category who meet the requisite qualification criteria may apply.
| Post Code | Discipline | Vacancies | Category | Prerequisite | Essential Postgraduate Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | General Medicine (Internal Medicine) | 1 | UR | MBBS | MD or DNB in General Medicine / Internal Medicine |
| 02 | Physiology | 1 | UR | MBBS | MD in Physiology |
| 03 | Aerospace Medicine | 2 | UR | MBBS | MD in Aerospace Medicine |
| Total Medical Officer–SD Vacancies: | 4 | Provisional (Subject to variation based on organizational requirements) | |||
Educational Qualification & Mandatory Conditions
Candidates must possess the prescribed qualification for the respective post code by the closing date, 8 November 2026. The notification sets out strict requirements regarding recognition, registration, and mode of education:
General Medicine
- MBBS: Recognized by National Medical Commission (NMC).
- PG: MD or DNB in General Medicine / Internal Medicine.
- Registered with NMC / State Medical Council.
Physiology
- MBBS: Recognized by National Medical Commission (NMC).
- PG: MD in Physiology.
- Registered with NMC / State Medical Council.
Aerospace Medicine
- MBBS: Recognized by National Medical Commission (NMC).
- PG: MD in Aerospace Medicine.
- Registered with NMC / State Medical Council.
Mandatory General Qualification Rules:
- Medical Registration: The prescribed qualifications must be recognised and registered with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or relevant State Medical Council.
- Minimum Division: The general conditions require at least Second Class in MBBS and MD, along with completion of compulsory rotatory internship.
- No Distance Learning: Candidates who pursued their medical qualifications through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are strictly NOT eligible.
- Foreign Degrees: Candidates holding foreign medical qualifications must satisfy the equivalence and ratification conditions specified by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Age Limit & Nationality Conditions
| Upper Age Limit | No Upper Age Limit: The official notification states that there is no upper age limit prescribed for Post Codes 01, 02, and 03. Qualified experienced doctors of any age are eligible to apply. |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals Only: Only citizens of India are eligible to apply for these posts. |
| Crucial Date for Age & Qualification | 8 November 2026. All educational and registration certificates must be valid and held on or before this date. |
ISRO HSFC Medical Officer Salary 2026 (Pay Level 11)
The advertised Medical Officer–SD posts are classified as Group A (Gazetted) in Pay Level 11 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix.
| Salary Component | Official Entitlement / Rate |
|---|---|
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Level 11 |
| Pay Scale | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹67,700 per month (Cell 1, Level 11) |
| Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) | 20% of Basic Pay (Admissible to Medical Officers) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per current Central Government rates (on Basic + NPA) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 30% for Bengaluru (Class X City) if government accommodation is not availed |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹7,200 + DA thereon for Level 11 in metro cities |
| Additional Benefits & Perks | Comprehensive Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) medical facilities for self and family, subsidized canteen, quarters accommodation, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Group Insurance, Children Education Allowance (CEA), and retirement pension/NPS benefits. |
Note: ₹67,700 is the entry basic pay, not the total take-home pay. Actual gross salary including NPA, DA, and HRA in Bengaluru exceeds ₹1.35 Lakh per month, subject to standard statutory deductions.
Application Fee & BharatKosh Refund Rules
The application fee mechanism in this notification requires careful attention. All applicants must initially pay ₹750 through the Government of India Non-Tax Receipt Portal (BharatKosh / NTRP). A substantial refund is granted to candidates who appear for the interview:
| Candidate Category | Initial Amount Paid | Refund if Candidate Appears in Interview | Net Non-Refundable Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women, SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen | ₹750 | ₹750 Refunded | ₹0 (Free) |
| Other Candidates (General, OBC, EWS Male) | ₹750 | ₹500 Refunded | ₹250 |
Crucial Fee Payment & Refund Conditions:
- Fee must be remitted strictly through BharatKosh / NTRP portal (bharatkosh.gov.in). No other payment mode is accepted.
- The payment receipt, challan copy, or transaction reference number must be printed and attached with the physical application form.
- Mandatory Bank Details: Candidates must accurately enter their own active bank account details (Account Number, Bank Name, Branch, and IFSC code) in the application form for processing the refund.
- No Refund for Absent Candidates: If a shortlisted candidate fails to appear for the personal interview, no refund will be issued.
- Any bank transaction fee or payment gateway service charge charged by the platform is to be borne by the applicant.
Selection Process (Screening & Interview)
The recruitment to Medical Officer–SD posts is purely based on screening and personal interview. The detailed advertisement does NOT prescribe a written examination:
Stage 1: Initial Screening
HSFC conducts thorough screening of all physical applications received by the closing date. Applications are evaluated based on academic performance in MBBS and MD/DNB, relevant clinical experience, and fulfillment of prescribed norms. Only shortlisted candidates will receive an interview call letter.
Stage 2: Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates are called for an in-person interview before an expert Selection Board at Bengaluru. Final merit selection is based 100% on performance in the interview. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not confer an automatic right to be called for interview.
Indicative Job Responsibilities by Discipline
Medical Officer–SD roles at HSFC are unique and pivotal for India's Human Spaceflight Programme (Gaganyaan and future orbital stations). The indicative responsibilities published in the advertisement are:
- Clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and medical care for human-spaceflight crews and personnel.
- Emergency medical preparedness and response during simulations, pre-launch, and mission phases.
- Interpretation of advanced clinical diagnostic investigations, ECG, biochemical markers, and imaging.
- Evaluating systemic responses to extreme environmental stress and microgravity simulation conditions.
- Continuous physiological health assessment of astronaut designates during rigorous training routines.
- Applying internal medicine expertise to operational spaceflight medical guidelines and research.
- Establishing baseline cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurovestibular physiological profiles of crews.
- Monitoring physiological adaptations under extreme hypobaric, hyperbaric, and human centrifuge conditions.
- Tracking multi-system physiological adaptation and cardiovascular deconditioning during flight profiles.
- Collaborating with sports physiology teams to devise physical conditioning and countermeasure protocols.
- Participating in post-flight physiological recovery, rehabilitation, and readaptation studies.
- Supporting astronaut medical selection, periodic certification, and flight fitness clearance.
- Formulating space medicine clinical practice guidelines and operational aerospace protocols.
- Real-time health monitoring of crew members during hyper-gravity simulations, parabolic flights, and training.
- Providing operational medical tele-support and bio-telemetry monitoring during spaceflight missions.
- Supervising post-flight quarantine, medical debriefs, and recovery rehabilitation regimens.
- Liaising with international space agencies and specialized aerospace medical centers.
How to Apply Step-by-Step (Offline Ordinary Post Guide)
Candidates must follow the 9-step procedure precisely as outlined in the official notification to ensure their application is valid and accepted:
Step 1: Access the Official Recruitment Page
Visit the official ISRO Human Space Flight Centre recruitment page for Advertisement No. HSFC:02:RMT:2026.
Step 2: Download the Official Application Format (Annexure-I)
Download the prescribed Annexure-I format from the official website. Do not alter fields or use non-prescribed templates.
Step 3: Neatly Type and Complete the Application
Important: The application must be neatly typed in the prescribed format. Handwritten applications will be rejected outright. Fill every mandatory field accurately.
Step 4: Prepare Photograph & Signature (Strict Specifications)
Affix a recent colour passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months, measuring 7 cm high × 5 cm wide, on a plain or white background, full frontal view; strictly NO selfies). Sign the document with blue ink in the designated space.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee via BharatKosh / NTRP
Pay the initial fee of ₹750 on bharatkosh.gov.in following Annexure-II instructions. Print and attach the payment receipt / challan with the application.
Step 6: Attach Prescribed Self-Attested Supporting Documents
Enclose self-attested photocopies of Class 10/12 certificates (for DOB proof), MBBS degree & mark sheets, internship completion certificate, MD/DNB degree & mark sheets, medical council registration certificate, and caste/PwBD/Ex-SM certificates (if applicable).
Step 7: Enclose and Superscribe the Sealed Envelope
Place the typed application and all enclosures in a secure envelope. Superscribe the top of the envelope in bold block letters:
"APPLICATION TO THE POST OF MEDICAL OFFICER – SD, POST CODE NO: [Enter Post Code 01, 02, or 03]"
Note: If applying for more than one post code, separate applications and envelopes must be sent.
Step 8: Send Strictly by Ordinary Post to the Prescribed Address
Send the sealed envelope by Ordinary Post to:
Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Department of Space
Doddannekunndi, Bengaluru – 560037
Karnataka, India
Applications delivered by hand, email, or modes other than the prescribed Ordinary Post will NOT be accepted.
Step 9: Retain Proof & Monitor Email
Retain photocopies of the application, payment receipt, and postal dispatch proof. HSFC communicates the registration number and recruitment updates directly to the candidate's registered email address.
Application Checklist & Important Instructions
- Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- All prescribed qualifications and registrations must be held by the closing date: 8 November 2026.
- The application form must be typed; handwritten submissions are rejected.
- Every mandatory column in Annexure-I must be completely filled.
- Separate application and separate fee are mandatory if applying for multiple post codes.
- The BharatKosh / NTRP payment receipt must be securely stapled to the application.
- The application must physically reach HSFC on or before 8 November 2026. HSFC is not responsible for postal delays.
- Do not rely on private coaching centers or intermediaries; ISRO never appoints any agents.
Important Official Links & Download Annexures
| Official Document / Portal | Link & Action |
|---|---|
| Official Detailed Notification PDF | Download Official Advertisement PDF |
| ISRO Medical Officer–SD Recruitment Page | ISRO Recruitment Page (Advt No. HSFC:02:RMT:2026) |
| Application Form (Annexure-I) | Download Annexure-I Form Format ↗ |
| Fee Payment Instructions (Annexure-II) | View BharatKosh Annexure-II Steps ↗ |
| BharatKosh / NTRP Payment Portal | BharatKosh Fee Portal ↗ |
| Official HSFC Website | Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) ↗ |
| ISRO Official Careers Portal | Official ISRO Careers Portal ↗ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Editorial Verification Notice: This recruitment article has been thoroughly verified against the official detailed advertisement PDF published by Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO under Advt No. HSFC:02:RMT:2026 dated 09.10.2026.
Published & Fact-Checked Date: 12 October 2026 | Source: ISRO Recruitment Portal & HSFC Bengaluru.