Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology: About Us

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), established in 2007 by ISRO, stands as Asia's pioneering institution dedicated to space sciences. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, including the unique B.Tech. in Space Technology, it attracts aspiring space engineers and scientists. Fostering a vibrant research environment, IIST conducts doctoral and postdoctoral programs, pushing the boundaries of space exploration. With nearly 100 qualified faculty members and top-notch infrastructure, including advanced laboratories and research facilities, IIST ensures a comprehensive learning experience for its students, positioning them at the forefront of space research and technology.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

To cultivate a unique learning atmosphere enriched by the challenges and advancements happening in the Indian Space Programme.

To nurture a spirit of innovation and creativity among their students and faculty.

To establish themselves as a leading center of excellence in specialized areas of space science and technology.

To equip their students with a strong foundation in ethics and values alongside their technical expertise.

To actively participate in endeavors that address societal needs through space technology applications.

To forge strong collaborations with prestigious national and international institutions for knowledge sharing and joint research projects.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria and Fee Structure

Program Level	Course Name	Eligibility Criteria	Entrance Exam	Selection Process	Duration	Fee Structure (approx. per year)
Undergraduate	B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering	75% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in 10+2 and minimum JEE Advanced score (cut-off varies)	JEE Main & Advanced	JEE Advanced Rank	4 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Undergraduate	B.Tech. in Avionics Engineering	75% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in 10+2 and minimum JEE Advanced score (cut-off varies)	JEE Main & Advanced	JEE Advanced Rank	4 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Undergraduate	B.Tech. in Physical Sciences	75% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in 10+2 and minimum JEE Advanced score (cut-off varies)	JEE Main & Advanced	JEE Advanced Rank	4 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Undergraduate	B.Tech. in Space Science and Technology	75% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in 10+2 and minimum JEE Advanced score (cut-off varies)	JEE Main & Advanced	JEE Advanced Rank	5 years (Dual Degree)	INR 1 Lakh+
Postgraduate	M.Sc. (Tech) in Aerospace Engineering	Minimum 60% aggregate in B.E./B.Tech. (or equivalent) in relevant field	GATE	GATE score & Interview	2 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Postgraduate	M.Sc. (Tech) in Avionics Engineering	Minimum 60% aggregate in B.E./B.Tech. (or equivalent) in relevant field	GATE	GATE score & Interview	2 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Postgraduate	M.Sc. (Tech) in Chemical Engineering	Minimum 60% aggregate in B.E./B.Tech. (or equivalent) in relevant field	GATE	GATE score & Interview	2 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Postgraduate (Other)	M.Sc. in Astronomy and Astrophysics	Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Sc. (or equivalent) with Physics as a major subject	Valid GATE score	Written Test & Interview	2 years	INR 1 Lakh+
Doctoral	Ph.D.	Master's degree in relevant field with minimum qualifying marks (as per program)	Varies (may include written test, interview, research proposal)	Departmental Process	5 years	INR 30,000+ (nominal)

How do I apply for admission to the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology?

Undergraduate Programs (B.Tech)

1. Qualify JEE Main and JEE Advanced: These are the mandatory entrance exams for admission to undergraduate programs at IIST. The institute considers your JEE Advanced rank for the selection process.

2. Apply through CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board): After qualifying JEE Advanced, you'll need to participate in the counselling process conducted by CSAB. During this process, you can choose IIST and your preferred programs based on your rank and seat availability.

Postgraduate Programs (M.Tech., M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

1. Qualify Entrance Exam: The entrance exam requirement varies depending on the program. Most M.Tech programs require a valid GATE score, while M.Sc. (Astronomy and Astrophysics) might have a separate entrance exam. For Ph.D. programs, there may not be a standardized entrance exam, but the department might conduct its own written test or evaluation process.

2. Apply Online: IIST conducts online applications typically around February-March. Keep an eye on the official IIST website [Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology] for the latest announcement regarding application dates.

3. Selection Process: This involves shortlisting candidates based on entrance exam scores (GATE/JEE) and then calling shortlisted candidates for an interview, written test, or a combination of both, depending on the program.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Facilities

Academic Facilities:

Classrooms: IIST boasts well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids to facilitate interactive learning.

Laboratories: The institute houses state-of-the-art laboratories for various disciplines within aerospace engineering, avionics, physical sciences, and space science. These labs provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Library: The IIST library is a treasure trove of knowledge, equipped with a vast collection of books, journals, periodicals, and digital resources in print and electronic formats.

Library in Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

Residential Facilities:

Hostels: IIST provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls. The hostels are well-maintained and offer comfortable living spaces, including modern amenities like common rooms, laundry facilities, and internet connectivity.

Hostel in Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

Other Facilities:

Computing Center: The institute has a well-established computing center with high-performance computing facilities to cater to the needs of research scholars and students.

Sports Facilities: IIST understands the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They provide well-maintained sports facilities for various indoor and outdoor games, encouraging students to actively participate in sports activities.

Medical Facilities: The institute has a medical center with qualified medical personnel to address the primary healthcare needs of students and staff.

Canteen and Mess: IIST offers a variety of hygienic and wholesome meals through its canteens and mess facilities.

Career Opportunities after Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

1. Working in the Space Sector:

ISRO and Other Government Agencies: ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is the natural career choice for many IIST graduates. They can work on prestigious space missions, satellite development, launch vehicle technologies, and various space science research projects. Other government agencies like DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) might also be potential employers.

Private Space Companies: The Indian private space sector is witnessing a boom. Graduates with expertise in aerospace engineering, avionics, and space sciences can find exciting opportunities in companies like SpaceX India, Agnikul Cosmos, or Skyroot Aerospace.

2. Research and Development:

Research Institutes: Research institutions like Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) offer research positions where you can contribute to cutting-edge advancements in space science and technology.

Academia: If you have a passion for teaching and research, you can pursue a career in academia after obtaining a Ph.D. You can join universities or research institutions and contribute to the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

3. Beyond Space:

Aerospace Industry: Your expertise can extend beyond the realm of space. The skills and knowledge gained at IIST can be valuable in the broader aerospace industry, where you can work on designing and developing aircraft, missiles, or other related technologies.

Defence and Security: The knowledge of guidance, control, and propulsion systems can be applied to the defence sector, where you can contribute to the development of defence technologies.

Consulting Firms: Consulting firms specializing in aerospace, technology, or engineering might seek your expertise for projects related to space applications, satellite communication, or other relevant domains.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Placements

ISRO Absorption:

A significant portion of B.Tech students with a CGPA of 7.5 and above are directly absorbed into different ISRO centers after graduation. This provides a clear path for those aspiring to work directly on India's space missions.

Overall Placement Scenario:

Recent trends (as of 2023) indicate an increase in non-ISRO placement opportunities for B.Tech students. This opens doors to a wider range of companies in the aerospace and technology sectors.

The average package offered 7.5 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum), the highest package can reach up to 20 LPA.

M.Tech students also have placement opportunities, with some securing full-time positions and others receiving internship offers.

Types of Companies Recruiting:

ISRO remains the major recruiter at IIST, followed by a mix of established companies and emerging startups in the space sector.

Companies from the broader aerospace and technology industries might also recruit at IIST, depending on their specific needs and student skillsets.

The focus of placements leans towards software-related jobs within the space domain, but research-oriented positions are also available.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Activities

Technical Activities:

Student Chapters: IIST boasts numerous student chapters of professional societies like American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), The Combustion Institute (CI), Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS), and many more. These chapters organize workshops, guest lectures, and project-oriented activities, allowing students to delve deeper into specific technical areas.

RoboSpace Club: This active club provides a platform for students interested in robotics and spacecraft design. They participate in national and international competitions, giving them valuable hands-on experience.

Semester Projects: Many programs at IIST culminate in semester projects, allowing students to work on real-world problems and apply their theoretical knowledge to practical applications.

Cultural Activities:

Anwesha: This is the annual techno-management festival of IIST, featuring a plethora of events like coding competitions, hackathons, paper presentations, quizzes, and workshops. It's a great platform for students to showcase their talents, network with industry professionals, and experience the thrill of competition.

Expressions: This is the annual cultural extravaganza of IIST, showcasing a vibrant display of dance, music, drama, fashion shows, and literary events. It celebrates the artistic and creative talents of the student community.

Clubs and Societies: Several student-run clubs and societies cater to various cultural interests, including dramatics clubs, music clubs, dance clubs, and literary societies. These provide an avenue for students to pursue their passions and hobbies outside academics.

Other Activities:

NSS (National Service Scheme): The NSS unit at IIST encourages social responsibility by organizing community service projects, blood donation camps, and awareness campaigns.

Sports Facilities: The institute provides well-maintained sports facilities for various indoor and outdoor games like basketball, cricket, badminton, football, and volleyball. Students can participate in inter-hostel tournaments and other sporting events.

Alumni Network: IIST has a strong alumni network that connects current students with successful professionals in the space sector. This network provides career guidance, mentorship opportunities, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Scholarships Programme

Financial Assistance for B.Tech. and Dual Degree Programs:

Merit Scholarships:

The top 5 students admitted based on their JEE (Advanced) All India Rank (AIR) up to 1000 can avail a full fee waiver for the first year.

Students who maintain a CGPA of 9.0 or above (on a scale of 10) in a given semester can secure a 50% tuition fee waiver for the next semester.

Institute Assistantship (Funded by Department of Space, Government of India):

This assistantship covers expenses like tuition fees, student amenity fees, hostel charges (including dining), establishment charges, medical expenses, and a book allowance.

It's awarded to students admitted to B.Tech. and dual degree programs, with eligibility criteria not entirely specified but likely based on merit and entrance exam performance (might differ from the top 5 merit scholarships).

To retain the assistantship beyond the first semester (except for SC/ST/PD category students), a minimum GPA of 7.5 (on a scale of 10) in every semester is required.

Financial Assistance for M.Tech. and Ph.D. Programs:

Information on scholarships specifically for postgraduate programs is not readily available on the official IIST website.

However, there's a general mention of scholarships awarded as per UGC/MHRD norms [Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology]. This suggests you might be eligible for scholarships offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), the former bodies overseeing higher education in India.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Affiliation and Accreditation

Affiliation:

Deemed University: Unlike most universities in India which are affiliated with a state government or UGC (University Grants Commission), IIST is recognized as a "Deemed to be University" under the UGC Act 1956. This grants IIST the autonomy to design its own curriculum, conduct entrance exams, award degrees, and set its own fee structure.

Accreditation:

NAAC: IIST is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), a body established by the UGC to assess and accredit universities in India. As of now, the accreditation status is NAAC B [Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology].

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology's FAQs

What is the unique feature of the B.Tech. in Space Technology program at IIST?

The B.Tech. in Space Science and Technology program at IIST is unique as it offers a five-year dual degree, combining undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This provides students with comprehensive knowledge of space science and technology.

How can I apply for B.Tech. programs at IIST?

To apply for B.Tech. programs, you need to qualify for JEE Main and JEE Advanced. After qualifying, participate in the counseling process conducted by the CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) and choose IIST as your preferred institute.

What are the eligibility criteria for postgraduate programs at IIST?

The eligibility criteria for postgraduate programs vary. Generally, a minimum of 60% aggregate in B.E. or B.Tech. (or equivalent) is required. Additionally, a valid GATE score is usually necessary for M.Tech. programs.

How can I apply for postgraduate programs at IIST?

For postgraduate programs, you need to qualify for the relevant entrance exam (such as GATE for M.Tech). The application process is typically conducted online, and you should keep an eye on the official IIST website for application announcements.

What is the selection process for postgraduate programs?

The selection process involves shortlisting candidates based on entrance exam scores (GATE/JEE) and then conducting interviews, written tests, or a combination of both, depending on the specific program.

What are the career opportunities after graduating from IIST?

Graduates from IIST have opportunities to work in ISRO, other government agencies, private space companies, research institutes, academia, and the broader aerospace industry. They can contribute to space missions, satellite development, research, and the development of aerospace technologies.

What is the placement scenario at IIST?

A significant number of B.Tech. students with a CGPA of 7.5 and above are absorbed into different ISRO centers. The overall placement scenario includes opportunities in both ISRO and non-ISRO companies, with the average package being around 7.5 LPA.

Are there scholarships available at IIST?

Yes, IIST offers financial assistance, including merit scholarships for top-performing students and an institute assistantship funded by the Department of Space, Government of India, for B.Tech. and dual degree programs. Scholarships for postgraduate programs are also available as per UGC/MHRD norms.

What are the facilities provided at IIST?

IIST provides academic facilities such as well-equipped classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a comprehensive library. Residential facilities include separate hostels for boys and girls. Other facilities include a computing center, sports facilities, a medical center, a canteen, and a mess.

Is IIST affiliated with any university, and what is its accreditation status?

IIST is recognized as a "deemed university" under the UGC Act 1956. It operates autonomously, designing its own curriculum and awarding degrees. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has accredited the institute, with the current accreditation status being NAAC B.