In which year was the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) formally established as India's national space agency?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is one of the most important scientific institutions in India, responsible for satellite launches, planetary missions and a wide range of space applications. Competitive exams often include questions about the year in which ISRO was established, because this anchors the timeline of India's space programme. Knowing this date also helps distinguish ISRO from earlier space related committees and organisations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The institution mentioned is the Indian Space Research Organisation, abbreviated as ISRO. - The question asks for the year in which ISRO was set up. - Options include 1952, 1959, 1964 and 1969. - Candidates should recall the difference between early space committees and the formal founding year of ISRO.

Concept / Approach:
India's space journey began with the formation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the Department of Atomic Energy in 1962. However, ISRO as an organisation was formally established later to carry forward the national space programme in a more organised way. The widely accepted and exam tested year for the establishment of ISRO is 1969. The approach is to distinguish between precursor bodies like INCOSPAR and the year when ISRO itself came into existence.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by consulting official ISRO publications and reputable science history sources. These clearly state that ISRO was formed in 1969, while noting earlier milestones such as the formation of INCOSPAR in 1962 and the creation of the Department of Space in the 1970s. Many general knowledge compendiums and competitive exam books include a direct one line fact: ISRO was founded in 1969 with headquarters at Bengaluru. This repeated statement across trusted references supports choosing 1969 as the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The year 1952 predates India's organised space efforts and is not associated with ISRO's formation. The year 1959 might be confused with other post independence institutions but does not correspond to ISRO. The year 1964 is closer to early rocket and space activity but still refers to a period when INCOSPAR, not ISRO, was active. None of the above is incorrect only when no option matches the known fact, but here 1969 clearly does, so that is the correct choice.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is mixing up the founding years of INCOSPAR, ISRO and the Department of Space. Some students remember 1962 and mistakenly mark that year, even when it is not an option, or choose a nearby year like 1964. Others may just guess among the 1960s options without recalling the exact date. To avoid these errors, it helps to memorise a simple timeline: INCOSPAR in 1962, ISRO in 1969 and Department of Space later in the 1970s.

Final Answer:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formally established as India's national space agency in the year 1969.