‘Those who join ISRO are driven by passion’: Chairman S Somanath

PILANI, RAJASTHAN: For every 150 candidates who make it into the Indian Space Research Organisation, about 1.5 lakh apply – that’s how much fascination a career in ISRO holds for those in science and technology. The recruitment process is aimed at finding those who are “passionate and well-prepared” in their specific domains.

On the sidelines of the BITS Pilani convocation, ISRO chairman S Somanath, who is also secretary, Department of Space (DoS), spoke about industry-academia links, ISRO recruitment and internships, research investment and more. Edited excerpts below.

What must be done to connect our educational system to industry?

What we need today is an educational system that is closely connected to the industry. This goes beyond the teaching aspect of education — I'm focusing on the research component. Educational institutions have two key components: the teaching-learning process and research.

The research process involves collaboration between academics and students within institutions, and its output should directly benefit the industry. This activity should be funded and supported by the industry because it allows them to enhance their products and services, driving innovation and growth.

This alignment is crucial for fostering higher levels of economic activity and integrating innovation into both education and industry. Teaching, as it stands, is excellent — there’s no issue there. The real emphasis should be on strengthening the research-to-industry pipeline.

You recently partnered with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to provide a curriculum framework for engineering colleges. Could you elaborate on that?

This initiative was carried out by IN-SPACe [Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre], which has the mandate to promote space education and create some courses at different institutions. They worked closely with AICTE through an extensive consultation process involving experts in the field. Together, they developed a comprehensive framework that institutions can adopt for aerospace education.

Also read ISRO launches AICTE model curriculum for minor degree in space technology

Can engineering students intern at ISRO?

Yes, it is already in place. Students can visit the ISRO website to find information on internships.

ISRO has centers across India, each with unique capabilities. Students can choose where they wish to intern based on their interests and the centre’s offerings. The website outlines the number of students allowed, the duration of internships, and the application process.

There are specific criteria, including the percentage requirements and the duration of the internship, all of which are outlined on the website. Students can apply directly, and we will review the applications for selection.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to join ISRO?

Not everyone can join ISRO, as it is a relatively small organisation with limited opportunities. The selection process is highly competitive.

Each year, we hire approximately 100 to 200 scientists and engineers, while around 1.5 lakh people apply. We conduct a rigorous competitive entrance exam for ISRO recruitment and select only a few. To succeed, you need to be passionate and well-prepared in your specific domain to stand out in the exam.

The selection process includes a written examination, which is computerised, followed by an interview. This is one way to join. You can also apply through a master's programme, for which we conduct specific testing, or through a PhD recruitment process. We maintain a live register for PhD candidates as well.

People from various institutions join ISRO, driven more by passion than by financial incentives. In our organisation, we focus on fostering a deep interest in the subject, rather than peripheral factors. We emphasise fostering that passion and interest in the field.

Also read ISRO’s Translator: How CSTT builds vernacular glossaries of engineering, scientific terms

What advice would you give to small-town colleges and universities hoping to strengthen their programmes and contribute to the nation’s scientific endeavours?

That is indeed a very important question. There are hundreds of universities and colleges in this country with the potential to grow to a higher level. While we have some institutions of eminence at the top, many of the next-tier institutions struggle — not because the students or faculty are inadequate, but because they lack exposure to greater possibilities.

One major factor is the weakness of the curriculum. The academic teaching processes are not rigorous, often due to low aspirations. As a result, these institutions remain stagnant at a lower level.

However, we do see progress and improvements. We are actively working on this, but more importantly, we need to spread awareness about the opportunities that are available. Many students and educators are unaware of the higher educational possibilities, such as advanced post-graduate institutions or opportunities for further learning. This limited awareness needs to be changed.

Are there any specific courses universities should focus on?

It's not about the courses — there are plenty of them available. The real issue is a lack of awareness. Many people, especially faculty, aren't even aware of the opportunities.

For example, many faculty members don’t know how to connect with the industry or how to engage in sponsored research activities.

In fact, in many colleges, faculty members are not familiar with conducting research at all; they only focus on delivering lectures. The materials they use, such as class notes, were often prepared years ago, and they continue to use them without updating or incorporating new knowledge. This lack of awareness and innovation is a significant challenge.

What challenges do you face during ISRO recruitment?

We don’t face any major challenges in recruitment. For every 150 candidates we select, 1.5 lakh apply. This abundance of talent ensures we have excellent candidates to choose from. The issue isn’t a lack of qualified individuals; it’s the limited number of vacancies.

You mentioned connecting academic institutions with industry investments. Can you elaborate?

Investments in research and development (R&D) are crucial. However, industries are often reluctant to invest in R&D because it is a long-term process. The returns won't be immediate. Therefore, industries need to be more willing to invest in R&D. But R&D can't solely happen within industries because they lack the talent and resources to do so effectively. R&D needs to be carried out in academic institutions.

Every industry can partner with academic institutions, sponsor research, and create specialised laboratories tailored to their needs. By nurturing academics to conduct research, industries can benefit from the knowledge and innovations generated, which can, in turn, be applied to their production processes. This collaboration can enhance products and services, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.

Shouldn’t India fund research more to compete globally?

India already has a significant R&D budget in domains like ISRO, atomic energy, and defence. However, these investments are domain-specific. What we lack is open-ended R&D in academia that can directly improve products and services. Enhancing this aspect can drive broader innovation and economic growth.