In the hierarchy of India's educational institutions, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) hold an almost mythical status. IIT alumni are at the helm of global corporations and excel in various fields. However, the same IIT graduates constitute less than 1% of the workforce at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
UNFULFILLED EXPECTATIONS
Dr. Somanath candidly admitted that despite IITs being the supposed breeding grounds of the nation's finest engineers, they have a hard time recruiting talent from these prestigious institutions.
In a recent television interview, he revealed that the "best talents are supposed to be engineers from IITs. But, they are not joining ISRO."
This raises an intriguing set of questions. If IIT graduates receive an exceptional high-tech education, why are they reluctant to serve a government-run scientific organisation like ISRO?
Why does India not channel its top engineering talent towards space exploration and other crucial scientific pursuits?
What makes careers in government-sector science unattractive for IIT alumni?
UNSUNG HEROES
Surprisingly, after the Chandrayaan-3 mission, it became clear that many of the scientists and technocrats involved were not IIT graduates, but individuals who had completed their education in lesser-known engineering colleges.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament, acknowledged their contributions and stressed the importance of appreciating these unsung heroes in India's scientific endeavors.
IN PURSUIT OF HIGHER SALARIES
Dr. Somanath did mention a handful of IIT graduates who join ISRO due to their passion for space exploration. However, he recounted an incident in which 60% of the students at an IIT recruitment drive left after learning the highest pay scale at ISRO.
IIT culture often emphasises securing higher salaries. Consequently, only a few individuals with a genuine passion for space and research choose to join ISRO.
The pursuit of higher salaries can often lead graduates to explore opportunities abroad or in the private sector, since ISRO scientists earn significantly less than their counterparts in the Western world and some private sector jobs in India.
Additionally, factors such as government work culture, bureaucracy, and limited career growth prospects might deter IITians from choosing government-run science and technology organisations.
DIFFERENCE IN RECRUITMENT PATTERN
It is rare for IIT graduates to apply to ISRO's Central Recruitment Board (ICRB) since campus placements in the IITs are highly successful.
The ICRB is the primary mode of ISRO recruitment and involves exams and interviews.
Also, the top pay packages usually attract the first slots in IIT campus recruitments, and ISRO's comparatively lower salaries create a challenge for the space organisation to attract graduates directly from campuses.
This difference in recruitment methods also contributes to the low number of IIT graduates at ISRO.
THE OPPORTUNITY DIVIDE
Somanath explained, "Indians who get an opportunity to write the IIT entrance exam go there. Thousands and lakhs of competent individuals are denied this chance."
He pointed out that the absence of an opportunity to appear for the IIT entrance exam is not an indicator of a lack of knowledge or ability.
While most ISRO scientists graduate from lesser-known institutions, they have the opportunity to pursue advanced education and PhD programmes at premier government institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and the IITs.
Even top ISRO officials like Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair and Dr. Veeramuthuvel have earned their PhDs from these institutions.
THE IIT CONTRIBUTION TO ISRO
It should be noted however that IIT alumni actively contribute to ISRO. According to the Office of Alumni and Corporate Relations at IIT Madras, 12 of its alumni contributed to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and over 140 alumni serve ISRO in various capacities.
On October 10, IIT Madras honoured 12 of its alumni who were part of the historic Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The top scientists and engineers from ISRO also engaged with students from the institute and various government schools and city colleges during an event titled 'Exploring the Cosmos with Team Chandrayaan-3' held on the campus.
Among those recognised at the event were Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, who earned his PhD from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras in 2011 and currently serves as the director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO.
Additionally, Dr. P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director for Chandrayaan-3 at ISRO, completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2016.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath is presently working towards a PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras.
IITs provide valuable support to ISRO through theoretical studies, lab analyses, and the development of scientific payloads for space missions.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU EARN AT ISRO?
Despite the monetary allure of high-paying jobs for IIT graduates, ISRO offers a competitive package.Those joining ISRO as BTech graduates (in their early 20s) enter at grade Scientist/Engineer-SC and earn approximately Rs 80,000 per month, with health insurance for the family, performance-related bonuses, subsidized accommodation, and meals.
ISRO's recruitment challenges with IIT graduates raise important questions about how to make government-sector science jobs more appealing.
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