5 Videos,
IIST Trivandrum: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Placements, Ranking, Cutoff
- Public/Government University
- Estd. 2007
Last updated on 18 Mar '26IIST TrivandrumWhat's new?
NIRF 2025 Rankings are out. As per the latest NIRF 2025 rankings, IIST ranks #51 under the category 'Engineering'.
A few more updates are given below:
- The GATE COAP 2026 registration link is active for admission to ME/MTech/PhD programmes. The GATE COAP 2026 round 1 window to view offers and make a decision will be opened on May 11, 2026 (10 AM).
IIST Trivandrum Highlights 2026
Founded in 2007, as an autonomous body by the Government of India's Department of Space, IIST Trivandrum serves as a specialised deemed to be university and is the foremost institute for higher education in the fields of Aerospace Engineering, Earth & Space Sciences, Physics, Avionics etc. with the university being closely associated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
IIST Thiruvananthapuram also extends a range of BTech, MTech, MSc, and dual-degree courses at UG and PG levels as well as PhD programmes through its various departments. Further as a deemed university closely linked with ISRO its students and researchers have collaborative access to the laboratories in ISRO and an opportunity to participate directly in ISRO's missions. While graduates of IIST Thiruvananthapuram are also regularly placed in the organisation with currently 1442+ alumni working at ISRO.
IIST Kerala has also established multiple MoUs with international universities and organisations. These include University of Caltech, the University of Cambridge, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Danish Aerospace Company, etc. Interested students can check out the major highlights of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology below:
| Particulars | IIST Thiruvananthapuram Highlights 2026 |
|---|---|
|
Establishment Year |
2007 |
| Ownership Type |
Deemed University (Public) |
|
Location |
Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Recognised by |
UGC, AICTE |
|
NAAC Grade |
A++ |
|
Entrance exams accepted |
|
|
No. of departments |
7 |
|
Flagship course |
BTech, MTech |
|
NIRF Ranking 2023 |
48 (engineering) |
|
Shiksha rating |
4.1/ 5 |
|
Official website |
https://www.iist.ac.in/ |
Check out more on IIST - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Highlights in the below videos:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
IIST Thiruvananthapuram cutoff 2024 has been concluded for further admissions. The cutoff was released for different categories belonging to the All India category candidates. The institute accepts CCMT scores for admission to the M.Tech specialisations. The cutoff was released for different categories belonging to the All India quota. For the General AI category candidates, the closing scores were between the range of 350 and 461. Candidates can check the branch-wise cutoff in the table below:
The institute has disclosed the highest package details for BTech, M.Tech and Dual Degree branches passing-out in 2023. The highest package bagged by the BTech batch 2019-23 was INR 16.60 LPA. The highest package for Dual Degree courses stood at INR 13.20 LPA. The table below depicts the IIST the highest package 2023:
| BTech Branch | the highest Package (2023) |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | INR 13.20 LPA |
| ECE in Avionics | INR 16.60 LPA |
| Dual Degree Branch | the highest Package (2023) |
| MTech in Optical Engineering | INR 13.20 LPA |
| MS in Solid State Physics | INR 13.20 LPA |
| MS in Earth System Science | INR 13.20 LPA |
| MS in Astronomy & Astrophysics | INR 13.20 LPA |
In addition to above statistics, tHe M.Tech the highest salary 2023 stood at INR 28 LPA. Take a look at the table below to know the branch-wise M.Tech the highest packages offered during IIST placements 2023:
| MTech Branch | the highest Package (2023) |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | INR 10.50 LPA |
| Avionics | INR 23 LPA |
| Chemistry | INR 10.50 LPA |
| Earth & Space Science | INR 10 LPA |
| Mathematics | INR 29 LPA |
| Physics | INR 9.18 LPA |
Yes, IIST - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology accepts JEE score for admission to its undergraduate programs. The JEE score is the only criteria for admission to IIST.
Students must qualify the JEE (Advanced) exam and then apply for IIST counseling. Admissions are based on the aggregate marks scored in JEE (Advanced).
To get a seat at IIST Trivandrum through CCMT, candidate must target a score mentioned in the cutoff list. The cutoff was released for different the categories belonging to the All India quota. Among the General AI category candidates, the target score for different specialisations were at the range of 350 and 528, for different specialisations.
IIST Trivandrum Popular Programmes 2026
Among the different Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Humanities & Social Sciences, etc. courses at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology its most popular programmes are the IIST BTech and IIST MTech which are highly sought-after among students.
IIST Trivandrum offers these courses at the UG and PG levels across various specialisations, with the four-year BTech programmes: Aerospace Engineering, BTech in Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science), and Electronics & Communication Engineering (Avionics). Apart from this, IIST offers postgraduate programmes in sixteen areas of space science, space engineering and others.
These courses are popular for its advanced curriculum which has been developed and upgraded to enhance the knowledge of students in the different branches of space engineering and technology. IIST also provides its students with the opportunity to work extensively in specialised areas of research in collaboration with different ISRO centres. Below are some of the other popular IIST courses, along with eligibility and selection criteria:
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Yes, as the foremost institute for Aerospace Engineering education in India IIST Thiruvananthapuram does live up to the hype with its well-performing graduates being absorbed by ISRO and having 1442+ of its alumni currently working at ISRO.
Further students and researchers of IIST Kerala have collaborative access to the laboratories in ISRO and an opportunity to participate directly in ISRO's missions.
The top courses of IIST - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology are:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics)
- Dual Degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics / Earth System Science / Solid State Physics / Optical Engineering
These courses are the most popular among students and have a very good placement record. Graduates from these courses are highly sought-after by top companies in the space industry and other related fields.
Yes, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology does offer dual degree in BTech and MTech. The dual degree programme is offered for five years covering ten semesters. On successful completion, the students are awarded a BTech degree in Engineering Physics and MTech. degree in one of the following four postgraduate streams:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Science in Solid State Physics
- Earth System Science
- Optical Engineering
IIST Trivandrum Admission Process and Important Dates 2026
The mode of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology admissions is conducted online. Admission to most of its courses are entrance-based. The institute offers the BTech programme at the UG level and the MTech programme at the PG level.
- For admission to its BTech programme, IIST Trivandrum accepts the JEE Advanced scores. Candidates have to appear for the JEE Main exam to qualify themselves to appear for the JEE Advanced exam.
- While candidates interested in the MTech programme must appear for the GATE exam.
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Trivandrum takes into account the NET/ GATE/ JEST scores of the candidates while shortlisting them for the PhD programme.
Interested candidates who have given the IIST entrance exam can fill out the online application for the respective courses on the institute page. A few of the documents required at the time of admission are mentioned below:
- Class X certificate if the date of birth is mentioned in it or birth certificate
- Class XII (or equivalent examination) mark sheets
- Category (EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PD) certificates
- Transfer Certificate from the institute last attended
- Candidate’s AADHAR Card
The below-mentioned are the IIST Thiruvananthapuram admission dates for 2026:
M.E./M.Tech Admissions 2026
Eligibility- Undergraduate Degree with 60% aggregate
- 10+2 with 75% aggregate
- Accepting Exams: GATE, JEE Main, JEE Advanced
Important dates| Dates | Events |
|---|---|
May '26 | CCMT 2026Tentative |
27 Mar '26 - 31 May '26 | GATE 2026 Scorecard (free download)Ongoing |
1 Jun '26 - 31 Dec '26 | GATE 2026 Scorecard by paying a fee of INR 500 per test paper |
B.E. / B.Tech Admissions 2026
Eligibility- 10+2 with 75% aggregate
- Accepting Exams: JEE Main, JEE Advanced
Important dates| Dates | Events |
|---|---|
23 Apr '26 - 2 May '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 RegistrationOngoing |
16 May '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 Choosing of scribe by PwD candidates |
17 May '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 Exam |
Ph.D. Admissions 2026
Important dates| Dates | Events |
|---|---|
30 Apr '26 | JEST 2026 ResultOngoing |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
IIST Trivandrum cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the M.Tech specialisations on the basis of GATE scores. The last round closing scores varied between 350 and 461 for the General AI category candidates. For the OBC AI category candidates, the cutoff ranks were between 286 and 496. The table given below provides the last round closing ranks for the IIST Trivandrum GATE cutoff for the General AI category candidates:
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology conducts its admission process through entrance exam scores such as:
- Valid JEE Advanced for BTech admissions
- While PG admissions require valid GATE scores
Students must also apply through the IIST admission portal after they receive their scores.
While application fees for Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology admissions are not clearly mentioned students must pay application fees for the required entrance exams such as JEE Advanced, GATE, etc.
This fee can be paid online through Net Banking while candidates are applying for the required exam. The university also has an admission fee of INR 500 in its fee structure alongside other one-time charges.
The mode of application at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology is both online with students able to apply online through the university admissions portal so long as they complete the course eligibility.
Students must apply after they receive the entrance exam scores that is required for the courses as IIST Thiruvananthapuram does not accept any other counselling process.
IIST TrivandrumStudents Ratings & Reviews
Placements3.7
Infrastructure4.3
Faculty & Course4.4
Campus Life3.6
Value for Money4.6
(4) 4 people found this helpfulIIST Trivandrum Cutoff 2024
IIST Trivandpuram accepts various national-level exams such as JEE Advanced, GATE, and others, for admission to its courses. Candidates must appear for at least one of the entrance exams accepted by the institute for the course they wish to pursue.
The IIST determines the cut-off depending on the number of candidates and the seats available. The cutoff is also affected by the category of the candidate, with candidates from the reserved categories given a relaxation in the cutoff.
Interested students are advised to visit the official website of the college and fill out the application form for the course(s) they wish to enrol in.
Check below to know the latest information about the IIST Trivandrum BTech cut off , along with other courses:
GATE Round 5 score (General-All India)
| Course | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| M.Tech. in VLSI and Microsystems | 447 | 440 |
| M.Tech. in Digital Signal Processing | 375 | 436 |
| M.Tech. in Geoinformatics | 403 | 483 |
| M.Tech. in Machine Learning and Computing | 530 | – / – |
| M.Tech. in Thermal and Propulsion | 415 | 425 |
IIST Trivandrum Rankings 2025
Over the last years, IIST Trivandrum has been ranked by several organisations such as NIRF and ARIIA with institute ranking highly in the 'Engineering' category of NIRF 2025. A few of the important IIST Trivandrum rankings are mentioned below:
|
Ranking Body |
Year |
Category |
Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
|
NIRF |
2025 |
Engineering |
61 |
|
NIRF |
2024 |
Engineering |
51 |
|
NIRF |
2023 |
Engineering |
48 |
|
NIRF |
2022 |
Engineering |
43 |
|
NIRF |
2021 |
Engineering |
40 |
| Publisher | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | 48 | 51 | 61 |
IIST Trivandrum Placements 2024
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Trivandrum, offers placement assistance to its students. Every year, IIST Trivandrum conducts a placement drive for students and is visited by top companies such as Adobe, Intel, Infosys, TCS, and others.
IIST BTech students who had scored a CGPA of 7.5 and above were absorbed directly into different centres of ISRO. The latest placement data released by IIST Thiruvananthapuram was for its 2022-24 batch with a highest package of INR 21.5 LPA offered to students of the Avionics department under the VLSI and Microsystems specialisations.
During IIST placements 2024 a total of 58 students were placed from its several departments. Interested students can check out the branch-wise data for IIST Kerala placements below:
| Department | Specialisation | Total Students | Internship Offers | Placements | Median Package | Highest Package | No. of students placed | Placement Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | Thermal and Propulsion | 12 | - | 9 | INR 7 LPA | INR 11 LPA | 7 | 70% |
| Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics | 11 | 2 | 8 | INR 7.6 LPA | INR 15 LPA | 8 | 100% | |
| Structure and Design | 10 | 5 | 9 | INR 7 LPA | INR 13 LPA | 8 | 100% | |
| Avionics | RF and Microwave Engineering | 8 | 5 | 6 | INR 9 LPA | INR 15 LPA | 6 | 100% |
| Digital Signal Processing | 4 | 6 | 5 | INR 8.5 LPA | INR 13 LPA | 3 | 75% | |
| Control System | 8 | 6 | 11 | INR 8 LPA | INR 12.24 LPA | 6 | 86% | |
| VLSI and Microsystems | 13 | 11 | 12 | INR 9 LPA | INR 21.5 LPA | 11 | 100% | |
| Power Electronics | 4 | 2 | 6 | INR 12 LPA | INR 15 LPA | 4 | 100% | |
| Chemistry | Material Science and Technology | 3 | 3 | 1 | INR 6 LPA | INR 6 LPA | 1 | 100% |
| Earth & Space Science | Geoinformatics | 5 | 5 | 1 | INR 6.8 LPA | INR 6.8 LPA | 1 | 80% |
| MS in Astronomy and Astrophysics | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Earth System Science | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 100% | |
| Mathematics | Machine Learning and Computing | 8 | 11 | 3 | INR 8 LPA | INR 19.5 LPA | 3 | 60% |
| Physics | Quantum Technology | 4 | 3 | INR 8 LPA | INR 9.18 LPA | - | - |
| Course | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| M.E./M.Tech | ₹6.2 - ₹18.5 LPA |
| B.E. / B.Tech | ₹10.5 - ₹13.2 LPA |
| M.Sc. | ₹10 LPA |
Top Recruiters
Insights on Placements
Based on 23 Student Responses
Internships and industry projects
Students can work with faculty on research projects
Employment opportunities
Many students started their own start-ups
Higher studies preferences
Majority opted in outside India
Placement support
Organized & proactive placement process
Alumni network
Strong alumni network that help with placement opportunities
Entrepreneurship cell
Very Active and resourceful, college is also involved
Overall feeling of students
Loved in first year but not in later years
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The institute has a decent placement record. Non-ISRO placement/ full-time offers for BTech increased from 18 in 2022 to 38 in 2023. The total offers (Intern + full-time) made to M.Tech students increased from 96 in 2022 to 99 in 2023. The table below compares the IIST placements 2023 with 2022:
| Particulars | Placement Statistics (2022) | Placement Statistics (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Total students | - BTech: 115 - Dual Degree: 19 | - BTech: 130 - Dual Degree: 18 - MTech: 80 |
| Total no. of students eligible for ISRO absorption | - BTech: 78 - Dual Degree: 7 | - BTech: 81 - Dual Degree: 16 |
| No. of Non-ISRO placement/ full-time offers | - BTech: 18 - Dual Degree: 7 | - BTech: 38 |
| No. of placement/ full-time offers | - MTech: 64 | - MTech: 63 |
| Total offers (Intern + full-time) | - MTech: 96 | - MTech: 99 |
| No. of students available for placement | - MTech: 102 | - MTech: 77 |
| No. of students placed | N/A | - MTech: 51 |
The highest package offered in all the Dual Degree departments was the same in 2023 and the amount stood at INR 13.20 LPA. Take a look at the below table showcasing the IIST placements for the Dual Degree batch 2018-23:
| Dual Degree Department | Total No. of Students (2023) | Total No. of Students Eligible for ISRO Absorption (2023) | Highest Package (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTech in Optical Engineering | 4 | 2 | INR 13.20 LPA |
| MS in Solid State Physics | 5 | 5 | INR 13.20 LPA |
| MS in Earth System Science | 4 | 4 | INR 13.20 LPA |
| MS in Astronomy & Astrophysics | 5 | 5 | INR 13.20 LPA |
The institute has released specialisation-wise placement details for the MTech batch 2021-23. Of all the specialisations, Aerospace Engineering in Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Avionics in VLSI and Microsystems and Earth & Space Science Engineering in Geoinformatics recorded a 100% placement rate. The following table represents the specialisation-wise IIST MTech placement data for 2023:
| Specialisation | Placement Rate (2023) | Total Offers (Intern + full-time) 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal and Propulsion | 85% | 11 |
| Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics | 100% | 6 |
| Structure and Design | 66% | 9 |
| RF and Microwave Engineering | 57% | 7 |
| Digital Signal Processing | 66% | 11 |
| Control System | 80% | 6 |
| VLSI and Microsystems | 100% | 14 |
| Power Electronics | 85% | 10 |
| Material Science and Technology | 83% | 6 |
| Geoinformatics | 100% | 5 |
| Machine Learning and Computing | 72% | 13 |
| Optical Engineering | 25% | 1 |
The MTech in Physics Engineering batch 2021-23 comprised 5 students. A total of 1 offer (intern and full-time) was made during 2023 placements. The highest package for MTech PE stood at INR 9.18 LPA. The table below depicts the branch-wise IIST Thiruvananthapuram placement statistics 2023 for MTech:
| MTech Branch | No. of Students Available for Placement (2023) | No. of Students Placed (2023) | Total Offers (Intern + fulltime) (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | 17 | 14 | 26 |
| Avionics | 31 | 24 | 48 |
| Chemistry | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Earth & Space Science | 11 | 2 | 5 |
| Mathematics | 7 | 5 | 13 |
| Physics | 5 | 1 | 1 |
IIST Trivandrum Scholarships 2026
Students of IIST get scholarships based on merit. Below are the details regarding IIST scholarships:
- The top 5 undergraduate students who are admitted in 2021-22 and secured AIR (All India Rank, in JEE Advanced Examination, 2021) 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 on a scale of 10 at the end of each year to obtain a full fee waiver for the subsequent year.
- Those UG students who are admitted in 2021-22 and secure a CGPA of 9.0 or higher (on a scale of 10) in a given semester would receive a 50 percent tuition fee waiver in the next semester. The number of waivers shall be limited to ten percent (10%) of the admitted students in each programme.
- Also, students from MTech courses with valid GATE scores will receive scholarships through AICTE.
2 yearsIIST Trivandrum Courses and Fees 2026
IIST Trivandrum extends a wide range of UG, PG, and PhD level courses through its 7+ departments, of Avionics, Physics, Chemistry, Humanities & Social Sciences, etc. These courses include BTech programmes at the UG level across the specialisations of:
- BTech in Aerospace Engineering
- BTech in Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics)
- BTech in Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science)
While at the PG level, the university extends MTech and MSc courses in 16+ specialisations. Students at IIST Trivandrum can also for a five-year dual degree programme (BTech + MSc/ MTech), consisting of 10 semesters. In this programme, the students are awarded a BTech degree in Engineering Physics and an MSc/ MTech degree in one of the following postgraduate streams:
- Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Master of Science in Solid State Physics
- MTech in Earth System Science
- MTech in Optical Engineering
Currently, IIST offers PhD programmes in over six disciplines: Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. The IIST fee structure for these courses ranges can range around INR 1.4 Lakhs and INR 6.25 Lakhs. Interested candidates can check the courses at IIST Trivandpuram along with their eligibility criteria and the total course fee in the table below:
| Courses | Tuition Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
M.E./M.Tech(17 courses) | 1.4 LGet Fee Details | |
B.E. / B.Tech(4 courses) | 10+2 : 75 % Exams : JEE MainJEE Advanced | |
M.Sc.(1 course) | 1.4 LGet Fee Details | Exams : GATE |
Ph.D.(1 course) | 1.8 LGet Fee Details | – / – |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
To be eligible for the IIST programme, candidates have to meet the eligibility criteria as per the institute’s admission guidelines. Also candidates must qualify the selection criteria.
Find below the course-wise eligibility and selection criteria for all the offered cousres at IIST:
Courses | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
BTech | Class 12 with 75% aggregate | Exam: JEE Main, JEE Advanced |
MTech | Bachelor’s degree | Exam: GATE + written test and interview |
MSc | Bachelor’s degree | Exam: GATE |
PhD | BTech/ BE/ ME/ MTech/ MS pass candidates in the relevant stream | Exam: UGC NET/ CSIR NET/ JEST (or) GATE |
IIST-Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology offeres MTech at postgraduate level. The MTech course's tuition fee ranges from INR 1.4 lakh. The fee is sourced from various sources, hence indicative. Candidates must make the payment online. The institution also offers exemption from tuittion fee for ST/SC/ PD students. The Institution will also charge other fees for things like examinations, computers, alumni fees, campus development fees, institute and library deposits (refundable), and much more. Depending on the kind of lodging selected, there may be additional costs for mess and hostel. For students in various categories, IIST provides a range of financial aid and scholarship alternatives. To get the latest recent information, go to the IIST website.
Candidates must upload the required documents through the official website. Once the documents are uploaded it is verified and a provisional ADMIT CARD will be generated. Find below the list of documents:
- Class 10 certificate if the date of birth is mentioned in it or birth certificate.
- Class 12 (or equivalent examination) mark sheets
- Category (EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PD) certificates.
- Transfer Certificate from the institute last attended.
- Candidate’s AADHAR Card.
IISc Bangalore conducted the GATE 2024 exam on February 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2024. The GATE 2024 application form was released on 24th August 2024 on the official website at gate.iisc.ac.in. The organising institute for GATE 2024 was IISc Bangalore. The exam was conducted online as a computer-based test for 29 papers. Candidates had to solve 65 questions in 180 minutes (3 hours). The GATE 2024 syllabus is based on General Aptitude and Core Discipline, carrying a weightage of 15% and 85% respectively. Check more about GATE 2024 exam here.
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IIST Trivandrum Vs Other Institutes: Which is better?
Though IIST Thiruvananthapuram may be a notable institute for being one of the top institutes for Aerospace Engineering in India and the only IIST colleges in India. Students must still consider several factors while making the final decision for choice of higher education institute as one's experience will depend on one's requirements including course fees, placements, ROI, location, courses, etc. As such interested students can check a comparison on Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology with a few similar institutes below:
Compare IIST Trivandrum with other similar colleges
| College | Median Salary | Total Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹ 6.2 LPA - 18.5 LPA | ₹ 1.4 L | -/- | |
| ₹ 4.8 LPA - 17 LPA | ₹ 1.4 L | -/- | |
| ₹ 10.84 LPA - 13.36 LPA | ₹ 2 L | -/- | |
| ₹ 8.5 LPA - 26.58 LPA | ₹ 20 K | -/- | |
| ₹ 14.7 LPA | ₹ 20 K | -/- | |
| -/- | ₹ 1.4 L | -/- |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Yes, IIST - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology is one of the best engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a specialised institution for space Science and technology, and it offers several advantages over other engineering colleges in the city. The institute was established in 1956 and is recognised by the UGC. IIST was ranked 40 for Engineering by NIRF 2021 and was ranked among the top 45 engineering institutes of the country according to 2022 NIRF rankings of MHRD with a high score of more than 75% in Teaching, Learning, and Resources, which is relatively superior to many premier institutes in the country. IIST offers undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and dual degree programs under various departments such as Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Chemistry, Earth & Space Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics, and Physics.
IIST Trivandrum Application Process 2026
Students who wants to join BTech and Dual Degree programmes at IIST Trivandrum have to apply separately. Applications are available on the IIST admission portal for PG admissions. One can follow these steps to apply for different PG courses at IIST:
- Open the online application portal (https://admission.iist.ac.in/).
- Select Postgraduate Admission option, and follow instructions given.
- Register an account or Login.
- Fill out all necessary details in application form
- Pay application fee and submit form.
Commonly asked questions On Application Process
The documents shown here are required for Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology admissions:
- Entrance Exam score card (JEE Advanced, GATE, etc.).
- Passing certificate of the qualifying exam (either Class 12 and 10 or bachelor's/ master's degree as the case may be).
- Statement of marks at the qualifying examination and migration certificate (only for candidates passing Bachelor's/ Master's degree from other universities).
- Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
- Transfer Certificate from the institute last attended
- Passport-size photograph of candidate
- Category Certificate (if required)
Students must also pay application fees and complete the course requirements.
To target M.Tech specialisation at IIST Trivandrum, candidate must target the score as per the category they belong to. Candidates belonging to the General AI category must target a score of atleast 350. The last round closing scores for the General AI category candidates were closed between the range of 350 and 528.
GATE 2026 admit card is now available for download on its official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates appearing for GATE this year must download their hall ticket to appear for exam. To download admit card, candidates have to provide their enrollment ID and password at GOAPS portal.
IIST Trivandrum Infrastructure
IIST Trivandrum offers modern amenities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to students. The campus amenities include a library, research centres, canteen, recreation rooms, activity rooms, convenience stores, ATMs, and health services. The institute’s library is housed in a six-story building at the hub of the campus and also offers e-resources to the students. IIST also provides a hostel facility to students with separate hostels for the BTech, MTech, and research scholars. The institute has well-developed laboratories with modern types of equipment to impart world-class teaching to the students.
Check out more on IIST - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology infrastructure in the below video:
Library
Hostel
Sports Complex
Gym
Labs
Others
Insights on Infrastructure
Based on 22 Student ResponsesSports facilities
Limited sports facilities present
College events
Not too many non-academic events
Mess food
Mess and Cooking arrangements are Hygienic
Attendance policy
Incomplete attendance invites penalty
Dress code
Students can wear whatever they want
Additional expenses
Requirement to eat out despite mess fees
Consequence of rules violation
Parents are called if rules are broken
Outside movement of girl students
Allowed within restricted timings
IIST Trivandrum Departments
At present, IIST Trivandrum offers BTech, MTech, and PhD programmes. These programmes are offered through the following seven departments:
|
Department |
Popular Programme |
|---|---|
|
Aerospace Engineering |
BTech, MTech in Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics |
|
Avionics |
BTech in Electronics & Communications Engineering, MTech in RF and Microwave Communication, PhD |
|
Chemistry |
Core and elective courses for the BTech and MTech programmes, PhD |
|
Earth and Space Sciences |
Dual degree programmes, MSc in Earth System Science |
|
Humanities and Social Sciences |
Core and elective courses, PhD |
|
Mathematics |
MTech programme in Machine Learning and Computing |
|
Physics |
Core and elective courses, PhD |
IIST Trivandrum Faculty
IIST Trivandpuram is known for its excellent faculty who have obtained their Master's and Doctorate degrees from prestigious Institutes of India and other reputed national and international universities. Currently, the institute has 98 faculty members from 11 different states of the country, supported by a large number of non-teaching staff. Lady faculty members account for about 23 % of the total faculty strength of the institute. The students get to learn under the expert guidance of the faculty members in academic and co-curricular areas.
IIST Trivandrum FAQs
Below mentioned are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding IIST Trivandrum:
The institute has released the median and highest salary details for the various MTech specialisations. During 2023 placements, Machine Learning and Computing students bagged the highest package of INR 28 LPA. Further, the highest median package stood at INR 18.50 LPA and was also made to Machine Learning and Computing students. The table below mentions the MTech specialisation-wise IIST placement packages 2023:
MTech Specialisation | Median Package (2023) | Highest Package (2023) |
|---|---|---|
Thermal and Propulsion | INR 8.40 LPA | INR 10.50 LPA |
Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics | INR 8.50 LPA | INR 10.50 LPA |
Structure and Design | INR 6.20 LPA | INR 10.50 LPA |
RF and Microwave Engineering | INR 10.50 LPA | INR 15 LPA |
Digital Signal Processing | INR 9.10 LPA | INR 23 LPA |
Control System | INR 10 LPA | INR 15 LPA |
VLSI and Microsystems | INR 15 LPA | INR 15 LPA |
Power Electronics | INR 10 LPA | INR 15 LPA |
Material Science and Technology | INR 7.10 LPA | INR 10.50 LPA |
Geoinformatics | INR 8.50 LPA | INR 10 LPA |
Machine Learning and Computing | INR 18.50 LPA | INR 28 LPA |
Optical Engineering | INR 9.10 LPA | INR 9.18 LPA |
All the important details related to IIST placements 2023 are mentioned in the table below:
| Particulars | Placement Statistics (2023) |
|---|---|
| Total students | - BTech: 130 - Dual Degree: 18 - MTech: 80 |
| Total no. of students eligible for ISRO absorption | - BTech: 81 - Dual Degree: 16 |
| No. of Non-ISRO placement/ full-time offers | - BTech: 38 |
| the highest package | - BTech: INR 16.60 LPA - Dual Degree: INR 13.20 LPA - MTech: INR 28 LPA |
| Median package* | - BTech: INR 10.50 LPA - Dual Degree: INR 13.20 LPA |
| No. of placement/ full-time offers | - MTech: 63 |
| Total offers (Intern + full-time) | - MTech: 99 |
| No. of students available for placement | - MTech: 77 |
| No. of students placed | - MTech: 51 |
| No. of internship offers | - MTech: 36 |
*The median salary mentioned above is the highest amount offered in all the departments.
Students pursuing the MTech course at IIST are allowed to do short-term internships/ long-term internships (six months to one year), depending upon their course of study. The IIST MTech internship details for the 2021-23 batch are tabulated below:
Particulars | Statistics (MTech Batch 2021-23) |
|---|---|
No. of internship offers | 36 |
Top specialisation | VLSI and Microsystems |
According to unofficial online sources, the IIST alumni are primarily working in the Engineering sector with a 39% share. The pie chart below represents the detailed sector-wise distribution of alumni:
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology offers M.Tech at postgraduate level for a duration of two years. M.Tech is offered under 14 specialisations. Tabulated below are the M.Tech specialisations along withh their eligibility criteria:
MTech Specialisations | Eligibility Crietria |
|---|---|
Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering |
Structures and Design Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or Production Engineering |
Thermal and Propulsion Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering |
Control Systems Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Avionics/ Electrical and Electronics /Electronics and Communication/ Electronics and Instrumentation /Instrumentation and Control Engineering |
Digital Signal Processing Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Avionics/ Electronics and Communication /Telecommunication/ Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
RF and Microwave Engineering Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Avionics/ Electronics and Communication/ Electronics Engineering/ Electrical Engineering |
VLSI and Microsystems Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Avionics/ Electronics and Communication/ Electrical Engineering |
Power Electronics Curriculum | - A BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Avionics/ Electrical and Electronics/ Electronics and Communication/ Electronics and Instrumentation/ Instrumentation and Control Engineering |
Materials Science & Technology | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Polymer Science and Technology/ Chemical Engineering/ Rubber Technology/ Metallurgy and Materials Science/ Mechanical Engineering/ Production and Industrial Engineering - MSc/ MS in Chemistry (all branches)/ Physics/ Material Science/ Nanoscience and Technology |
Earth System Sciences | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electronics and Communication, Electrical, Electronics and Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation, Instrumentation and Control, Physical Science, Agricultural, Engineering Science, Instrumentation, Engineering Physics - MSc degree in Physics/ Mathematics |
GeoInformatics Curriculum | - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Computer Science Engineering/ Information Technology/ Electrical and Electronics Engineering/ Electronics and Communication Engineering/ Civil/ Physical Science/ Engineering Sciences/ Geoinformatics/ Agricultural Engineering - MSc degree in Mathematics/ Physics |
Machine Learning and Soft Computing Curriculum | - MSc degree in Mathematics/ Statistics/ Computer Science - BTech degree or any other degree holding an equivalent value in Electronics and Communication Engineering/ Electrical Engineering/ Information Technology/ Computer Science and Engineering |
IIST Trivandrum M.Tech cutoff 2024 was concluded on the basis of GATE exam score. The cutoff was released for General AI, OBC AI, SC AI, ST AI, EWS AI and PWD AI category candidates. The cutoff was released as opening and closing scores. The table below consists of the last round closing scores for the General AI category candidates:
JEE Advanced exam conducted by IIT Madras. Candidates can appear in JEE Advanced two consecutive times. JEE Advanced is held in CBT mode and there are 2 papers in all. Each paper has 3 sections: Physics, Chemistry and Maths. Candidates have to attempt both papers 1 and 2 to be eligible for admission to the IITs. The marking scheme and the distribution of the questions in the exam change every year.
Candidates who had qualified the GATE exams is eligible for the M.Tech at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology. Further, candidates must also qualify for the eligibility criteria, i.e., Bachelor's degree with 60% aggregate (General / EWS & OBC) and 55% (SC/ST & PwD) from a recognised institution. Qualified candidates must complete the IIST admission procedure and finalised their seats.
Candidates with a valid score in the following exams: UGC NET/ CSIR NET/ JEST (or) GATE are eligible for the PhD at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology. Candidates must apply through the institute's official website. IIST offers PhD in regular, sponsored, and anytime mode. Specialisations covered under PhD are Aerospace engineering, Avionics, earth & Space Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Humanitites.
The specific number of students admit into the M.Tech programme at IISTs can vary each year and is subject to change based on the institute's policies and capacity. It is recommended to check the official website or contact the institute directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on M.Tech admissions and seat availability.
IIST Trivandrum
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
To apply for Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) admissions, the route depends on the programme level:
Undergraduate (B.Tech in Aerospace, Avionics, Engineering Physics)
- Eligibility: Must qualify JEE Main and then JEE Advanced 2026 (exam on 17 May 2026).
- Process:
- Register for JEE Ad
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
IIST admission is open only to specific courses for the academic session 2026. The college has admissions open for Btech, as JEE Main is ongoing for session 2. However, GATE 2026 is over already which is required to take admission in the MSc and M.Tech programmes. Candidates who have qualified the e
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, candidates can not take direct admission at IIST. The institute offers only entrance-based admission into different UG and PG courses. The college accepts score of entrance exam such as JEE Main, JEE Advance for BTech. The college accepts score of GATE for MSc or M.Tech admissions.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates applying for BTech at IIST should have passed Class 12 in Physics, Chemistry and Maths with at least 75% aggregate score (general/OBC) and 65% for reserved category. They have to qualify JEE Main and JEE Advance and participate in counselling for seat allocation.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates applying for PG courses at IIST, should fuflil the below mentioned eligibility before applying. Check the eligibility for PG course at IIST:
Course | Eligibility |
|---|---|
MTech | Bachelor's degree with 60% aggregate (General / EWS & OBC) and 55% (SC/ST & PwD). |
MSc | Bachelor's degree with 60% aggregate (General / EWS & OBC) and 55% (SC/ST & PwD). |
PhD | BTech/ BE/ ME/ MTech/ MS pass candidates in the relevant stream |
R
Contributor-Level 10
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Updated on Mar 18, 2026
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