ISRO Scientist/Engineer SC (Computer Science) exam-day guide
ISRO Scientist/Engineer SC (Computer Science) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Printed admit card/hall ticket
Print at least two clear copies of the admit card from the ICRB/ISRO recruitment portal. Verify your name, registration number, photograph, signature, exam date, reporting time and centre address. Carry the printout in a plastic folder so it stays dry. needs_review: exact print/colour requirements and whether a self-declaration is attached vary by recruitment cycle - confirm with the provider.
Original valid photo ID
Carry an original government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence or voter ID. The ID number should match the one entered in your application. Carry one photocopy as well in case the centre collects it. needs_review: confirm the accepted ID list and whether a photocopy is required with the provider.
Recent passport-size photographs
Carry two or three recent colour photographs matching the one uploaded in your application. Some centres require a photo to be pasted on the attendance sheet. needs_review: confirm the exact photo specification and number required with the provider.
Self-declaration/undertaking form
If the admit card instructions include a self-declaration or undertaking, print, sign and carry it. Do not assume it is required if it is not listed. needs_review: confirm whether this form applies to your centre and cycle.
Black or blue ballpoint pen
Carry a working ballpoint pen for signatures and attendance. Do not rely on the centre providing one.
Transparent water bottle
Carry a small transparent water bottle only if the centre permits it. Keep it label-free. needs_review: confirm drinking-water and bottle rules with the provider.
Simple analog watch
Many computer-based test centres prohibit wristwatches, including analog ones. Do not depend on a watch; the test screen usually shows a timer. needs_review: confirm whether any watch is allowed.
Centre route and travel plan
Confirm the exact centre address and entry gate. Plan travel time with a buffer for traffic. Aim to reach the centre well before the reporting time; late entry may be refused. needs_review: confirm the reporting time and late-entry cutoff from your admit card.
Exam-pattern notes
Revise the expected pattern: typically 80 objective questions in 90 minutes covering discipline and aptitude, with negative marking for wrong answers. Confirm the current pattern, section weightage and penalty from the ICRB advertisement/admit card before relying on it.
CBT mock practice
Practise on a computer with a timer so you are comfortable with the on-screen question palette, mark-for-review and navigation. Decide your section time budget in advance. needs_review: confirm whether an on-screen calculator or scribble pad is provided.
Photocopy of ID and admit card
Keep one photocopy of your photo ID and admit card in your bag. Some centres collect copies or refer to them during verification. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether copies are required.
Medication/food essentials
Carry only items permitted by the centre. If you need medication or have a medical condition, carry the minimum necessary and declare it to the invigilator. needs_review: confirm medical-item rules with the provider in advance.
Plan the day
Download and print the admit card as soon as it is available. Check every detail and contact the recruitment helpdesk immediately if there is an error. Locate the centre on a map, estimate travel time and decide your departure time. Read the admit card instructions line by line and list every document the centre requires.
Take one full timed mock at the same time of day as the real test. Review errors, but do not start new topics. Make a one-page formula and fact sheet for Computer Science topics and aptitude shortcuts. Confirm your transport and, if needed, accommodation near the centre. Pack the document folder early so nothing is rushed.
Do light revision only: formula sheet, weak areas, and a few aptitude questions. Avoid late-night study. Pack the admit card, original ID, photocopies, photographs, pen and any permitted items in one bag. Keep the bag near the door. Set two alarms and arrange a backup wake-up call. Sleep early.
Lay out clothes and the document folder. Re-check that the admit card and original ID are inside. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and too much caffeine. Read the centre reporting time once more and confirm your departure time.
Eat a light breakfast and leave with enough buffer to reach the centre early. Carry only the permitted items; leave phones, smartwatches and study notes with a companion or at home. Use the restroom before entry. At the centre, follow verification, biometric/photo capture and seating instructions.
Read the on-screen instructions carefully. Check that your name and photograph appear correctly. Test the mouse and keyboard, and note how to mark an answer for review. Keep the rough sheet or scribble pad, if provided, within the rules. Do not start writing until instructed.
First scan the paper and mark easy questions. Answer confident questions first, then return to doubtful ones. Respect negative marking: do not blind-guess; eliminate options first. Keep an eye on the timer and allocate time by section. Use mark-for-review for questions you want to revisit. In the last 10 minutes, verify that answers are saved and that no required field is incomplete.
Hand over any permitted rough sheet or materials as instructed. Do not discuss the paper inside the centre premises. Note any anomaly and, if needed, report it through the official channel. Keep your admit card and ID safe for later stages.
Rules to check
Carry the printed admit card and an original valid photo ID. Entry may be refused without them; confirm the exact accepted ID list and any photocopy requirement with the provider.
Electronic devices are prohibited inside the test hall, including mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, Bluetooth devices and calculators. Keep them outside or in the designated area; possession inside the hall can lead to disqualification.
Follow all invigilator instructions and centre signage. Do not talk, share materials or look at another candidate's screen. Biometric capture and signature must match your application details.
The written test is typically 80 objective questions in 90 minutes with negative marking for wrong answers. Confirm the current pattern, penalty and cut-off rules from the ICRB advertisement/admit card before the exam.
Scheduled breaks are normally not provided during the test. Raise your hand for an emergency and follow the invigilator's direction; confirm the centre's break and exit rules with the provider.
Do not carry unauthorized notes, books or electronic storage devices. Any malpractice or impersonation can lead to cancellation of candidature and further action.
Reach the centre before the reporting time. Late entry may be refused. Confirm the reporting time, gate and late-entry cutoff from your admit card.