Located in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, IIST was established in 2007 with the objective of nurturing skilled professionals to support India’s rapidly growing space programme. In addition to this main campus, IIST also operates a satellite campus at Ponmudi hill station, which houses the Ponmudi Climate Observatory (PCO), a facility equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for studying aerosol and cloud microphysics.
Introduction to IIST
IIST functions under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India, and maintains a close academic and research association with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This unique institutional linkage enables students and researchers to access ISRO’s state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, and provides opportunities to participate directly in ongoing and future ISRO missions. As a result, it plays a critical role in supplying highly trained engineers and scientists to India’s space sector.
The institute is also notable for having Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as its first Chancellor, serving from 2007 to 2015. Dr. Kalam, who was deeply involved in India’s civilian space programme and military missile development, is widely remembered as the Missile Man of India. His vision and guidance during the formative years of IIST helped shape the institute’s mission of excellence, innovation, and national service.
Undergraduate Programs
IIST offers specialised undergraduate programs designed to build strong foundations in space science and engineering:
- B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering – 4 years
- B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics) – 4 years
- B. Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science) – 4 years
- Dual Degree (B.Tech. + Master of Science/Master of Technology) – 5 years
How to Apply
- Admission to undergraduate programs at IIST is highly competitive and is based on the candidate’s JEE Advanced score.
- Applicants must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in the Class XII (or equivalent) Board examination, with a 65% minimum for SC, ST, and PD candidates.
Note: Prospective students who qualify JEE Advanced and meet the eligibility criteria must register online through the IIST Admission Portal (https://admission.iist.ac.in), tentatively between May and June; IIST does not use JoSAA for admissions. After registration and payment of the fee, IIST publishes a category-wise Admission Rank List on the portal, which candidates can access by logging in to check their ranks and participate in subsequent seat acceptance rounds.
Conclusion
With its strong academic foundation, direct association with ISRO, and a focused mandate to advance India’s space capabilities, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology stands out as a unique destination for students aspiring to build careers in space science and engineering.
For those driven by innovation, research, and the ambition to contribute to national and global space missions, IIST offers a pathway that combines academic excellence with real-world impact. Interested students are encouraged to explore the institute’s programs and admission details on the official IIST website and take the first step toward shaping the future of space exploration.
