He Chose a Government Job After IIT—Years Later, He Built One of India’s Leading Space Startups

Skyroot Aerospace CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana has shared how taking an uncommon career path helped shape his entrepreneurial journey. After graduating from IIT, he chose a government job instead of a high-paying corporate role and earned a monthly salary of around ₹40,000. He later spent more than five years at ISRO, where he gained valuable experience in India’s space programme. Eventually, Chandana left the security of a government job to co-found Skyroot Aerospace, becoming one of the pioneers in India’s private space industry. Looking back, he says he was willing to risk everything to build his dream. His story highlights how long-term vision, learning, and calculated risks can lead to extraordinary success.