Budget 2026: DoS, ISRO allocation rise to Rs 13,706 crore in FY27, space sciences see sharp jump

ISRO has received a significant budget allocation increase in this year's budget

The Union Budget has increased the allocation for the Department of Science (DoS) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to Rs 13,705.63 crore for FY 2026–27, up from Rs 12,448.60 crore in the previous Budget Estimates.

The largest share of funding continues to go towards Space Technology programmes, which have been allotted Rs 10,397.06 crore compared with Rs 9,601.98 crore last year.

This includes expenditure on ISRO’s launch vehicle and satellite projects, infrastructure at key centres and mission-related activities, including human spaceflight.

Outlays for Space Applications have risen to Rs 1,725.06 crore from Rs 1,596.27 crore, supporting programmes linked to earth observation, remote sensing and disaster management services.

A sharp increase is seen in Space Sciences, where the allocation has jumped to Rs 569.76 crore from Rs 184.62 crore in FY2025–26.

Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA), "The increase in ISRO's allocation to Rs 13,705.63 crore in FY 2026–27 is an important signal that will help support deeper private sector participation in ISRO led programmes across launch vehicles, satellites and scientific missions.

"Alongside this, the announcement on expanding telescope infrastructure and learning facilities is a meaningful step towards strengthening India’s scientific base in astrophysics and astronomy. Together, these measures can improve observational capabilities, enable long term research and strengthen collaboration between ISRO, academia and industry, gradually enhancing India’s contribution to global space science and the broader space ecosystem," Bhatt added.