Overview

• Official Name: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
• Common Short Names: IIST, Thiruvananthapuram
• Type: Deemed University (Established by Department of Space, Government of India)
• Year Established: 2007
• Campus Location: Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
• Approvals & Affiliations:
  • UGC Recognised (Deemed to be University)
  • AICTE Approved
  • NAAC Accredited with Grade B+ (Cycle 1) in 2017 (NAAC Official Site)
• Official Website: https://www.iist.ac.in/

Quick Facts

• Founder: Department of Space, Government of India
• Chancellor: Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India
• Director: Prof. Santosh Devasia (as of 2024)
• Approximate Student Population: ~500 (UG, PG, PhD students)
• Departments/Faculties: 5 major departments including Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Humanities
• Contact Information:
  • Phone: +91-471-2568123
  • Email: adm@iist.ac.in
  • Address: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695547, Kerala, India
• Notable Rankings: Ranked 62nd among Engineering Institutions by NIRF 2023
• NAAC Grade: B+ (2017)

Courses & Programs

• Major Faculties: Engineering, Science
• Faculty of Engineering:
  • B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering – 4 years, regular mode
  • B.Tech in Avionics – 4 years, regular mode
  • M.Tech in Remote Sensing & GIS – 2 years, regular mode
  • Ph.D. in Space Science and Technology disciplines – duration varies
• Faculty of Science:
  • B.Tech courses have interdisciplinary science components (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
  • PhD programs in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Mode of Study: Regular (Full-time) only
• Intake: Approx. 40-45 students per department for UG programs

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Based on national entrance exams and departmental selection
• Accepted Entrance Exams:
  • JEE Advanced (for B.Tech admissions)
• Important Dates:
  • Application opens: Typically May-June (varies annually)
  • Admission deadline: Usually July-August
  • For updated dates, visit: IIST Admissions
• Application Process:
  1. Register via official admission portal: IIST B.Tech Admissions
  2. Fill application uploading required documents
  3. Pay application fee online
  4. Submit application and await counselling call
  5. Admission via DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme also applicable for foreign students

Eligibility Criteria

• B.Tech Programs:
  • Must have cleared 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
  • Minimum aggregate marks: 75% or above (varies per year)
  • Qualify JEE Advanced exam with rank meeting IIST cut-off
• M.Tech / Ph.D Programs:
  • Relevant bachelors or masters degree in Engineering/Science from a recognized university
  • GATE qualification preferred/required for M.Tech
• Documents Required:
  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
  • JEE Advanced rank card
  • Identity proof (Aadhar, Passport)
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport size photographs

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fee Range (approximate):
  • B.Tech tuition fee: ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000 per annum
  • Hostel fees: ₹15,000 - ₹20,000 per annum
  • Examination and other miscellaneous fees: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 per annum
  Exact fees subject to revision each academic year; check official fee schedule.
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS students as per central government norms
  • Institute merit-based scholarships available on performance
  • Financial assistance provisions for economically weaker sections
  • More details at Scholarships & Financial Aid

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Approx. 95% placement rate
• Average CTC: ₹12-15 LPA (varies annually)
• Highest CTC: Up to ₹43 LPA (based on recent years)
• Top Recruiters: ISRO, DRDO, BEL, L&T, Hewlett-Packard, Boeing, Tata Advanced Systems, and startups in aerospace domain
• Placement Cell: Dedicated Career Development & Placement Cell – IIST Career Cell
• Internship Support: Institute facilitates summer internships primarily at ISRO and affiliated research organisations

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Multiple on-campus hostels with single and shared rooms; separate blocks for boys and girls
• Mess & Dining: Central mess facility with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
• Sports Facilities: Cricket ground, basketball courts, badminton, gymnasium
• Laboratories: State-of-the-art labs for aerospace, avionics, physics, chemistry, and computer science
• Library: Central digital & physical library with extensive space science collections
• Healthcare: On-campus medical center with basic facilities and doctor visits
• Transport: Shuttle buses connecting campus with city and nearest railway station
• Wi-Fi & Internet: Campus-wide high-speed Wi-Fi available to all students and staff
• Research Centres: Multiple advanced research labs, including Space Technology and Systems Engineering labs
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Technical clubs (Robotics, Coding), cultural clubs, annual tech and cultural festivals such as “SpaceTech”

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Many faculty members are scientists from ISRO and PhD holders with international experience
• Research Centres: Space Technology and Systems Engineering, Remote Sensing, Avionics Research Labs
• Major Grants: Funded by Department of Space and DST for advanced space science projects
• Patents & MoUs: Collaborations with ISRO and several space research institutions; multiple patents pending in aerospace technology (Details on official site not fully updated as of 2024-06-01)

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF Ranking 2023: Ranked #62 among Engineering Institutions (Source)
• NAAC Accreditation: B+ Grade (2017) (Source)
• India Today / Outlook: Not available on official or verified ranking portals as of 2024-06

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results & Seat Allotment: Published annually on the official admission portal (IIST Admissions Portal)
• Typical JEE Advanced Cut-Offs (General Category): Around 2500–3500 rank (varies yearly)
• Seat Matrix: Approximately 40-45 seats each in Aerospace Engineering and Avionics undergraduate programs
• Category-wise cut-offs and seat distribution updated annually and notified via official websites.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram) – approx. 25 km from campus
• Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station – approx. 22 km
• City Connectivity: Regular state transport buses and taxis from city center to campus at Valiamala
• Local Transit: Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs available for campus commutes

FAQs

Q1: What is the eligibility criterion for B.Tech at IIST?

A1: Candidates must qualify JEE Advanced and have a 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.

Q2: Does IIST offer scholarships?

A2: Yes, there are government scholarships for reserved categories and institute merit-based scholarships.

Q3: How can I apply for admission?

A3: Apply online via the official admissions portal after qualifying JEE Advanced.
Admission Portal

Q4: Are hostel facilities available?

A4: Yes, separate hostels for boys and girls with mess facilities are provided on campus.

Q5: What is the placement scenario?

A5: IIST has over 90% placement rate with top recruiters including ISRO and reputed aerospace companies.

Q6: Is IIST NAAC accredited?

A6: Yes, IIST has a NAAC B+ accreditation awarded in 2017.

Q7: What documents are required for admission?

A7: 10th/12th mark sheets, JEE Advanced rank card, ID proof, category certificate (if applicable), photos.

Q8: Does IIST provide M.Tech and Ph.D. programs?

A8: Yes, M.Tech and Ph.D. programs in aerospace and science disciplines are offered.

Q9: When does the application process start?

A9: Usually from May or June; candidates should check the official site for exact dates yearly.

Q10: Does IIST conduct its own entrance exam?

A10: No, admissions are based on JEE Advanced ranks and other national exams depending on the program.

Q11: Can foreign nationals apply?

A11: Yes, foreign students can apply under the DASA scheme through the official portal.

Q12: How to contact the admissions office?

A12: Email: adm@iist.ac.in, Phone: +91-471-2568123