In ISRO, only 2% from IIT, NIT; Can Mangalyaan stop India's brain drain?

Bangalore, Sept 26: Here is something very surprising - Science and technology institutes like Indian Institute of Technology and National Institute of Technology have contributed only 2% of the total workforce in Indian Space Research Organisation (

) !

According to a TOI report, an RTI application showed that only 2% employees of Indian Space Research Institute (Isro) are graduates from prestigious IITs or NITs.

"But this is not a trend that affects only Isro," the report quotes V Adimurthy, senior advisor of interplanetary mission at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. "Other sectors like roadways and railways too don't attract them," says the IIT-Kanpur alumnus".

Why are the students from these esteemed institutes looking for opportunities beyond ISRO and other government ventures? Many graduates from these institutes fly abroad for more lucrative job opportunites and better standard of living.

However, there is some positive change happening. Isro's Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IISST), Thiruvananthapuram, has been getting toppers as applicants since its launch in 2007.

Many experts feel that the space agency should collaborate with educational institutions to initiate and attract the best of talent from other campuses, says the TOI report.

Mangalyaan's success might stop the brain drain to some extend, the report says. " You need passion to work in Isro. That's why people who join the organisation seldom leave it for another job", the report quotes former Isro chairman U R Rao.

Oneindia News