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The individual explained that the space agency stipulates in its guidelines that interns and apprentices in the project are “not eligible” for any financial assistance or accommodation.
The guidelines also stated that a person can obtain accommodation for a fee if available (Image: Instagram/@isro.dos)
For those who have pursued or are pursuing degrees in science and engineering, an internship or job at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is considered the pinnacle of their career.
But one technology professional has now sparked a wider conversation after claiming that the country’s leading space agency is no longer the dream workplace he wanted to join.
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The guidelines also stated that while accommodation is generally not provided, some ISRO centers may offer guest house or hotel facilities at a charge, subject to availability.
Along with the screenshot, the person revealed that working at ISRO was once a lifelong dream, but said the government agency’s internship policy makes this unattainable now.
“I dreamed as a child of working at ISRO. It was literally my dream as a child. It is not possible for any child to dream of working in a place that pays a lump sum of Rs 0 to work there,” the individual wrote. “Note that even today, ISRO pays Rs 0 to undergraduates to work there + no accommodation + no food arrangements are provided,” they added.
“It’s a disappointment”
The post quickly went viral, with users arguing that unpaid opportunities at a leading research institution would inevitably favor students who could afford travel, accommodation and living costs.
“It’s disappointing. I dreamed of ISRO when I was a kid, but undergraduates don’t get any stipend for internships without food or housing provided – no one can sustain that,” one user said.
Keep in mind, even to this day, ISRO pays 0 rupees to undergraduates to work there + no accommodation + no food arrangements provided I dreamed as a child of working in ISRO, it was literally my dream as a child, it is not possible for any child to dream of working in a place that pays lump sum… pic.twitter.com/z1O2Hg1stM
– Neural networks. (@cneuralnetwork) July 19, 2026
“It’s shameful to say the least, how can you pay Rs 0 for training? Isn’t that against the labor law?” Another user asked.
Another person commented: “Patriotism cannot put food on your table. They need to realize that. It is truly an honor to work there, but this alone will not help the students manage their expenses.”
“Earlier, whenever I saw someone interning at ISRO or DRDO, I would think ‘cool’. Then I found out that these internships are unpaid. Now instead of admiring, I feel sorry for them,” another user wrote.
Unpaid internships can discourage capable students who cannot afford the cost of living, making prestigious opportunities like those at ISRO less accessible to those from diverse economic backgrounds.
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