The Department of Space (DoS), which recently tightened exit rules to curb a "spate of voluntary retirements and resignations" among scientists working on flagship missions, is now confronting a deeper challenge — a widening manpower shortage across India's space programme, reported TOI.
An analysis of DoS employment data by TOI shows that nearly three out of every 10 sanctioned posts remained vacant at the end of 2025-26, marking the widest staffing gap in at least 25 years. Of the department's sanctioned strength of 20,269 posts, only 14,637 are currently filled, leaving 5,632 vacancies and an overall staffing level of 72.2%.
