Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been facing challenges in attracting top talent from prestigious engineering institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) due to its pay structure, as per S. Somanath, the Chairman of ISRO. In an interview with Asianet News, he highlighted the issue, stating that despite engineering graduates from IITs being among the country's best talents, they are not joining ISRO
Recently, Harsh Goenka, a prominent business figure, raised questions about S. Somanath's salary, which, according to him, is around Rs 2.5 lakh per month. This salary figure is on par with the average placement packages offered at top IITs
ISRO's scientists and engineers operate within a structured hierarchy that corresponds to their monthly salaries. Fresh engineering graduates typically commence their careers at the SC level which stands for ‘Scientist-C’ and gradually progress through designations such as Scientist/Engineer - SD (Scientist-D), SE (Scientist-E), SF (Scientist-F)
"SC" denotes "Scientist-C," the entry-level scientists at ISRO with master's degrees. "SD" represents "Scientist-D," experienced scientists holding Ph.D. degrees. They lead R&D projects. "SE" signifies "Scientist-E," senior scientists with Ph.D. degrees who manage teams and large projects. "SF" stands for "Scientist-F," the most senior scientists with Ph.D. degrees. They oversee teams, major projects, and provide strategic direction for ISRO
According to the talent and hiring platform, Unstop, at the entry level, Scientists/ Engineer on SC level earn between Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100. On the next SD, SE and SF level, they earn between Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000 per month. The next category belongs to the Outstanding Scientists who earn between Rs 67,000 to Rs 79,000 per month. However, the data is not officially confirmed
Distinguished scientists, who have attained the highest recognition within ISRO, enjoy substantial salaries, with a monthly income of approximately Rs 2 lakh per month. Meanwhile the average salary of an IIT graduate is somewhere around Rs 18-30 lakh per annum, which makes around Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh per month
However, ISRO scientists enjoy a multitude of benefits in addition to their basic pay. These include House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), Dearness Allowance (DA), medical allowances, and more. The cumulative effect of these benefits results in varying total monthly salaries for senior and distinguished scientists
Beyond competitive salaries, ISRO offers job security and an array of perks. Even in an era where a significant portion of the country's graduates are drawn to opportunities abroad, ISRO scientists are choosing to prioritise their roles in shaping India's space endeavours, reflecting their unwavering dedication
ISRO's vision is characterised by inclusivity, allowing scientists from various educational backgrounds, including small regional colleges, to work collaboratively. According to ISRO, college affiliations matter less; what holds greater significance is an individual's potential and unwavering commitment to contribute to India's space ambitions
ISRO's workforce is characterised by its unwavering dedication and passion for space science. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring India's continued progress in the field of space technology. Their contributions, marked by a resolute spirit, position ISRO as a force to be reckoned with in the future of space technology