HowIndiaEarns

Scientist / Engineer 'SC' vs Junior Engineer

Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.

Pay level

Pay Level 10Pay Level 6

Starting in-hand

₹92,000–₹1,02,000 in-hand₹57,000–₹67,000 in-hand

Group

Group A (Gazetted)Group B

Exam

ISRO ICRBSSC JE

Qualification

Professional degreeITI / Diploma

Age limit

18–2818–32

Field work

lowhigh

Stress (1–5)

33

Transfers

rareall india

First promotion

Scientist / Engineer 'SD' (About 4 years, through merit review)Assistant Engineer (Group B gazetted) (10–18 years, or sooner through the limited departmental exam)

Choose Scientist / Engineer 'SC' if…

  • ✓ Work on real space missions
  • ✓ Promotions depend on review of your work, not on vacancies
  • ✓ Stable posting at one centre

Choose Junior Engineer if…

  • ✓ Level 6 pay for a diploma holder
  • ✓ Hands-on engineering work with visible results
  • ✓ Departmental exam can speed up promotion to Assistant Engineer