'1-2% employees are IITians': Ex-ISRO chief's 2023 interview on IIT graduates sparks 'bond bias' debate

Former ISRO chairperson S Somanath. The monthly salary of an ISRO chief is approximately Rs 2.5 lakh, scientists and engineers receive additional allowances and incentives.

A 2023 interview with former ISRO chairperson S Somanath, in which he discussed the reluctance of IIT graduates to join the space agency, has resurfaced and gone viral, igniting a significant debate around "bond bias" in India. In the interview, Somanath revealed a recruitment experience where 60 per cent of IITians walked out of a drive after learning about ISRO's salary structure.

The former ISRO chief highlighted that while IIT graduates are considered among the nation's top engineering talent, a minuscule less than 1 percent choose to join ISRO. A Right to Information (RTI) query in 2014 had previously indicated only 2 percent of IITians were part of the organisation, Times Now reported.

"They [team] were presenting to them the career opportunity. After discussing career opportunities and the type of work, they presented the salary structure of the ISRO system. The students who were sitting there saw the highest pay that they could ever get in the ISRO. That was it. After seeing the presentation, 60 per cent of people walked out," Somanath told Asianet News in 2023.

Engineers at ISRO typically start with a salary around Rs 56,000, with variations based on experience, education, job position, and location. While the ISRO chief's monthly salary is approximately Rs 2.5 lakh, scientists and engineers receive additional allowances and incentives. ISRO's pay scales adhere to the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), Times Now stated in a 2023 report.

Doctors question disparity in compulsory service
The interview has now prompted medical professionals to voice their concerns over what they term "bond bias." Fresh medical graduates in India are frequently mandated to serve compulsory government bonds, a requirement not imposed on engineering graduates, including those from IITs. This disparity has led to calls for equal treatment across all professions.

"I wonder why only doctors should have bonds to work for govt. Enforce them on IITians also to work for ISRO, DRDO etc," Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, a senior interventional cardiologist from Bengaluru commented. "Make the BTech 6 years. With 2 years compulsory internship at PSUs."

I wonder why only doctors should have bonds to work for govt. Enforce them on IITians also to work for ISRO, DRDO etc. https://t.co/DQjR1SgGca
Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) June 9, 2025

While many X users agreed with Dr Krishnamurthy, several others also disagreed with the idea of bonds being imposed on graduates.

"The concept of a bond, even in the our profession, is antiquated. Forcing one to serve in underpaid, stagnant settings curtails zeal, hampers learning, and yields perfunctory service. In the end, the spirit of the bond is defeated by its execution," orthopedic surgeon Dr Shiva Subramanya (@DrShivaSpeaks) opined. "Enforcing to work at meager wages will create slaves that must work because they have no choice. A respectable and competent wage as per private market standards plus other perks will be the best way to attract and retain critical talent," agreed Hims (@maveinlux).