Key Takeaways

  • Resignation rules for critical missions like Gaganyaan are now strictly monitored.
  • Entry-level Scientist 'SC' positions start at Level 10 basic pay (56,100 rupees).
  • Recruitment is conducted via ICRB exams or GATE score shortlisting.

Quick Facts

  • Basic Pay: 56,100 rupees per month
  • Recruitment Agency: ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board
  • Key Pay Scale: Level 10 7th CPC
  • Policy Revision Date: July 16, 2026

New Delhi: The Department of Space has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for scientists employed with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The policy revision follows reports that over 100 scientific personnel have exited the space agency, including some assigned to critical national initiatives such as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

Under the updated guidelines issued on July 16, 2026, resignation requests from scientists working on strategic space projects will no longer be processed routinely. Instead, Centre Directors must inspect each application and submit formal recommendations to the Department of Space before any final clearance is granted. The decision aims to prevent brain drain and safeguard operational continuity across high-priority scientific missions.

How Graduates Can Join ISRO

Despite stricter exit policies, a career as an ISRO scientist remains one of the most competitive and prestigious engineering pathways in India. Primary entry occurs at the Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ grade via the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB).

Eligible candidates holding BE or BTech degrees in disciplines including Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Science can apply through two primary streams:

Written Examination & Interview: A dedicated ICRB exam followed by an oral interview.

GATE Score Shortlisting: Direct screening based on Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores, followed by a personal interview.

Salary and Benefits Structure

Newly appointed Scientist ‘SC’ officers enter under Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix.

Basic Pay: 56,100 rupees per month.

Allowances: Additional government benefits including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and medical facilities under statutory rules.

Working Schedule and Operational Demands
While regular office hours apply across ISRO centres during standard working periods, project requirements dictate actual shift commitments. During launch campaigns, satellite integration, and active mission tracking (such as Chandrayaan, Aditya-L1, or Gaganyaan), scientific teams work extended, rotational schedules to meet mission-critical deadlines.