Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) – Courses, Fees, Admission

About IIST

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is a Deemed to be University located at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It was established in 2007 and functions as an autonomous institution under the Department of Space, Government of India. The institute focuses on education and research in space science, space technology, engineering and related applications.

IIST was formally inaugurated on 14 September 2007. Its permanent campus is located at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram. The institute was established with a focus on developing skilled manpower for India's space programme and supporting research in space-related fields.

Academic Programmes

IIST offers undergraduate, dual-degree, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. Its current undergraduate programmes include B. Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science). The institute also offers a dual-degree programme combining B. Tech in Engineering Physics with an MS/MTech specialization.

The dual-degree programme can lead to specializations such as:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Earth System Science
• Solid State Physics
• Optical Engineering

The programme is completed over ten semesters.

At the postgraduate level, IIST offers programmes in specialized areas of space science and technology. The institute also conducts Ph.D. programmes in disciplines including Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Earth System Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Humanities and Social Sciences.

Research at IIST

Research is an important component of IIST's academic activities. The institute integrates research and development with its teaching programmes and focuses on generating new technologies and applications through advanced science and space research.

IIST's research activities cover several areas connected with space science, engineering and technology. The institute maintains research facilities and laboratories to support work in frontier areas of science and technology. Students pursuing B. Tech and master's programmes can also undertake thesis work, helping them gain research and innovation experience.

Current research projects listed by IIST include work on additive manufacturing for space applications, gas sensor arrays for human space missions, secure UAV networks, wireless communication systems for crew modules, interplanetary networks, spacecraft docking systems, plasma thrusters and astrophysics. Several projects are supported by agencies such as IIST/ISRO, the Department of Space, DST/ANRF and other research organizations.

IIST and ISRO

IIST has a close association with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) because it functions under the Department of Space, Government of India. According to IIST, this relationship provides opportunities for collaboration involving ISRO laboratories and space missions. The institute states that its graduates can be absorbed into ISRO in various capacities, subject to applicable requirements and procedures.

The institute's academic and research activities are therefore closely connected with India's space programme, while its programmes also prepare students for opportunities in the wider aerospace and space technology sectors.

IIST Fee Structure

The official IIST fee page currently lists the following fee structure for undergraduate students admitted from the academic year 2021–22 onwards:

The tuition fee can vary according to the student's category and parental annual income. The official structure provides tuition-fee concessions or exemptions for eligible categories.

For postgraduate programmes, the official fee structure lists a one-time fee of ₹10,000, a semester fee of ₹40,450, and hostel and mess charges of ₹26,750 per semester, subject to the applicable rules.

Admission

IIST conducts admissions for its undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes according to the applicable admission rules. For 2026, the official admission portal lists UG, PG and Ph.D. admissions separately. The 2026 UG admission page states that admissions include B. Tech and dual-degree programmes, while PG admissions include MTech and M.S. programmes.

The institute's current admission information should be checked for the applicable entrance examination, eligibility, reservation, fee and selection requirements because these can differ by programme and admission year.

Infrastructure and Facilities

IIST has laboratories, research centers and specialized facilities supporting space-related education and research. The institute's 2026 admission brochure highlights 92 instructional and research laboratories, along with specialized facilities including the Small-spacecraft Systems and PAyload CEnter (SSPACE) and a satellite ground station.

The campus also provides student facilities including hostels, canteens, medical facilities and other essential services.

Contact Information

The above address and contact details are published on the official IIST website.

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FAQs

1. Where is the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology located?

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is located at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695547. The institute operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Space, Government of India.

2. What is the entrance exam for IIST?

For undergraduate and dual-degree admissions, IIST uses JEE (Advanced) marks for admission. For 2026 admissions, candidates had to satisfy the prescribed Class 12 and JEE (Advanced) eligibility requirements.

3. What courses are offered by IIST?

IIST offers undergraduate, dual-degree, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in areas related to space science and technology. UG programmes include B. Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science), along with a dual-degree programme. Postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes are offered in several specialized disciplines.

4. What are the fees at IIST?

For undergraduate students admitted from the 2021–22 academic year onwards, the official fee structure lists ₹9,000 as the one-time fee, ₹67,950 as the semester fee, and ₹23,750 for hostel and mess charges per semester. The grand total at admission is ₹98,200, while the amount for subsequent semesters is ₹91,700, subject to applicable fee concessions and rules.

5. Does IIST provide scholarships or fee concessions?

IIST provides tuition-fee waivers or concessions according to applicable eligibility conditions. The official UG fee structure states that tuition fees vary based on parental annual income, while SC, ST and PwD students are exempt from tuition fees under the stated rules.

6. Does IIST offer internships?

Yes. IIST offers internship opportunities, including its summer internship programme. The 2026 summer internship programme was scheduled from 25 May to 24 July 2026. Selected interns could access hostel and mess facilities at nominal rates subject to availability, and IIST stated that interns would receive certificates after completing their internships.

7. Does IIST offer internships with ISRO centers?

Yes. IIST's 2026 admission brochure states that its undergraduate students can undertake credited internships and projects at various ISRO centers, including VSSC, URSC, SAC, ISTRAC, PRL, LEOS, IPRC, NARL, NESAC, SHAR, IISU and LPSC, subject to the applicable arrangements.

8. Is IIST under ISRO?

IIST functions as an autonomous institution under the Department of Space, Government of India and has a close academic and research association with ISRO.

9. Does IIST have a management quota?

No. According to the institute's official UG admission FAQs, IIST does not have seats under a Management Quota. The same FAQ also states that there is no separate reservation category for NRIs.

10. What is the ranking of IIST?

IIST has appeared in national institutional ranking exercises. For example, IIST's published annual report records that it was ranked 40th in the Engineering category in NIRF 2021. Since rankings change by year and category, the relevant year's official ranking should be checked before quoting a current position.

11. What is the official website of IIST?

The official website of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology is iist.ac.in.

12. Is IIST a university?

Yes. IIST is a Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. It functions as an autonomous institution under the Department of Space, Government of India.