IIST 2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology) eligibility criteria for admissions in 2026.

Undergraduate (B.Tech / Dual Degree)

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, securing at least 75% aggregate marks (for SC/ST/PwD candidates, the minimum is 65%)

Entrance Examinations

• Candidates are required to appear in JEE Main, followed by JEE Advanced.
• Admission to IIST is based solely on the JEE Advanced score (JEE Main qualification is necessary but only serves as a preliminary step to JEE Advanced)

Additional Criteria

• For JEE Main – minimum qualifying marks vary slightly by category, e.g. General category requires at least 14% overall and 3% in each subject, while SC/ST/PD categories have lower thresholds.

• For JEE Advanced – minimum scores, again by category, such as General: 50 aggregate, with 3 marks in each Physics, Chemistry, and Math. Category-wise relaxations apply.

Postgraduate (M.Tech / M.Sc)

• Qualification Requirement
• A relevant Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Tech, B.E., or M.Sc., as applicable) from a recognized institution.
• Minimum percentage requirement is typically 60% for General/EWS/OBC, and 55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates .

Entrance Examinations

• M.Tech programs
• Generally require a valid GATE score, along with departmental shortlisting and possibly an interview or written test.
• Some specializations (e.g. Machine Learning and Computing) may use a dedicated IIST process (e.g., via the portal) rather than CCMT.

• M.Sc programs

Selection is also based on a valid GATE score

Age Limit

• For general applicants: upper age limit is 32 years as of May 2, 2026.
• For ISRO/DOS sponsored candidates: upper age limit is 45 years as of the same date.

Get More Details About IIST 2026 Exam Pattern

IIST Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Ques.1 What is the minimum qualification required for undergraduate admission at IIST 2026?

Ans. To apply for B.Tech/Dual Degree at IIST, candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and must secure at least 75% aggregate marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD).

Ques2. Is JEE Advanced mandatory for IIST 2026 admission?

Ans. Yes, admission to IIST undergraduate programs is strictly based on JEE Advanced 2026 rank. Candidates must also qualify JEE Main 2026 to be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.

Ques.3 Are there any age limits for applying to IIST undergraduate programs?

Ans. There is no specific age limit mentioned by IIST, but candidates must satisfy the JEE Advanced age eligibility, which typically requires applicants to be born on or after October 1, 2001 (with 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD).

Ques4. What are the eligibility criteria for IIST postgraduate (M.Tech/M.Sc.) programs in 2026?

Ans. Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Tech/B.E./M.Sc.) with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD). A valid GATE score is required for most M.Tech/M.Sc. programs.

Ques.5 Is there an age limit for IIST PG admissions?

Ans. Yes, the upper age limit for PG admissions is 32 years (as of May 2, 2026) for general applicants, and 45 years for candidates sponsored by ISRO/DOS.