Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The M.Tech in Machine Learning and Computing at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram is a two-year, full-time, on-campus postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Mathematics. Launched in 2010, it is one of IIST's earliest and most sought-after master's programmes. The programme provides a strong foundation in the mathematical and computational aspects of machine learning, blending theory with practical exposure to AI and data science. The total tuition fee is Rs. 1,40,000 over 4 semesters. Unlike other M.Tech branches at IIST, admission to this programme is through the IIST admission portal (not CCMT), involving a GATE score-based shortlisting followed by an online interview. The programme is highly popular due to its research-oriented environment, ISRO-aligned projects, and strong placement record in top tech companies.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to open tentatively in May 2026 through the IIST admission portal (admission.iist.ac.in). Based on the 2025 cycle, applications opened on May 16, 2025, with the last date for registration on June 12, 2025, and interviews conducted between June 20-27, 2025. Classes commenced on August 4, 2025. The GATE 2026 result was declared on March 19, 2026, and candidates with valid GATE 2026 scores are eligible to apply.

Key Points

The programme is offered by the Department of Mathematics and is one of the few M.Tech programmes in India with a dedicated focus on the mathematical foundations of machine learning.
Curriculum covers core and elective courses in machine learning, deep learning, data science, artificial intelligence, and their applications.
The final year is dedicated entirely to independent research and seminar work.
Unlike all other M.Tech branches at IIST, admission is through the IIST portal with a GATE score-based shortlisting and an online interview (not CCMT).
The interview focuses on basic topics in Mathematics and Computer Science.
GATE-qualified M.Tech students are eligible for the AICTE PG Scholarship of Rs. 12,400 per month.
SC/ST/PwD students are fully exempt from tuition fees.
Alumni have secured positions at top companies including Mercedes-Benz, Schneider Electric, Intel, TCS, and Continental Automotive, with packages up to Rs. 28 LPA.
IIST is a Deemed University under the Department of Space, Government of India.

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IIST Trivandrum Latest Updates & News

16 Apr, 2026 IIST Trivandrum Fee structure 2026 has been released for M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing programs. The total academic fee is ₹ 1.72 Lakhs.

15 Apr, 2026 CCMT 2026 Counselling is expected to begin in May 2026 for admission to MTech/ MArch/ MPlan courses at NITs and CFTIs. Read News.

IIST M.Tech (Machine Learning and Computing) Fees

The M.Tech in Machine Learning and Computing at IIST is one of the most affordable postgraduate engineering programmes in India. The total tuition fee for the entire 2-year programme is Rs. 1,40,000 (Rs. 35,000 per semester x 4 semesters). Including other semester charges, the total academic fee comes to approximately Rs. 1,61,800 over 4 semesters. Hostel accommodation is available on campus and is strongly recommended given the campus's remote location. The first semester grand total (including one-time fees and hostel) is Rs. 73,700.

Semester Fee Structure

Fee Component	Per Semester (Rs.)	Total for 4 Semesters (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	35,000	1,40,000
Computer Fee	750	3,000
Internet Fee	250	1,000
Library Fee	1,000	4,000
Examination Fee	500	2,000
Registration and Enrollment Fee	200	800
Association and Cultural Fee	500	2,000
Sports Facilitation Fee	250	1,000
Medical and Insurance Fee	2,000	8,000
Semester Fee Sub-Total	40,450	1,61,800
Hostel Establishment Charges	5,000	20,000
Hostel Rent	3,000	12,000
Electricity and Water Charges	750	3,000
Mess Advance (6 months)	18,000	72,000
Hostel + Mess Sub-Total	26,750	1,07,000
Total Fees (Academic + Hostel + Mess)		2,68,800

One-Time Fees

One-Time Component	Amount (Rs.)
Admission Fee (Non-Refundable)	500
Campus Development Fee	1,000
Institute and Library Deposit (Refundable)	5,000
Alumni Fee (collected with final semester fee)	500
Convocation cum Degree Fee (collected with final semester fee)	2,000
Seminar/Thesis Fee (collected with final semester fee)	1,000
One-Time Total	10,000

Grand Total at the time of Admission (1st Semester Academic + Hostel + One-Time): Rs. 73,700

Tuition fee is fully waived for SC/ST/PwD category students.
Institute and Library Deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the institute.
Mess facility is on a payment basis and is not compulsory, but hostel accommodation is strongly recommended given the campus location.
A Seat Acceptance Fee of Rs. 14,200 (Other fees plus Hostel fee) is required to confirm the seat after allotment.
Additional fees: Supplementary Examination fee - Rs. 100 per paper; Thesis Submission - Rs. 1,000; Convocation fee - Rs. 2,000; Alumni Registration - Rs. 500 (collected with final semester fee).
Fee refund is governed by UGC guidelines.
No EMI facility is officially offered; fees are paid semester-wise.

IIST M.Tech (Machine Learning and Computing) Admission 2026

Admission to M.Tech in Machine Learning and Computing at IIST is through the IIST admission portal (admission.iist.ac.in), not through CCMT. Candidates are shortlisted based on their GATE score and then called for an online interview focusing on Mathematics and Computer Science. A provisional rank list is prepared based on GATE score and interview score combined. The 2025 admission cycle opened on May 16, 2025, with interviews conducted between June 20-27, 2025, and classes beginning on August 4, 2025. For 2026, a similar timeline is expected.

IIST Admission Key Dates

Event	Date
IIST Portal Opens for Online Applications	May 16, 2026
Last Date for Online Registration and Application Fee Payment	June 12, 2026
Display of Shortlisted Candidates for Interview	June 18, 2026
Online Interview for Shortlisted Candidates	June 20 - 27, 2026
Display of Rank List after Interview	July 3, 2026
Fee Payment for First Allotment (Seat Acceptance Fee)	July 4, 2026
Revalidation of Candidature Round 1	July 25 (5 PM) - July 29 (11 AM), 2026
Reporting Date at IIST	August 1, 2026
Classes Begin for All PG Programmes	August 4, 2026
PG Admission Closes	August 14, 2026

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2026 Registration Start	August 28, 2025
GATE 2026 Registration End	October 13, 2025
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Dates	February 7, 8, 14, and 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. in any discipline, or M.Sc/Integrated M.Sc/Integrated BS-MS in any discipline, or Master of Computer Applications (MCA).
A valid GATE score in Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Physics, Production and Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Textile Engineering and Fibre Science, or Engineering Sciences is required.
Minimum 60% marks or CGPA 6.50/10 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL; 55% marks/CGPA 6.00/10 for SC/ST/PwD.
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.

Admission Process

Appear in GATE in a relevant paper and obtain a valid score.
Register on the IIST admission portal (admission.iist.ac.in) during the registration window.
Pay the application fee online: Rs. 600 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Rs. 300 for SC/ST/PwD and women candidates.
Upload required documents including category certificates (if applicable).
Shortlisted candidates (based on GATE score) will be called for an online interview via video conference.
The interview focuses on basic topics in Mathematics and Computer Science.
A provisional rank list is prepared based on GATE score and interview score.
Pay Seat Acceptance Fee of Rs. 14,200 online within the stipulated deadline after allotment.
Allotment updates are published every Tuesday and Friday at 5 PM on the IIST website if vacancies exist.
Report physically to IIST Thiruvananthapuram on the specified reporting date with original documents.

IIST Trivandrum: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 2 Reviews

Admission to the college is primarily based on performance in entrance exams like GATE or JEE Advanced, reflecting the institution's emphasis on merit. The college maintains a low faculty-to-student ratio, approximately one faculty member for every four to five master's students, and is known for its supportive faculty and effective teaching. The current semester fee is over 70,000 INR, which includes hostel accommodation, plus meal expenses charged separately. Students receive a 12,400 INR monthly stipend from AICTE, and have internship opportunities in their second year, which come with an additional allowance.

Placement efforts are improving, with an increasing number of companies visiting the campus, although many B.Tech graduates choose to work at ISRO. The college also provides guidance on pursuing further education, such as Ph.D. programs, and employment opportunities at ISRO. The fee structure includes a 42,000 INR tuition fee, a 6,600 INR hostel fee, and an additional 2,500 INR fee. First-year students are required to stay in the hostel, while those in later years can choose to stay elsewhere, given a valid reason.

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IIST M.Tech (Machine Learning and Computing) Scholarships 2026

IIST M.Tech students with a valid GATE score are eligible for the AICTE PG Scholarship, which provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,400 for up to 24 months. This effectively covers a significant portion of the total fees and living expenses during the programme. Additionally, IIST offers fee waivers for reserved category students, making the programme highly accessible.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
AICTE PG Scholarship (GATE)	Rs. 12,400 per month	M.Tech students with valid GATE score	Up to 24 months (or course completion, whichever is earlier)
Annual Contingency Grant	Rs. 5,000 per year	AICTE PG Scholarship recipients	During scholarship period
Tuition Fee Waiver	Full tuition fee waiver (Rs. 35,000/semester)	SC/ST/PwD category students	Entire programme duration

The AICTE PG Scholarship is disbursed monthly through the AICTE portal after registration by the student.
Students must be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the scholarship.
The scholarship amount of Rs. 12,400/month over 24 months totals Rs. 2,97,600, which exceeds the total academic fee of the programme.
Students who have not submitted their degree certificate by September 30 of the joining year will not be eligible for scholarship until submission.
No separate merit-based scholarship is offered by IIST for M.Tech students beyond the AICTE scheme.

IIST M.Tech (Machine Learning and Computing) Placement 2026

IIST M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing is one of the highest-placed branches at IIST, with alumni securing positions at top technology companies. The programme's strong mathematical foundation and research orientation make graduates highly competitive for roles in data science, AI/ML engineering, and software development. Recruiters have included Mercedes-Benz, Schneider Electric, Intel, TCS, Continental Automotive, Flytxt, SatSure Analytics, Raga.ai, and Robert Bosch, among others. The highest package recorded for this branch is Rs. 28 LPA (Schneider Electric, 2021-2023 batch).

Placement Statistics

Metric	Details
Top Recruiters (ML and Computing)	Mercedes-Benz, Schneider Electric, Intel, TCS, Continental Automotive, Flytxt, SatSure Analytics, Raga.ai, Robert Bosch
Highest Package (ML and Computing, 2021-2023 batch)	Rs. 28 LPA (Schneider Electric)
Notable Packages	Rs. 25 LPA (Intel, 2021-2023 batch); Rs. 20 LPA (Mercedes-Benz, 2020-2022 batch)
Typical Package Range	Rs. 10 - 28 LPA
Batch Size (approx.)	15-20 students
Key Sectors	AI/ML, Data Science, Software, Aerospace, Automotive

A significant proportion of IIST M.Tech graduates also pursue ISRO Scientist/Engineer-SC roles through the ICRB exam (separate from campus placements). ISRO CTC is approximately Rs. 13.2 LPA.
Many alumni have also pursued PhD programmes at IITs, IISc, and international universities.

IIST Trivandrum M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#60 out of 500 in India 2025

#3rd in Kerala

NIRF Ranking

#61 out of 300 in India 2025

#2nd in Kerala

IIRF Ranking

#14 out of 160 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

#1st in Kerala

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IIST M.Tech (Machine Learning and Computing) FAQs

Ques. How is the admission process for M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing at IIST different from other M.Tech branches?

Ans. Unlike all other M.Tech branches at IIST (which are admitted through CCMT), M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing is admitted through the IIST admission portal (admission.iist.ac.in). Candidates are shortlisted based on their GATE score and then called for an online interview via video conference. The interview focuses on basic topics in Mathematics and Computer Science. The final rank list is based on a combination of GATE score and interview performance.

Ques. What GATE papers are accepted for M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing at IIST?

Ans. IIST accepts a very wide range of GATE papers for this programme, including CS/IT, Data Science and AI, Mathematics, ECE, EE, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and many others. This makes it accessible to candidates from diverse engineering and science backgrounds. The full list includes over 20 GATE papers.

Ques. What is the typical GATE score required for M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing at IIST?

Ans. Based on past trends, a GATE score of 600+ in relevant papers (CS/IT, Mathematics) gives a good chance of being shortlisted for the interview. However, since the final selection also depends on the interview, candidates with slightly lower GATE scores but strong mathematical and programming skills can also secure admission.

Ques. What are the placement prospects for M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing at IIST?

Ans. This is one of the best-placed branches at IIST. Alumni have secured positions at Mercedes-Benz (Rs. 20 LPA), Schneider Electric (Rs. 28 LPA), Intel (Rs. 25 LPA), TCS, Continental Automotive, and SatSure Analytics. The programme's strong mathematical foundation makes graduates competitive for AI/ML roles in top tech companies. Many alumni have also pursued PhDs at IITs, IISc, and international universities.

Ques. Is the AICTE scholarship available for M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing students at IIST?

Ans. Yes, all M.Tech students at IIST with a valid GATE score are eligible for the AICTE PG Scholarship of Rs. 12,400 per month for up to 24 months. The total scholarship amount (Rs. 2,97,600) exceeds the total tuition fee of the programme (Rs. 1,40,000), effectively making the programme financially self-sustaining for most students.

Ques. What is the research focus of the final year project in M.Tech Machine Learning and Computing at IIST?

Ans. The final year is dedicated entirely to independent research and seminar work. Research areas include machine learning algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, data science, and their applications in space technology, remote sensing, and other ISRO-relevant domains. Students work closely with faculty and can also collaborate with ISRO centres for their projects.

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Why To Join IIST Trivandrum - Reviews & Rating

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Nidhi Kumari

4.0

M.Tech, Machine Learning and Computing

Reviewed on May 2, 2024(Enrolled 2023)

My Master's College

Fees and Financial Aid:

fee structure of my college : tution fee is 42000 and Hostel fee of my college is : 6600 and other fee : 2500 in this college first year is mandontary to live in hostel . after first year you can choose you want to stay or not with reason.

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Aditya Narayan Pradhan

3.9

M.Tech, Machine Learning and Computing

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2021(Enrolled 2020)

PG in Machine Learning at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology.

Fee Structure And Facilities:

For us its 20k per semester including hostel. Mess bill have to pay per meal .But this year its increased to more then 70K/semester . Stipend is 12400 per month by AICTE. You will get an option to do internship for the whole 2nd year. Along with your stipend you will be getting intern allowance too.

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