![Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology - [IIST]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1469604666g.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is an Institute of National Importance established in 2007 under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India. It is the world’s first university fully dedicated to space science, technology, and applications. IIST is recognised by UGC and NAAC-accredited.
As per NIRF Engineering 2025, IIST is ranked 61st in India (Score: 52.44). It is among the most specialised and selective technical institutes in India for aerospace and space technology education.
The campus is located at Valiamala, near the Western Ghats, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, spread across 100 acres. The institute houses 1,431 students across UG, Dual Degree, PG, and Ph.D. programmes, served by 94 faculty members.
- B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, and Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science)
- Eligibility: JEE Advanced rank + 75% in Class XII (65% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Entrance: JEE Advanced (IIST conducts its own counselling separately from JoSAA)
- Total fees: INR 7.43 Lakhs for the 4-year programme
- Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech or B.Tech + M.S.) in Optical Engineering, Earth System Science, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Solid State Physics. Total fees: INR 9.26 Lakhs (5 years).
- M.Tech in 13 specialisations including Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Control Systems, Machine Learning and Computing, Quantum Technology, Geoinformatics, and VLSI and Microsystem. Fees: INR 1.72 Lakhs.
- M.Sc in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Fees: INR 1.72 Lakhs.
- Ph.D. in Aerospace, Avionics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, and Humanities. Fees: INR 0.55 to 1.10 Lakhs.
IIST B.Tech graduates who maintain a CGPA of 7.0 or above are eligible for a placement interview at ISRO Headquarters. Over 1,498 IIST alumni currently serve in ISRO and its centres. The 2024 placement season saw a median package of INR 11.64 LPA with a highest offer of INR 28 LPA for B.Tech graduates.
IIST Admission Dates 2026
IIST B.Tech admissions for the 2026 academic session are based on JEE Advanced 2026. Unlike IITs, IIST does not participate in JoSAA counselling and runs its own separate counselling process. The rank list for the 2026 B.Tech batch was released on 19 June 2026.
| Event | 2026 Cycle (Concluded/Concluding) |
|---|---|
| JEE Advanced 2026 Exam | June 2026 |
| IIST Rank List Release | 19 June 2026 |
| IIST Counselling (B.Tech) | July to September 2026 |
| M.Tech Admissions (GATE-based) | Conducted independently by IIST |
| Ph.D. Admissions | Typically twice a year (January and July sessions) |
The table below shows entrance exams and eligibility for each programme family. IIST’s B.Tech intake is very small at around 210 seats per year, making it one of the most selective engineering institutes in India.
| Programme | Exam Accepted | Seats (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Aerospace / Avionics / CSE-DS) | JEE Advanced (IIST counselling) | 210 total (75+75+36+24) |
| Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech/M.S.) | JEE Advanced (IIST counselling) | Included in B.Tech count |
| M.Tech | GATE score | As per IIST notification |
| M.Sc (Astronomy and Astrophysics) | IIST entrance test / JAM | As per IIST notification |
| Ph.D. | IIST Research Entrance Test (RET) + interview | As per IIST notification |
IIST Courses and Fees
IIST offers highly specialised programmes in space science and technology. B.Tech and Dual Degree programmes are available at the undergraduate level, with a fee of INR 7.43 Lakhs (B.Tech) and INR 9.26 Lakhs (Dual Degree) for the full programme duration. Postgraduate programmes are offered at highly subsidised fees.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech Aerospace Engineering | 4 years | JEE Advanced rank + Class XII 75% | INR 7.43 Lakhs |
| B.Tech Avionics Engineering | 4 years | JEE Advanced rank + Class XII 75% | INR 7.43 Lakhs |
| B.Tech CSE (Data Science) | 4 years | JEE Advanced rank + Class XII 75% | INR 7.43 Lakhs |
| Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech Optical Engg / Earth System Science) | 5 years | JEE Advanced rank + Class XII 75% | INR 9.26 Lakhs |
| Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.S. Astronomy / Solid State Physics) | 5 years | JEE Advanced rank + Class XII 75% | INR 9.26 Lakhs |
| M.Tech (all specialisations) | 2 years | B.Tech in relevant field + GATE | INR 1.72 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Astronomy and Astrophysics) | 2 years | BSc Physics / related discipline | INR 1.72 Lakhs |
| Ph.D. (Engineering disciplines) | Minimum 3 years | M.Tech or equivalent + IIST RET | INR 1.10 Lakhs |
The M.Tech programme covers 13 specialisations spanning Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Structures and Design, Control Systems, Thermal and Propulsion, Quantum Technology, RF and Microwave Engineering, Machine Learning and Computing, Geoinformatics, Power Electronics, VLSI and Microsystem, Digital Signal Processing, Optical Engineering, and Material Science. The Dual Degree route allows students to combine a B.Tech with M.Tech or M.S. in highly niche space-science disciplines.
IIST Admission Process
IIST B.Tech admissions are entirely through JEE Advanced. The institute conducts its own counselling, independent of JoSAA. Candidates must first qualify in JEE Main and then appear in JEE Advanced. Only JEE Advanced-qualified candidates are eligible to register for IIST counselling.
B.Tech Admission
- Eligibility: Valid JEE Advanced rank. Class XII minimum 75% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (65% for SC/ST/PwD). Age: must be born on or after October 1, 2001 for 2026 admissions.
- Step 1: Appear in JEE Advanced and obtain a valid rank.
- Step 2: Register on the IIST counselling portal after rank list release.
- Step 3: Programme preference submission and IIST allotment.
- Step 4: Document verification and fee payment to confirm admission at IIST campus, Valiamala.
The JEE Advanced closing rank for B.Tech Aerospace Engineering at IIST (General category) has historically ranged between 4,000 and 7,000. Avionics and CSE-Data Science are slightly more competitive. Dual Degree programmes have separate rank brackets. Category-wise cutoffs (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) follow standard reservation norms.
M.Tech Admission
M.Tech admissions at IIST are based on valid GATE scores in relevant disciplines. The candidate must hold a B.Tech or B.E. in a relevant engineering field with a minimum of 60% marks. GATE-qualified candidates may receive an AICTE-mandated stipend during the programme. IIST evaluates candidates through a separate shortlisting and interview process after GATE score submission.
Ph.D. Admission
Ph.D. admissions are held twice a year (July and January sessions). Candidates must clear the IIST Research Entrance Test (RET) followed by an interview. Existing JRF or SRF holders, or NET-qualified candidates, may be exempted from the RET as per UGC guidelines. Ph.D. students are supported by ISRO/DoS fellowships for the duration of their research.
IIST Placements and Career Outcomes
IIST’s primary career outcome is absorption into ISRO and other Department of Space establishments. B.Tech graduates who maintain a CGPA of 7.0 or above at the end of the sixth semester are eligible for ISRO’s recruitment interview. Over 1,498 IIST alumni currently serve in ISRO across its centres including VSSC, URSC, SAC, NRSC, and ISRO HQ.
IIST also participates in campus placements for students who pursue private sector or non-ISRO careers. In the 2024 placement season, 89 out of 116 students were placed, a rate of 76.72%. The median package was INR 11.64 LPA. The highest offer for B.Tech graduates was INR 28 LPA, for Dual Degree graduates INR 20 LPA, and for M.Tech graduates INR 21.5 LPA.
| Career Pathway | Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ISRO Absorption (B.Tech) | Available for CGPA 7.0 and above | Interview by ISRO Expert Committee |
| Campus Placement (Private Sector) | Median INR 11.64 LPA (2024) | Highest B.Tech: INR 28 LPA |
| Higher Studies (M.Tech / M.S. abroad) | Common pathway for top graduates | Strong research record facilitates admissions |
| Ph.D. Research | Directly at IIST or IITs/IISc | DoS fellowships available |
IIST’s student-faculty ratio of 7:1 and its active research partnerships with ISRO centres provide hands-on project experience. Graduates are sought by space startups, defence PSUs, IT companies with space-tech practices, and global aerospace firms. As of 2025, IIST has been involved in 144 active research projects and published over 4,500 papers.
IIST Rankings
IIST participates in NIRF annually. In NIRF Engineering 2025, IIST is ranked 61st in India with a score of 52.44. This places it among the top 70 engineering institutes in the country, sharing the NIRF Engineering tier with a select group of IITs, NITs, and specialized institutes.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Engineering | 61 (Score: 52.44) | Not disclosed separately |
IIST Campus and Infrastructure
IIST’s main campus is spread across 100 acres in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, close to the Western Ghats. The campus houses all academic buildings, research labs, administrative facilities, hostels, sports complex, and the institute’s central library. Separate hostels are available for male and female students at monthly fees ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 10,250.
Research infrastructure includes advanced propulsion, aerodynamics, and materials labs directly aligned with ISRO’s mission needs. Students have access to ISRO’s facilities at the nearby Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The institute’s computer centre and instrumentation labs support both coursework and research. A dedicated space lab allows students to undertake live projects with faculty guidance.
Two additional campuses are under development: the Ponmudi Campus (research hub in the Kerala hills) and the Magudagiri Campus (focused on aerospace engineering). IIST has also been selected for participation in NASA’s Axiom Mission 4, reflecting its research standing at the international level.
IIST vs IIT Madras vs NIT Trichy (Aerospace)
JEE Advanced qualifiers who are considering aerospace careers often compare IIST with IIT Madras’s Aerospace Engineering department and NIT Trichy’s Aerospace stream. The comparison below covers key decision parameters for aspirants choosing an aerospace programme through JEE Advanced.
| Parameter | IIST Thiruvananthapuram | IIT Madras | NIT Trichy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2007 | 1959 | 1964 |
| Type | IoNI under DoS/ISRO | IIT (IoNI) | NIT (IoNI) |
| NIRF Engineering 2025 | 61 | Top 3 | Top 10 |
| Admission | JEE Advanced (separate counselling) | JEE Advanced (JoSAA) | JEE Advanced (JoSAA) |
| B.Tech Aerospace Total Fees | INR 7.43 Lakhs | INR 8 to 10 Lakhs | INR 5 to 7 Lakhs |
| Median Campus Placement | INR 11.64 LPA (2024) | INR 20+ LPA | INR 12 to 14 LPA |
| ISRO Absorption | Direct ISRO interview for CGPA 7.0+ | Not a primary pathway | Not a primary pathway |
| Specialisation Focus | Space and satellite technology exclusively | Aerospace with broad engineering exposure | Aerospace within multi-discipline NIT |
IIST stands apart for aspirants with a clear ambition to join ISRO or work in the space sector. Its dedicated focus on space applications, ISRO research proximity, and direct absorption pathway are not replicable elsewhere. IIT Madras offers stronger general engineering rankings and a broader alumni network. NIT Trichy provides comparable fees with a more general placement pool. Students who are open to non-ISRO careers but want strong aerospace academics should also seriously evaluate IIT Madras Aerospace.
IIST FAQs
Ques. Does IIST guarantee ISRO absorption after B.Tech?
Ans. ISRO absorption is not automatic or guaranteed. B.Tech and Dual Degree graduates who maintain a CGPA of 7.0 or above are eligible to appear for a placement interview organised by ISRO Headquarters. Selection is based on interview performance and vacancy availability. Over 1,498 IIST alumni are currently employed in ISRO, reflecting a strong historical absorption rate.
Ques. What JEE Advanced rank is required for B.Tech Aerospace at IIST?
Ans. Based on historical IIST counselling data, the closing JEE Advanced rank for B.Tech Aerospace Engineering (General category) has typically been in the 4,000 to 7,000 range. Avionics and CSE-Data Science have been slightly more competitive. Cutoffs vary each year depending on the pool of candidates and seat availability.
Ques. What is the total fee for B.Tech at IIST?
Ans. The total fee for B.Tech (Aerospace, Avionics, or CSE-Data Science) at IIST is INR 7.43 Lakhs for the full 4-year programme. The Dual Degree (5-year B.Tech plus M.Tech or M.S.) costs INR 9.26 Lakhs in total. ISRO-sponsored scholarships and fellowships are available for eligible students.
Ques. Is IIST better than IIT for aerospace?
Ans. IIST and IIT Aerospace programmes serve different career goals. IIST is specifically designed for the space sector, with a direct pathway to ISRO and deep integration with space research. IITs offer broader engineering exposure with stronger general placement records. If your target is a career in India’s space programme, IIST is the most direct route. For broader career options, IIT Aerospace offers more flexibility.
Ques. Does IIST have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. IIST provides separate hostels for male and female students on its Valiamala campus. Monthly hostel charges range from INR 3,000 to INR 10,250 depending on room type. Hostel accommodation is mandatory for the first year and available throughout the programme.
Ques. What is IIST’s NIRF ranking?
Ans. As per NIRF Engineering 2025, IIST is ranked 61st in India with a score of 52.44. This makes IIST one of the top 70 engineering institutes in the country in NIRF’s latest assessment.
Ques. Does IIST offer M.Tech programmes?
Ans. Yes. IIST offers M.Tech in 13 specialisations covering Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Control Systems, Machine Learning and Computing, Quantum Technology, Thermal and Propulsion, VLSI and Microsystem, Geoinformatics, Optical Engineering, RF and Microwave Engineering, Power Electronics, Structures and Design, Manufacturing Technology, and Material Science and Technology. Admission is through GATE score. Total M.Tech fee is INR 1.72 Lakhs.
Comments
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IIST Admission is either merit-based or entrance-based. At undergraduate level, IIST Trivandrum offers B.Tech, B.Tech + MS & B.Tech + M.Tech programs whereas at postgraduate level it offers M.Tech & MS. For the B.Tech admissions at IIST, candidates are required to appear for the both JEE Main and JEE Advanced examination and participate in the counseling for final seat allotments. M.tech Admission at IIST are done on the basis of GATE Scores. Further, for PhD Admission, it accepts UGC NET-JRF/ CSIR NET-JRF/ JEST/ GATE follwed by Online Screening & Online Interview.
Candidates who are desirous to join the Undergraduate and Dual Degree Programs offered by IIST are required to apply separately to IIST through the online application portal and follow the steps detailed below:
Yes, for the B.Tech admissions at IIST, candidates are required to appear for the both JEE Main and JEE Advanced examinations and participate in the counseling for final seat allotments
IIST cutoff 2024 is anticipated to be out in the month of July or August. You can visit the official website of the IIST for the latest notification.
The address of the campus is Valiamala (P.O.), Thiruvananthapuram - 695547, Kerala, India
Admission process has concluded for session 2023 at IIST.
Yes, there is scope for becoming a scientist at the ISRO/NASA after pursuing courses like a BSc in maths and an MSc/Ph.D. in astronomy.
If you want to take admission at IIST then you can apply online through the official website. Check out the website for more information.
Yes, campus placement opportuniteis are provided in IIST. Out of 102 MTech students, 64 were placed during IIST placements 2022. The total number of offers made to MTech (including intern and full-time) was 96.
IIST Thiruvananthapuram does not offer B.Sc. Astrophysics to the students.
Yes, you will easily get an education loan for IIST college. You need to contact the banks for interest rates and other information.
The admission schedule for 2023 has not yet been released by the Indian Institute of Space, Science and Technology. The expected date of release of online application forms is September 5, 2023.
The JEE Advanced score is mandatory to get admission in the Indian Institute Of Space Science And Technology - [IIST], Thiruvananthapuram .
You can get admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate courses on the basis of scores of the last qualifying examination and scores of entrance examinations such as JEE Advanced, JEE Mains, GATE, UGC, CSIR NET-JRF, JEST, UGC NET JRF, etc.