Life of an ISRO Scientist | By Ashish Ranjan | On basis of Personal Experience

Summary

Ashish provides an insider’s look at life as an ISRO scientist, sharing his 16-month experience in the Launch Vehicle team. The video covers career beginnings, intense workloads, diverse responsibilities across engine, satellite, and mission teams, and the rapid growth opportunities for young scientists. He explains salary structures, allowances, and the role of research, emphasizing how output and dedication drive promotions. The ISRO induction training program is highlighted for its hands-on mentorship from top scientists. Ashish also reflects on his personal decision to leave ISRO to pursue individual interests, offering a realistic yet inspiring view of a career in space science.

Takeaways

• 🚀 ISRO scientists start their career by reporting to the Director or DD of their center and immediately begin working in assigned departments.
• 🛠️ The work of an ISRO scientist varies widely, including launch vehicle design, engine integration, satellite development, mission planning, testing, and computer programming for rocket processors.
• ⏰ The workload is intense, often requiring overtime, weekend work, and night shifts, especially during critical launch schedules.
• 📈 Rapid career growth is possible, with promotions from Scientist C → D → E → F → G, and eventually to Director or Chairman, largely based on output and responsibility rather than just tenure.
• 🎓 Higher education such as M.Tech or PhD can accelerate career progression within ISRO.
• 💰 Salary for a Scientist C starts at ₹56,100 basic pay, with allowances like HRA, TA, and DNS; net in-hand pay ranges from ₹53,000 to ₹85,000 depending on city, housing, and allowances.
• 🔬 Research opportunities exist for all scientists, though only some departments have research as a primary focus; access to libraries, seminars, and conferences is provided.
• 📚 The ISRO induction training program includes a general module and an area-specific module, with mentorship from senior and retired scientists, offering exposure to both theoretical and practical aspects of space science.
• 🌐 ISRO teams are highly collaborative, spanning multiple centers and projects, including Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter, NavIC, and other major missions.
• 💡 Responsibility and initiative are emphasized from day one; young scientists are encouraged to take on critical tasks, promoting fast learning and professional growth.
• 🏠 Housing and allowances vary by posting city, with larger cities (A-level) having higher rent, often consuming the HRA, while smaller cities (B/C-level) offer more affordable housing.
• 🎥 Personal insights from Ashish highlight the unique learning experience at ISRO, including working on the Vikas engine and participating in mission-critical projects.

Q & A

What is the first day experience of a newly joined ISRO scientist?

On the first day, a scientist reports to the director or head of the center, is allocated to a department, and starts working immediately. ISRO emphasizes learning by doing, with responsibility given from day one.

How does workload at ISRO compare to a private organization?

The workload can be as heavy or heavier than private organizations. Scientists often work overtime, including weekends and late nights, especially near launch deadlines.

What kinds of teams and departments exist at ISRO for a scientist to work in?

ISRO has various teams including engine teams (Vikas, C25, solid stages), satellite integration teams, avionics, aerodynamics, material science, navigation and guidance, flight trajectory, mission/project teams, quality assurance, and failure analysis groups.

How does career progression work at ISRO?

Most scientists join as Scientist C. Promotions follow the sequence: Scientist D → Scientist E → Scientist F → Scientist G → DD/Director → Chairman. Promotion depends on performance, output, extra efforts, and sometimes higher education like M.Tech or PhD.

What is the starting salary of a Scientist C at ISRO?

The basic pay at Scientist C is ₹56,100 (Level 10 Pay Matrix). Additional allowances like HRA, TA, and DNS are added. Net salary varies based on housing and city.

How are research opportunities handled at ISRO?

Research is mandatory in research-specific departments and optional in operational roles. Scientists can pursue research if they complete their work first. Access to libraries, seminars, and conferences is provided.

What does the ISRO induction training program entail?

The induction program lasts 2–3 months and has two main modules: a general module at VSSC for one month with all new scientists, and an area-specific module in launch vehicle or satellite teams. Senior and retired scientists teach about rocket science and ISRO’s history.

What are the benefits of taking on more responsibility early in ISRO?

Taking responsibility early allows faster career growth, hands-on learning, and exposure to critical systems. However, it comes with higher pressure and accountability, as failures can impact significant missions.

How does location affect a scientist's allowances at ISRO?

Cities are classified into A, B, and C for allowances. HRA and TA are higher in metro cities (A-level) and lower in smaller towns (C-level). Living in government quarters may reduce HRA and TA but saves on rent.

What advice does Ashish give to aspiring ISRO scientists?

Be ready for a high workload, demonstrate initiative, produce tangible results, pursue higher studies and research to accelerate career growth, and embrace the induction training to learn from senior scientists.

Why did Ashish leave ISRO despite the prestigious work?

He resigned to pursue personal interests. Although he valued his experience and the learning opportunities at ISRO, he wanted to follow his own path in space science and related projects.

What kinds of committees are involved in the ISRO work process?

Committees like flight readiness, quality assurance, and failure analysis review every stage of work, including engine testing, stage integration, and launch readiness, ensuring missions meet high standards.