What is GIS?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

GIS full form is Geographic Information System, a powerful software framework that is primarily used for gathering, managing, and visualizing spatial data. GIS is known for blending all sorts of geographically referenced information collected from remote sensing devices with descriptive data to generate maps and make informed decisions.

Geographic Information System assists in various applications, including urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and resource management.

Key Aspects of GIS Software & Courses:

• Key Functions: Data Collection, Data Storage and Management, Data Analysis, and Data Visualization.
• Essential GIS Applications: Urban & Regional Planning, Logistics & Transportation, Environmental Monitoring, Disaster Management, and Agriculture.
• GIS Course Content: GIS Fundamentals, Geospatial Data Processing & Modeling, Remote Sensing, Satellite Image Processing, etc.
• Best Online Course Providers: Coursera, Udemy, edX, LinkedIn Learning, Esri India, Swayam, etc.
• Top Colleges: IIRS Dehradun, SIG Pune, NIT Warangal, MNNIT Allahabad, BHU, Amity University, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, etc.
• Career Opportunities: GIS Analyst, Geospatial Engineer, Remote Sensing Specialist, Cartographer, Urban Planner, Environmental Scientist, etc.
• Starting Earning Potential: INR 3 LPA – INR 6 LPA

To learn more about what is GIS and related courses and certifications in detail, read the article below.

Useful Links for GIS Courses:

What is GeoInformatics?

What is GIS & Remote Sensing Law?

GIS Course Details: Highlights

GIS courses and certifications provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills about the collection and visual analysis of spatial data, which is important to excel in the geospatial industry. Students are taught about remote sensing, spatial data management, satellite imagery analysis, and other GIS tools. Candidates can refer to the table given below for a brief overview of GIS courses:

GIS Course Parameters	GIS Course Details
GIS Full Form	Geographic Information System
Real-World GIS Applications	Urban & Regional Planning, Logistics & Transportation, Environmental Monitoring, Disaster Management, and Agriculture.
GIS Admission Process	Merit/Entrance-Based
GIS Eligibility Criteria	UG: Class 12 from a recognized board PG/PG Diploma: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university Certificate: Class 10 or 12 scores
GIS Entrance Exams	GATE, CUET PG, CUET, JEE Main, and other university-specific exams.
Top Online GIS Learning Platforms	Coursera, Udemy, edX, LinkedIn Learning, Esri India, Swayam, etc.
Best GIS Colleges in India	IIRS Dehradun, SIG Pune, NIT Warangal, MNNIT Allahabad, BHU, Amity University, BIT Mesra, TERI University, SGT University (Gurgaon), etc.
Average GIS Salary	INR 3 LPA to INR 6 LPA
Top GIS Jobs	GIS Analyst, Geospatial Engineer, Remote Sensing Specialist, Cartographer, Urban Planner, Environmental Scientist, etc.
GIS Top Recruiters	Larsen & Toubro, Kentrix, RMSI (Navigational & Geospatial) India, Esri India Technologies Ltd., Cyient, GeoIQ, GSI, National Remote Sensing Centre, TriGeo Technologies, etc.

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Links related to what is GIS:

GATE 2026 Early Registration Vs Late Registration

GATE 2026 Aspirants Motivation Revealed

 

Students must keep in mind that GIS and remote sensing courses are mostly offered in the online mode as certificate courses via online learning platforms. Beginner-level courses are generally free of cost and do not have strict eligibility requirements, but intermediate and advanced-level courses may require a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, along with basic GIS knowledge.

Nonetheless, a few colleges also offer GIS courses and certifications in the offline, full-time mode, with some courses specifically focused on GIS and remote sensing, while others are offered as BSc/BTech in GeoInformatics or MSc/M.E. in GeoInformatics that cover GIS as a core subject in their classroom curriculum. The table given below provides the general eligibility criteria for full-time GIS courses at various levels:

GIS Courses List	GIS Courses Eligibility
BSc GeoInformatics / BTech in GeoInformatics	Students must have passed at least Class 12 with 50 to 60% marks from any recognized central or state board, preferably in a Science background. The admission is done through both entrance exams and Class 12 merit.
MTech in Remote Sensing and GIS / M.E in GeoInformatics / MSc in GeoInformatics	Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in GIS or a related field like Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering with at least 55% marks. The admissions are done through entrance exams such as GATE, CUET PG, etc.
PG Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing	Students must have completed graduation in a related field with decent marks and cleared the respective entrance exams.
Certificate in GIS	Students must have passed Class 10 or 12 with at least 50% marks with Science and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

 

GIS Admission Process

The GIS full form is Geographic Information System, and the GIS admission process can vary depending on the specific university or institution but generally includes the following steps:

• Check Eligibility Criteria: Each university has its own eligibility requirements, which typically include a minimum CGPA in the last qualifying exam and relevant entrance exam scores.
• Application and Registration: Students need to fill out an application form and pay an application fee. Most of the universities require students to register for entrance exams like GATE, CUET PG, CUET, JEE Main, etc.
• Entrance Exam: Students must take the entrance exam, as their performance in the exam will be a major factor in determining admission.
• Document Submission: Submit copies of the academic transcripts, mark sheets, certificates, and other required documents at the time of admission.
• Interview (Optional): Several universities also conduct interviews as part of the admission process.
• Admission Confirmation: After getting shortlisted, students need to visit the college campus to pay the GIS course fees, document verification, and seat confirmation.

Note: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Links for GIS Course Admission:

GATE Marks vs Rank 2026

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

 

GIS and remote sensing courses are mostly offered at the PG level, as either degree or diploma, because of the specialized knowledge and software technology applications that they involve for the collection, analysis, and management of visual spatial data. Hence, the admission to these courses in the full-time mode is majorly based on valid entrance exam scores. A few colleges may also offer a BSc/BTech in GeoInformatics course covering GIS fundamentals and applications.

Interested students can refer to the table given below for a few top entrance exams for GIS courses at various levels:

GIS Entrance Exams	Exam Dates	Exam Schedule
GATE 2026	07 Feb ’26 – 08 Feb ‘26 14 Feb ’26 – 15 Feb ‘26	GATE Exam Date 2026
CUET PG 2026	March-April 2026 (Tentative)	CUET PG Exam Date 2026
CUET 2026	May-June 2026 (Tentative)	CUET Exam Date 2026
JEE Main 2026	January & April 2026 (Tentative)	JEE Main Exam Date 2026

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Links useful for GIS Entrance Exams:

GATE 2026 Preparation Strategy

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern

CUET PG 2026 Syllabus

 

Students have a plethora of course options in GIS and remote sensing to pursue, both in the online and offline modes. A majority of them are available at popular online platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, Swayam, etc. From free introductory courses to advanced paid modules, GIS courses online cover concepts like geospatial technologies and applications and remote sensing fundamentals. The below section provides insights into some top GIS courses online and offline.

GIS Courses Online: Coursera

Coursera is one of the most trusted global online learning platforms where students can gain advanced skills and knowledge for almost every field available. The table given below lists a few top GIS and remote sensing courses freely available at Coursera:

GIS Course Name	GIS Course Duration	GIS Course Fees
Introduction to GIS Mapping	14 hours	Free
GIS Applications Across Industries	16 hours	Free
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design	20 hours	Free
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization	6 months	NA

Note: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

GIS Courses Online: Esri Academy

Esri is a leading Geographic Information System (GIS) technology company known for its flagship product, ArcGIS. Esri has established itself as a pivotal player in spatial analytics and mapping. It also has its own Esri Academy where students and GIS practitioners can find diverse course options. A few top Geographic Information Systems courses at Esri training academy are listed below:

GIS Course Name	GIS Course Duration	GIS Course Fees
Introduction to GIS Using ArcGIS	2 days	INR 1,790
ArcGIS Pro Associate 2101	2 hours	INR 20,505
Going Places with Spatial Analysis	6 weeks	Free
ArcGIS Online Basics	2 hours	Free

Note: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

GIS Courses Online: Udemy, Swayam & UC Davis

Some other popular learning sources for GIS & Remote Sensing courses include Udemy, Swayam, and UC Davis, where students can gain mastery over the GIS techniques and fundamentals. The table given below lists a few course options for students to consider:

GIS Course Name	GIS Course Duration & Provider	GIS Course Fees
Machine Learning in GIS and Remote Sensing: 5 Courses in 1	8 hours (Udemy)	INR 649
GIS Analyst Program	12 months (UC Davis)	INR 1.95 lakh
Basics of Remote Sensing GIS & GNSS and its Applications	15 weeks (Swayam)	NA

Note: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

Full-Time GIS Courses

Geographic Information Systems courses are also offered by some top colleges in the full-time mode. The courses either specifically focus on GIS and Remote Sensing or are offered as GeoInformatics courses where GIS is taught as a core subject during classroom lectures. Students can find the list below for reference:

GIS Course Name	Top GIS Colleges	GIS Course Fees
BTech Civil Engineering (GIS and Remote Sensing)	Periyar Maniammai University, Thanjavur	INR 4.8 lakh
	Galgotias University	INR 5.96 lakh
BSc in GeoInformatics	Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal	INR 60,000
	NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jaipur	INR 1.13 lakh
	Dr. K.N Modi University, Rajasthan - Other	INR 1.5 lakh
	Amity University, Noida	INR 3 lakh – INR 4 lakh
	Amity University, Punjab	INR 3.3 lakh – INR 4.4 lakh
BTech in GeoInformatics	Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam	INR 1.78 lakh
MTech in Remote Sensing and GIS	NIT Warangal	INR 1.4 lakh
	MNNIT Allahabad	INR 1.4 lakh
	Remote Sensing Applications Centre, Lucknow	INR 1.6 lakh
	IIRS Dehradun	INR 1.64 lakh
	SGT University, Gurgaon	INR 2 lakh
	Sharda University, Greater Noida	INR 2.29 lakh
	SRM Institute of Science and Technology	INR 3.2 lakh
	BIT Mesra	INR 4.47 lakh
MTech/MSc in GeoInformatics and Remote Sensing	Amity University, Noida	INR 2.20 lakh - 3.04 lakh
PG Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing	Jamia Millia Islamia	INR 12,525
	Patna University	INR 14,000
	Vikram University, Ujjain	INR 20,680
	Lucknow University	INR 37,000
	Banaras Hindu University	INR 60,000

Note: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

 

The GIS and Remote Sensing courses offered in the online mode via e-learning platforms have no fixed curriculum structure available for the same. However, the table given below mentions a few important concepts covered in online GIS courses with certificates, which equip the students with the right set of knowledge and skills to excel in the field:

Important GIS Course Concepts
Fundamentals of Remote Sensing	Data Processing & Analysis
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Fundamentals	Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
Spatial Data Science	Web & Mobile GIS
ArcGIS	Geospatial Python
Thermal and Microwave Remote Sensing	Data Integration
Imaging Spectroscopy	Satellite and Image Corrections

Note: This information is taken from external sources and may vary.

MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing Syllabus

The MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing course is a PG-level program spread across 4 semesters over the period of 2 years. The coursework covers important concepts like remote sensing, image processing, GIS programming, and spatial analysis, along with specialized elective courses and project work. Students can check the general syllabus for the course given below:

MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing Subjects – Semester I
GIS Technology	Principles of Remote Sensing
Database Management Systems	Elective - I
MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing Subjects – Semester II
Satellite Image Processing	Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
Elective - II	Elective - III
MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing Subjects – Semester III
Web GIS	Cartography & Digital Terrain Modelling
Elective - IV	Seminar
MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing Subjects – Semester IV
Internship	Final Project Work/Thesis

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

PG Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing Syllabus

The PG Diploma in GIS & Remote Sensing course is usually a 1-year program at the PG level, which provides the students with theoretical and practical knowledge in geospatial technologies, spatial data analysis, and GIS applications in agriculture and urban planning. The syllabus would differ from college to college, but students can still go through some general subjects taught in classes given here:

PGD in GIS and Remote Sensing Subjects – Semester I
Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation	Digital Image Processing
Geographical Information Systems & Global Positioning System	Photogrammetry
PGD in GIS and Remote Sensing Subjects – Semester II
RS & GIS Application in Soil and Agriculture	RS & GIS Application in Water and Forest Resources
RS & GIS Application in Urban Environment	Final Project Work

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

 

Top colleges in India either offer standalone courses in GIS and remote sensing or include GIS as a major subject in the coursework of GeoInformatics courses at the UG, PG, and diploma levels. The list of colleges is not that vast as one would find for other courses, given the niche nature of the GIS & Remote Sensing course; however, the section below lists a few top colleges for students’ reference.

Best BTech in GIS and Remote Sensing Colleges

Quite a few colleges provide the GIS and Remote Sensing course as a BTech degree. The colleges that provide the same also do it as a specialization in Civil Engineering. Students can check the table given below for more details:

Top GIS Colleges	GIS Course Offered	GIS Course Fees
Periyar Maniammai University, Thanjavur	BTech (Hons.) Civil Engineering with specialization in GIS and Remote Sensing	INR 4.8 lakh
Galgotias University	BTech Civil Engineering (GIS and Remote Sensing)	INR 5.96 lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best BTech/BSc GeoInformatics Colleges

There are only a few colleges in India offering GeoInformatics courses at the UG level as BTech or BSc degrees. The colleges are known for their excellent coursework, teaching faculty, practical training, industry exposure, and placement opportunities. Students can check the table given below for more details:

Top GIS Colleges	GIS Course Offered	GIS Course Fees
Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal	BSc in GeoInformatics	INR 60,000
NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jaipur	BSc in GeoInformatics	INR 1.13 lakh
Dr. K.N Modi University, Rajasthan - Other	BSc in GeoInformatics	INR 1.5 lakh
Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam	BTech in GeoInformatics	INR 1.78 lakh
Amity University, Noida	BSc in GeoInformatics	INR 3 lakh – INR 4 lakh
Amity University, Punjab	BSc in (Hons.) GeoInformatics	INR 3.3 lakh – INR 4.4 lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best MTech in Remote Sensing & GIS Colleges

The MTech in Remote Sensing and GIS course is one of the most sought-after courses by students interested in GIS and GPS technologies, remote sensing applications, satellite image analysis, and spatial mapping. Top colleges offering this course are quite known for their college rankings, exceptional academic curriculum, faculty experience, networking, and placements. The table given below lists a few top MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing colleges for students’ reference:

Top GIS Colleges	GIS Course Offered	GIS Course Fees
NIT Warangal	MTech in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems	INR 1.4 lakh
MNNIT Allahabad	MTech in GIS and Remote Sensing	INR 1.4 lakh
Remote Sensing Applications Centre, Lucknow	MTech in Remote Sensing and GIS	INR 1.6 lakh
IIRS Dehradun	MTech in Remote Sensing and GIS (Agriculture & Soils)	INR 1.64 lakh
SGT University, Gurgaon	MTech in Civil Engineering (Remote Sensing and GIS)	INR 2 lakh
Amity University, Noida	MTech (Geo Informatics & Remote Sensing) MSc Geographic Information System & Remote Sensing	INR 2.20 lakh - 3.04 lakh
Sharda University, Greater Noida	MTech (CE) in Remote Sensing & GIS	INR 2.29 lakh
SRM Institute of Science and Technology	MTech Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System	INR 3.2 lakh
BIT Mesra	MTech in Remote Sensing	INR 4.47 lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best PG Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing Colleges

Some of the top PG Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing colleges include Jamia Millia Islamia, Banaras Hindu University, and Patna University. The colleges are known for their quality and relatively affordable education, industry reputation, and practical exposure. Students can check the table given below for more details about their GIS course fees:

Top GIS Colleges	GIS Course Offered	GIS Course Fees
Jamia Millia Islamia	PG Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS Application	INR 12,525
Patna University	Post Graduate Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS	INR 14,000
Vikram University, Ujjain	PG Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS	INR 20,680
Lucknow University	PG Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS	INR 37,000
Banaras Hindu University	Post Graduate Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS	INR 60,000

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

 

The earning potential after completing GIS & Remote Sensing courses looks quite promising in India and presents various career opportunities across industries, like urban planning and cartography, agriculture, disaster management, logistics and e-commerce, telecom, and real estate.

GIS technologies are being embraced rapidly. When combined with AI, GIS can be used for predictive analysis using spatial data and drone mapping that helps in precision agriculture. Real-time GIS also enables live data integration like traffic and weather. The table given below lists some top job profiles for one to explore after pursuing Geographic Information Systems courses, along with the salary potential:

Job Options after GIS Courses	Job Description	Average Starting Salary
GIS Analyst	Responsible for using mapping software to analyze spatial data and design digital maps to make strategic decisions regarding urban planning, disaster response, and environmental management.	INR 3.5 LPA
Geospatial Engineer	Makes use of modern mapping technologies such as GIS, GPS, and CAD to collect, analyze, and interpret geographic data for various applications.	INR 4.5 LPA
Remote Sensing Specialist	Looks after the building and maintenance of GIS databases, including data mapping and integration in the GIS framework.	INR 6 LPA
Cartographer	Creates and updates geographic maps using data from satellite images and surveys.	INR 3.5 LPA
Urban Planner	Looks after the development of plans for the strategic use of land and other physical facilities in metropolitan cities and rural areas.	INR 6.6 LPA
Environmental Scientist	Conducts a thorough analysis of existing and potential environmental problems to prevent, control, and fix those via smart and eco-friendly solutions.	INR 9 LPA

Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com and may vary.

GIS Course Top Recruiters

Candidates can land GIS and remote sensing jobs across industries like agriculture, urban planning, real estate, telecom, logistics, e-commerce, etc., offering decent salary packages and exploration opportunities. The table given below lists a few top recruiters for GIS jobs in India:

Top GIS Recruiters
Larsen & Toubro	Kentrix
RMSI (Navigational & Geospatial) India	Esri India Technologies Ltd.
Cyient	GeoIQ
Geological Survey of India (GSI)	National Remote Sensing Centre
TriGeo Technologies	Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

Note: This information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Link useful for GIS Career Scope & Salary:

GeoInformatics Career Guide

 

Here are some frequently asked questions about GIS and Remote Sensing courses in India:

 

Following are the most popular GIS Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.