Space Science & Engineering — IIST (ISRO's University)

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, is the Department of Space's own university. It admits through JEE Advanced ranks and its own online counselling. For 2026-27 it offers 174 seats: Aerospace (63), Electronics & Communication, Avionics (63), Engineering Physics dual degree (24) and Computer Science, Data Science (24).

India's space programme and private space start-ups are growing fast. IIST is the most direct academic route into ISRO.

• ✓Specialised teaching in aerospace, avionics and space science.
• ✓A possible direct recruitment route into ISRO / Department of Space (see the conditions below).
• ✓Very low tuition for lower-income families (below).

• •Qualify JEE Advanced and register for IIST's own counselling.
• •ISRO absorption (admissions from 2021): depends on the vacancies ISRO announces. You need CGPA ≥ 7.0 by the end of semester 6 (B.Tech) or 8 (dual degree) to be interviewed.
• •For the offer: final CGPA ≥ 7, finishing in 4 (or 5) years, and full medical fitness.

• •Aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and flight mechanics (Aerospace).
• •Electronics, communication, control and navigation systems (Avionics).
• •Physics, astronomy and data science.

1. 1Take JEE Main, then JEE Advanced.
2. 2Register separately on the IIST admission portal after JEE Advanced results (it is not part of JoSAA).
3. 3Fill choices and follow IIST's counselling rounds.

Always confirm dates, eligibility and fees on the official site — rules change each year.

• →Prepare for JEE Advanced, with Physics and Maths as your strengths.
• →Join astronomy or model-rocketry clubs; ISRO's outreach programmes are a great start.

• !ISRO absorption is not guaranteed: it depends on vacancies and your CGPA.
• !Small intake, so seats close at competitive ranks.

• •ISRO / Department of Space scientist-engineer (Scientist/Engineer-SC).
• •Private space start-ups, defence research (DRDO), aerospace and avionics firms.
• •Research and higher studies at IISc, IITs and abroad.

• •Master's and PhD programmes in aerospace worldwide; global space companies.

Official fees: about ₹98,200 at admission, then ₹91,700 per semester. Tuition falls to ₹20,850 per semester for family income ₹1–5 lakh, and is waived below ₹1 lakh or for SC/ST/PwD.