ISRO URSC Exam Experience for Technical Assistant

As a computer engineering graduate, we have numerous private companies offering opportunities for software developers. However, in the government sector, software engineers also have opportunities, such as through exams for prestigious organizations like ISRO. ISRO, the pride of India, is a coveted workplace for many students. As a software engineer, I recently came to know about the ISRO examination and applied for the Technical Assistant Computer Science in ISTRAC/URSC position.

The online applications were open until the deadline, typically followed by the exam within 2-3 months. This computer-based exam (CBT)

From the moment I learned about this examination, I delved into researching it thoroughly. Once I grasped the requirements, I diligently gathered all necessary documents: a government ID proof and my academic credentials. With everything in hand, I proceeded to fill out the application form with meticulous care.

Application Process :

When filling out the application form, accuracy is paramount, especially for information that will be printed on the admit card. Here’s how I’d ensure precision:

1. Name: Enter your full name as per official records.
2. Father’s name: Provide your father’s full name as it appears in official documents.
3. Date of Birth: Input your date of birth accurately.
4. Name of the Post: Specify the exact name of the post you are applying for.
5. Post Discipline / Trade: Ensure the discipline or trade matches the requirements of the post.
6. Original Photo ID proof: Select a government-issued ID that matches the information provided accurately.

Double-checking each entry before submission can prevent errors on the admit card.

After submitting all the required information, it’s crucial to prepare the following documents:

1. Photo: Ensure your photo adheres to the specified size and guidelines provided by the examination authorities.
2. Signature: Your signature should also meet the size requirements as outlined by the authorities.

Following these guidelines meticulously will ensure that your application is complete and meets all necessary criteria.

Receiving Mail :

After successfully completing all necessary processes and submitting my application,Before the examination, approximately 17-20 days prior, I received an email containing the following details:

• Exam Date
• Type of Examination
• Admit card released date with exam city

Then, around 10-13 days before the examination, another email arrived, furnishing the additional information:

1. Exam Date
2. Exam City
3. Shift
4. E-admit card
5. Note reminding me to bring the original ID Proof mentioned in the e-admit card for identity verification on the examination day.

On the day of the exam, since my exam city was different from my hometown, I woke up early and embarked on a 6-7 hour journey to reach the destination. Upon arrival, I noticed that the gate closing time on my admit card was 4:00 PM, with reporting time at 3:00 PM. Despite already knowing my shift timing (04:30 PM – 06:00 PM), I ensured I reached the destination by 2:00 PM to allow ample time for any unforeseen circumstances.

Exam Day:

Through this 6-7 hour journey, I didn’t eat anything and hardly drank enough water, exacerbated by the scorching summer heat. Upon reaching the destination at 2:00 PM, I encountered a long queue formed even before the gates opened. Amidst the wait, I realized I had forgotten my photo in another bag, which I now carried along with me. Despite having my printed admit card and government ID proof, the missing photo posed a challenge.

In a panic, I scoured the vicinity and stumbled upon a small shop equipped with a printer, where a throng of students was frantically printing forgotten government ID photos and admit cards. Without wasting a moment, I retrieved a scanned photo from my phone, emailed it, and swiftly got it printed. With just a minute remaining before the gate opening, I dashed back to join the queue, feeling a surge of relief amidst the chaos.

After the gates opened, everyone rushed inside and formed another queue, this time for document verification with their admit cards and government ID proofs. Before joining this queue, I quickly affixed my latest updated photo onto my admit card to avoid any issues.

Inside, I noticed many students forgetting to attach their photos, resulting in the necessity to form an additional queue for photo-sticking before entering the hub area.

Unfortunately, there weren’t any arrangements for securing our bags. Consequently, all students had to place their bags on the first stand rack provided, ensuring their phones were on silent mode to maintain a quiet environment.

Now, I stood in line with my essentials:

1. Admit card, featuring the latest updated photo securely affixed to it.
2. Government ID proof.
3. Transparent water bottle.
4. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring a pen.

There were temporary rooms set up for girls for security checkups. Before proceeding, notice boards displayed our application IDs and the respective lab numbers. After completing the security check, I entered the expansive hub. Navigating through the vast space, I located my designated lab and made my way there.

After some time, everyone formed another queue to mark attendance based on our lab numbers. A faculty member oversaw the process, following these steps:

• Asking for our names.
• Verifying our government ID proofs.
• Taking fingerprints for attendance.
• Capturing live photos and assigning computer number seats.

After being assigned our computer seat numbers, I proceeded to my designated seat in front of the computer screen. The screen already displayed our application photo, indicating that the exam was ready to commence. The exam was scheduled for one and a half hours.

Following the exam, we repeated the entire process: fingerprinting, capturing live photos, and other necessary procedures. Once completed, we queued up again to exit the hub. It took me approximately half an hour to exit through the main gate after the exam.

I was very exhausted and hungry as I hadn’t eaten all day. I experienced dizziness after the exam. Following that, I had to travel again for 6-7 hours. I drank some fresh juice to rejuvenate myself before embarking on my journey back home.

During my travel, I received an email notifying me of another interview scheduled for 9 PM in Hyderabad. However, I was already exhausted and lacked the energy to travel again to reach Hyderabad. Therefore, I decided to return home and take some rest instead.

This concludes my exam experience, which was both challenging and exhilarating. I hope this provides insight into how to prepare oneself beyond just studying for any examination. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!