Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum, or IIST Trivandrum, is a premier government institute dedicated to space science and technology. It was established in 2007 under the Department of Space, Government of India. IIST is recognised as an Institute of National Importance. It is a specialised institute aimed at producing top engineers, scientists, and researchers for India's space program, particularly the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

IIST offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs focused on fields like Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Astronomy, Physics, and Space Science. Admission to B.Tech programs is based on JEE Advanced ranks, and students are selected through IIST’s counselling process. For M.Tech and Ph.D. programs, candidates need to have valid GATE scores, followed by written tests or interviews, depending on the department. IIST provides a fully residential campus with modern classrooms, advanced labs, hostels, sports facilities, and a vibrant research ecosystem. While undergraduate students may get placed at ISRO based on performance, the institute also supports placements in top private and public-sector organisations.

IIST Trivandrum Highlights 2027

Particulars Details
Institute Name IIST Trivandrum
Established Year 2007
Institute Type Public
Location Trivandrum, Kerala
Recognitions AICTE
Top Courses Offered B.Tech, M.Tech
Admission Criteria Entrance-Based
Entrance Exams Accepted JEE Advanced, GATE
Top recruiters Skyroot Aerospace, Analog Devices, Wipro, Bosch, NFTDC and CDAC
Official Website https://www.iist.ac.in/ 

IIST Trivandrum Courses 2026

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum, offers B.Tech, B.Tech+M.Tech, M.Tech and M.Sc courses. Also, candidates with a mark of 45% in 10+2 can apply for admission. Candidates have to check the table below for detailed courses:

Course Specialisation Eligibility Duration Selection Criteria
B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering 10+2 with a 45% score 4 Years JEE Advanced
B.Tech + M.Tech General 10+2 with 45% 5 Years JEE Advanced
M.Tech Computer Science and Engineering, VLSI and Microsystem, Quantum Technology B.Tech with 50% aggregate 2 Years GATE
M.Sc Astronomy and Astrophysics B.Sc with 50% marks 2 Years GATE
Ph.D. Computer Science and Engineering, Aerospace Master’s with 55% marks 3-5 Years UGC NET

IIST Trivandrum Admissions 2027

Admission to undergraduate programs at IIST Thiruvananthapuram, such as B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication (Avionics), and Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.S./M.Tech), is based on the JEE Advanced score. Candidates must first qualify in JEE Main and then appear for JEE Advanced. IIST releases its own rank list based on JEE Advanced scores, and students are admitted through a centralised counselling process conducted by the institute. There is no separate entrance exam for UG courses by IIST. Students must also meet specific subject and percentage criteria in Class 12 (typically 75% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).

For postgraduate admissions, IIST offers M.Tech programs in areas like Thermal & Propulsion, Control Systems, Machine Learning, and Optical Engineering. Admission is based on valid GATE scores, followed by an interview or written test, depending on the department. Ph.D. admissions are open twice a year and require a master's degree in a relevant field, GATE/NET/JRF scores, and performance in a written test and interview conducted by IIST.

Application Process for IIST Trivandrum Admission 2027

  • Visit the official website of the relevant entrance exam.
  • Click the ‘Apply Now’ button.   
  • Fill in the required details like name, mobile number, secured marks, and select the desired exam city.
  • Submit the application form.

IIST Trivandrum Placement 2026

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum’s 2025 placements are in progress. It offers good placements for students each year. It has achieved 100+ placement offers in 2023-24. Some of its top recruiters include Skyroot Aerospace, Analog Devices, Wipro, Bosch, NFTDC and CDAC.

Academic Year Total offers Top recruiters
2023-24 100+ Skyroot Aerospace, Analog Devices, Wipro, Bosch, NFTDC and CDAC

IIST Trivandrum Scholarship 2027

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum, offers institute & government-level student scholarships, such as the Post Matric Scholarships. Candidates should check the provided scholarships as mentioned below:

Scholarship Name Eligibility
Post-Martic Scholarship Candidates with the best mark in the relevant qualification.
Post Graduate Fellowship Candidates who are enrolled in PG and have good merit.

IIST Trivandrum Facilities

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum, offers various campus facilities, like classrooms, labs, hostels, canteens and research centres. Candidates can check the campus facilities mentioned below:

  • Modern Classrooms & Lecture Halls: Equipped with digital teaching tools, air-conditioning, and ergonomic seating.
  • Laboratories: Specialised labs for propulsion, aerospace design, avionics, machine learning, satellite technology, and astrophysics.
  • Library: A vast digital and physical library with thousands of books, journals, ISRO technical papers, and access to global research databases.
  • Hostels: Separate hostels for boys and girls with Wi-Fi, mess facilities, 24/7 security, and recreational spaces.
  • Sports & Recreation: Football ground, indoor badminton court, gym, basketball court, and regular sports events.
  • Healthcare: On-campus health centre with basic medical facilities and tie-ups with nearby hospitals.
  • Canteen & Cafeteria: Affordable, hygienic meals and snacks are available across multiple food outlets on campus.
  • Innovation & Research Centres: Dedicated centres for space tech research, projects in collaboration with ISRO, and interdisciplinary work.

IIST Trivandrum Faculty

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum, has the best core faculty. Candidates can check the detailed faculty of the IIST Trivandrum as mentioned below:

Name Designation
Govindan Kutty M. Professor
Jagadheep D. Professor
Rajesh V.J. Professor
Rama Rao Nidamanuri Professor
Samir Mandal Professor
P.R. Sinha Associate Professor
Ramiya A.M. Associate Professor
Resmi Lekshmi Associate Professor

IIST Trivandrum FAQs

What is IIST Thiruvananthapuram known for?
IIST Thiruvananthapuram is India’s premier institute dedicated to space science and technology. It is known for offering high-quality education and research opportunities in aerospace, avionics, and space engineering. The institute functions under the Department of Space, Government of India, and is closely linked with ISRO.
Is admission to IIST only through JEE Advanced?
Yes, admission to undergraduate programs at IIST is based on JEE Advanced ranks. Candidates must first qualify for JEE Main and then JEE Advanced to be eligible. IIST releases its own cut-off ranks every year.
Does IIST offer scholarships or fee waivers?
Yes. IIST provides full tuition fee waivers and financial assistance to all eligible students, especially those who rank high in JEE Advanced and maintain academic performance during the course.
What programs does IIST offer?
IIST offers B.Tech programs in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, and Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.S./M.Tech). It also offers M.Tech and Ph.D. programs in specialised areas like Earth System Science, Machine Learning, RF and Microwave Engineering, and Astronomy.
Is there campus placement at IIST?
Yes. IIST has placement assistance, especially for M.Tech and Ph.D. students. However, B.Tech graduates are primarily absorbed by ISRO, subject to eligibility and academic performance.