ISRO vs DRDO- Which is Good For You After GATE? Check Detailed Comparison
ISRO vs DRDO comparison is given here for aspirants reference. Compare their eligibility, job roles, salaries, and career aspects to choose the better one between ISRO and DRDO after passing GATE.
Pratibha Bohra25 Jun, 2024
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ISRO vs DRDO: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are two prestigious government organizations in India, each playing a critical role in the nation's technological and scientific advancements. ISRO focuses on space research and exploration, while DRDO is dedicated to defense research and development.
While both offer prominent job roles to GATE-qualified applicants, choosing which one to choose from these two often becomes confusing. Therefore, to assist applicants interested in joining these prestigious organizations after GATE , this article covers the various aspects of the ISRO vs DRDO comparison, so keep reading.Also check: SAIL vs GAIL- Which is Good After GATE?
ISRO vs DRDO Overview
ISRO was founded on August 15, 1969, under the Department of Atomic Energy and later brought under the newly formed Department of Space. ISRO’s primary objective is to harness space technology for national development while advancing space science research and planetary exploration. DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organization. DRDO aims to achieve self-reliance in defense systems and develop state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces.Suggested read: IOCL vs ONGC- Which is Better?
ISRO vs DRDO- Which is Good for You After GATE?
Deciding between a career at ISRO and DRDO after passing the GATE exam can be challenging due to the distinct nature of their work and the unique opportunities they offer. Both organizations play important roles in advancing India's technological frontiers, with ISRO focusing on space exploration and satellite technology and DRDO concentrating on defense research and development. In this ISRO vs DRDO comparison, we will delve into their eligibility criteria, job roles, GATE cut-offs, and other relevant factors to help you make an informed decision about which organization aligns best with your career aspirations and interests.ISRO vs DRDO- Eligibility Criteria
When considering a career at ISRO or DRDO, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial. Here’s a detailed ISRO vs DRDO comparison of their eligibility requirements for recruitment through GATE scores:| ISRO vs DRDO- Eligibility Criteria | ||
| Particulars | ISRO | DRDO |
| Educational Qualifications |
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| Age Limit |
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| GATE Score | While ISRO conducts its own entrance exam for most positions, for some specialized roles, a valid GATE score in relevant disciplines may be required. | A valid GATE score is mandatory for most positions. The score is used for shortlisting applicants for the further selection process, which includes a personal interview. |
| Nationality | Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply. | |
ISRO vs DRDO- Job Roles and Responsibilities
Understanding the specific job roles and responsibilities at ISRO and DRDO, particularly those requiring GATE scores for recruitment, can help applicants make informed career decisions. Both organizations offer various positions that play critical roles in their respective missions. Check out the ISRO vs DRDO job roles and responsibilities in the table presented below:| ISRO vs DRDO: Job Roles and Responsibilities | ||
| Organization | Roles | Responsibilities |
| DRDO | Scientist/Engineer 'SC' |
|
| Technical Officer |
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| Engineer |
|
|
| ISRO | Scientist/Engineer 'SC' |
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| Technical Assistant |
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| Research Scientist |
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|
ISRO vs DRDO- Salary and Allowances
Both ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) offer competitive salary packages and attractive allowances to their employees. Here’s an ISRO vs DRDO salary structure comparison and the benefits provided to applicants who secure a job within these two organizations:| ISRO vs DRDO- Salary and Allowances | |
| Posts | ISRO Salary |
| Scientist/Engineer 'SC': | Basic Pay: The salary for an ISRO Scientist starts around INR 15,600 and can go up to INR 80,000 per month after the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). (approx.) Gross Salary: Including various allowances, the gross salary can range from INR 70,000 to INR 80,000 per month. (approx.) |
| Posts | DRDO Salary |
| Scientist 'B' | Basic Pay: The starting salary for a DRDO Scientist 'B' is INR 56,100 per month (Level 10 of the Pay Matrix). Gross Salary: Including allowances, the gross salary can range from INR 75,000 to INR 85,000 per month. (approx.) |
ISRO vs DRDO- Allowances and Perks
While the salary structure for scientists at ISRO and DRDO may differ slightly, the allowances and perks offered by both organizations are quite similar, providing a comprehensive benefits package to their employees. These benefits are designed to ensure financial stability, health, and well-being, as well as professional growth.- Dearness Allowance (DA): A percentage of the basic pay, revised periodically to account for inflation.
-
House Rent Allowance (HRA):
Based on the city of posting:
- X cities: 24% of basic pay
- Y cities: 16% of basic pay
- Z cities: 8% of basic pay
- Transport Allowance (TA): Provided based on the location of the posting.
- Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical coverage for employees and their dependents.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Allows employees to travel to their hometown or other parts of India.
- Pension Benefits: Entitlement under the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
- Performance-Related Incentives: Additional bonuses and incentives based on individual and project performance.
- Insurance: Life and health insurance coverages.
- Educational Benefits: Support for further education and professional development.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for attending conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs.
Also read: How to Join ISRO After Graduation?
ISRO vs DRDO- GATE Cut Off
Through GATE, when considering a career at ISRO or DRDO, understanding the GATE cut-offs for recruitment is crucial. These cut-offs serve as the minimum qualifying marks required for applicants to be considered for various positions within these organizations. While the GATE Cut Off 2024 for DRDO is yet to be released, find out the previous year's GATE cut-off for DRDO recruitment as outlined below:| Previous Year’s DRDO GATE Cut Off | |||||
| Subject | GEN/UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Mechanical Engineering | 28.4 | 18.9 | 18.9 | 25.5 | 25.5 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 29.9 | 19.9 | 19.9 | 26.9 | 26.9 |
| Computer Science | 32.5 | 21.6 | 21.6 | 29.2 | 29.2 |
| Electrical Engineering | 25 | 16.6 | 16.6 | 22.5 | 22.5 |
| Aerospace Engineering | 25.1 | 16.7 | 16.7 | 22.5 | 22.5 |
| Civil Engineering | 26.6 | 17.7 | 17.7 | 23.9 | 23.9 |
| Chemical Engineering | 32.1 | 21.4 | 21.4 | 28.8 | 28.8 |
ISRO vs DRDO: Career Aspects and Growth
When seeking a career at ISRO or DRDO after GATE, it's important to evaluate the career prospects and growth opportunities each organization offers. Both ISRO and DRDO provide substantial opportunities for professional development, but they cater to different sectors with unique career trajectories. The ISRO vs DRDO career aspect details are provided below:| ISRO vs DRDO: Career Aspects and Growth | ||
| Particulars | ISRO | DRDO |
| Promotion | ISRO has a well-defined promotion policy where scientists can progress from Scientist/Engineer 'SC' to higher levels like Scientist/Engineer 'SF' and beyond, based on their performance and experience. | DRDO offers a hierarchical promotion system where scientists can move up from Scientist 'B' to Scientist 'G' and beyond, depending on their contributions, experience, and performance. |
| Professional Development | ISRO offers various training programs, workshops, and opportunities for further studies to keep their employees updated with the latest technologies and advancements in space research. | DRDO provides extensive training and development programs, including opportunities for advanced research and collaborations with international defense research organizations. |
| Diverse Opportunities | Employees at ISRO get to work on a variety of projects, including satellite development, space missions, and research in space technology, providing a broad spectrum of experiences. | DRDO employees work on cutting-edge defense technology projects, including missile systems, radar systems, and advanced weaponry, offering a challenging and dynamic work environment. |
| Nature of Work | ISRO is known for maintaining a good work-life balance, especially for office-based roles, making it an attractive option for many candidates. | Field roles in DRDO can be demanding, with rotational shifts and challenging projects, but they also come with additional field allowances and exposure to advanced defense technologies. |
ISRO vs DRDO- Which is Good For You After GATE? FAQs
Ques. Is DRDO better than ISRO?
Ans. While it depends on your interests, DRDO is better for defense technology enthusiasts, while ISRO is ideal for those passionate about space exploration. To compare both, read the ISRO vs DRDO article above.
Ques. Do ISRO and DRDO recruit through GATE?
Ans. Yes, both ISRO and DRDO recruit through GATE. ISRO primarily conducts its own exams but may use GATE scores for specialized roles, while DRDO primarily relies on GATE scores for Scientists "B" or other posts.
Ques. ISRO vs DRDO: Which is good for me after GATE?
Ans. While both are excellent career choices, they differ from each other in various aspects. Check the ISRO vs DRDO comparative analysis in the above article to decide which is good for you after GATE.
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