IIT Madras, India's top technical institute, welcomes you to the Four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Aeronautics and Space Technology.

Study from anywhere, at your own pace.

Eligibility

Anyone who has completed class 12 with Physics and Maths can apply irrespective of age, role or geographical location.

Coursework

Content, tutorials, doubt clearing sessions & assignments will be online. Quizzes and exams will be in-person at centres across the country and in limited cities outside India. Labs will be conducted in-person at IIT Madras campus on pre-announced dates.

Flexibility

Learn from anywhere, at your convenience. Option is available to choose the number of courses per term. Students can exit with a diploma by completing a given set of courses.

Upgrade to On-Campus

After Diploma, based on tests and interviews conducted, a select number of students who applied will be offered the option of attending all degree level courses on campus at IIT Madras in person.

Why study Aeronautics and Space Technology?

This degree builds expertise in design of aircraft and spacecraft systems and subsystems. It prepares students for careers in aviation, defense, and space sectors with strong technical and analytical skills. This program provides skill-based training in aeronautics & space technology so that the students learn the analysis and design tools that are commonly used in the related industry, along with the basic theory behind them. This training in design and analysis tools will enable those with a non-aero background to enter an Industry that is working in the field of aeronautics and space technology.

DEGREE PROGRAM

BS in Aeronautics and Space Technology

The main purpose of this degree program is to skill the students in the advanced analysis tools used in aeronautics as well as space technology. The courses are organized in the four main fields: Aerodynamics of Aerospace Vehicles; Flight Dynamics, orbital mechanics and Controls; Aerospace structural analysis; Gas turbine and Rocket propulsion. A capstone project leading to design of aircraft and space vehicles using all the tools developed familiarizes the students with the application of these courses to synthesize an entire system/ vehicle. There are 3 levels of courses in the program: foundation, diploma and the degree. After diploma, a few students selected based on their performance in a test and an interview conducted by IIT Madras will get an opportunity to attend the remaining classes in person on-campus. Rest of the students who meet the criteria fixed by IITM can continue in a hybrid mode towards acquiring the degree.

Eligibility Apply Now

DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Diploma in Aeronautics

Students can exit with a diploma in Aeronautics from IIT Madras after completing courses up to the diploma level. The diploma would have familiarized the students in theoretical background and the basic analysis tools used in aeronautics in the fields of Aerodynamics, Structures, Flight Mechanics, Controls and Propulsion Systems including Solid Modelling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) & Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Student Experience

Join a supportive, diverse, vibrant community of students and scholars who share your passion. Our reputation for excellence attracts some of the best minds in the world.

Alongside the academic activities, students can have fun and develop interests through clubs and extracurricular activities that help them build on social skills and career goals while enjoying a great social life. Check Happenings Above

Timeline

Qualifier Application: Opens on 9 February , 2026
Qualifier Application closes: May 31 , 2026
Qualifier Week 1 Starts: June 12 , 2026
Qualifier Exam: July 19 , 2026

IIT Madras has always strived to provide high-quality education accessible to the widest possible denomination. Today, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Space Technology are major sunrise sectors in India, in civilian as well as defence domains. India is aspiring to be a net defence exporter and a large fraction of related technologies are in the fields of Aeronautics and Space Technology. A number of private industries and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have come up recently. They require engineers with an understanding of the corresponding design & analysis tools and their utility/ limitations, which would help them to develop state-of-the-art/ future technologies & products. As the demand is much more than supply for well trained good quality Engineers in these sectors, Government of India is promoting education and training programmes. IIT Madras is one of the 5 regional centers identified and funded by MEITy to promote UAV related technology and has also engaged with ISRO right from its inception. To support the efforts towards capacity building in these sectors, IIT Madras is introducing this BS programme in Aeronautics and Space Technology, which is also aligned with the goals of the National Educational Policy. We hope that it meets the aspirations of the students as well as the Industries of this great nation.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras

What is the Admission Process (Qualifier)?

You can apply for the Qualifier Exam by clicking on the link mentioned in the banner.

You will get access to 4 weeks of course content.

Those who get minimum required scores in weekly assignments in the four weeks will get to write the Qualifier Exam based on the four weeks of content.

Those who get minimum required scores in the Qualifier Exam continue with the program. Others are encouraged to reappear for the Qualifier Exam.

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone who has passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in any year with Physics and Mathematics can apply for the qualifier exam.

School students who have appeared for their Class 11 final exams (with Physics and Mathematics as their subjects of study) can apply. Those who qualify can join the program after passing Class 12.

Check out Eligibility →

What is being offered?

BS Degree in Aeronautics and Space Technology

Option to exit earlier with a Foundation Level Certificate or Diploma in Aeronautics

Are these official Diploma and Degree of IIT Madras?

Yes. IITM senate approves and offers the Diploma(s) and Degree(s).

Degree holders become alumni of IIT Madras.

What is the Structure of the Program?

The program is split into three levels:

Foundation Level (32 credits)
Diploma Level (52 credits)
BS Degree Level (58 credits)

Total: 142 credits for BS Degree

For more detailed information about the program, courses and fee structure, check out the Academics Page →