Are you confused about choosing the best private engineering college for yourself? Your search ends here as our informative guide on educational institutions attempts to ease your thought process by helping you select a college and desired course. In this knowledge-sharing guide, let’s discuss the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, an autonomous institute under the Department of Space, Government of India.
Our research will enable you to understand the admission process, courses offered, facilities available on the campus, exciting placements, scholarships, and so on.
Read this comprehensive guide till the end to gain some knowledgeable insights about one of India’s oldest technical universities.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram Overview
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, set up in the year 2007, is the only national institute under the Department of Space, that contributes towards research and education in several areas of space science and technology. The institute has recognized the importance of research in developing future technologies and applications in space research and accordingly encourages its faculty members to guide and supervise students in the institution.
Located in Kerala, the college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in space studies.
The private institution in India encourages its faculty to collaborate with scientists/engineers from the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Department of Space through joint research projects funded by the institute. Additionally, the institute entails several international collaborations, both as an MOU at the institute’s level and faculty-to-faculty collaboration.
| Name | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram |
| Address | Valiamala P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695 547, Kerala |
| Website | www.iist.ac.in |
| Establishment Year | 2007 |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| City | Thiruvananthapuram |
| College Type | Deemed to be University |
| Affiliated to | Autonomous Institute |
| Approved By | AICTE/UGC |
| Accreditation | – |
| Study Mode | Regular |
| Hostel | Available |
Vision
- To be a top-notch educational and research institute contributing to space endeavors.
Mission
- To create a learning environment supplemented by the challenges of the Space Programme.
- To nurture creativity and innovation and establish Centres of Excellence in niche areas.
- Providing ethical and value-based education promotes activities that address societal needs.
- To seamlessly network with the reputed national and international institutions.
Why Choose the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram?
- Promising Research
Students in the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram are involved in conducting research projects that impact the country’s technical needs, especially the Indian Space Research Organisation. The research work is presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Research work has been appreciated at various international forums.
- International Collaborations
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram‘s students have a lot of positive exposure to foreign establishments and universities. Some of them include the California Institute of Technology, USA (13 students), Mitacs Globalink Research Foundation (3 students), and Australian National University (6 students), among others.
- Absorbed by ISRO
The undergraduate students from the specializations of aerospace engineering, electronics, and communication engineering, and dual degree programs have been absorbed in the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). During 2011-22, 1,231 undergraduate students were absorbed in the ISRO.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram Admission
Undergraduate Courses
| Course | Admission Intake Seats |
| B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering | 75 |
| B.Tech – Electronics as well as Communication Engineering (major in Avionics) | 75 |
| Dual degree | 24 |
Postgraduate Courses
| Course | Admission Intake Seats |
| Master of Technology (M.Tech.) | NA |
| Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics | NA |
Doctor of Philosophy
| Specialization | Research Positions |
| Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering | 8 |
| Ph.D. in Avionics | 11 |
Admission Process for Undergraduate Programmes
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram follows a structured process for its B.Tech admission. It involves online registration, accessing the rank list, selection, and completing joining formalities.
Step 1: Read Information Brochure
Candidates must read the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram admission brochure carefully to understand the eligibility criteria, reservation policies, programs offered, and other guidelines. Queries can be mailed to the institute.
Step 2: Online Registration
Eligible candidates must register on the official Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram admission portal by completing the online form. Registration fee payment completes the process.
Step 3: Check Rank List
Based on JEE Advanced scores, registered candidates can log in to see their category-wise ranks on the admission portal. Ranks determine selection chances.
Step 4: Selection and Joining
Shortlisted candidates will be intimated about the selection. To confirm admission, they must complete document verification, fee payment, and medical tests within specified dates.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Programmes
- Candidates ought to be Indian nationals.
- For the given year, applicants of the General, EWS, and OBC-NCL quotas ought to have their date of birth on or after 1 October 1998, while candidates belonging to the quotas of SC/ST as well as PD ought to have their date of birth on or after October 1, 1993.
- Students belonging to the OCI/PIO categories should hold OCI/PIO cards and have to pay the full fees comprising a one-time fee along with semester, hostel, and mess fees.
- Applicants must have appeared for the Main JEE in the current year to qualify for the Advanced JEE in the current year conducted by IITs, along with obtaining the required minimum marks.
- Students should obtain a minimum 75% aggregate marks in +2 exams (or equivalent exams), while applicants of the categories SC/ST/PD should secure a minimum of 65 marks.
Admission Process for Postgraduate Programmes
- M.Tech. programs offered by Departments of Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and M.Tech in Geoinformatics, candidates will be ranked listed based only on the valid GATE score.
- An admission list would be prepared based on the rank list available number of vacancies and preference given by the candidate. Candidates can choose a maximum of five preferences within or across all the departments.
- Online applications shall be considered for processing. The application fee is non-refundable.
- The applicants can edit the application before the submission of branch registration. A candidate who confirms the seat has to remit the fees of Rs.14200/- as the Seat Acceptance fee.
Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Programmes
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
- The age limit is 32 years.
- Holding a degree in Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Technology/Master of Science or equivalent degree with atleast 60% marks or CGPA of 6.50 for applicants belonging to the General / EWS & OBC categories.
- For candidates belonging to the groups of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as Persons with Disabilities, a minimum of 55% marks or CGPA 6 should be achieved.
- A valid score in GATE/JEST in the relevant department of study.
- Reservation of seats for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD is applicable as per the government of India orders.
Admission Process for Doctor of Philosophy
- Applications will be received on an online basis only. Candidates have to apply for an online screening test.
- Selection to the program for applicants holding degrees of M.E/M.Tech./B.E/B. Tech would be based on an online screening test followed by an interview. The interview will be held through the mode of video conference.
- Applicants holding UGC-CSIR-NET-JRF/Lectureship/NBHM/JEST after attaining their degrees of ME/M.Tech/B.E/B.Tech would be invited for the interview through video conference mode.
- For candidates with a Master’s degree in Sciences, Management, Humanities, or Social Sciences/Dual Degree/4 years’ undergraduate degree in the respective said fields possessing a score card/certificate in any of the National level eligibility tests, will be selected on the basis of an interview through Video Conference mode.
- At the time of the interview, applicants from the categories of Government/Semi-Government/ PSUs/ Autonomous Bodies ought to provide the necessary certificate of No Objection retrieved from their current employer.
- A candidate who confirms the seat has to remit a Seat Acceptance fee of INR 4,950.
- The application fee is not refundable.
Eligibility Criteria for Doctor of Philosophy
- Applicant should be an Indian citizen and below 35 years of age.
- GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PD candidates can apply with the required documents.
- During the interview, candidates who are employed in the Government/Semi-Government/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies ought to submit a “NOC” from the current employer.
Documents Required for Admission
- SSLC/SSC or equivalent.
- +2 or pre-degree or equivalent.
- BE./B.Tech/Master of Science or equivalent mark sheet and passing certificate.
- GATE Score Card.
- OBC/EWS/SC/ST certificate if applying under special quota.
- Transfer/Migration Certificate.
- Address proof.
- Identity proof.
- Conduct certificate from the previous institute.
- Medical fitness certificate from Class A Medical Practitioner.
- Vaccination certificate.
- No objection certificate from the authorities concerned to acceptance of admission.
- Four passport-size coloured photographs.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram Courses
Undergraduate Courses
| Specialization |
| Aerospace Engineering |
| Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Postgraduate Courses
| Course | Specialization |
| Master of Technology (M.Tech.) | Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics |
| Quantum Technology | |
| Structures and Design | |
| Thermal and Propulsion | |
| Control Systems | |
| Digital Signal Processing | |
| RF and Microwave Engineering | |
| VLSI and Microsystems | |
| Power Electronics | |
| Materials Science & Technology | |
| Earth System Sciences | |
| GeoInformatics | |
| Machine Learning and Computing | |
| Optical Engineering | |
| Solid State Technology | |
| Master of Science | Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Doctor of Philosophy
| Course | Specialization |
| Doctor of Philosophy | Aerospace Engineering |
| Avionics |
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.)
The B.Tech. program is a four-year undergraduate course offered by the institution. Graduates of the B.Tech. program in Aerospace Engineering from the college can choose to work in the aerospace engineering industry, in areas like propulsion systems, aerodynamic design, structural systems, and precision manufacturing, amongst others.
The curriculum in Electronics and Communications (with specialization in Avionics) helps the students to take up jobs done by Electrical and Electronics Engineers, in sectors such as the electronics sector, power sector, and R&D sectors, amongst others.
Dual Degree Programme
The Dual Degree Programme is a 5-year Programme offered by the institution. On successful completion of the programme, the students are awarded a dual degree in any one of the postgraduate streams such as Master of Science in Astronomy as well as Astrophysics; M.Tech. in Earth System Science and M.Tech. in Optical Engineering, amongst others.
Master of Technology (M.Tech.)
The M.Tech. program is a two-year post-graduation programme offered by the institution. The programme imparts knowledge in low and high-speed aerodynamics, and space and atmospheric flight mechanics, elasticity, structural dynamics, advanced computational techniques, propulsion technology, amongst others. These programmes are well-supported by labs as well as state-of-the-art facilities in the institute.
Master of Science
The institute offers a two-year programme of Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Spread across four semesters, the courses include Astronomical Techniques, Cosmology, and Observational Astronomy Lab amongst others. Students learn skills pertaining to data analysis, scientific writing, science outreach and presentation, programming, etc. Graduates with these skills can apply in the sectors of Healthcare Technology, Private/Public Research and Development, Education, Banking and Finance, etc.
Doctor of Philosophy
The institute provides an encouraging research atmosphere, by offering doctoral and postdoctoral programmes. The college envisions the integration of space technology and space science educational programmes with basic and applied research to meet the national research and development requirements of space science and space technology.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram Fee Structure
UG Fees
| Description of Fees | Per Semester |
| One-Time Fee | INR 9,000 |
| Semester Fee | INR 67,950 |
| Hostel & Mess Fee Per Semester | INR 23,750 |
| Optional: Vacation Mess charge(per month) | INR 3,000 |
| Grand Total at the time of Admission | INR 98,200 |
| Grand Total Every Semester | INR 91,700 |
| a. Tuition Fee (UR/EWS/OBC-NCL income limit >Rs. 5.0 Lakh p.a) | INR 62,500 |
| b. Tuition Fee (UR/EWS/OBC-NCL income limit <= Rs. 5.0 Lakh p.a) | INR 20,850 |
*Tuition Fee Waivers for UR/EWS/OBC-NCL categories as per the above table will be applied after verification of Parental Annual income.
PG Fees
| Description of Fees | Per Semester |
| One-Time Fee | INR 10,000 |
| Semester Fee | INR 40,450 |
| Hostel & Mess Fee Per Semester | INR 26,750 |
| Grand Total at the time of Admission | INR 73,700 |
| Grand Total Every Semester | INR 67,200 |
* For SC/ST/PD Students Tuition Fee of INR 35,000 is exempted.
Ph.D. Fees
| Description of Fees | Per Semester |
| One-Time Fee | INR 10,000 |
| Semester Fee | INR 7,450 |
| Hostel & Mess Fee Per Semester | INR 28,250 |
| Grand Total at the time of Admission | INR 42,200 |
| Grand Total Every Semester | INR 35,700 |
*For SC/ST/PD Students Tuition Fee of INR 2,500 is exempted.
Scholarship
For Undergraduate Courses
- The top five students (UG/DD) admitted in the current year who have secured All India Rank, in JEE Advanced Examination, in the current year, up to 1000 shall be entitled to complete fee waiver for the first year. However, they are required to maintain a CGPA of 9.0 and above on a scale of 10 at the end of each year to attain the full fee waiver for the following year.
- Students (UG/DD) admitted in the current year and securing a CGPA of 9.0 or higher (on a 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 programme.
For Postgraduate Courses
- Postgraduate degree students would be granted scholarships as per UGC/MHRD norms.
Placement and Scope
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram entails a placement division that is constantly focused on liaisons with industry, research and development organizations, and management organizations to train, guide, and accordingly place eligible students. The placement cell attempts to match the interest of the student with an appropriate job profile.
The placement division of the college helps in achieving the following:
- Full-time placement.
- 2-month summer internship.
- 1-year internship.
- Industry-partnered research internship.
- 6-month internship.
In 2021-23, the specialisation of Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics under the course of M. Tech in Aerospace Engineering achieved 100% placement. The highest salary received in Aerospace Engineering was INR 10.5 LPA. Further, the average CTC for ISRO recruited students, under the Dual Degree programme was approximately INR 13.2 LPA.
Some of the companies that have visited the campus are as follows:
- Altair.
- Analog Devices.
- Intel.
- Infosys.
- Mahindra.
- BOSCH.
- Tata Consultancy Services.
- SONY.
- Philips.
- HCL.
- JSW.
Rankings and Achievements
- Ranked 43rd in the Engineering Category according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework in 2022.
- Awarded for significant contribution to the ‘One Student One Tree Initiative at the All India Council for Technical Education – AICTE in December 2019.
- Was qualified for semi-finals at the Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge by MeiTY in 2020.
- Won first place in Dare to Dream Contest conducted by DRDO in 2019, for designing a four-legged walking robot.
- Five projects were awarded as best innovative projects by INAE in 2019-2020.
- Best Paper awarded in 2019 at the IEEE IMCPW 2019.
- Participated in the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) and National Education Alliance of Technology, initiatives by the Ministry of Education.
On-Campus Facilities
- Library
The Library and Information Services of the college are located in a six-storied building on the campus. The library’s operations are computerised, and the Online Public Access Catalogue is accessible from anywhere on the campus at any point in time. Some of the library services are IIST Virtual Library, Multimedia Library, Text Book Bank Facility, Similarity Checking Service, and Current Awareness Service, amongst other facilities.
- Cafeteria and stationery
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram has a cafeteria that is operational till midnight offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The institute also entails stationery that has all the necessary basic requirements and toiletries.
- Sports and Fitness Centre
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram lays emphasis on the physical well-being of the students, hence encourages the students to participate in sports activities. The Students Amenities Center (SAC) entails a recreation hall, chess, carrom, billiards, and table tennis, a gymnasium equipped with various facilities, badminton courts, etc. Students can also avail of outdoor facilities such as a basketball court, volleyball court, outdoor gym, and so on.
- Hostel facility
The college provides residential facilities for boys and girls, separately.
- Other Essential Facilities
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram entails essential facilities such as medical services, transport services, security services, and banking services, amongst other campus facilities.
- Nanoscience and Technology Centre
This is a centre of excellence that supports and promotes advanced research on nanoscience and technology. The centre’s long-term objective is to undertake challenging research projects in this area to meet the future requirements of ISRO. Other Centres of Excellence include a Virtual Reality Centre and Advanced Propulsion and Laser Diagnostics.
Contact Details
- Address: Valiamala Post Office, Thiruvananthapuram – 695547, Kerala.
- Distance from the nearest train station is Kazhakuttam Railway Station (4.5 km).
- Distance from the nearest bus stop is Valiathura Junction Bus Stop (28 km).
- The distance from Trivandrum International Airport is 15 km.
We understand your concern about finding the right college. To ease your stress concerning the process of college selection, Career Mudhra is right here to resolve your questions/doubts and assist you in getting through the admission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the date of joining the institution flexible?
No, candidates have to report to the college and have accordingly complete the joining formalities as per specified dates.
2. Is there any reservation category for NRIs and management quota?
No, there is no reservation for NRIs and management quota.
3. What is the IIST Rank List?
During the admission process, the college publishes a category-wise Admission Rank List of candidates who have successfully registered and paid the registration fee. Registered candidates ought to log in to the online admission portal to access their respective ranks.
4. Can a student enrolled in the Dual Degree program exit and leave the institute in four years with a four-year B. Tech degree in Engineering Physics?
Students who have enrolled for the Dual Degree programme cannot exit and leave the institute in 4 years with a four-year B. Tech degree in Engineering Physics.
5. What is the amount of the fee payable for Ph.D. programmes during admission?
Applicants have to pay an amount of INR 42,200 at the time of admission.
6. Can students of the postgraduate programmes avail of the scholarships?
Yes, postgraduate degree students would be granted scholarships as per UGC/MHRD norms.
7. Does the institute provide transportation services for students to visit the city during weekends?
Yes, the college offers bus facilities to Trivandrum during weekends to the students.
8. Does the college offer hostels for students?
Yes, hostels are available for both boys and girls students, located inside the campus.
Note to readers:
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