IIST Overview 2026: Top & Trusted Space Science Institute in India
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, is a premier government engineering institute established in 2007 under the Department of Space, Government of India. The institute is recognised as Asia’s first university dedicated exclusively to the study and research of space science, space technology, and aerospace engineering.
IIST is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and functions under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Moreover, the institute is widely known for its advanced academic curriculum, research-focused environment, and strong association with India’s space missions and technology programmes.
The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and dual-degree programmes in disciplines such as Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Earth System Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Space Technology. In addition, IIST focuses heavily on innovation, scientific research, satellite technology, robotics, and advanced engineering applications.
B.Tech is the flagship programme offered at IIST. Admission to undergraduate engineering courses is based on JEE Advanced scores followed by counselling conducted through JoSAA. Furthermore, students meeting the institute’s academic performance criteria may also receive opportunities for placement and research projects associated with ISRO.
The IIST campus is equipped with modern laboratories, satellite research centres, advanced computing facilities, digital libraries, hostels, sports complexes, innovation labs, and research infrastructure. Consequently, students receive excellent exposure to scientific learning and practical engineering applications.
IIST is also recognised for its strong academic environment and research opportunities. Students regularly participate in national and international research projects, internships, aerospace competitions, and technology development programmes. Additionally, the institute maintains collaborations with leading scientific organisations and research institutions.
IIST Thiruvananthapuram Key Highlights
Here are the highlights of IIST Thiruvanthapuram.
| Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Institute Name | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram |
| Established Year | Type of Institute | 2007 |
| Location | Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Approved By | UGC, AICTE |
| Flagship course | B.Tech |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Admission Criteria | JEE Advanced + IIST Counselling |
| Median Package | INR 11.64 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | ISRO, DRDO, HAL, BEL, TCS, Honeywell, Infosys, Cognizant |
| Official Website | IIST Thiruvananthapuram |
IIST Important Dates
Below is the tabulated form of important dates for Admission in IIST Thiruvanthapuram.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| ME/ MTech | |
| GATE 2026 Admit Card Date | Jan 07, 2026 (Tentative) |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 07, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 08, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 14, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 15, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Date | Mar 19, 2026 (Tentative) |
| BE/ BTech | |
| JEE Main 2026 Registration | Oct 15, 2025 – Nov 25, 2025 (Ongoing) |
| JEE Main 2026 Exam Date | Jan 22, 2026 – Jan 30, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Result | Feb 19, 2026 |
| MSc | |
| GATE 2026 Admit Card Date | Jan 07, 2026(Tentative) |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 07, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 08, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 14, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 15, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Date | Mar 19, 2026 (Tentative) |
| MPhil / PhD in Science | |
| Display of Shortlisted Candidates for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Nov 27, 2025 (Upcoming) |
| Date of Screening Test for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Dec 15, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Interview Date for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Dec 16, 2025 – Dec 19, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Display of Provisionally Selected Candidates for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Dec 26, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Reporting Date at Institution for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Jan 02, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Date of Classes Begin for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Jan 05, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Payment of Seat Acceptance Fee for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Dec 29, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date of Admission for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Science) | Jan 16, 2026 (Tentative) |
| MPhil/ PhD in Engineering | |
| Display of Shortlisted Candidates for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Nov 27, 2025 (Upcoming) |
| Date of Screening Test for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Dec 15, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Interview Date for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Dec 16, 2025 – Dec 19, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Display of Provisionally Selected Candidates for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Dec 26, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Reporting Date at Institution for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Jan 02, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Date of Classes Begin for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Jan 05, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Payment of Seat Acceptance Fee for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Dec 29, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date of Admission for Admission 2025 [PhD] (Engineering) | Jan 16, 2026 (Tentative) |
IIST Courses & Fees 2026
B.Tech & M.Tech are the flagship courses offered by IIST Thiruvanthapuram. Here is the table for popular courses & Fees offered by IIST Thiruvanthapuram.
| Course | Course Fees (1st Year) | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech | INR 1.45 Lakhs | 10+2 with 75% + JEE Advanced |
| M.Tech | INR 87,400 | Graduation with 60% + GATE |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] | INR 87,400 | Graduation with 60% + GATE |
| B.Tech + M.S | INR 1.45 Lakhs | 10+2 with 75% + JEE Advanced |
| Ph.D | INR 21,400 | Post Graduation + UGC NET |
| B.Tech + M.Tech | INR 1.45 Lakhs | 10+2 with 75% + JEE Advanced |
IIST Admission
IIST Thiruvananthapuram offers admission to Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Research programs through a national-level entrance test. B.Tech and M.Tech are the flagship courses offered by IIST Thiruvanthapuram. IIST Thiruvananthapuram offers a B.Tech program in 3 specialisations and an M.Tech program in fifteen specialisations.
| Course | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | Candidates must have completed 10+2. Students are admitted based on the JEE Advanced exam. |
| M.Tech | Candidates must have completed graduation in a relevant discipline. Students are admitted based on the GATE exam. |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] | Candidates must have completed graduation in a relevant discipline. Students are admitted based on the GATE exam. |
| B.Tech + M.S | Candidates must have completed 10+2 with 75%. Students are admitted based on JEE Advanced |
| Ph.D | Candidates must have completed post-graduation. Students are admitted based on the UGC NET |
| B.Tech + M.Tech | Candidates must have 10+2 with 75%. Students are admitted based on JEE Advanced |
IIST Cutoff 2025
IIST GATE Cutoff 2025 has been released. The Round 1 cutoff for M.Tech Geoinformatics in 2025 is 597 and 491 in Round 2
| Courses | Round 1(Cutoff marks) | Round 2(Cutoff marks) |
|---|---|---|
| M.Tech Geoinformatics | 597 | 491 |
| M.Tech Quantum Technology | 549 | 510 |
| M.Tech Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics | 527 | 490 |
| M.Tech Structures and Design | 518 | 458 |
| M.Tech VLSI and Microsystem | 510 | 499 |
| M.Tech Thermal and Propulsion | 499 | 466 |
| M.Sc Astronomy and Astrophysics | 493 | 473 |
| M.Tech Power Electronics | 468 | 448 |
| M.Tech Control Systems | 462 | 456 |
| M.Tech Digital System & Signal Processing | 456 | 449 |
| M.Tech RF and Microwave Engineering | 452 | 444 |
| M.Tech Optical Engineering | 440 | 414 |
| M.Tech Earth System Science and Technology | 429 | 376 |
| M.Tech Material Science and Technology | 392 | 380 |
| M.Tech Manufacturing Technology | 388 | 355 |
IIST Placement Reports
IIST Thiruvananthapuram Placement Report 2025 has not yet been released. However, according to the 2024 report, the median package offered was INR 11,64,636, where 116 students registered & 89 of these students secured placements. The placement percentage was 76.72%. ISRO, Texas Instruments, Infosys, Mercedes-Benz, CDAC, Skyroot Aerospace, Analog Devices, Wipro, Bosch, NFTDC, Agnikul Cosmos and many more are the top recruiters at IIST Thiruvanthapuram.
IIST Scholarships Opportunities
IIST offers Scholarships to its the meritorious and weaker sections of the society. IIST Scholarships are offered for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students as listed below.
| S. No. | UG Scholarships | PG scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The top 5 students (UG/DD) admitted in 2025-2026 who have secured AIR (All India Rank, in JEE Advanced Examination, 2025) up to 1000 would be entitled to a full fee waiver for the first year. However, they have to maintain a CGPA of 9.0 and above in a scale of 10 at the end of each year in order to obtain a full fee waiver for the subsequent year. | MTech students with a valid GATE score will receive scholarships through AICTE |
| 2. | Students (UG/DD) admitted in 2025-2026 and securing a CGPA of 9.0 or higher (in the scale of 10) in a given semester would receive a 50 per cent tuition fee waiver in the next semester. The number of waivers shall be limited to ten per cent (10%) of the admitted students in each program. | For students enrolled in the Master of Science program, Scholarships will be paid by IIST |
IIST Campus Infrastructure & Facilities
IIST offers many Campus Facilities for its Students and Staff members as mentioned below.
- Control Systems Lab: An essential part of the engineering curriculum at IIST is the Control Systems Lab, which focuses on the real-world implementation of control theory and systems engineering. Students can gain practical experience in building, evaluating, and implementing control systems in this lab. Control systems are essential in many fields, such as industrial automation, robotics, and aerospace.
- Science Block:Â IIST offers a Science block for conducting Science subjects-related classes and lectures. In this block, Laboratories for Science Projects are observed, and Experiments are carried out here.
- Avionics Block: In this block, only students of the second Year, third Year and Fourth Year are allowed. Students pursuing Electronics Engineering in courses like M.Tech. and PhD attend all the lectures here.
- Cafeteria: The cafeteria has all the provision of Tea, Coffee and snacks for its students. It is well-maintained, and it is located in the centre of IIST. A sitting facility is also available here.
- Aerospace Block:Â IIST is famous for the Aerospace block, which conducts classes for B.Tech, PhD and M.Tech students
- Library:Â IIST provides a Library with world-class facilities. IIST library is a multi-storey building offering Academic as well as Non – non-academic books.
- Administrative Block: This block offers Registrar’s Office, Director’s Office and Placement Office. All the admission procedures are carried out here.
- Gymnasium:Â IIST offers a Gymnasium for its students with world-class equipment and modern facilities. It also offers Table tennis and all other Indoor games for students.
- Mess:Â IIST mess has a wide Mess offerings serving food to all the students. The food is prepared properly, and the mess is also well-maintained.
- Amphitheatre:Â IIST has an Open Amphitheatre where all the Cultural events and Competitions are organised in a Gala manner. It is well cleaned and has a proper seating facility.
IIST FAQs
Ques. What facilities are offered at the IIST Hostel for the Students?
Ans. The hostels, or Halls of Residence, at IIST provide a nurturing environment that truly serves as a home away from home for its residents. Of the 11 hostels, three are designated for girls and eight for boys. Accommodation is provided in single, double, and triple occupancy, depending on the program. Each hostel is equipped with reading rooms, national newspapers, LCD televisions with satellite connection, safe drinking water (both hot and cold), and an uninterrupted 24-hour power supply with generator backup. The cleanliness and maintenance of individual rooms are the responsibility of the residents. All hostels are Wi-Fi enabled, providing seamless access to the internet, the digital library, and other online learning resources. Four laundry huts are also available near the hostels for student use, including space for installing personal washing machines.
Ques. What Medical facilities are provided to IIST students?
Ans. IIST Medical Facility functions 24 x 7 in a dedicated building with ample area for consultation and doing minor procedures with an emergency ward, male and female wards, nurse station, triage area, sterilisation unit, storage, etc. Three doctors and four nurses are on round-the-clock duty. A fully equipped Ambulance is available to meet emergency situations. An external isolation facility is maintained at Dhanishta hostel. All emergency medicines are in stock for the benefit of students and staff. All students are covered under the Group Medi Claim Insurance Policy. For specialised treatment, lab examinations, etc., students were referred to outside hospitals recognised under the insurance scheme. In addition, all permanent staff are covered under the Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) of the Department of Space.
Ques. How are internships carried out in IIST?
Ans. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) offers a diverse range of internship opportunities. These internships cater to both IIST students and external applicants. For those outside IIST, options include summer internships, year-round internships and projects, internships under national schemes, and the PhD. Visiting Students Scheme, providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge science, space science and technology research, and humanities and social sciences. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and requirements for each program listed below. Selected students make significant contributions to active research projects while having access to specialised labs, the library, and campus facilities. Although IIST internships are unpaid, they offer priceless exposure, guidance, and the chance to formally present and record their work. Students who take part in these programs not only improve their technical proficiency but also establish deep relationships with India’s leading space research community.
