Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath candidly revealed a stark reality: talented IIT graduates are walking away from India’s premier space agency the moment they see the salary structure. During recruitment drives at IIT campuses, approximately 60% of candidates left after learning about ISRO’s compensation packages.
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ISRO vs IIT Average Salary Comparison
| Position | ISRO Salary | IIT Graduate Average Salary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Engineer (Entry-level) | ₹56,100/month (₹6.73 lakh/year) | ₹18-30 lakh/year | 3-4x lower |
| ISRO Chairman | ₹2.5 lakh/month (₹30 lakh/year) | Equivalent to IIT avg package | Comparable to fresher |
| Distinguished Scientist | ₹2 lakh/month (₹24 lakh/year) | Top IIT packages: ₹50-60 lakh+ | 2-3x lower |
| Senior Scientist | ₹1.5-1.8 lakh/month | Corporate senior roles: ₹40-50 lakh | 2-3x lower |
| IITians Joining ISRO | Less than 1% | 99% choose private sector | Massive gap |
The Campus Recruitment Reality
During recruitment presentations at IIT Bombay, Somanath witnessed firsthand how salary revelations affect candidate interest. After presenting ISRO’s work and career opportunities, the chairman showed the maximum possible salary trajectory within the organization. More than 60% of students immediately walked out, demonstrating that compensation remains the primary barrier to attracting India’s brightest engineering minds.
The starting salary for ISRO engineers is approximately ₹56,100 per month, structured according to the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations. While this includes allowances like HRA, DA, travel, and medical benefits, the total package still falls significantly short of private sector offers that IIT graduates routinely receive.
Who’s Building India’s Space Program?
Somanath emphasized that ISRO doesn’t necessarily need “the best talent” but rather “adequate talent” with genuine passion for space science. Interestingly, engineers from regional institutions like Kerala’s TKM College of Engineering and College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram played crucial roles in Chandrayaan-3’s success, including Somanath himself.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted this after Chandrayaan-3’s triumph, noting that while IITians pursued Silicon Valley opportunities, engineers from unsung colleges took India to the Moon.
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FAQs
What is the starting salary for engineers at ISRO?
Fresh engineers at ISRO start at approximately ₹56,100 per month (₹6.73 lakh annually), significantly lower than IIT average placements of ₹18-30 lakh.
How many IIT graduates actually join ISRO?
Less than 1% of IIT graduates join ISRO, with most preferring private sector opportunities offering 3-4x higher compensation packages.
