IIST Thiruvananthapuram Admission 2026: Admission Process, Last Dates, Eligibility, Entrance Exams

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram is a leading institute dedicated to education and research in space science and advanced engineering. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes for students with strong academic interests in science and technology.

The IIST Thiruvananthapuram provides BTech, integrated BTech + MS/MTech, MTech, MS, and PhD courses. Admission to the BTech programme is based on JEE Advanced, for which candidates must first qualify JEE Main.

Postgraduate admissions to MTech and MS programmes are conducted through GATE, while PhD admissions consider scores from UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, JEST, or NBHM. The UG admission process includes online registration, rank-based seat allotment, and document verification.

JEE Main session 1st is held in January 2026, while GATE examinations take place in February 2026, and UGC-NET exam is conducted form 31st December to 7th January 2026.

The table below provides a quick overview of IIST Thiruvananthapuram admission highlights 2026 covering courses offered, popular courses, entrance exams accepted and other important information:

IIST admission process for UG in 2026 is based on JEE Advanced scores. Eligible candidates need to register online, pay the non-refundable registration fee, and submit their JEE details. IIST releases a category-wise rank list, after which candidates choose their preferred branches. Seats are allotted in rounds, and selected candidates must confirm their seat, pay the first semester fee, and upload the required documents. Spot admissions are held for the remaining seats. Lastly the candidates need to report the IIST campus to complete the admission process:

Step 1: Appear for JEE Main and JEE Advanced

• Candidates must appear for JEE Main and qualify to write JEE Advanced. Admission in IIST is based only on JEE Advanced marks.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria related to citizenship, age limit, Class 12th marks (in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics), and minimum JEE Advanced cutoff as prescribed by IIST.

Step 3: Complete Online Registration

• Visit the official IIST admission portal and complete the online registration for UG Admission.
• Enter JEE Advanced details, upload the required photograph, and create login credentials.

Step 4: Pay Registration Fee Online

• Pay the non-refundable registration fee online to complete the application process.

Step 5: Release of IIST Admission Rank List

• IIST publishes a category-wise admission rank list based on JEE Advanced aggregate marks.

Step 6: Fill Branch Preferences

• Select the preferred undergraduate programmes such as Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science), or Dual Degree, in order of priority.
• Preferences can be changed only within the given time limit.

Step 7: Seat Allotment Rounds

• Seats are allotted in multiple rounds based on merit, category reservation, seat availability, and branch preference.

Step 8: Accept the Allotted Seat

• Once a seat is allotted, candidate need to confirm the choice online. There are two options:
  • Freeze: Accept the seat as final and exit all further seat allotment rounds.
  • Slide: Accept the allotted seat for now but stay eligible for a higher-preference seat in the next rounds.

Step 9: Pay First Semester Fee and Upload Documents

• Pay the first semester admission fee online and upload required documents for verification.
• After verification, download the provisional admit card.

Step 10: Spot Admission (If Required)

• If seats remain vacant, IIST conducts online spot admission rounds for eligible waitlisted candidates.

Step 11: Report to IIST and Complete Admission

• Report to the IIST campus at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram on the specified date with original documents to complete the admission process.

IIST JEE Mains admission dates for 2026 Session 1 have been announced. The application form opened from 31st October to 27th November 2025, with the last date for fee payment was 27th November. Examination cities will be announced by the first week of January 2026, and admit cards will be released in the same month. The entrance exam is scheduled between 21st and 30th January 2026, with the answer key will be available by the first week of February and results will be expected on 12th February 2026:

IIST GATE 2026 admit card will be released on 2nd January 2026. The examination will be conducted on 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th February 2026. The response sheet and answer keys will be issued in February & the final result is to be expected on 19th March 2026. The counselling for GATE will be start from March onwards:

Below are the dates provided for UGC-NET exam for PhD. Candidates can check the details: