100 ISRO scientists exit, who can enter? How to get a job at India's space agency

ISRO recruits engineers through exams or GATE-based shortlisting, offers Level 10 pay, and assigns work based on mission needs. The Department of Space has also tightened resignation rules for scientists working on critical national missions.

In Short

• Scientist or Engineer SC is the main entry route for graduates
• Selections happen through written tests or GATE-based shortlisting and interviews
• Fresh recruits start at Level 10 with basic pay of ₹56,100

Over 100 scientists have reportedly exited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with some of them associated with India's upcoming space missions, including the Gaganyaan programme. While the reasons behind the departures have not been officially detailed, experts have described the trend as part of a growing concern over brain drain, where experienced scientific talent moves to other organisations or opportunities.

At the same time, ISRO continues to remain one of the most preferred employers for engineering graduates in India.

With placement challenges affecting many young graduates, including those from premier institutions, a scientist's position at the country's space agency is often seen as a stable and prestigious career.

For thousands of engineering graduates in India, a job at the ISRO is among the most sought-after career options.

From launching satellites and developing launch vehicles to working on planetary missions, ISRO scientists contribute to some of India's biggest scientific programmes.

However, getting a job at ISRO is competitive. The organisation recruits scientists and engineers through a structured selection process, offers government pay scales, and follows service rules that differ from the private sector.

Recently, the Department of Space also tightened resignation rules for scientists working on critical missions.

HOW TO GET A JOB AT ISRO

The most common entry-level position for engineering graduates is Scientist/Engineer 'SC'.

Candidates with a BE/BTech or equivalent degree in disciplines such as Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electrical, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Architecture, and several other engineering streams are recruited through the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB).

Recruitment notifications are released on the official ISRO Careers portal.

Depending on the recruitment notification, candidates are selected through either:

1. A written examination followed by an interview.
2. GATE score-based shortlisting for specified vacancies, followed by an interview.
3. The final merit list is prepared according to the recruitment rules mentioned in the official advertisement.

WHAT IS THE SAARY OF AN ISRO SCIENTIST?

A newly recruited Scientist/Engineer 'SC' is appointed under Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with a starting basic pay of 56,100 per month.

Apart from the basic salary, scientists are entitled to several government allowances and benefits, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Group Insurance, House Building Advance, and pension benefits under the applicable government pension scheme.

The in-hand salary varies depending on the place of posting, applicable allowances, and statutory deductions.

WHAT ARE THE WORKING HOURS?

ISRO generally follows regular government office timings, although the working hours may vary from one centre to another.

Scientists associated with satellite launches, mission control, launch vehicle integration, testing, and mission operations often work beyond regular office hours.

During launch campaigns and major missions, teams may work extended hours and rotational schedules depending on operational requirements.

Unlike industries that function on fixed shift systems, ISRO's work schedule is largely determined by mission timelines and project deadlines.

CAN AN ISRO SCIENTIST RESIGN?

ISRO scientists are permitted to resign or opt for voluntary retirement, but the process is governed by the service rules of the Department of Space.

Following reports that more than 100 scientists had left the organisation, the Department of Space revised its policy for employees associated with critical national missions.

Under the revised guidelines, resignation or voluntary retirement requests from scientists working on strategic projects, including the Gaganyaan mission, will not be processed routinely.

Instead, Centre Directors have been instructed to examine such requests and forward them to the Department of Space with their recommendations before a final decision is taken.

The move is aimed at ensuring continuity in projects considered important for India's space programme.

CAREER GROWTH AT ISRO

Scientists recruited as Scientist/Engineer 'SC' progress through different grades based on experience, performance, departmental assessments, and organisational requirements.

Over the course of their careers, scientists may work in satellite technology, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, remote sensing, navigation, communication satellites, planetary exploration, Earth observation, space applications, and human spaceflight missions.

ISRO also provides opportunities for higher studies, specialised training, and research collaborations depending on organisational requirements.

From Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan to Aditya-L1 and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, scientists at ISRO continue to contribute to projects that support satellite communication, weather forecasting, navigation, disaster management, scientific research, agriculture, and national security.

For engineering graduates looking for a career in science, research, and technology, a position at ISRO continues to remain one of the country's most respected government jobs, despite the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.

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