DoS Tightens ISRO Exit Rules After Wave of Scientist Resignations

The Centre has reportedly tightened the rules governing resignations and voluntary retirements at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after a wave of departures involving more than 100 scientists in recent months. According to media reports, the new directive is aimed at retaining scientific and technical personnel working on strategically important programmes, including India's flagship human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

An internal memorandum dated July 14, accessed by India Today, reportedly directs ISRO centres not to accept resignation or voluntary retirement requests from Group 'A' scientific and technical personnel associated with Gaganyaan and other critical national missions. Instead, all such requests are to be forwarded to the Department of Space for review. The move is seen as an effort by the government to exercise greater oversight over the departure of scientists involved in projects considered vital to India's space programme.

The decision follows reports of a significant number of resignations across ISRO's key research centres. While the Department of Space has not officially confirmed the number of scientists who have left the organisation, multiple media reports, citing ISRO sources, suggest that between 100 and 120 scientists have resigned in recent months. The reported departures have raised concerns about retaining experienced personnel amid expanding ambitions in India's space sector.

Also Read: ISRO Successfully Conducts First Ground Test Of SOLVE Space Exploration Technology

According to a report by The Times of India, nearly 80 scientists are believed to have resigned from the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, one of ISRO's premier satellite development facilities. Another 20 scientists are reported to have left the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, which plays a central role in the development of launch vehicles. Sources cited by the newspaper said the total number of resignations could be closer to 120, although no official figures have been released.

The reported exodus comes at a crucial time for India's space programme, with ISRO simultaneously pursuing several high-profile missions. These include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, advanced satellite launches, next-generation launch vehicle development and future lunar and planetary exploration projects. Scientists working on such missions possess highly specialised expertise, making their retention a priority for the organisation and the government.

Neither ISRO nor the Department of Space has issued a detailed public statement explaining the reasons behind the reported resignations. It also remains unclear whether the departures are linked to career opportunities in the private space sector, retirement plans or other factors. The government's reported decision to centralise the approval of resignations from critical scientific personnel underscores its focus on safeguarding continuity in key national missions. The situation is likely to remain under close watch as India seeks to maintain momentum in its rapidly expanding space programme while balancing workforce retention with the growing demand for skilled aerospace professionals.

Also Read: British Regulators Probe TikTok's Child Safety Measures To Strengthen Online Protections