Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Thiruvananthapuram Campus Life

About Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology - [IIST] Thiruvananthapuram

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), established in 2007, is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is a government-aided deemed university functioning autonomously under the Department of Space, Government of India, and was founded by ISRO to advance space science education and research.

IIST holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked 61st in the NIRF 2025 Engineering category. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs primarily in aerospace engineering, avionics, earth and space sciences, and physics, with a student strength of around 400 and a faculty team of approximately 60. It is recognized for its cutting-edge research in space technology and is set to receive the status of an Institution of National Importance.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram for B.Tech programs are based on JEE Advanced results, followed by separate application and counseling on the IIST portal. M.Tech and M.S. admissions require GATE/JEST scores and an interview. Ph.D. admissions for the January 2026 session involve online application, screening test, and interview.

Admission Process

Admission to Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram is primarily through national-level entrance exams: JEE Advanced for undergraduate B.Tech and dual degree programs, and GATE/JEST for postgraduate M.Tech and research programs. Candidates must meet specific academic and exam score criteria to qualify for admission.

B.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Qualify in JEE Main and then appear for JEE Advanced exam.
2. Secure a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD categories) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
3. After JEE Advanced results, register online on the official IIST admission portal during the application window (typically late May to early June).
4. Fill out the application form with personal and academic details, and select branch preferences.
5. Upload required documents such as Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, category certificates, and photo ID.
6. Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
7. Submit the application and download the confirmation receipt.
8. Wait for the publication of the IIST admission rank list based on JEE Advanced scores.
9. Participate in seat allotment rounds conducted by IIST from mid-June to early July.
10. Complete document verification and confirm admission by paying the institute fees.
11. Attend the mandatory induction program before classes commence in early August.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 certificate or birth certificate (for date of birth proof)
• Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate
• JEE Advanced admit card and scorecard
• Category certificate (if applicable: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD)
• Transfer Certificate from the last attended institution
• Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card or equivalent)
• Passport size photographs

Cutoff 2025

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram admission cutoffs for 2025 show competitive ranks in JEE Advanced, with general category opening ranks as low as 5 for Aerospace Engineering and closing ranks around 78 for Dual Degree programs. The cutoffs reflect a trend of slightly relaxed marks compared to previous years but remain stringent due to limited seats and high demand. For M.Tech admissions, GATE cutoffs are consistent across specializations, with general category cutoffs around 350 marks.

Placements 2025

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram maintained a strong placement record in 2025, with around 77% to 90% placement rates across programs. The highest package reached primarily driven by ISRO and other top aerospace and tech recruiters. The average package for B.Tech and M.Tech students ranged between reflecting robust demand in space science and related sectors.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, Intel, MathWorks

Core: ISRO, Mercedes Benz, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bosch, Analog Devices, Skyroot Aerospace, CDAC, NFTDC, Agnikul Cosmos

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

In the 2025 rankings, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram is ranked 61st in the NIRF Engineering category, showing a slight decline from its 51st rank in 2024. It does not feature in the top overall NIRF rankings or QS global/Asia top lists but maintains a strong national presence in engineering education.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Accredited (Grade not publicly specified for 2025)
• NBA: Accredited for select engineering programmes

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) offers a range of scholarships including merit-based tuition waivers, ISRO-funded fellowships, and need-based financial aid. Government scholarships for SC/ST/EWS categories are also accessible through the National Scholarship Portal and state schemes, ensuring comprehensive support for deserving students.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• ONGC-IIST Partnership Grants: Up to per year for petroleum-geoscience research projects
• Tata Trusts Fellowships: per annum for M.Tech research in materials and propulsion
• Reliance Space Research Awards: project grants plus summer internships
• CSR-Funded Scholarships (BEL, L&T, DRDO): per month for up to 10 underprivileged students annually
• Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF): Up to per month for PhD scholars in space sciences

Comparison

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram is compared with Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa as all three are government-funded premier institutes in India specializing in science and technology education and research, with strong emphasis on research output and innovation in their respective domains.

Key Strengths

• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology - [IIST] Thiruvananthapuram: Asia's first dedicated space science institute established by ISRO, offering specialized programs in space science and engineering with strong research and placement in aerospace sectors.
• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research - [IISER] Thiruvananthapuram: Focuses on fundamental science education and research with interdisciplinary programs and strong emphasis on basic sciences and research output.
• Indian Institute of Technology - [IIT] Goa: New IIT with rapidly growing infrastructure and industry connections, offering cutting-edge engineering education with strong placement packages and research opportunities.

Campus & Infrastructure

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) campus is located at Valiamala, about 25 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, spread over approximately 100 acres near the foothills of the Sahyadri ranges. The fully residential campus includes academic blocks, hostels, sports facilities, and a central library, designed with modern, eco-friendly architecture adjacent to ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 37,574 books, 11,049 e-books, 17,000 e-journals, 4 databases, 127 print periodicals
• Labs: Over 20 specialized labs including Aerospace Structures, Aerodynamics, Thermal and Propulsion, Atmospheric Science, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Remote Sensing, RF and Microwave, Digital Signal Processing, Advanced Propulsion and Laser Diagnostics
• Classrooms: Multiple spacious, air-conditioned smart classrooms equipped with modern teaching aids

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports facilities including cricket ground, basketball court, football field, badminton courts
• Fitness Centre with multi-station gym and weight machines
• Auditorium and amphitheater for cultural and academic events
• Four dining areas (Aditi, Akshaya, Tripthi, Subhiksha) with seating for over 150 people
• On-campus medical facility with 24-hour service
• Union Bank of India branch and ATM on campus
• High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus
• Shuttle transport service for students and staff to Thiruvananthapuram city

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exam is required for admission to IIST Thiruvananthapuram?

Admission to the B.Tech program at IIST is primarily through the JEE Advanced exam. Candidates must qualify JEE Advanced and meet the eligibility criteria set by the institute for admission.

What is the eligibility criteria for applying to postgraduate programs at IIST?

For M.Tech and PhD programs, candidates must have a relevant undergraduate degree in engineering or science with a minimum qualifying percentage as specified by IIST, along with valid GATE scores or institute-specific criteria.

What is the total fee structure for the B.Tech program at IIST?

The approximate total tuition fee for the B.Tech program is around for the entire duration, excluding hostel and mess charges. Fees are subject to revision by the institute.

Are scholarships available for IIST students?

IIST offers various scholarships including merit-cum-means scholarships and government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students. Additionally, ISRO-sponsored students receive financial support during their course.

What is the average placement package for IIST graduates?

The average placement package at IIST is approximately per annum, with the highest packages reaching above especially from ISRO and other aerospace companies.

Which companies are the top recruiters at IIST?

Top recruiters include ISRO, DRDO, HAL, BEL, and leading aerospace and defense companies, along with some IT and research organizations offering internships and placements.

What is the placement rate at IIST?

IIST maintains a high placement rate, with over 90% of eligible students securing job offers or internships in reputed organizations annually.

How is the academic curriculum structured at IIST?

The curriculum focuses on aerospace engineering, avionics, and space science, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical labs and research projects, aligned with ISRO’s requirements.

Does IIST have research opportunities for undergraduate students?

Yes, undergraduate students have access to research projects in ISRO labs and institute facilities, including space labs, RF labs, and interdisciplinary research centers.

What are the hostel facilities like at IIST?

IIST has 11 hostels (8 for boys, 3 for girls) with shared rooms, 24-hour WiFi, power backup, clean drinking water, common rooms with LCD TVs, and indoor games facilities.

Is hostel accommodation mandatory for all students at IIST?

Yes, IIST is a fully residential institute, and all undergraduate and postgraduate students are required to stay on campus throughout their program.

What kind of food is served in the IIST mess?

The mess offers a mix of North and South Indian cuisine, focusing on healthy meals. Mess fees are included in the hostel charges.

How safe is the IIST campus for students?

The campus is secured by CISF personnel with 24/7 surveillance and access control systems, ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff.

What sports and fitness facilities are available on campus?

IIST provides facilities for cricket, basketball, football, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and a gym with modern equipment and trainers for fitness training.

Is there transport connectivity between IIST campus and Thiruvananthapuram city?

Yes, regular bus and cab services operate between the IIST campus (25 km from the city) and Thiruvananthapuram, including transport for students during holidays and weekends.

Are part-time jobs or internships available for IIST students during the course?

While part-time jobs on campus are limited, students have ample internship opportunities with ISRO and affiliated research organizations during semester breaks.

What are the laptop or technical requirements for students at IIST?

Students are recommended to have laptops capable of running programming and simulation software used in aerospace and avionics courses, though specific minimum specs are not mandated.

How does IIST compare with other aerospace institutes in India?

IIST is considered the premier institute for space science and technology in India, with direct ISRO collaboration, superior placement packages, and specialized curriculum unmatched by other aerospace colleges.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at IIST?

Given the low tuition fees, fully residential setup, and high placement packages averaging per annum, IIST offers an excellent ROI for aerospace engineering aspirants.

How active is the alumni network of IIST?

IIST alumni are actively engaged in ISRO, academia, and global aerospace industries, contributing to research and innovation, with alumni events and mentorship programs supported by the institute.