Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 24, 2026

The M.Tech in Materials Science and Technology at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered under the Department of Chemistry. The programme is open to students from both science and engineering backgrounds and provides a strong foundation in materials science fundamentals along with applications in aerospace, semiconductors, sensors, energy storage, biomaterials, high-temperature systems, and computational materials science. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced characterisation equipment and learn synthesis of nanomaterials, ceramics, quantum dots, and polymers. The total tuition fee for the programme is approximately Rs. 1.72 lakh for the entire course duration. Admission is based on a valid GATE score in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or Engineering Science (XE), and the programme is conducted through CCMT counselling. The programme is particularly attractive for students interested in space-grade materials research and development.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently in progress. CCMT 2026 registration has commenced from May 11, 2026, and classes are expected to begin in August 2026. The IIST Sponsored category admissions (for ISRO-sponsored candidates) have a separate timeline with applications open from February 19, 2026, and classes beginning on August 5, 2026.

Key Points

One of the few M.Tech programmes in Materials Science offered at a premier space technology institution under the Department of Space, Government of India.
Open to both B.E./B.Tech. and M.Sc. graduates, making it accessible to students from diverse science and engineering backgrounds.
Curriculum covers cutting-edge areas including nanomaterials, quantum dots, biomaterials, and computational materials science with direct relevance to space applications.
Students gain hands-on experience with advanced materials characterisation equipment available at IIST.
M.Tech students with a valid GATE score receive a monthly scholarship of Rs. 12,400 through AICTE.

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IIST Trivandrum Latest Updates and News

02 Sep, 2026 GATE 2027 registration begins. Register @goaps.iitm.ac.in by Sept 27, 2026. GATE 2027 will be held between Feb 6 & 21, 2027. Read News.

15 May, 2026 IIST Trivandrum Fee structure 2026 has been released for M.Tech Material Science and Technology programs. The total academic fee is ₹ 1.72 Lakhs.

IIST M.Tech Fees

The M.Tech (Materials Science and Technology) programme at IIST is highly affordable compared to private institutions. The total tuition fee for the 4-semester programme is Rs. 1,40,000 (Rs. 35,000 per semester), with additional charges for computer, internet, library, examination, and other facilities amounting to Rs. 5,450 per semester. The one-time fees at the time of admission include an admission fee, campus development fee, and a refundable institute deposit. Hostel accommodation is available on campus with a combined hostel and mess charge of Rs. 26,750 per semester.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per semester)	35,000
Computer Fee (per semester)	750
Internet Fee (per semester)	250
Library Fee (per semester)	1,000
Examination Fee (per semester)	500
Registration and Enrollment Fee (per semester)	200
Association and Cultural Fee (per semester)	500
Sports Facilitation Fee (per semester)	250
Medical and Insurance Fee (per semester)	2,000
Total Semester Fee (per semester)	40,450
Admission Fee (One-time, Non-Refundable)	500
Campus Development Fee (One-time)	1,000
Institute and Library Deposit (One-time, Refundable)	5,000
Alumni Fee (collected with final semester)	500
Convocation cum Degree Fee (collected with final semester)	2,000
Seminar/Thesis Fee (collected with final semester)	1,000
Total One-time Fees	10,000
Hostel Establishment Charges (per semester)	5,000
Hostel Rent (per semester)	3,000
Electricity and Water Charges (per semester)	750
Mess Advance for 6 months (per semester)	18,000
Total Hostel and Mess Fee (per semester)	26,750
Total Academic Fees (4 semesters + one-time)	1,71,800
Total Hostel and Mess Fees (4 semesters)	1,07,000
Total Fees (Academic + Hostel, 2 years)	2,78,800

The Institute and Library Deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the institute.
Alumni Fee (Rs. 500), Convocation cum Degree Fee (Rs. 2,000), and Seminar/Thesis Fee (Rs. 1,000) will be collected along with the final semester fee.
Supplementary Examination Fee: Rs. 100 per paper; Thesis Submission Fee: Rs. 1,000 (if applicable).
For SC/ST/PwD students, tuition fee is fully exempted.
Mess facility is available on a payment basis; the mess advance shown is for 6 months per semester.
Fee refund is governed by UGC guidelines.

IIST M.Tech Admission 2026

Admission to M.Tech (Materials Science and Technology) at IIST is conducted through CCMT (Centralised Counselling for M.Tech/M.Arch/M.Plan) for regular candidates. The programme code is MCH01. GATE 2026 results were declared on March 19, 2026, and CCMT 2026 counselling has commenced from May 2026. Candidates must have a valid GATE score in one of the accepted disciplines to be eligible. The programme accepts students from both engineering and science backgrounds, making it one of the more inclusive M.Tech programmes at IIST.

IIST Admission Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2026 Result Declaration	March 19, 2026
CCMT 2026 Registration Opens	May 11, 2026
CCMT 2026 Round 1 Seat Allotment	May 2026
CCMT 2026 Round 2 Seat Allotment	June 2026
CCMT 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment	June 2026
Reporting to IIST	August 3, 2026
Classes Begin	August 5, 2026
Admission Closes	August 14, 2026

GATE Exam Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2026 Registration Opens	August 28, 2025
GATE 2026 Registration Closes	October 13, 2025
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Dates	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026 Answer Key Release	February 19, 2026
GATE 2026 Result Declaration	March 19, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) for General/EWS/OBC-NCL category.
SC/ST/PwD candidates require a minimum of 55% marks or 6.0 CGPA.
A valid GATE score in Chemistry (CY), Chemical Engineering (CH), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Metallurgical Engineering (MT), Physics (PH), Aerospace Engineering (AE), Production and Industrial Engineering (PI), or Engineering Science (XE with Materials Science/Polymer Sciences and Engineering) is mandatory.

Admission Process

Candidates must register on the CCMT portal (ccmt.admissions.nic.in) using their GATE 2026 score.
Fill in choices of institutes and programmes in order of preference and lock choices before the deadline.
Seat allotment is done based on GATE score, category, and choice preferences across multiple rounds.
Candidates allotted a seat must pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) online and upload documents for verification.
Candidates can opt to Freeze, Float, or Slide their allotted seat in subsequent rounds.
Report to IIST on the specified date with original documents for final admission.

IIST M.Tech Scholarships 2026

M.Tech students at IIST are eligible for a monthly scholarship through AICTE, provided they have a valid GATE score. This scholarship significantly offsets the already low fee structure of the programme. Additionally, students from reserved categories benefit from tuition fee exemptions, further reducing the financial burden.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
AICTE GATE Scholarship	M.Tech students with valid GATE score	Rs. 12,400 per month	Paid for the duration of the programme (up to 2 years)
SC/ST Tuition Fee Waiver	SC/ST/PwD students	Full tuition fee exemption (Rs. 35,000 per semester)	Applicable from the first semester

The AICTE GATE scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic performance and continuation of valid GATE score.
Students who are completing their qualifying degree in 2025-26 must submit their degree certificate by September 30, 2026 to be eligible for the scholarship from the date of commencement of classes.
Students who do not submit the degree certificate by the deadline will not be eligible for the scholarship until submission.

IIST M.Tech Placement 2026

M.Tech Materials Science and Technology students at IIST have shown consistent placement outcomes, with most students either securing industry placements or pursuing higher studies. The programme's focus on space-grade materials and advanced characterisation techniques makes graduates relevant to aerospace, semiconductor, and research organisations. Given the niche nature of the specialisation, a significant proportion of students also opt for doctoral programmes at premier institutions.

Placement Statistics (2022-2024 Batch)

Metric	Value
Total Students in Branch	3
Internship Offers	3
Full-time Placement Offers	1
Total Offers (Intern + Full-time)	4
Median Salary	Rs. 6 LPA
Maximum Salary	Rs. 6 LPA
Students Available for Placement	3
Students Placed	1
Students Pursuing Higher Studies	2
Placement Percentage	100%

IIST M.Tech FAQs

Ques. Is M.Tech Materials Science and Technology at IIST open to M.Sc. graduates or only B.Tech graduates?

Ans. Yes, the M.Tech in Materials Science and Technology at IIST is open to both B.E./B.Tech. and M.Sc. graduates from any discipline, provided they have a valid GATE score in the relevant subjects. This makes it one of the more inclusive M.Tech programmes at IIST, welcoming students from pure science backgrounds as well.

Ques. What GATE papers are accepted for M.Tech Materials Science and Technology at IIST?

Ans. IIST accepts GATE scores in Chemistry (CY), Chemical Engineering (CH), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Metallurgical Engineering (MT), Physics (PH), Aerospace Engineering (AE), Production and Industrial Engineering (PI), and Engineering Science (XE with Materials Science or Polymer Sciences and Engineering) for this programme.

Ques. What kind of research and projects do students work on in this programme?

Ans. Students work on a wide range of materials including nanomaterials, ceramics, quantum dots, polymers, and biomaterials. The programme has a strong focus on space-relevant materials such as high-temperature alloys, thermal protection systems, and semiconductor materials. The final year project can be carried out at ISRO or other R&D organisations.

Ques. Do M.Tech Materials Science students at IIST get the AICTE scholarship?

Ans. Yes. M.Tech students with a valid GATE score receive a monthly scholarship of Rs. 12,400 through AICTE. This applies to all M.Tech programmes at IIST, including Materials Science and Technology.

Ques. What are the career prospects after M.Tech Materials Science and Technology from IIST?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in aerospace and defence organisations (ISRO, DRDO), semiconductor companies, energy storage firms, and research institutions. Many students also opt for doctoral programmes at IITs, IISc, or international universities. The 2022-2024 batch had 2 out of 3 students pursuing higher studies, reflecting the research-oriented nature of the programme.

Ques. Is the M.Tech Materials Science and Technology programme at IIST admitted through CCMT?

Ans. Yes. Admission to M.Tech Materials Science and Technology (programme code MCH01) at IIST is through CCMT counselling. Candidates need to register on the CCMT portal using their valid GATE score and fill in their programme preferences. The admission process follows the standard CCMT rounds of seat allotment.

IIST Trivandrum M.Tech Material Science and Technology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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