Why you should and should not join ISRO as a Scientist? Pros and Cons | Kishalay Das (ISRO-2017-18)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares personal experiences and insights about working at ISRO. While emphasizing the pride and societal respect associated with being part of such a prestigious organization, the speaker discusses both the advantages and drawbacks. Benefits include the honor of contributing to national space development, societal recognition, decent pay, job stability, and a supportive work environment. However, challenges like monotonous work, limited research exposure, and less glamorous conditions compared to private industries are highlighted as reasons why some employees eventually leave ISRO. The speaker offers an honest view to help others decide whether or not to join ISRO.

Takeaways

• 😀 ISRO is a prestigious organization with immense respect and recognition, leading many students to aspire to join it.
• 😀 The recruitment process at ISRO is tough, involving a written test and a technical interview with a panel of experts.
• 😀 Despite the prestige, many individuals leave ISRO after some time to pursue other opportunities in industry, academia, or even personal ventures like YouTube.
• 😀 Working for ISRO brings immense pride as you're contributing to national space and technological development.
• 😀 A career at ISRO provides societal respect, with recognition and curiosity about your work from the public, family, and friends.
• 😀 While ISRO's salary isn't as high as in private sectors, it offers a decent and secure income along with benefits like medical facilities and performance bonuses.
• 😀 ISRO is a government job, but it is much more dynamic than typical government roles due to the high work pressure and responsibility placed on individuals.
• 😀 The teamwork culture at ISRO is excellent, with colleagues being helpful and forming strong interpersonal bonds that extend outside of work.
• 😀 Despite the pressures, ISRO fosters a positive work-life balance, making it a desirable environment for employees who value teamwork and support.
• 😀 A major downside of working at ISRO is the job's monotony. Over time, employees can feel dissatisfied due to the repetitive nature of the work across various missions.
• 😀 ISRO is not as advanced in cutting-edge technologies like AI or machine learning compared to private industries, which may lead some employees to leave for more innovative opportunities.

Q & A

Why is ISRO considered a prestigious organization?

ISRO is highly regarded because of its significant contributions to space and technology development for India. The work done at ISRO benefits the nation, and being a part of it is seen as a matter of pride and privilege.

What is the selection process for ISRO recruitment?

The selection process for ISRO is rigorous. It involves a written test with 80 questions to be solved in 90 minutes. If candidates pass this, they move on to a technical interview conducted by a panel of 10-12 members. Only those who pass both stages are eligible for the job.

How difficult is it to pass the ISRO recruitment test?

It is quite challenging. The written test requires both speed and accuracy, as candidates need to solve 80 questions within 90 minutes. The interview is equally tough, lasting 30-45 minutes with a panel of experts.

Why do some employees leave ISRO despite its prestige?

Despite its prestige, some employees leave ISRO due to job dissatisfaction. The work can become monotonous and repetitive over time, leading to a lack of motivation and desire for a more dynamic work environment.

What are the advantages of working for ISRO?

Working for ISRO offers societal respect, job security, decent salary benefits, and the chance to contribute to national space and technology development. It also offers a good work-life balance and a positive team environment.

How does working for ISRO impact your social standing?

Employees of ISRO are often viewed with great respect. They are considered important figures in society, as they contribute to the country's advancement in space technology. People are curious about their work, which brings a sense of pride and satisfaction.

What is the salary structure for an entry-level ISRO scientist?

An entry-level scientist at ISRO earns a gross salary of around 80,000 INR per month, with the net salary after taxes being around 70,000 INR. Additional benefits like medical coverage, performance bonuses, and allowances are also provided.

How is the work culture at ISRO different from typical government jobs?

Although ISRO is a government organization, it operates more like a corporate environment. Employees work hard, and the work is demanding. People are highly dedicated and give their best effort to advance the nation's space technology.

What are the challenges in working at ISRO?

Some of the challenges include work monotony, limited research exposure in certain areas like AI and machine learning, and the lack of flexibility in work locations. ISRO centers are often located in remote areas, making relocation challenging.

Why do some ISRO scientists feel dissatisfied with their jobs?

Scientists at ISRO may feel dissatisfaction due to the repetitive nature of the work and limited exposure to cutting-edge technologies. Also, some individuals may feel that their contributions are minor in comparison to the larger organizational goals, leading to a sense of lack of personal fulfillment.