The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, offers multiple scholarships each year to support its students. These programs are designed to recognize merit, address need, and provide fee waivers for deserving candidates, including those from special categories and domains. The scholarships span merit-based, need-based, domicile, sports, single girl child, defense/paramilitary wards, alumni, and institute-specific awards to promote access and excellence in space science education.
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Scholarships Overview
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Eligibility
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Required Documents
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Application Process
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Scholarship Details
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Additional Notes
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Scholarships Overview
IIST scholarships serve to reward outstanding performance, support students from lower-income backgrounds, and ensure inclusivity. A range of waivers and benefits are provided, including full tuition coverage, monthly allowances, research grants, and additional support for specific categories.
Merit-based waivers (high board/JEE scores, entrance ranks)
Need/EWS-based support (family income below defined thresholds, such as ₹8 lakh per annum)
Category-based scholarships (Kerala domicile, single girl child, SC/ST/OBC, sports achievers, differently-abled, defense wards)
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Eligibility
Eligibility for IIST scholarships typically depends on academic achievement, financial need, or category status. For merit awards, candidates must achieve top ranks in national entrance exams such as JEE Advanced, often with a minimum of 75% marks or rank within the top 2,000 (OBC) / 5,000 (SC/ST) categories. Need-based support is available for families with income below ₹8 lakh per annum and further reduced thresholds (₹4 lakh) for special cases like single girl child scholarships. Sports-level awards go to students who have represented state or higher levels. Most benefits require sustained good performance, with a minimum CGPA of 7.0–7.5 every semester and no backlogs to maintain renewal eligibility.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Required Documents
To verify and process scholarship eligibility, IIST requires submission of supporting documents during the application period.
Entrance exam scorecard (e.g., JEE Advanced, GATE)
Income certificate (issued by government authority)
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/domicile)
Academic transcripts (previous year/semester)
Bank account details (for direct transfer of benefits)
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Application Process
Applications for IIST scholarships are accepted online or via the institute office during admission or set semester windows. Candidates must apply before official deadlines (typically June 30 for fresh awards; October 31 for renewals), ensuring all required documents are uploaded to the institute’s Scholarship Management System or submitted in-person. Verification is conducted by the Dean (Student Affairs) and Bursar’s Office, with disbursements made directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked account. Grievance redressal is available through monthly committee meetings.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Scholarship Details
The following table summarizes key scholarships available to IIST students in Thiruvananthapuram, along with their main eligibility criteria and benefits. Actual availability may be affected by annual seat-type allocations, verification outcomes, and government/institute policies.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit | Notes (if any) |
Merit-Cum-Means Institute Scholarship | Up to 25% B.Tech intake; min 75% JEE Adv or top rank; family income < ₹8 lakh | Full tuition waiver, ₹5,000–₹6,000/month stipend, ₹5,000 book allowance/yr | Renew CGPA ≥ 7.0 per semester; no backlogs |
Department of Space/ISRO B.Tech Assistantship | B.Tech admission; maintain CGPA ≥ 7.5 (out of 10) for continued support | All cost exempted; book allowance of ₹3,000/semester; living stipends | Support pauses if CGPA < 7.5; resumes upon recovery |
ISRO Post-Graduate (M.Tech/MS) Fellowship | M.Tech/MS admission; as per ISRO eligibility | ₹25,000/month stipend + ₹1 lakh/yr contingency; bond: 2 years ISRO service post-degree | Bond required; only for select degrees |
ISRO Research Associateship (Ph.D.) | IIST Ph.D. scholars; top GATE/NET; thesis in ISRO labs | ₹40,000–₹45,000/month + annual travel grant | Access to ISRO facilities |
Kerala State Merit Scholarship | Kerala domicile; top 10 technical institutes | ₹10,000/year; renewal on SPI ≥ 6 | For local students only |
SC/ST/OBC State Scholarships | Relevant category; family income and caste proof | Up to 100% tuition rebate; ₹2,000/month maintenance (SC/ST) | As per state policy |
Single Girl Child Scholarship | Female; only girl child; family income < ₹4 lakh | ₹2,500/month stipend | Limited seats; subject to verification |
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | Ph.D. in space sciences; top GATE/NET | Up to ₹2 lakh/month | Central government; competitive process |
ONGC-IIST Partnership Grant | M.Tech/Ph.D. in geoscience research | Up to ₹1 lakh/year | Limited domain; selection required |
Differently-Abled Student Support | Disability certificate; admission at IIST | ₹3,000/month + up to ₹20,000 for assistive devices | Special aids reimbursements |
EWS Tuition Waiver | Economically Weaker Section (top 10%); proof required | Full tuition waiver | Annual re-verification; limited quota |
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Additional Notes
Renewal of most scholarships at IIST requires maintaining a minimum CGPA (typically ≥7.0–7.5), good conduct, and at least 75% attendance per semester. Single students may qualify for multiple minor aids, but core waivers are generally not combinable. There are annual caps on select scholarships (e.g., Merit-Cum-Means: 25% B.Tech intake), and some require ongoing service bonds or research progress. All scholarships are subject to annual verification by the Scholarship Committee, and disbursement schedules may change based on government or institute updates.