The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), a deemed university at Valiyamala in Thiruvananthapuram, is adopting the national-level Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Paper I, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education, for admission to its B.Tech. courses.

The premier higher education and research centre under the Department of Space will discontinue its separate admission test, ISAT.

The Union government had taken a decision earlier that all universities, including those with deemed status, must adopt the JEE Main for admission to undergraduate professional engineering and technology programmes.

The JEE Main rank list will be prepared by giving 40 per cent weight to the marks in the qualifying examination and 60 per cent to the JEE (Main) score. For appearing in the test, being held for the first time in April, candidates must have passed Plus Two in 2013.

The National Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Delhi Technological University will also admit students using the JEE (Main) rank list. The examination notification will be published soon.

The IIST, the first Space university in Asia, offers residential B.Tech. programmes in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics and Physical Sciences. There are 156 seats. There is no tuition fee and the entire expense of the education here will be met by the Department of Space. Boarding and lodging are free. Book allowance and assistanceship will be paid. Those obtaining minimum 65 per cent marks in the B.Tech. programmes will be appointed scientist/engineer in the Indian Space Research Organisation and can pursue higher studies. Experienced and expert faculty members; modern, quality education facilities; digital libraries and laboratories; full-fledged practical facilities; assured placements; and growth-oriented job facilities are some of the specialities of the institute.

Previously, the institute insisted on minimum 70 per cent marks in Plus Two and the 10th standard.