What is the New Exit Protocol?
In response to what it termed a "spate of requests" for resignation, the Department of Space (DoS) issued a memorandum in mid-July 2026. This new directive centralises control over departures. Previously, directors of individual ISRO centres could approve
resignations for many scientists. Under the revised protocol, requests from Group A scientific and technical personnel working on crucial national projects, like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, can no longer be routinely accepted. Instead, all such applications must be forwarded to the DoS for a final decision, a move designed to ensure project continuity and prevent the sudden loss of vital expertise.
A Concerning Exodus
Multiple reports confirm that between 100 and 120 scientists have resigned or taken voluntary retirement from ISRO in recent months. The departures are not evenly spread, with key centres like the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru reportedly losing nearly 80 people and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram seeing around 20 exits. These are not just junior engineers; the list includes senior, high-profile scientists with irreplaceable experience, including a project director for the LVM3 rocket and a key manager for the Chandrayaan-3 simulation team. This loss of institutional knowledge is a significant concern, especially as ISRO was already facing a staff shortfall of over 14% against its sanctioned posts.
The Pull of the Private Sector
The primary driver behind this talent migration is the explosive growth of India's private space industry. Since the sector was opened up in 2020, hundreds of startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos—many founded by former ISRO veterans—have emerged. These companies offer what ISRO, as a government body, often cannot: significantly higher salaries, lucrative stock options, faster career progression, and a less bureaucratic work environment. An entry-level ISRO scientist might earn around ₹72,000 per month, while senior scientists top out at approximately ₹2 lakh. In contrast, founders of a private space unicorn who left ISRO now hold stakes worth thousands of crores, and their employees with equity could earn more from a single public offering than in an entire government career.
More Than Just Money
While financial incentives are a major factor, insiders point to other frustrations pushing talent away. Some scientists have cited the stifling weight of public sector bureaucracy, where paperwork can overshadow scientific work. Slow promotions and a rigid hierarchical structure are also contributing factors. Delays in high-profile missions, such as Gaganyaan, can lead to a drop in motivation for professionals accustomed to high-stakes, fast-paced work. Private companies offer more creative freedom and the opportunity to take on leadership roles much earlier in a career, allowing scientists to move ideas from concept to hardware far more quickly.
Impact on India's Space Ambitions
The government has sought to downplay the impact, stating that ISRO has mechanisms to manage departures and that new talent is constantly being inducted. However, the loss of dozens of experienced mid-career scientists who hold mission-specific knowledge is difficult to mitigate. While ISRO has a deep talent pool, this exodus creates knowledge gaps that could risk delaying timelines for complex future projects. The irony is that ISRO spent decades building India's space ecosystem, and that very ecosystem is now competing for its most valuable asset: its people. The new exit protocol is a defensive measure, but it does not address the root causes of the departures.
