Low Salaries, New Opportunities In Private Sector: Why ISRO Scientists Are Leaving

Published 16 July 2026 · science

Low Salaries, New Opportunities In Private Sector: Why ISRO Scientists Are Leaving Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 20:17 IST At least 100 ISRO

Low Salaries, New Opportunities In Private Sector: Why ISRO Scientists Are Leaving Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 20:17 IST At least 100 ISRO scientists have resigned as private sector opportunities grow. experts explain why pay, career choices and new space companies are driving exits. experts point out that government salaries remain a major challenge when compared with opportunities available in the private sector and abroad. (File image) At a time when India’s space programme is entering one of its most ambitious phases — from the human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan to advanced satellite launches and deep-space exploration — concerns are growing over the exit of experienced scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). At least 100 scientists have reportedly resigned from ISRO in recent years, raising questions about whether India’s premier space agency is facing a talent retention challenge. ISRO and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists say the reasons behind the exits are a mix of financial incentives, expanding private sector opportunities, and changing career choices among professionals. However, they also caution that the departures should not be viewed as a crisis, as ISRO’s projects are built around large teams and established systems.

“ISRO is a perfect blend of professionalism and a humanitarian work culture, with good HR facilities," said Manish Purohit, a former ISRO scientist, while highlighting that the organisation continues to offer a strong working environment. But experts point out that government salaries remain a major challenge when compared with opportunities available in the private sector and abroad. “This talent drain is affecting the country. DRDO has faced similar issues, and sustained exits could impact critical projects. One of the key concerns is that Indian scientists are paid far less than many of their peers globally," said Ravi Kumar Gupta, a former DRDO scientist. The opening up of India’s private space sector has also changed the employment landscape. With companies entering areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch services, space applications and defence technology, experienced scientists now have more options outside government organisations. “It is not necessarily because of a poor work culture at ISRO. India’s growing economy and expanding private sector are creating new opportunities with higher salaries and better benefits," said Selvamurthy William, former Director General of DRDO. #ISRO | ISRO is a perfect blend of professionalism and a humanitarian work culture, with good HR facilities: @purohitmanish, ISRO ScientistThis talent drain is affecting the country.