Career as an Astronaut in India: Degrees, Eligibility and How to Begin

Start with Class 12 Science and PCM, then take a B.Tech or B.E. in aerospace, mechanical or electronics engineering, or a B.Sc in Physics. Build towards a master's or PhD, or pilot training, and gain several years of professional experience. Civilians are reportedly set to join ISRO's astronaut cadre, but the exact eligibility is not yet fully published, so check HSFC and ISRO notices before applying.

There is no single best degree. Aerospace engineering is the most direct route, and a master's in a STEM field is the benchmark NASA sets. Physics, mechanical, electronics and computer science graduates can also qualify. Kalpana Chawla earned a PhD in aerospace engineering before flying on two NASA missions. Choose the field you enjoy, because strong results and experience matter as much as the degree name.

No. Astronauts are selected by a space agency through applications, interviews and medical tests, not through an entrance exam. Tests such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced and GATE matter earlier, when you apply for engineering and postgraduate courses. NASA reviews applications, invites a small group to interviews at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, and then selects candidates.

Yes. NASA's requirements accept a master's in a STEM field or a medical degree, and pilot hours are only one option. NASA's latest group of astronaut candidates included engineers, medical professionals, a geologist and test pilots. Flying experience helps, but it is not compulsory for every astronaut.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen in space on 3 April 1984, flying aboard Soyuz T-11 and spending 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes aboard Salyut 7. Kalpana Chawla flew on NASA missions in 1997 and 2003. Sunita Williams, of Indian origin, completed two long NASA missions. Shubhanshu Shukla was set to become the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station in 2025.

NASA's published requirements say applicants must be U.S. citizens, so Indian citizens cannot apply to the NASA astronaut corps under those rules. Indian students should focus on India's programme through ISRO and HSFC, and on international research and engineering roles. Indian-origin astronauts such as Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and Raja Chari built their careers in the United States.

After selection, NASA candidates spend about two years in training at the Johnson Space Center. They learn spacewalking, space station operations, flying T-38 jets and using a robotic arm. Indian training timelines are not yet published, so check HSFC for updates. Because selection is competitive and can take years, students should plan a long-term path through engineering or science.