The Department of Space has issued a memorandum to major Indian Space Research Organisation centres asking them not to routinely accept resignation or voluntary retirement requests from Group ‘A’ scientific and technical personnel.
The move comes amid reports of a spate of resignations across ISRO centres in the country, with more than 100 employees said to have left the space agency.
The memorandum covers personnel working in critical missions, including Gaganyaan, which has brought renewed attention to recruitment, compensation and career progression within India’s space programme.
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ISRO recruitment and eligibility
We broke down the eligibility criteria and pay structure for several ISRO roles using recent job postings on the agency’s careers portal.
For Scientist/Engineer-SC, candidates with a BE or BTech degree, or equivalent, with at least 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84 out of 10 can qualify with a valid GATE score and may be shortlisted for an interview on that basis.
Another route is open to candidates with a BE/BTech and an additional MSc degree, who are selected through a written test and interview.
Applicants with an engineering degree plus an MBA in first class, or those with an ME/MTech degree, can also be considered under specified conditions.
The upper age limit for this post ranges from 28 to 30, depending on the qualification route.
Pay scales and career progression
The salary for Scientist/Engineer-SC is listed in the pay matrix at ₹56,100 to ₹177,500 under Levels 10-17. There is scope for progression up to Distinguished Scientist in Level 16 at ₹205,400 to ₹224,400 through the Merit Promotion Scheme, subject to satisfactory performance.
PhD holders may be evaluated at Level 11 for Scientist/Engineer-SD if necessary; a live register for PhD candidates is kept up to date on the ISRO website.
ME/MTech/MS/MSc, BE/BTech, or BSc with the required aggregate marks are prerequisites, and the maximum age is 35. Scientist/Engineer-SD salaries vary from ₹67,700 to ₹2,08,700, with the same merit-based advancement path to Distinguished Scientist.
Technician and assistant roles
Technician-B requires SSLC along with ITI, NTC or NAC from NCVT in a minimum two-year course; selection is through a written test and skill test, with the written test carrying primary weight.
The salary range is ₹21,700 to ₹69,100 in Level 3, and the post can progress to Assistant Engineer in Level 12 at ₹78,800 to ₹2,09,200 through the Merit Promotion Scheme.
Technical Assistant candidates need a first-class diploma in engineering from a state-recognised board, while Scientific Assistant applicants must hold a first-class BSc degree in the relevant discipline; both roles have selection through written and skill tests, with the skill test qualifying in nature.
Their listed salary range is ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 in Level 7, with progression possibilities up to Technical Officer-SG or Scientific Officer-SG in Level 13-A at ₹1,31,100 to ₹2,16,600.
Why the rules have changed
The tightening of exit norms places fresh focus on how ISRO recruits, retains and advances technical talent at a time when the agency is handling high-priority missions and wider operational demands.
While the memorandum is reported to target voluntary exits from critical roles. We do not know how many resignation requests have been affected or whether the policy will be applied uniformly across all centres.
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FAQs
Q1: Why has ISRO tightened resignation rules for scientists and engineers?
According to reports, the Department of Space has asked ISRO centres not to routinely accept resignation or voluntary retirement requests from Group ‘A’ scientific and technical personnel amid rising exits.
Q2: What is the salary of an ISRO Scientist/Engineer-SC?
An ISRO Scientist/Engineer-SC is placed in the Level 10 pay matrix with a salary range of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, as per the agency’s recruitment details.
