Short answer: An ISTC diploma can be the start of much more than a first job. Radical Scientific Equipments, an Ambala manufacturer of microscopes and precision instruments founded in 1975, has two ISTC alumni in its leadership, from the batches of 1972 and 1980.
This is the first in our series on what an ISTC diploma led to. Every fact about the company below comes from its public business page on ISTCKonnect.
The company in brief
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1975, Ambala, Haryana |
| Campus | More than 100,000 sq ft of manufacturing on a 5.5-acre campus in Ambala Cantt |
| Team | Over 250 qualified staff |
| Products | Fluorescence, compound binocular, polarising and metallurgical microscopes, profile projectors, digital imaging cameras, histopathology equipment, educational lab supplies |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 13485, CE |
| Export status | Government-recognised Star Export House, supplying the USA, Europe and other markets |
| Sectors served | Education, research, defence, life sciences, automotive |
The company has also brought its two units, Radical Instruments and Mankotia Engineers, under one roof.
The ISTCians behind it
The business page lists two ISTC alumni:
- Ranjeet Singh, Chairman, ISTC batch of 1972
- Manoj Kumar Mankotia, Co-founder, ISTC batch of 1980
The page describes the company as built on five decades of precision engineering and ISTC-trained craftsmanship.
Why precision instruments and ISTC fit together
ISTC, the Indo Swiss Training Centre in Chandigarh, was set up in 1963 in collaboration with the Swiss Foundation for Technical Assistance. It functions as a human resource development unit of CSIR-CSIO, the national laboratory for scientific instruments.
That link shows in the training. ISTC is workshop-first: machining, fitting, precision measurement, tool design and electronics are learnt on real machines and equipment. A profile projector or a metallurgical microscope is exactly the kind of instrument a tool room or quality lab relies on, and building one takes the same habits ISTC drills from year one: tight tolerances, careful measurement and respect for the machine.
What this means if you are in Class 10 now
- A diploma is a starting point, not a ceiling. Many ISTC alumni grow from technical roles into specialist, management and founder roles. ISTCKonnect lists ventures built by ISTCians on its businesses page.
- Precision manufacturing is a career field in itself. Instrument makers need machinists, CNC operators, quality and metrology technicians, electronics and imaging technicians, designers and export teams.
- Both ISTC streams are relevant. The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Tool & Die) builds machining and measurement skills. The Diploma in Electronics Engineering builds instrumentation and imaging skills. Compare all four programmes on the courses page.
- Choose an institute by its training, not its brochure. Our guide to the engineering diploma after 10th lists six things to check before you decide.
How to get into ISTC
Admission is through ISTC's own entrance exam for Class 10 students (or those awaiting results) with Mathematics, Science and English and at least 50% marks (40% for SC/ST). See eligibility and the exam pattern. The 2027 notification is not out yet. Based on the 2026 schedule, the form is expected to open in early May 2027 and the exam is expected in early July 2027. Check important dates and apply only through the official website, istc.ac.in.
A fair note
One company's story is not a promise. Careers depend on the person, the years of work and the opportunities along the way, and ISTC does not publish placement statistics. What this story shows is what is possible when strong technical training meets long-term effort.
ISTCKonnect is the independent alumni network of ISTC. It is not the institute and does not conduct admissions.
Sources
- Radical Scientific Equipments Pvt. Ltd., ISTCKonnect business page: https://istckonnect.com/business/radical-instruments
- ISTC Information Brochure 2026: https://istc.ac.in/pdfs/ISTC_Information_Brochure_-%202026.pdf
- ISTC admissions page: https://istc.ac.in/academics/admissions
Frequently asked questions
Can an ISTC diploma lead to running your own company?
It can be a strong foundation. ISTCKonnect lists ventures founded or led by ISTC alumni, including Radical Scientific Equipments in Ambala. The diploma alone does not guarantee this; it depends on the person and years of work.
What does Radical Scientific Equipments make?
According to its ISTCKonnect business page: optical and scientific instruments such as fluorescence, compound binocular, polarising and metallurgical microscopes, profile projectors, digital imaging cameras, histopathology equipment and educational lab supplies.
Which ISTC alumni are part of Radical Scientific Equipments?
Its business page lists Ranjeet Singh, Chairman (ISTC batch of 1972), and Manoj Kumar Mankotia, Co-founder (ISTC batch of 1980).
Which ISTC course suits a career in precision instruments?
Both streams are relevant. Mechanical Engineering (Tool & Die) builds machining and measurement skills; Electronics Engineering builds instrumentation and imaging skills. See istckonnect.com/admissions/courses.
Is ISTC a government institute?
Yes. ISTC functions as part of CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), a national laboratory under CSIR, Government of India. All its courses are AICTE approved.
How do I get admission to ISTC after Class 10?
Through the ISTC entrance exam: 100 MCQs in 100 minutes at Class 10 level. The 2027 dates are not announced; based on 2026, the form is expected in early May 2027 and the exam in early July 2027.
Is ISTCKonnect the official ISTC website?
No. ISTCKonnect is the independent alumni network. The official website is istc.ac.in, and applications are accepted only there.