Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology BTech, BTech-MTech

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum BTech, BTech-MTech and B.Tech-MS Admissions 2020

About the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

4-Year B.Tech. ( Aerospace Engineering )

B.Tech. ( Aerospace Engineering )

B.Tech. programme in Aerospace Engineering is aimed at imparting sound knowledge in the fundamental areas of the discipline and also expose students to advanced applications of this knowledge. The students will get the specialized training in the design and development of launch vehicles, aircraft and space craft. Aerospace Engineering deals with unlike most traditional ground based systems, optimality and reliability are of paramount importance in such systems. This necessitates accurate theoretical and experimental analyses of a variety of phenomena, and performance predictions of a variety of complex systems. Aerospace Engineering is the discipline which is closest to what is popularly known as Rocket Science.

The foundation level courses are Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Materials Science. These lead to a set of applied courses in Aerodynamics, Gas Dynamics, Propulsion, Flight Mechanics, Theory of Machines, Aerospace Structures, Manufacturing Processes, and Automatic Control. These in turn lead to a set of electives which deepen as well as widen the knowledge base. In addition to courses in Aerospace Engineering, courses in Basic Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Systems, Economics, management and Humanities help round off the education of the Aerospace Engineering B. Tech graduate.

One of the important components of the Aerospace curriculum is a set of Lab and Practice courses which help students develop an appreciation for real life phenomena and systems. This is further enhanced by exposure to actual hardware developed in Aerospace industry and rigorous tests conducted in the advanced facilities of ISRO. Students also take up winter and summer internships in various units of ISRO and work on live problems.

Graduates of the B.Tech. programme in Aeropsace Engineering are equipped to undertake challenging work in the Aerospace Engineering Industry, in areas like propulsion systems, aerodynamic design, structural systems, precision manufacturing, etc. In ISRO they get a chance to work on important and advanced projects. With experience in such projects and with good performance, they could be given the responsibility of leading teams which design and develop aerospace subsystems and systems.

Though titled Aerospace Engineering, the curriculum is very close to both Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and equips the graduates to take up most jobs done by Mechanical Engineers. This includes the Automotive sector, Power sector, Manufacturing industry, R&D sectors, etc. We believe that our graduates would be sufficiently well versed in fundamentals of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and will have the ability to continue their learning while working. They would be prepared to take up challenging problems in most areas of engineering.

At IIST, students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities in all areas of the Aerospace Engineering. The students also gain experience in carrying out experiments and take part in some of the research and development activities at different centers of ISRO through their internship programmes. In addition they will have opportunities to engage in projects with faculty at the IIST or scientist/engineer at the Department of Space affiliated institutions. Visit the Department of Aerospace Engineering web page to learn more. Also see the Course & Curriculum link for further details on the program requirements and course structure for the B.Tech. (Aerospace Engineering) program). The students who complete B.Tech. program in Aerospace Engineering would have acquired the essential knowledge and skill sets to utilize their knowledge to carry on various tasks at various Institutions/Centers as given below.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum
ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
Space Application Centre, Ahmadabad
Sathish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Mahendragiri
ISRO Satellite Tracking Centre, Bangalore
National Aerospace laboratories (NAL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Various Industries involved in design and development of mechanical systems
Industries involved in development of aerospace systems.

For details on Curriculum / Syllabus refer to Academic Curricula

4-Year B.Tech. (Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics))

B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering (with specialisation in Avionics)

This B.Tech programme is primarily aimed at training students in the area of Electrical, Elelctronics and Computer Systems. The word Avionics is derived from Aviation Electronics. The quality and reliability of electronics used in aerospace electronics i.e Avionics has to be very stringent. The academic activities emphasize deeper stress to fundamentals and greater thrust to enhance research ability to handle challenges in the field of electronics required for aerospace applications. The curriculum and syllabus are structured so that the generic background in the field of electrical and electronic engineering and computer Science are kept undisturbed. The curriculum includes a number of core Electronic and Electrical subjects like Control System, Digital Electronics, Communication, Computer systems and all other associated subjects.

In the area of Control System modeling and control design applied to aerospace vehicle and Satellite systems, Navigation systems are dealt with. In addition to this system identification non- linear Control theory, optimal control, Launch vehicle control, Estimation and stochastic theory are some of the advanced areas which are dealt with.

Digital Electronics and Computer systems cover hardware, electronic circuit design, VLSI systems, computer networks, software applications like compilers, operating systems. Students who opt electives in digital and computer systems acquire extensive background to effectively design and implement electronic systems and embedded systems, that are required for onboard applications in space programme. Other topics which are covered are VLSI design, advanced DSP and adaptive filters, computer graphics and computer networking. The choice of electives from communication stream enables students to acquire a broad range of fundamentals related to Satellite Communication, Information theory and coding, Mobile communication, Microwave integrated circuits and Antenna engineering.

The curriculum in Electronics and Communications, and equips the graduates to take up most jobs done by Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This includes the major electronics sector, Power sector, R&D sectors, etc. Our graduates would be sufficiently well versed in fundamentals of Electrical and Electronicsl Engineering and will have the ability to continue their learning while working. They would be prepared to take up challenging problems in most areas of electronics engineering.

While at IIST, students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities in all areas of the Avionics, The students also gain experience in carrying out experiments and take part in some of the research and development activities at different centers of ISRO through their internship programmes. In addition they have opportunities to engage in projects with faculty at the IIST or scientist/engineer at the Department of Space affiliated institutions. Visit the Department of Avionics web page to learn more. Also see the Course & Curriculum link for further details on the program requirements and course structure for the B. Tech program. The students who complete this B.Tech program would have acquired the essential knowledge and skill sets to utilize their knowledge to carry on various tasks at various institutions/centers as given below.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum
ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
Space Application Centre, Ahmadabad
Sathish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Mahendragiri
Master Control facility, Hassan
National Remote sensing centre, Hyderabad
ISRO Satellite Tracking Centre, Bangalore
Bharat Electronics Ltd.(BEL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Various Industries involved in Design and development of electronics systems
Industries involved in development of software systems and computer networking.

For details on Curriculum / Syllabus refer to Academic Curricula

5-Year Dual Degree (B.Tech. + Master of Science/Master of Technology)

B.Tech. (Engineering Physics):

Recent years have seen a rapid expansion of research and development facilities in our country,both public funded, under the aegis of various national research establishments, and by the industry at large. The upcoming research laboratories under Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Indian Institute of Science (IISc). etc in Chitradurg, the Indian Neutrino observatory, Indian participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, much awaited human space flight programme by ISRO are just few examples. Substantial funding is being given to such initiatives. Consequently, the creation of suitable workforce is and will be imperative in the coming years. At one end the engineering graduates are facing an increasing demand in the industry and at the other end lack of graduates trained in fundamental sciences but oriented towards applications are very few in number. Bachelor and masters degrees offered by many reputed institutes all over the world have shown that such programmes play a vital role in creating new technologies and larger innovation. Any knowledge driven technological development, such as in the challenging and frontier area of Space Science and application, cannot be achieved without a well trained workforce in the fundamental sciences, oriented towards applications. The B.Tech. (Engineering Physics) – Master of Science/Master of Technology dual degree programme is a step in this direction. It is identified that Solid State Physics and Optical Engineering are two suitable areas of physics with broad applications in most national research laboratories and technology dependent industry.

Solid State Physics:

Conventionally the name Solid State Physics refers to semi conductor devices under microscopic scale sizes. With rapid advances in technology, and an even more rapidly increasing demand for devices that are faster yet less power hungry, lighter yet hold larger memory capacity, the size of the average transistor has shrunk to a threshold where the underlying physics takes a paradigm shift. Present day Solid State Physics is a larger umbrella encompassing all such technologies sharing the same goal. The Master of Science (Solid State Physics) programme prepares the student in the fundamental aspects of physics required to handle this transition, while also providing adequate training in the required technology and necessary tools. The programme has been conceived, and the curriculum has been so formulated, with the semiconductor related R&D industry as the primary area where such expertise will be employed. Apart from industry, a student completing this programme will have covered adequate ground to carry further into higher research in the larger discipline of condensed matter physics.

Optical Engineering:

The name optical engineering refers to optical physics with more focus on the applied aspects of the subject. The theme is to design, control, and synthesize optical sources and devices to meet the advanced industrial demands of high accuracy and better performance with almost zero tolerance. Optical engineering encompasses giving training in both fundamental and technical aspects of the subject. Besides preparing the students for a career in research and development, the programme will also be a stepping stone to pursue higher studies in applied science and engineering.

Astronomy and Astrophysics:

Astronomy & Astrophysics deals with application of principles of physics and mathematics to learn more about celestial bodies (planets, moons, stars, galaxies, etc.) and the universe. There are mainly two fields: observational and theoretical. Observational astronomy involves data acquisition (for example through observations at a telescope), analysis and interpretation. Theoretical astrophysics involves development of analytical and computational models to describe celestial objects and phenomena. The two fields complement each other with data interpretation of observational astronomy requiring models from theoretical astrophysics. A unique aspect of astronomy & astrophysics is that it deals with complex phenomena involving processes of different kinds, which requires use of all branches of physics ranging from elementary particle physics to large scale phenomena such as gravitation. The programme instructs students in all aspects of astronomy & astrophysics followed by their application in a one year research project. Upon completion of the programme, students can pursue higher studies in either astronomy & astrophysics or other branches of physics. The scope or pursuing astronomy & astrophysics as a career option is taking a giant leap with upcoming state-of-the-art national facilities and Indian participation in major international projects – ASTROSAT (India’s first dedicated satellite for astronomy), ADITYA (India’s mission to the Sun), Chandrayann II, Devasthal Optical Telescope, Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO), Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), Square Kilometer Array (SKA), IndIGO (Indian participation in Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory) are to list a few.

In addition, opportunities exist in the following ISRO/DoS centres: ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad and Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), Thiruvananthapuram.

Earth System Science:

Earth system science provides a physical basis for understanding and appreciating the planet Earth in which we live. Earth system science encompasses both the basic and applied sciences and treats the Earth as an integrated system. The study of Earth System Science leads to a deeper understanding of the physical, chemical, biological and human interactions that determine the past, current and future states of the Planet Earth. The Master of Science programme in Earth System Science educates students in all aspects of Earth System, its components and their interactions; followed by a one year research project. Upon completion of this programme, students can pursue higher studies in Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Solid Earth Sciences or in other branches of Physics. The career scope and job opportunities for students of Earth System Science are numerous with the possibility of good career prospects with the Ministry of Earth Sciences and its various institutions under Government of India, such as India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF), Noida, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS), Hyderabad, and National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, opportunities exist in several ISRO/DoS centers such as Space Application Center (SAC), Ahmedabad, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Gadanki, National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), Hyderabad, Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), Thiruvanathapuram and North-East Space Applications Center (NESAC), Shillong.

For details on Curriculum / Syllabus refer to Academic Curricula and Syllabus

The Dual Degree Programme is a 5-year (10 Semesters) Programme. On successful completion, the students are awarded a B.Tech. degree in Engineering Physics and a Master of Science/ M.Tech. degree in one of the following four postgraduate streams:

Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master of Science in Solid State Physics
M.Tech. in Earth System Science
M.Tech. in Optical Engineering

Students will be allotted their postgraduate streams at the end of the sixth semester based on their preference and academic performance upto sixth semester. The seat matrix specifying minimum and/ or maximum for each of the streams will be notified to the students during the sixth semester.

There is no exit option with a B.Tech degree in Engineering Physics. However, based on academic performance, Director, IIST has the discretion not to promote students with unsatisfactory performance to the Masters‟ level. These students may be allowed to exit with a B.Tech degree in Engineering Physics with specified norms worked out by the Department and approved by the Academic Council and Board of Management of IIST.

B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering :- 60 + 6** 4 years
B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering(Avionics) : – 60 + 6** 4 years
Dual Degree (B.Tech and Master of Science/ M.Tech) : – 20 + 2** 5 years

** Beginning 2019 academic year and as per the recent directive, reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to the extent of 6 (six), 6 (six), and 2 (two) seats (10% of last year‟s total strength) in the branches of Aerospace Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering and Dual Degree, respectively is being implemented.

Important Notes:

As per the reservation policy of Government of India applicable to Central Educational Institutions (CEI), candidates belonging to the following categories are admitted to reserved seats based on relaxed criteria. The categories and the corresponding percentage of reservation are

Important dates

Release of Admission Brochure: 1 May 2020
Opening of Online Registration: 25 May 2020
Closing of online registration: 12 June 2020

Reservation of Seats

Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC) belonging to Non-Creamy Layer (NCL): 27%
Persons with Disabilities (PD) : 5% (Horizontal Reservation)
Economically Weaker Section (EWS): As below.

Beginning 2019 academic year and as per the recent directive, seats to the extent of 6 (six), 6 (six), and 2 (two) seats (10% of last year‟s total strength) in the branches of Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering and Dual Degree, respectively, are reserved for the EWS category.

The above listed categories are the ONLY reservation categories for admission to the undergraduate programmes at IIST.Beginning 2019 academic year and as per the recent directive, seats to the extent of 6 (six), 6 (six), and 2 (two) seats (10% of last year‟s total strength) in the branches of Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering and Dual Degree, respectively, are reserved for the EWS category.

How to apply?

Online portal for applications will get active on the official website on 25 May onwards. Interested and eligible candidates can apply once it gets active.