Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
⚲ Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala · Government · Estd 2007
★ 4.4 · Updated on 11 Jul 2026
NIRF Rank
#51
Avg Package
₹12 LPA
Total Fees
₹8.0 L
Rating
★ 4.4
About IIST
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology was established in 2007 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as India's first institute of national importance built specifically around space science, technology, and applications. It functions as an autonomous institute under the Department of Space, working in close coordination with ISRO's research and mission programmes.
IIST offers a distinctly narrow but deep curriculum: Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Physical Sciences, and Chemistry, with Engineering Physics added as a newer option — all built around the specific talent needs of India's space programme rather than a general-purpose engineering menu.
Campus & Location
IIST's campus is located at Valiamala, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, close to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre — one of ISRO's key research and development centres. This proximity allows for close collaboration on internships, projects, and eventual recruitment pathways into ISRO.
Why Choose IIST
- •Only institute of national importance in India built specifically around space technology
- •Direct, performance-linked pathway into ISRO — a rare guaranteed-outcome track among Indian engineering institutes
- •Close physical and research proximity to ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- •Small, highly selective batches with close faculty mentorship
Key Highlights
- ✓ India's only institute of national importance dedicated solely to space science and technology
- ✓ Direct pathway into ISRO for graduates who clear performance criteria
- ✓ Admission via JEE rank-based merit list, distinct from standard JoSAA counselling
- ✓ Very small, highly selective batch sizes across Aerospace, Avionics, and Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Do IIST graduates automatically join ISRO?
IIST B.Tech graduates who meet the required academic performance (typically maintaining a minimum CGPA) are entitled to ISRO recruitment; those who don't clear the bar, or who prefer other paths, are free to sit standard campus placements or pursue higher studies.
How is admission to IIST different from JoSAA?
IIST holds its own centralised counselling based on JEE (Advanced-linked) rank rather than being part of the standard JoSAA process used for IITs and NITs — applicants must separately register on the IIST admission portal.