ISRO Scientist Engineer Answer Key 2026

Understanding the ISRO Scientist Engineer Answer Key 2026

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) conducts the recruitment examination for Scientist/Engineer 'SC' posts across multiple engineering disciplines. Following the written examination conducted on 29 October 2026, the recruitment board publishes the answer key to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection procedure.

An answer key serves as the official reference document containing the correct responses to all questions presented in the test booklet. The ICRB releases the answer key in two distinct phases: provisional and final. The provisional answer key is released shortly after the examination, inviting candidate feedback, representations, and objections. The final answer key is compiled after an expert panel reviews all submitted challenges. ICRB prepares the merit list and cutoff scores strictly on the basis of the final answer key.

ISRO Scientist Engineer SC 2026: Important Highlights

Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Answer Key

Candidates can access their question paper, candidate response sheet, and the official answer key by following these steps:

• Navigate to the official ISRO portal at isro.gov.in and click on the Careers section.
• Locate the link for ICRB Recruitment of Scientist/Engineer 'SC' (Advt 2026).
• Click on the notification link titled 'Written Test Answer Key and Candidate Response Sheet'.
• Select your specific engineering branch (such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, or Computer Science).
• Log in with your registration number, roll number, and date of birth.
• Download the answer key PDF and save it on your device for score calculation.

How to Calculate Your Estimated Score

Candidates must understand the marking scheme clearly before evaluating their performance. The ISRO Scientist/Engineer 'SC' examination consists of disciplinary-specific technical questions as well as allied engineering and aptitude questions. According to the official scheme, each correct answer is awarded positive marks, while each incorrect answer incurs negative marking penalty.

Use the following formula to compute your tentative written test score:

Total Estimated Score = (Number of Correct Answers × Marks per Correct Answer) - (Number of Incorrect Answers × Penalty Marks)

For instance, if the paper assigns +3 marks for every correct answer and deducts 0.75 marks (or -1 mark depending on the section) for every wrong response, consider a scenario where a candidate attempts 70 questions: 54 correct and 16 incorrect. The score would be calculated as (54 × 3) - (16 × 0.75) = 162 - 12 = 150 marks. Unattempted questions carry zero weightage and do not affect the total.

Section-Wise Comparison and Category Cutoff Estimation

Candidates should divide their evaluation into distinct sections: Core Technical Subject and Aptitude or General Knowledge. Comparing section-wise accuracy helps determine whether you clear both overall and sectional benchmark cutoffs set by ICRB.

Historical trends indicate that the shortlisting cutoff for interview rounds varies considerably by discipline and social category. UR (Unreserved) candidates usually require a higher benchmark compared to OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates. Candidates should note that the written test marks serve as a screening mechanism to shortlist candidates for the personal interview in a predetermined ratio (typically 1:5).

Complete Procedure to Raise Objections

If a candidate finds discrepancies in the official provisional key, such as an incorrect option marked as right, multiple correct options, or ambiguous phrasing, they can submit an online challenge. Here are the procedural details:

• Portal: Objections must be submitted only through the official ICRB Online Grievance / Objection Link available on isro.gov.in. Hard copies, letters, or emails sent to ISRO headquarters will not be entertained.
• Deadline: The objection link is activated following the publication of the provisional key, but the duration is not specified. Candidates must submit representations before the portal closes.
• Documentary Proof: Every objection must be supported by valid reference material, such as page excerpts from standard academic textbooks, research papers, or peer-reviewed engineering publications.
• Review Mechanism: An independent committee of subject-matter experts examines every challenged question against the submitted academic references.

What Happens When an Objection is Accepted?

If the expert committee agrees that the challenged question had an error or an alternate correct response, corrective actions are initiated. The revised answer key reflects one of three standard modifications: updating the correct option, awarding marks to all candidates who chose either of the two correct options, or cancelling the question entirely. If a question is cancelled, the total test score is calculated by prorating the remaining questions across all candidates equally.

What Happens When an Objection is Rejected?

If the subject committee dismisses the challenge, the original provisional answer stands confirmed. ICRB does not offer a provision for secondary appeals or re-evaluations once the final key is published. While candidates can theoretically file applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, RTI inquiries cannot compel an expert body to alter technical judgments or overturn final recruitment keys.

Judging Your Qualifying Chances Realistically

Candidates should neither assume selection too early nor abandon hope prematurely. Take into account negative marking strictly, avoid assuming benefit of doubt for ambiguous responses, and benchmark your score against past year trends for your specific branch. This realistic perspective helps in directing effort towards upcoming exams or preparing early for the ICRB technical interview.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Answer Key Verification

• Confusing question booklet sets (e.g., matching Set A answers against Set C questions).
• Forgetting to subtract negative marks for wrong answers.
• Assuming contested questions are automatically granted as bonus marks.
• Marking unattempted questions as incorrect.