100 resignations in 10 months, where and why are the scientists leaving ISRO?

The private space sector is growing rapidly in India and its impact is now visible on ISRO as well. According to the report, some experienced scientists who have left ISRO in recent months have joined private space startups. In the year 2020, the Central Government opened the space sector to private companies and after the implementation of the Indian Space Policy in 2023, more than 400 registered space startups have come up in the country, in which investment of about 500 million dollars has come. Companies like Pixel, Dhruva Space, Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos and Bellatrix Aerospace are growing rapidly. However, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has clearly said that ISRO’s workforce is very large and “many people come and many go”. According to him, this does not affect the efficiency of the agency or any national project. Meanwhile, former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somnath has also joined the Board of Directors of Agnikul Cosmos as an Observer. In such a situation, the question is arising that how much salary do ISRO scientists get, what is their pay scale and what facilities do they get. At the same time, how much do scientists of the same level earn in foreign space institutions like NASA, ESA and JAXA and how different are the facilities there. Let us know.

How to get a job in ISRO and how much is the starting salary?

To become a scientist or engineer in the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), a candidate must have Physics, Chemistry and Maths in 12th. After this, BE, B.Tech or related degree is required in subjects like Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace or Physics. Recruitment is done through ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board on the basis of written examination, interview and document verification. Under the Seventh Pay Commission, new Scientist or Engineer SC gets a basic salary of Rs 56,100 in Pay Level 10. By adding facilities like DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Professional Update Allowance and NPS, the total monthly salary can reach around Rs 95 thousand to Rs 1.07 lakh.

Pay scale increases from level 10 to 16, salary increases with promotion

The salary of scientists in ISRO is decided according to the pay matrix level. Initial recruitment starts from Level 10 and with experience, scientists move up to positions like SD, SE, SF, SG, H, Outstanding Scientist and Distinguished Scientist. Basic salary at Level 11 is Rs 67,700, at Level 12 is Rs 78,800, at Level 13 is Rs 1,18,500, at Level 13A is Rs 1,31,100, at Level 14 is Rs 1,44,200, at Level 15 is Rs 1,82,200 and at Level 16 Basic salary is up to Rs 2,05,400. Allowances also increase with promotion, due to which the annual package of senior scientists can reach Rs 25 to 30 lakh.

How much salary do you get in NASA, ESA and JAXA?

If we talk about foreign space agencies, the salaries there are much higher as compared to Indian institutions. According to SpaceCrew and LeapScholar, the annual salary of research scientists in America’s NASA ranges from about 95 thousand dollars to 1.5 lakh dollars, which is approximately 80 lakh to 1.25 crore rupees in Indian rupees. According to Ziprecruiter, scientists in the European Space Agency i.e. ESA get 60 thousand to 95 thousand euros or more annually, which is equivalent to about Rs 55 lakh to 90 lakh. According to LeapScholar, the average salary of scientists in Japan’s JAXA is said to be Rs 35 lakh to Rs 55 lakh annually. In private space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, the package can be even higher.

Salary is low, but why is ISRO considered strong in facilities?

ISRO definitely lags behind foreign agencies in terms of salary, but the facilities provided to its employees are considered its biggest strength. Scientists get medical facilities for their spouse, children and even parents under CHSS. Facilities like concessional government accommodation, transport, education allowance for children and canteen are also available at many ISRO centres. After retirement, medical facilities also continue with NPS. That is, one gets more money in hand in foreign institutions, but the expenses on living, treatment and other needs are also quite high there.

What is the biggest difference between the facilities of NASA and ISRO?

NASA and other foreign agencies pay high salaries to scientists, but do not provide government accommodation. Employees have to rent or buy their own houses. Medical facilities are also based on the health insurance model, in which the employee himself has to bear some of the expenses. On the contrary, in ISRO, more emphasis is given on government colonies, family including medical facilities and social security. One special feature of ESA is that there is no national income tax on the basic salary of the employees. At the same time, a separate pension and saving system is implemented in NASA for retirement.

Still, why are scientists leaving ISRO?

According to reports, about 100 to 120 scientists have left ISRO in recent months. Experienced scientists from UR Rao Satellite Center and Vikram Sarabhai Space Center are also said to be included in these. It is believed that after the opening of the private space sector in 2020 and the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023, better salaries, leadership roles and new opportunities have increased in private companies. For this reason, the Space Department has issued a new instruction on July 14. Now the final decision on the resignation or voluntary retirement of Group A scientists associated with Gaganyaan and other missions of national importance will be taken directly at the Space Department level.

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