| Role / Grade | CTC | Monthly In-Hand (New Regime, Metro) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist/Engineer SC (entry level) | Rs. 14.00 LPA | Rs. 1,01,884 |
| Scientist/Engineer SD | Rs. 17.00 LPA | Rs. 1,18,600 |
| Basic Salary | Rs. 56,100/mo |
| DA (60% of basic) | Rs. 33,660/mo |
| HRA + Allowances | Rs. 28,350/mo |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Rs. 1,18,110/mo |
| NPS (10% of Basic + DA) | -Rs. 8,976/mo |
| Professional Tax | -Rs. 200/mo |
| Income Tax (TDS) | -Rs. 7,050/mo |
| Monthly In-Hand (Take-Home) | Rs. 1,01,884/mo |
About ISRO
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is India's national space agency and one of the most prestigious employers in the country. Scientists and engineers at ISRO work on satellite development, launch vehicle design, space applications, and cutting-edge research. Recruitment is through the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) exam. ISRO is considered a career destination for engineers who want to work on technologically challenging problems with national importance.
How ISRO Salary is Structured
ISRO Scientist/Engineer SC is at Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix with Rs. 56,100 basic per month. DA is 60 percent of basic from January 2026, adding Rs. 33,660 a month. HRA is 30, 20 or 10 percent of basic by city class, or campus quarters are provided. Transport allowance is Rs. 7,200 plus DA in higher TA cities and Rs. 3,600 plus DA elsewhere.
What Deductions Will You See?
NPS at 10 percent of basic plus DA is about Rs. 9,000 a month, and the government adds 14 percent on top. Professional tax is around Rs. 200 where the state levies it. Income tax under the new regime is about Rs. 7,000 a month in an X city such as Bengaluru or Delhi.
ISRO vs Other PSUs
| PSU / Role | CTC | Monthly In-Hand |
|---|---|---|
| ISRO Scientist SC | Rs. 12-16 LPA | Rs. 1,01,884/mo |
| DRDO Scientist B | Rs. 12-15.5 LPA | Rs. 1,01,884/mo |
| HAL GET | Rs. 11-14 LPA | Rs. 80,606/mo |
| BEL Probationary Engineer | Rs. 12.5-14 LPA | Rs. 80,606/mo |
Increments and Career Progression
Promotions from SC to SD to SE follow a time-bound and merit-based system. SC to SD typically takes 4-5 years. Project completion bonuses are awarded for major milestones like satellite launches. Scientists with exceptional contributions can be fast-tracked.
Is ISRO Salary Good Compared to Private Sector?
At Rs. 14,00,000 CTC, a ISRO Scientist/Engineer SC (entry level) takes home Rs. 1,01,884/mo per month in a metro city. This does not capture the full picture -- free or subsidized accommodation, employer retirement contributions, medical coverage for family, and job security add significant value on top of the cash salary. See the Rs. 15 LPA in-hand salary breakdown for a private sector comparison at the same CTC level.
Salary at Each Grade
| Grade / Post | Typical Timeline | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand (Metro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist SC (entry) | 0-5 years | Rs. 56,100/mo | Rs. 1,01,884/mo |
| Scientist SD | 5-10 years | Rs. 67,700/mo | Rs. 1,18,600/mo |
| Scientist SE | 10-16 years | Rs. 78,800/mo | Rs. 1,33,527/mo |
| Scientist SF (Group Head) | 16-22 years | Rs. 1,18,500/mo | Rs. 1,82,019/mo |
Dearness Allowance (DA) Explained
ISRO follows central government DA under the 7th CPC. DA is 60 percent of basic from 1 January 2026, adding Rs. 33,660 a month at Rs. 56,100 basic. The increase to 63 percent from July 2026 is expected once the Cabinet approves it, which would add a further Rs. 1,683 a month.
City-Wise Salary Breakdown
| Posting Location | HRA / Accommodation | Gross Monthly | In-Hand Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru (ISRO HQ, URSC) | 30% of basic | Rs. 1,18,110 | Rs. 1,01,884 |
| Thiruvananthapuram (VSSC, LPSC) | 20% of basic | Rs. 1,06,740 | Rs. 97,054 |
| Sriharikota with campus quarters | Company quarters (no HRA) | Rs. 95,520 | Rs. 86,344 |
Perks and Benefits: What They Are Worth in Cash
| Perk | Details | Estimated Cash Value |
|---|---|---|
| ISRO Campus Accommodation | Well-maintained residential quarters at all ISRO centres with facilities for families | Rs. 15,000-30,000/mo in rent equivalent |
| Project Launch Bonus | Special bonus awarded when major missions like satellite or launch vehicle projects succeed | Rs. 20,000-1,00,000 per milestone |
| Medical Coverage | CGHS and ISRO dispensary coverage for self and family | Rs. 6,000-12,000/mo equivalent |
| Research and Training Budget | Support for conferences, international visits, and higher education | Rs. 50,000-2,00,000 per year |