Useful Information Regarding IIST

Hi guys,

My name is Vipul Bawa. Currently i am in IIT Roorkee.

I want to share my knowledge regarding Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) with you all.

From this year, IIST is going to conduct its own entrance test. Earlier, it used to select the students on the basis of their CML/EML ranks in JEE. After the result of JEE-09, i started collecting information regarding the institute.

As i was very much interested in Aerospace Sciences, i wanted to join this institute but my parents didn't allow me for several reasons.

About The Institute:

IIST is a very prestigious institute set up by Department of Space, Goverment of India at Thiruvananthapuram , to meet the requirements of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It offers B.Tech programmes in 3 fields : AVIONICS, AEROSPACE SCIENCES and PHYSICAL SCIENCES. It was set up at a temporary campus adjacent to the world renowned Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thiruvananthapuram. It will shift to its new permanent campus by next year. The campus is very beautiful, surrounded with natural beauties.

About The Courses, Fees And Bond:

IIST is an altogether different institute from others, set up specifically for a purpose and need. The programmes it offers are not offered by many institutes in India (though a few IIT's include Aerospace Engg.).Avionics is related to Electronics Engg. while Aerospace Sciences is more towards Mechanical Engg., that includes study related to structural parts of spacecrafts.Well, as far as i remember, the Government bears all the expenses of the course and student is given some monthly money as well. In return, you have to sign a bond during the admission to serve ISRO for a minimum of 5 years after the completion of your programme. The minimum and the maximum pay for the job is roughly Rs 14,000 and Rs 39,000 per month respectively. You may be placed at any of the ISRO centres across the country (most of them are in south India only). If you want to pursue masters and Ph.d from the same institute, you are allowed to do so but you will have to serve ISRO for a minimum of 5 years even after that. In case you refuse to accept the job given by them, you will have to pay Rs 10,00,000 to the institute.

Interest And Scope Ahead:

IIST will be a good choice for those who have interest in the field of space technology and are willing to serve the country without minding the pay scale offered. It doesn't offer much money but working at ISRO is an honour in itself. Also, ISRO centres are mainly in Karnataka, Gujarat and other south Indian states, staying at these places during the job period, if away from home, can be a concern for some (this was the main reason i did not join this institute). Its scope ahead is not limited that it seems to some. One may continue to work at ISRO after 5 years, or join any MNC, or go abroad to join other space organisations, like NASA.

For more information, visit www.iist.ac.in

So, before taking admission in it, one must consider all the factors concerned with it. As i know, it's not that easy for anybody to choose one institute/stream when the time to take admission comes eventually. So, take your decision wisely.

Note : I had gathered the above information for the admissions in 2009. The same might not be true for this year as well. In case you have any queries, mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cheers

Vipul Bawa
Student Expert Entrance Corner
www.EntranceCorner.com
IIT Roorkee (1st Year)