Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram is a full-time doctoral programme offered by the Department of Aerospace Engineering, one of the flagship departments of the institute. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years (extendable up to 6 years), with research areas spanning Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Thermal and Propulsion, Structures and Design, Materials Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering. IIST, a Deemed University under the Department of Space, Government of India, is the only institution in India exclusively dedicated to space science and technology education, making its Aerospace Engineering PhD one of the most sought-after doctoral programmes in the country. The total fee for the first semester (including hostel and mess) is Rs. 42,200, and from the second semester onwards it is Rs. 35,700 per semester. Admissions are conducted twice a year for January and July sessions, with selection through GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/NBHM/JEST or an IIST screening test followed by an interview. The programme is highly popular due to its direct collaboration with ISRO centres and access to cutting-edge aerospace research facilities.

Admission for the July 2026 session is expected to open tentatively in April 2026, based on the previous year's schedule (April 2025 for July 2025 session). The January 2026 session admission process has been completed with classes beginning on January 5, 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official IIST admissions portal (https://admission.iist.ac.in) for the July 2026 notification.

Key Points

IIST is India's only institution exclusively dedicated to space science and technology, offering a unique research environment for Aerospace Engineering PhD scholars.
The department has active collaboration with ISRO centres, providing scholars access to ISRO facilities and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace research problems.
Ph.D. scholars receive a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of Rs. 37,000 per month, enhanced to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) of Rs. 42,000 per month after 2 years.
The fellowship is available for up to 5 years, covering the entire normal duration of the programme.
Research areas include Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Thermal and Propulsion, Structures and Design, Fluid Structure Interaction, Biofluid Mechanics, Experimental and CFD Combustion, Mechanics of Composites, Industrial Engineering, and Additive/Subtractive Manufacturing.
Scholars contribute to small satellite and payload development activities undertaken at the institute level.
Hostel accommodation is provided on campus subject to availability; HRA is provided to those staying off-campus.
Travel grants are available for attending national and international conferences after completion of coursework.
A book grant of Rs. 5,000 per year (up to Rs. 25,000 over 5 years) is provided to full-time scholars.

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IIST Trivandrum Latest Updates & News

16 Apr, 2026 IIST Trivandrum PhD Fee Structure 2026 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 54,800 .

IIST Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering) Fees

IIST charges a nominal fee for its Ph.D. programme, given that most scholars receive a monthly fellowship that effectively offsets the cost. The one-time admission fee is Rs. 1,500 (non-refundable) and a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000 is collected at the time of joining. The per-semester academic fee (tuition + other charges) is Rs. 7,450, while hostel charges per semester are Rs. 10,250. SC/ST/PwD students are exempted from paying tuition fees of Rs. 2,500 per semester.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per semester)	2,500
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
Sports Facilitation Fee (per semester)	250
Medical and Insurance Fee (per semester)	2,000
Total Semester Academic Fee (A)	7,450
Hostel Establishment Charges (per semester)	5,000
Hostel Rent (per semester)	4,500
Electricity and Water Charges (per semester)	750
Mess Advance (6 months)	18,000
Total Hostel + Mess Fee (per semester)	28,250
Admission Fee - One Time (Non-Refundable)	1,500
Caution Deposit - One Time (Refundable)	5,000
Total One-Time Fee (B)	6,500
Total Fees - 1st Semester (A + Hostel + B)	42,200
Total Fees - 2nd Semester Onwards	35,700

SC/ST/PwD students are exempted from Tuition Fee of Rs. 2,500 per semester.
Caution Deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the institute.
Admission Fee of Rs. 1,500 is non-refundable.
A Seat Acceptance Fee of Rs. 4,950 must be paid upon confirmation of seat.
Mess bill is approximately Rs. 3,000 per month; advance of 6 months (Rs. 18,000) is collected after physical reporting.
Additional fees: Supplementary Exam Fee - Rs. 100 per paper; PhD Re-registration Fee - Rs. 1,500; Thesis Submission Fee - Rs. 1,000; Convocation Fee - Rs. 2,000; Alumni Registration Fee - Rs. 500.
Convocation and Alumni Registration fees are collected with the final semester fee.
Hostel accommodation is subject to availability; HRA is provided to those staying off-campus.
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the institute.
Fee refund policy: 90% refund if withdrawal is 15 days before last date of admission; 80% within 15 days after; 50% between 15-30 days after; 0% beyond 30 days.

IIST Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering) Admission 2026

IIST conducts Ph.D. admissions twice a year for January and July sessions. Candidates with a valid GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/NBHM/JEST score are directly called for an interview, while others must clear an IIST screening test before the interview. The January 2026 session has been completed; the next upcoming session is July 2026, for which applications are expected to open in April 2026 (tentative), based on the April 2025 schedule for the July 2025 session.

IIST PhD Admission Dates

Sl. No.	Event	Tentative Date (July 2026 Session)
1	Opening of IIST website for online applications	April 2026 (Tentative)
2	Closing of IIST website for online applications	May 2026 (Tentative)
3	Display of shortlisted candidates	May 2026 (Tentative)
4	Screening Test (IIST Campus, Valiamala)	June 2026 (Tentative)
5	Interview Dates (IIST Campus, Valiamala)	June 2026 (Tentative)
6	Display of provisionally selected candidates	July 2026 (Tentative)
7		July 2026 (Tentative)
8	Reporting date at the Institution	July 2026 (Tentative)
9	Classes begin for Ph.D. Programme	July/August 2026 (Tentative)
10	Last date of Admission	August 2026 (Tentative)

Mandatory Exam Dates

Exam	Registration Dates	Exam Dates	Result Date
GATE	As per IIT schedule (typically Sep-Oct)	February 2026 (Tentative)	March 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Apr 1 - May 1, 2026 (Tentative)	June 2026 (Tentative)	July 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NET	May 1 - May 21, 2026 (Tentative)	July 25-27, 2026 (Tentative)	September 2026 (Tentative)

Note: GATE is the primary exam accepted for Aerospace Engineering PhD at IIST. JEST and NBHM scores are also accepted for eligible candidates. Candidates with a valid fellowship from CSIR/UGC/DST/NBHM/State Government Science and Technology Schemes are eligible to apply under the External Fellowship category.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates with M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent must have a minimum of 60% marks (55% for OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwD) and must have qualified GATE/CSIR/UGC-NET/NBHM/JEST or the IIST Screening Test.
Candidates with B.E./B.Tech. must have a minimum of 75% marks (70% for OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwD) and must have a valid GATE score (IIST/IIT graduates with 7.5 CGPA are exempted from GATE and may qualify through IIST Screening Test).
Applicants must be Indian citizens and below 35 years of age as on the last date of application (age relaxation applicable as per Government of India norms).

Admission Process

Applications are submitted online only through https://admission.iist.ac.in.
Application fee: Rs. 700 for General/EWS/OBC candidates; Rs. 350 for SC/ST/PwD and Women candidates (non-refundable).
Candidates with valid GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET/NBHM/JEST scores are shortlisted for Direct Interview.
Candidates without a valid national test score appear for a 1-hour objective-type Screening Test at IIST campus, followed by an interview.
Final selection is based on interview performance; UR candidates must score 60% or above, SC/ST/PwD/OBC/EWS candidates must score 55% or above.
Provisionally selected candidates must pay the Seat Acceptance Fee of Rs. 4,950 and report to the institute on the specified date.
Candidates employed in Government/Semi-Government/PSUs must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of interview.
Outstation candidates are reimbursed sleeper class train/bus fare for attending the screening test and/or interview.
Candidates can apply to a maximum of four broad research areas, including across different departments.

IIST Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering) Scholarships 2026

IIST provides generous financial support to its Ph.D. scholars through institute fellowships and external fellowships. All full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted under the IIST Fellowship category receive a monthly stipend that covers their living expenses, making the programme financially accessible. External fellowship holders from agencies like CSIR, UGC, DST, and NBHM continue to receive their respective fellowships as per the norms of the funding agency.

Fellowship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Duration	Eligibility
IIST Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	Rs. 37,000 per month	Up to 2 years (initial)	All full-time IIST-funded PhD scholars
IIST Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)	Rs. 42,000 per month	Up to 3 additional years (after JRF review)	JRF scholars who clear the comprehensive exam and performance review after 2 years
GATE-based External Fellowship	As per DST/funding agency norms	As per agency norms	Candidates with valid GATE score and external project funding
CSIR-NET JRF Fellowship	As per CSIR norms	As per CSIR norms	Candidates with valid CSIR-NET JRF score
DST/NBHM/State Govt. Fellowships	As per respective agency norms	As per respective agency norms	Candidates with valid fellowship from respective agencies
Book Grant	Rs. 5,000 per year (max Rs. 25,000 over 5 years)	Up to 5 years	All full-time IIST-funded PhD scholars
Travel Grant (National Conferences)	Actual fare (sleeper class) + registration + accommodation as per IIST norms	After completion of coursework	Full-time IIST-funded PhD scholars
Travel Grant (International Conferences)	Registration + travel + living expenses (merit-based)	After comprehensive exam	Full-time IIST-funded PhD scholars

IIST fellowship is available for a maximum of 5 years (inclusive of coursework period).
Scholars receiving external fellowships (CSIR/UGC/DST etc.) draw their fellowship from the respective agency; IIST does not supplement it.
If an external fellowship is discontinued by the funding agency for any reason, IIST will not bear the fellowship.
HRA is provided to scholars who opt to stay off-campus, as per institute/funding agency rules.
Fellowship enhancement from JRF to SRF is based on a performance review by the Doctoral Committee with an external expert after 2 years.
ASRG (Advanced Space Research Group) project-funded fellowships are also available for scholars working on ISRO/DoS-supported projects.

IIST Trivandrum Ph.D Aerospace Engineering 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 Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering) FAQs

Ques. What are the research areas available for PhD in Aerospace Engineering at IIST?

Ans. The Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIST offers PhD research in several specialized areas including Biofluid Mechanics/Bioastronautics, Experimental and CFD Combustion, Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics, Mechanics of Composites, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Subtractive/Additive Manufacturing, and Fluid Structure Interaction. The department maintains active collaboration with ISRO centres, enabling scholars to work on real-world aerospace and space technology problems.

Ques. Is GATE mandatory for PhD Aerospace Engineering admission at IIST?

Ans. GATE is the primary qualifying exam for candidates with a B.E./B.Tech. degree. However, candidates with M.E./M.Tech. can qualify through GATE, CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, NBHM, or JEST. IIST/IIT graduates with a CGPA of 7.5 or above in B.Tech. are exempted from GATE and can qualify through the IIST Screening Test. Candidates without any national test score can also apply and appear for the IIST Screening Test followed by an interview.

Ques. What is the fellowship amount for PhD Aerospace Engineering scholars at IIST?

Ans. All full-time IIST-funded PhD scholars receive a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years. After a performance review and comprehensive examination at the end of two years, the fellowship is enhanced to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) of Rs. 42,000 per month for up to three more years. The total fellowship tenure is a maximum of 5 years.

Ques. Does IIST PhD Aerospace Engineering have any collaboration with ISRO?

Ans. Yes, IIST has a strong and unique collaboration with ISRO centres. PhD scholars in Aerospace Engineering have access to ISRO facilities and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research problems from the aerospace and space industry. IIST also admits ISRO/DoS-sponsored candidates for part-time PhD under a special category. Additionally, ASRG (Advanced Space Research Group) project-funded PhD positions are available for scholars working on ISRO/DoS-supported research projects.

Ques. How many seats are available for PhD Aerospace Engineering at IIST per session?

Ans. The number of seats varies each session based on faculty availability and research funding. For the January 2026 session, IIST advertised 7 research areas in Aerospace Engineering under the IIST-funded category (Table 1 of the notification), with each area typically admitting 1-2 scholars. The exact seat matrix is announced in the official admission notification on the IIST website.

Ques. Can I pursue a part-time PhD in Aerospace Engineering at IIST while working at ISRO?

Ans. Yes, IIST offers a Part-Time PhD programme specifically for permanent employees of ISRO/DoS centres. Under this programme, the ISRO/DoS employee can pursue research on a part-time basis with an IIST faculty supervisor and an external supervisor from their ISRO/DoS centre. The selection is through an interview after a preliminary scrutiny of the research proposal. There is no age limit for part-time PhD scholars from ISRO/DoS.