IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology)

IIST 2026 (INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is India’s premier institute dedicated to education and research in space science and technology. Established in 2007 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space, IIST offers undergraduate (BTech), dual degree (BTech + MTech), postgraduate (MTech, MSc), and doctoral programs across disciplines such as Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Engineering Physics, and more.

For undergraduate admissions, IIST does not conduct its own entrance exam. Instead, candidates must qualify the JEE Main and then the JEE Advanced exam. Admissions are strictly based on the All India Rank obtained in JEE Advanced, followed by an online application and counseling process through the IIST portal. The institute prepares an admission rank list and allots seats according to merit and candidate preferences. IIST is highly selective, with a limited number of seats and a rigorous admission process, making it one of the most sought-after institutions for students aspiring to contribute to India’s space program. For postgraduate programs, selection is based on national exams like GATE, followed by interviews or written tests.

IIST 2026 Exams Highlights

IIST 2026 Exam Dates

For IIST 2026 undergraduate admissions, there is no separate entrance exam; admission is based on the JEE Advanced 2026 results. Therefore, the key exam dates to track are those of JEE Main and JEE Advanced

IIST 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The IIST 2026 eligibility criteria for undergraduate and post graduate courses are as follows

1. Nationality

• Indian citizens as well as OCI/PIO card holders are eligible to apply.

2. Age Limit

• Applicants must be born on or after 1st October 2001.
• There is a 5-year relaxation for reserved category candidates (i.e., SC, ST, PwD), so they must be born on or after 1st October 1996.

3. Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
• Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be included in Class 12.
• Minimum Marks Required:
• General/OBC/EWS: At least 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 (or equivalent).
• SC/ST/PwD: At least 65% aggregate marks in Class 12 (or equivalent).

4. Entrance Examination

• Candidates must have a valid JEE Advanced 2026 score and should have qualified in the JEE Advanced exam of the same year.
• Admission is strictly based on the JEE Advanced All India Rank; there is no provision for direct admission.

5. Reservation Criteria

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OBC (NCL): 27%
• PwD: 5%
• EWS: 10%

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IIST 2026 Application Form

The IIST 2026 application process for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses is conducted entirely online. Here is a step-by-step guide and important details:

Steps to apply for IIST 2026

1. Visit the Official Portal
• Go to the IIST admissions website: [admission.iist.ac.in].
2. Registration
• Click on “New Registration.”
• Enter your name, email ID, mobile number, and set a password.
• You will receive a registration number and login details via email/SMS.
3. Fill the Application Form
• Log in using your credentials.
• Enter personal details, address, educational qualifications, and (for UG) JEE Advanced details.
• Select your preferred courses/branches in order of preference.
4. Upload Documents
• Upload recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format.
• For UG: Upload Class 10 and 12 certificates/mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card.
• For PG: Upload Class 10, 12, and graduation certificates/mark sheets, GATE/JEST scorecard, category certificate, and Aadhaar card.
5. Pay the Application Fee (Online Only)
• Use debit/credit card or net banking
• General/OBC- (UG Courses- Rs 1000/-) (PG Courses- Rs 3500/-)
• SC/ST/PwD/Female- (UG Courses- Rs 500/-) (PG Courses- Rs 3000/-)

6. Review and Submit

• Double-check all information before final submission, as corrections are not allowed after submission.
• Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference

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IIST 2026 Syllabus

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) offers comprehensive curricula at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The key degree programs for 2026 include B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering and Electronics & Communication Engineering (Avionics), as well as a range of M.Tech, MSc, and doctoral programs. Below is a summary of course structures and key syllabus content for major programs.

B.Tech Programs

• Aerospace Engineering Major Areas:
• Fluid Mechanics
• Thermodynamics and Propulsion
• Solid Mechanics
• Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics
• Space Technology
• Dynamics and Control Systems
• Avionics Major Areas:
• Electronic Circuits and Devices
• Signals and Systems
• Digital Electronics and Microprocessors
• Communication Systems
• Control and Instrumentation
• Embedded Systems

Practical, hands-on labs and project-based learning are integrated throughout all semesters.

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M.Tech and MSc Syllabus

Key postgraduate disciplines include

• Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics
• Structures and Design
• Thermal and Propulsion
• Quantum Technology
• VLSI and Microsystems
• Power Electronics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Earth System Sciences
• Machine Learning and Computing

Each postgraduate curriculum comprises a mix of advanced core courses, electives, research methodology, and a thesis/project component

IIST 2026 Exam Pattern

The university will not administer entrance exams to individuals. However, admissions will still be determined by national entrance tests like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, JEST, UGC NET, GATE, and so on. IIST M.Tech/MSc admissions are generally based on GATE scores, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates in certain specializations.

JEE Advanced Examination Pattern

• MCQ: Multiple Choice Questions (single/multiple correct options)
• MSQ: Multiple Select Questions
• NAT: Numerical Answer Type (no options, numerical input)
• Both papers are conducted on the same day, with a short break in between

GATE Examination Pattern

IIST 2026 Admit Card

The IIST 2026 admit card is a crucial document required for appearing in the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) entrance examination, The admit card will be released online on the official IIST admissions portal.

Steps to Download the IIST 2026 Admit Card

• Visit the official IIST website: [www.iist.ac.in].
• Navigate to the admissions/UG admissions section.
• Click on the link for “Download Admit Card” or “Hall Ticket.”
• Enter your application number and password/date of birth to log in.
• Download and print the admit card. It is recommended to keep multiple copies for safety

IIST 2026 Rank List

Students who successfully submit their registration form will be able to see the IIST Admission/Rank List 2026 online.  The third week of June 2026 will see the release of the undergraduate and graduate course rank lists.

If the minimum qualifying marks are met, the rank list will be provided category-by-category based on the total results earned in the national level exam.  Students will have to indicate their preferences for various branches once the admissions list is out.

IIST 2026 Preparation Tips

For effective preparation for IIST 2026, which admits students through the JEE Advanced exam, it's essential to focus on a strong, well-structured strategy targeting JEE Advanced 2026. Here are key preparation tips

• Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern Fully: Get familiar with the detailed JEE Advanced syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Know the types of questions (MCQs with single/multiple answers, numerical value type, matrix match, etc.), exam duration, marking scheme, and negative marking rules.

• Create and Stick to a Study Schedule: Allocate daily study time consistently across all subjects. Balance theory reading and problem-solving practice.

• Practice with Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests: Solve last 5 years of JEE Advanced question papers to understand difficulty, question styles, and time management.
• Time Management and Strategy: Prioritize topics and plan study time effectively using strategies such as the 60:30:10 rule (60% new topics, 30% practice, 10% revision).

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IIST 2026 General Instructions

Here are the general instructions for IIST 2026 related to the JEE Advanced exam

Reporting Time

Candidates must report to the exam center well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card.

Documents to Carry

Bring a printed copy of the JEE Advanced admit card and a valid government photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving license).

Items Allowed and Prohibited

Candidates may carry their own stationery and geometry boxes but cannot bring watches, mobile phones, electronic devices, cameras, wallets, handbags, Bluetooth devices, health bands, or any other gadgets inside the exam hall.

Entry and Exam Conduct

No candidates will be allowed to enter the exam hall after the exam begins. Candidates must be seated in their allotted seats once verified. Follow all instructions strictly given by invigilators. 

Additional Time for PwD

PwD candidates are awarded extra time, typically an additional hour per paper.

IIST 2026 FAQs

Ques.1 When does IIST 2026 application start?

Ans. The online application forms for UG and PG courses will be available from the fourth week of May 2026.

Ques.2 What are the eligibility criteria for UG courses?

Ans. Candidates must be Indian citizens or OCI/PIO holders, born on or after October 1, 2001 (with 5 years age relaxation for reserved categories). They should have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, securing a minimum of 75% marks (65% for reserved categories). Admission is based on a valid JEE Advanced 2026 score.

Ques.3 What about PG courses eligibility?

Ans. Candidates should have a relevant qualifying degree (BE/B.Tech/M.Sc) with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD). Age limit is generally up to 32 years, with relaxations for sponsored candidates. Valid GATE or JEST scores are needed.

Ques.4 Is there a separate entrance exam conducted by IIST?

Ans. No, IIST does not conduct its own entrance exam. Admission to UG is strictly based on JEE Advanced rank, and PG admissions are based on GATE/JEST scores.

Ques.5 What is the reservation policy for IIST exam ?

Ans. Reservation follows government norms: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, 5% PwD, 10% EWS, and 10% horizontal reservation for women candidates