NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Government of India’s Department of Space, which administers ISRO, received an approved Budget Estimate of ₹13,416.20 crore for FY 2025–26. However, the allocation was subsequently revised to Rs. 12,448.60 crore. Therefore, Rs. 12,448.60 crore is the most reliable figure available in the annual report for the department’s funding during 2025–26.
Government of India has announced the Space Vision 2047, which targets establishing Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and landing of an Indian on Moon by 2040.
Towards this, Government has approved fi ve important projects: Gaganyaan follow-on missions and establishment of BAS 1st module by 2028, Development of Next Generation Satellite Launch Vehicle (NGLV) by 2032, Chandrayaan-4 by 2027, to develop and demonstrate the technologies to come back to Earth after successfully landing on the Moon and also collect moon samples, Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) by 2028, to study the Venusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes and infl uence of Sun on
Venusian Atmosphere and establishment of Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Spaceport of India, Sriharikota.
ISRO has formulated a roadmap for space science exploration missions, integrating multiple domains of developments, towards achieving the goal of Space Vision 2047.
These eff orts focus on technological advancements, international partnerships, increasing the participation of private players and advancing space exploration missions. The major milestones of the achieving Space Vision 2047 are Launch of 1st module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2028, Establishment of full BAS by 2035 and Indian Moon landing by 2040.
Important: The annual report provides budget allocations, not the actual amount released, received in cash, or spent by the department.
Funding Summary
| Financial indicator | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original Budget Estimate for 2025–26 | ₹13,416.20 crore |
| Revised Estimate for 2025–26 | ₹12,448.60 crore |
| Reduction from original allocation | ₹967.60 crore |
| Percentage reduction | 7.21% |
| Budget Estimate for 2026–27 | ₹13,705.63 crore |
| Increase over 2025–26 Revised Estimate | ₹1,257.03 crore |
| Percentage increase | 10.10% |
Sector-Wise Funding for 2025–26
| Programme or expenditure area | Original Budget | Revised Budget | Reduction | Share of revised budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Technology | ₹10,230.21 crore | ₹9,601.99 crore | ₹628.22 crore | 77.13% |
| Space Applications | ₹1,706.79 crore | ₹1,596.26 crore | ₹110.53 crore | 12.82% |
| Other Central Sector Expenditure | ₹502.35 crore | ₹472.94 crore | ₹29.41 crore | 3.80% |
| Establishment Expenditure | ₹398.85 crore | ₹387.04 crore | ₹11.81 crore | 3.11% |
| INSAT Satellite Systems | ₹207 crore | ₹205.80 crore | ₹1.20 crore | 1.65% |
| Space Science | ₹371 crore | ₹184.57 crore | ₹186.43 crore | 1.48% |
| Total | ₹13,416.20 crore | ₹12,448.60 crore | ₹967.60 crore | 100% |
Major Findings
Space Technology received the largest allocation
Space Technology accounted for Rs. 9,601.99 crore, representing more than 77% of the revised departmental budget. It includes major launch vehicle, satellite and associated technology programmes.
Space Science faced the sharpest reduction
The allocation for Space Science declined from Rs. 371 crore to Rs. 184.57 crore. This represents a reduction of:
- ₹186.43 crore
- 50.25% of the original allocation
This was the largest proportional reduction among all expenditure categories.
Space Technology recorded the largest absolute cut
Space Technology’s allocation was reduced by Rs. 628.22 crore. Although substantial, the programme continued to dominate the department’s overall budget.
Higher allocation proposed for 2026–27
The Department of Space has been allocated a Budget Estimate of Rs. 13,705.63 crore for FY 2026–27. This is:
- ₹1,257.03 crore higher than the 2025–26 Revised Estimate;
- 10.10% higher than the revised allocation; and
- ₹289.43 crore higher than the original 2025–26 Budget Estimate.
Grants Sanctioned to Outside Institutions
The Department of Space separately sanctioned Rs. 4,59,81,213, or approximately Rs. 4.60 crore, as grants-in-aid to 12 institutions and projects under the RESPOND programme.
This amount represents funding given by the department, not funding received by ISRO.
The largest grant was:
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Astronautical Society of India | Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 | ₹2,80,56,000 |
The remaining grants supported research in areas including image matching, deep-UV photon detectors, autonomous ornithopters, LiDAR, aerospace materials, computer vision and propulsion-measurement systems.
Conclusion
Based on the Department of Space Annual Report 2025–26:
- Original funding approved: ₹13,416.20 crore
- Revised funding for 2025–26: ₹12,448.60 crore
- Reduction during the year: ₹967.60 crore
- Grants sanctioned to external institutions: ₹4.60 crore
The annual report does not specify the actual cash released, actual receipts or final expenditure. Consequently, it would be more accurate to report that the Department of Space had a revised budget allocation of Rs. 12,448.60 crore, rather than stating definitively that it “received” this entire amount.
