Can India’s Higher Education System Power Our Space Ambitions?

Priyank Kumar, Associate Professor and Head of Space Engineering and Rocketry at BIT Mesra, in a conversation with Higher Education Review, shared his perspectives on how India's higher education curriculum relates to the country's long-term space ambitions, what gaps exist in the area of both space science and aerospace engineering education, and the timely need for combined interdisciplinary learning pathways for AI, robotics, quantum technologies and space exploration.

How aligned is India’s higher education curriculum with the country’s long-term space goals? Are Indian universities producing enough space scientists, engineers, and innovators to meet ISRO’s growing demands?

India’s higher education system is only partially aligned with the long-term space exploration capabilities of the nation. However, progress is being made to achieve greater alignment. Recently, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a new space technology curriculum in collaboration with leading ISRO and IN-SPACe scientists. This is anticipated to strengthen the education system and improve the development of highly skilled space scientists, engineers, and innovators in the future.

At present, this talent is largely focused on a few premier institutions, mostly ITIs, IIST, BIT Mesra, and a few more. This limited distribution of expertise is insufficient to fully support ISRO’s ambitious roadmap and the rapidly growing private space sector.  While numerous educational programs have been initiated, many programs are still lacking hands-on infrastructure necessary for specialized training in areas of propulsion, avionics, system engineering, and subsystem design. To meet future demands, India has to expand its curriculum, develop fully funded laboratories, and enhance faculty capacity based on industry needs. Moreover, there is a significant gap of mission-oriented PhD programs for scaling the quantity and quality of a national space workforce.

What gaps exist in space science and aerospace engineering education in India?

There are still numerous gaps in space education and research in India. Specialized education such as higher studies in propulsion, spacecraft systems, materials, guidance and control, several subjects in the field of human spaceflight are exists in only a few top institutes and specialized organizations. Another significant shortfall lies in hands-on infrastructure. The majority of universities and institutes do not possess facilities such as wind tunnels, thermal vacuum chambers, propulsion test stands, or clean rooms, which are essential for education and research. Although these facilities are necessary for education and research purposes, they still need to be built to a high degree of quality in order to produce reliable results that are applicable to the industry.

Moreover, there is a shortage of experienced faculty in these specialized domains, along with low research depth and low funding. To address these issues, it is important to develop doctoral and post-doctoral research programs. An equally important is supporting and enhancing industry–academia partnerships, which are essential for establishing a robust and sustainable system for space science and space technology in India.

How can India prevent brain drain in the space sector and retain top talent within its borders?

India can tackle brain drain in the space sector with competitive career paths. This could be characterized by increased funding for research, faster career progression as well as opportunities for scientists to lead expansive high-visibility missions. Creating a vibrant and attractive domestic private space ecosystem as well as attractive remuneration and better incubator facilities for start-ups can also help retain talent. Furthermore, clear long-term space roadmaps, recognition programs, and offering sabbaticals with international mobility would enable scientists to develop professionally without leaving the country.

How can Indian institutions increase focus on interdisciplinary programs that combine AI, robotics, quantum tech, and space exploration?

Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and quantum computing play an important role in space exploration. Indian institutes could strengthen the interdisciplinary focus by formalizing integrated degree programs in aerospace, AI, robotics, and quantum technologies. Also, centers of excellence should be established to initiate multi-disciplinary focused research. Departments can include capstone projects in AI, robotics, and quantum technologies as part of space systems implementation.

Are Indian students getting adequate access to hands-on space research and satellite-building opportunities? What are the barriers to greater academic collaboration between Indian universities and international space agencies?

Currently, Indian students have more opportunities for practical space exploration. Over the past ten years, there have been significant improvements with programs such as ISRO’s Student Satellite Program and the establishment of Space Technology Incubation Centers. Several premier institutions have also begun CubeSat projects, and new partnerships are appearing. However, such opportunities remain limited to few institutions. Most of the engineering colleges lack satellite design labs, testing facilities, and mentors with real mission experience, resulting in insufficient practical exposure for students.

Challenges still remain for expanding partnerships with international space agencies, such as technology transfer policy, export control complications regarding collaborating on projects, procedural delays with joint projects, and limited fundings. Together, the absence of long-term institutional agreements restricts student access to international missions, global internships, and collaborative projects.

What role can Indian startups and private players play in enhancing space-focused education and skill-building?

Indian start-ups and private players can significantly impact space-centered education by providing real-world project internships and supporting university labs since they are more willing to collaborate and work with industries. The projects between private players and university, supported by government funding can enhance space-centered education. Further, private players can organize hackathons, CubeSat challenges, payload design competitions, and amateur rocketry events, which are crucial in the current context. These contributions can greatly enhance the educational environment around space.

If India aims for milestones like a permanent lunar base or crewed Mars missions, what specific changes must higher education undergo starting now?

India is making strides in space technology education, and IN-SPACe has developed a committed space technology curriculum to contribute to reducing the gaps that are present in this sector. However, strong space missions take time to develop. It is equally essential to strengthen education at the undergraduate level itself, so that students develop a strong foundation in the first place. This allows students to eventually transition into proficient space technology engineers.