The Department of Space (DoS) has introduced stricter exit rules for scientists and engineers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a steady rise in resignations, as the country’s expanding private space sector attracts experienced talent. Over 100 employees have left in recent months, highlighting the need for the new regulations.
According to government data presented in Parliament, more than 650 scientists and technical staff have resigned from ISRO over the past five years. The increase comes as private space companies and aerospace startups offer competitive salaries, faster career progression, and opportunities to work on commercial space missions.
To curb the outflow of skilled personnel, ISRO has revised its resignation policy. Scientists and engineers will now be required to serve a longer notice period before leaving the organisation. The space agency has also introduced additional scrutiny of resignation requests, particularly for employees working on strategically important or mission-critical programmes.
For scientists and personnel from Group A associated with the Gaganyaan programme and other strategic missions, resignation and voluntary retirement requests will no longer be routinely accepted. All the requests will now be forwarded to DoS, who will be making the final decisions.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan defended the move, but also remained sure about the organisation’s capability to weather the change.
“Yes, a lot of people go, but that’s part of every organisation. The move [memorandum] isn’t only to retain, but also to ensure that important projects don’t suffer all of a sudden. But if someone is still going, someone else will take responsibility. We’re taking care of it,” Narayanan shared with TOI.
The revised policy comes as ISRO prepares for several high-priority missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), and future lunar and planetary exploration projects.
