Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Thermal and Propulsion at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram is a full-time, two-year (four-semester) postgraduate programme offered under the Department of Aerospace Engineering. The programme provides an opportunity for B.Tech. or equivalent degree holders in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering to specialize in thermal-fluid sciences and propulsion engineering, areas of direct relevance to the Indian Space Programme. The total fees for the programme (including hostel) amount to approximately Rs. 2.75 lakh over two years. Admission is based on a valid GATE score in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Chemical Engineering (CH), or XE (Engineering Sciences) papers. The programme is offered in both regular (GATE-based) and sponsored (for Central Government employees) modes. It is highly sought after for its direct connection to ISRO and the Indian Space Programme.

As of April 2026, the 2025 batch admission cycle has been completed (classes began August 2025). The sponsored admission cycle for 2026-27 is currently active (interviews scheduled for April 1-2, 2026). The regular admission cycle for 2026 is expected to open around May 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IIST PG admissions portal at https://admission.iist.ac.in for the 2026 regular admission notification.

Key Points

The programme specializes in thermal-fluid sciences and propulsion engineering, directly aligned with ISRO's rocket and spacecraft propulsion research needs.
Admission is through GATE score in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Chemical Engineering (CH), or XE papers.
The programme is offered in both regular (GATE-based, for fresh graduates) and sponsored (for Central Government employees) modes.
The final year includes a project, which can be undertaken within IIST or in collaboration with ISRO or other R&D organizations.
SC/ST/PwD students are exempted from payment of Tuition Fees.
IIST M.Tech. students are eligible for GATE scholarship (MHRD stipend) of Rs. 12,400 per month.
About 23% of M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion graduates have pursued PhD programmes, reflecting the strong research orientation of the course.

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IIST Trivandrum Latest Updates and News

01 Apr, 2026 CCMT 2026 Counselling is expected to begin in May 2026 for admission to MTech/ MArch/ MPlan courses at NITs and CFTIs.

IIST M.Tech Thermal and Propulsion Fees

The M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion programme at IIST involves a semester fee of Rs. 40,450 per semester (tuition + other charges), plus hostel fees of Rs. 26,750 per semester. One-time fees of Rs. 10,000 are charged at the time of admission (including a refundable deposit of Rs. 5,000). The total cost for the first semester (including one-time fees) is Rs. 73,700, and from the second semester onwards, the per-semester cost is Rs. 67,200. The total fees over the 2-year programme (4 semesters, including hostel) amount to approximately Rs. 2,75,300.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per semester)	35,000*
Computer Fee (per semester)	750
Internet Fee (per semester)	250
Library Fee (per semester)	1,000
Examination Fee (per semester)	500
Registration and Enrollment Fee (per semester)	200
Association and Cultural Fee (per semester)	500
Sports Facilitation Fee (per semester)	250
Medical and Insurance Fee (per semester)	2,000
Total Semester Fee (A)	40,450
Hostel Establishment Charges (per semester)	5,000
Hostel Rent (per semester)	3,000
Electricity and Water Charges (per semester)	750
Mess Advance for 6 months (per semester)	18,000
Total Hostel and Mess Fee (B)	26,750
Admission Fee (One-time, Non-Refundable)	500
Campus Development Fee (One-time)	1,000
Institute and Library Deposit (One-time, Refundable)	5,000
Alumni Fee (collected with final semester fee)	500
Convocation cum Degree Fee (collected with final semester fee)	2,000
Seminar/Thesis Fee (collected with final semester fee)	1,000
Total One-time Fees (C)	10,000
Grand Total - 1st Semester (A+B+C)	73,700
2nd Semester Onwards (A+B)	67,200
Total Fees for 2 Years (4 Semesters)	2,75,300

*SC/ST/PwD students are exempted from payment of Tuition Fees (Rs. 35,000 per semester).
Institute and Library Deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the institute.
Alumni Fee (Rs. 500), Convocation cum Degree Fee (Rs. 2,000), and Seminar/Thesis Fee (Rs. 1,000) are collected with the final semester fee.
Hostel accommodation is included in the fee structure above; it is not mandatory but is the standard arrangement for PG students.
Fees are liable to change at the discretion of the institute.
GATE scholarship (MHRD stipend) of Rs. 12,400 per month is available to eligible M.Tech. students, which significantly offsets the fee outgo.
For sponsored candidates (Central Government employees), a different fee structure applies: 1st semester Rs. 55,700 and subsequent semesters Rs. 49,200 (hostel fee Rs. 8,750 per semester).

IIST M.Tech Thermal and Propulsion Admission 2026

IIST conducts M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion admissions once a year for the July/August session through two modes: regular (GATE-based, for fresh graduates) and sponsored (for Central Government employees). The 2025 regular admission cycle has been completed. The sponsored admission cycle for 2026-27 is currently active. The next regular cycle (2026) is expected to follow a similar timeline to 2025, with applications opening around May 2026.

Admission Dates

Event	Regular 2026 (Tentative)	Sponsored 2026-27 (Confirmed)
Opening of online application portal	Mid-May 2026	February 19, 2026
Closing of online application portal	Mid-June 2026	March 17, 2026
Display of shortlisted candidates	Late June 2026	March 25, 2026
Interview / Test	Late June - Early July 2026	April 1-2, 2026
Display of provisionally selected candidates	Early July 2026	April 8, 2026
Fee payment of first allotment	Early July 2026	April 10, 2026
Reporting date at the institution	Early August 2026	August 3, 2026
Classes begin	Early August 2026	August 5, 2026
Admission closes	Mid-August 2026	August 14, 2026

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
GATE 2026 (AE/ME/CH/XE)	Registration Start	August 28, 2025
GATE 2026 (AE/ME/CH/XE)	Registration End	October 13, 2025
GATE 2026 (AE/ME/CH/XE)	Admit Card	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026 (AE/ME/CH/XE)	Exam Date	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026 (AE/ME/CH/XE)	Result	March 19, 2026

Note: For 2026 regular admission, a valid GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026 score in AE, ME, CH, or XE is required.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a B.Tech./B.E. or equivalent degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD).
A valid GATE score in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Chemical Engineering (CH), or XE (Engineering Sciences) is mandatory.
For sponsored admission: Candidates must be Central Government employees with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD) and must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.

Admission Process

Apply online at https://admission.iist.ac.in within the application window.
Upload GATE scorecard, qualifying degree marksheets, and other required documents.
Candidates are shortlisted based on GATE score and called for an interview.
Final selection is based on GATE score and interview performance.
Selected candidates must pay the Seat Acceptance Fee within the stipulated time to confirm admission.
Reporting at the institution is in early August, with classes beginning shortly after.

IIST M.Tech Thermal and Propulsion Scholarships 2026

IIST M.Tech. students are eligible for the MHRD/AICTE GATE scholarship of Rs. 12,400 per month, which is a significant financial support that more than covers the monthly fee outgo. SC/ST/PwD students are additionally exempted from tuition fees. The institute also provides access to various government scholarship schemes.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Support	Amount	Eligibility
GATE Scholarship (MHRD/AICTE PG Stipend)	Rs. 12,400 per month	M.Tech. students with valid GATE score, as per AICTE norms
Tuition Fee Exemption	Rs. 35,000 per semester (Rs. 70,000 for 2 years)	SC/ST/PwD students
Institute and Library Deposit	Rs. 5,000 (Refundable)	All students (refunded at programme completion)

The GATE scholarship (Rs. 12,400/month) is subject to AICTE/MHRD norms; candidates should verify eligibility at the time of admission.
No separate scholarship application is required for tuition fee exemption for SC/ST/PwD students; it is automatically applied.
Students may also apply for state government scholarships, central government scholarships (NSP), and other external fellowships as applicable.

IIST M.Tech Thermal and Propulsion Placement 2026

Placement Details

Aspect	Details
Placement Mode	Primarily through off-campus routes, with support from faculty and alumni networks
PhD Pursuit	About 23% of graduates have pursued PhD programmes
On-campus Placements	Limited, but graduates find opportunities in ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and private aerospace companies
Programme Orientation	Strong research orientation makes it particularly suitable for students aspiring to research careers

IIST Trivandrum M.Tech Thermal And Propulsion Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#60 out of 500 in India 2025

#3rd in Kerala

NIRF Ranking

#61 out of 300 in India 2025

#2nd in Kerala

IIRF Ranking

#14 out of 160 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

#1st in Kerala

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IIST M.Tech Thermal and Propulsion FAQs

Ques. Which GATE papers are accepted for M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST?

Ans. IIST accepts GATE scores in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Chemical Engineering (CH), and XE (Engineering Sciences) for admission to M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion. Candidates with a B.Tech. in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering typically appear for GATE AE, while those from Mechanical Engineering appear for GATE ME.

Ques. What is the minimum GATE score required for M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST?

Ans. Based on previous years' data, the minimum GATE score required for M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST is approximately 415-499 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and around 285-323 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. These are indicative figures and may vary each year. Candidates with higher GATE scores have a better chance of selection.

Ques. What is the placement scenario for M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST?

Ans. Placement for M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST is primarily through off-campus routes, with support from faculty and alumni networks. About 23% of graduates have pursued PhD programmes. On-campus placements are limited, but graduates find opportunities in ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and private aerospace companies. The programme's strong research orientation makes it particularly suitable for students aspiring to research careers.

Ques. Can I pursue a PhD after M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST?

Ans. Yes. M.Tech. students at IIST with a CGPA of 7.00 and above throughout their semesters may register for the PhD programme (subject to vacancies) and complete the required coursework for the PhD during the second-year project period. This is a significant advantage for students who wish to transition directly from M.Tech. to PhD without a separate admission process.

Ques. Is the M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion programme at IIST also available for working professionals?

Ans. Yes. IIST offers a sponsored admission mode for Central Government employees (including ISRO, DRDO, HAL, etc.) who wish to pursue M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion. Sponsored candidates must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer and avail 24 months of study leave. The sponsored admission cycle for 2026-27 had its application window from February 19 to March 17, 2026, with interviews on April 1-2, 2026.

Ques. What research areas are covered in M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion at IIST?

Ans. The M.Tech. Thermal and Propulsion programme covers thermal-fluid sciences and propulsion engineering, including topics such as combustion, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, rocket propulsion, gas dynamics, and aerospace propulsion systems. The curriculum is designed to align with ISRO's research needs in liquid and solid rocket propulsion, cryogenic engines, and spacecraft thermal management.