Department of Space Records Highest Job Vacancy Rate in 25 Years

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The **Department of Space (DoS)** recorded its highest vacancy rate in **25 years**, with almost **28%** of sanctioned posts staying unfilled during **2025-26**.

The **Department of Space (DoS)** is the top government body that creates India's space policy and manages **ISRO** along with other space research organisations under the **Prime Minister's Office (PMO)**.

Out of **20,269** sanctioned positions, around **5,632** posts are currently empty, leaving total staffing at **72.2%**, which is the lowest level in **25 years**.
The total employee count dropped steadily from **17,222** in **2019-20** to **14,637** in **2025-26**, even though the approved post strength remained almost unchanged.
Scientists, engineers, and technical staff are affected the most, and these technical professionals make up nearly **three-fourths** of the entire workforce.
This shortage happens at a critical time when India is executing key programs like **Gaganyaan**, **NGLV**, **Chandrayaan** follow-up missions, Mars and Venus probes, and a proposed space station.
To handle this issue, the department started recruiting for more than **2,300** positions and aims to complete appointments before the end of **2026**.

Continuous shortage of skilled staff can delay the timely completion of India's flagship space projects and strategic national security missions.
This situation highlights the urgent need to speed up hiring, provide better career growth, and retain experienced scientific talent within government research institutions.