Over 100 ISRO Scientists Quit: DoS tightens resignation rules, know major changes

July 16, 2026

The Department of Space has taken a significant step to curb the ongoing resignations of scientists associated with key ISRO missions. Under a new internal memorandum issued on July 14, rules regarding resignations and voluntary retirement (VRS) for scientists working on Gaganyaan and other missions of national importance have been tightened. This was revealed in a recent report by The Times of India.

How ​​many scientists have actually left ISRO?
According to The Times of India report, the Department of Space has not officially disclosed the number of resignations; however, several ISRO sources indicated that at least 100 to 120 scientists and staff members have left the organization in the last few months.

One source stated that approximately 80 people resigned from the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) alone, while at least 20 employees left the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Sources added that the process is ongoing for other cases, so this figure could rise further.

Which key scientists have quit?
According to sources, those who resigned include senior officials such as Victor Joseph, the Project Director for the LVM-3 project at VSSC. Additionally, the Project Director for the SpaDeX mission at URSC has also left the organization. A highly talented young scientist associated with the Chandrayaan-3 mission has also recently resigned.

What did the ISRO chief say about the resignations?
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan acknowledged that many scientists are leaving the organization but stated that the agency is fully prepared to handle the situation. He remarked that people do leave, and this is a part of every organization.

He explained that the new measure is not merely to retain staff but to ensure that critical projects do not suffer any sudden adverse impact. Even if someone leaves, another person will be ready to take over the responsibility. We are constantly monitoring the situation.

What changes have been made in the new order?

According to new guidelines, applications for resignation or voluntary retirement from scientists associated with Gaganyaan and other critical missions will not be accepted under normal circumstances.

Centre directors have been advised not to approve such applications until the respective project is completed. All such cases will now be forwarded directly to the Department of Space (DoS) for a final decision, accompanied by the recommendation of the centre director.