ISRO Tightens Rules on Scientist Resignations; More than 100 resigned in recent months

Rafia Tasleem | July 16, 2026 | 03:22 PM IST | Breaking News, India, Science & Technology | Follow on Google News

ISRO Tightens Rules on Scientist Resignations; More than 100 resigned in recent months

New Delhi, July 16 [VoM News]: The Department of Space (DoS) has issued a new directive restricting the routine acceptance of resignations and voluntary retirement requests from key ISRO scientists, citing concerns over the impact on nationally significant missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

In a memorandum issued on July 14 to major ISRO centres, including the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the department said requests from Group ‘A’ scientific and technical personnel associated with Gaganyaan and other critical projects should not be accepted as a matter of routine.

The directive follows reports of a growing number of scientists leaving the space agency, with more than 100 personnel reportedly resigning in recent months. The URSC in Bengaluru and VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram have witnessed the highest number of departures.

Under the new policy, all resignation and voluntary retirement requests from scientific and technical staff linked to major missions must be forwarded to the Department of Space, along with recommendations from the respective centre directors, for a final decision.

Read More Breaking News

The order reverses a 2020 administrative provision that allowed ISRO centre heads to independently approve such requests for scientists up to the Scientist/Engineer-SG level.

Several experienced scientists have reportedly joined India’s rapidly expanding private space sector, which has grown significantly since the government opened the industry to private participation in 2020. The country now has more than 400 registered space startups, including Pixxel, Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace.

The directive also comes as ISRO recovers from recent mission setbacks, including two consecutive PSLV launch failures. The space agency is currently focused on major upcoming programmes such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and Mangalyaan-2.

Rafia Tasleem

Rafia Tasleem is a seasoned journalist from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for her expertise in content writing, investigative research, fact-based reporting, strategic media planning, presentation and lot more. With experience working for both national and international news organizations, she brings a deep understanding of media dynamics. Holding a Master’s in Communication and Media Studies from Aligarh Muslim University, she has been contributing to VoM News for the past two years. For inquiries, contact rafiatasleem@seashell-clam-300365.hostingersite.com.