'Join IIT without JEE': Ex-ISRO chief tells 10+2 students how to get degree without entrance exam. Check how to apply

IIT Madras has released a video on X featuring former ISRO chairman S Somanath inviting students to apply for the institute’s BS programme in Aeronautics and Space Technology. In the video, Somanath says students can apply directly for the programme without going through the Joint Entrance Examination process, adding that those who perform well in the programme can later pursue a master’s degree on the IIT Madras campus.

The BS programme allows students to apply directly without appearing for JEE. In the video shared by IIT Madras, Somanath encouraged students interested in aerospace and space technology to consider the programme as an alternative pathway into the field.

However, candidates who have qualified for JEE Advanced in 2025 or 2026 are automatically eligible for admission to the foundation level of the programme. Such students can directly register for courses after completing the registration process and document verification.

Eligibility criteria for BS in aeronautics and space technology

According to IIT Madras, anyone who has passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics can apply for the programme irrespective of age.

Also Read: Direct link to apply for the course

Students who have appeared for their Class 11 final examinations can also apply and join the programme after successfully completing Class 12. The institute also allows students who have passed Physics and Mathematics separately through the National Institute of Open Schooling or another recognised equivalent board to apply, provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

Application process and fee structure

Applications for the batch beginning in May 2026 are currently open. Interested candidates can apply by filling out an online application form and paying the required application fee.

Category of applicant	Application fee
General / OBC / EWS	Rs 4,000
SC / ST / PwD (≥ 40% disability)	Rs 2,000
SC / ST applicant who is also PwD (≥ 40% disability)	Rs 1,000

Applicants choosing to write the qualifier exam at centres outside India will have to pay an additional exam facilitation fee. IIT Madras said applications will be considered valid only after the fee payment is completed and the applicant submits the required documents and details for verification.

Qualifier process for regular entry

Candidates applying through the regular entry route must complete a qualifier process to gain admission to the foundation level of the programme.

The process includes four weeks of coursework delivered through lecture videos, assignments and live sessions. The coursework covers four foundation subjects: English I, Math for Electronics I, Electronic Systems Thinking and Circuits, and Introduction to C Programming. Students must submit weekly assignments in each course during this period.

At the end of the four weeks, eligible candidates must appear for a qualifier examination based on the material covered during the coursework.

Qualifier exam passing criteria

The qualifier examination will be conducted in person and will cover all four subjects over a four hour duration.

Category	Minimum score in each course	Minimum average score
General	40%	50%
OBC-NCL / EWS	35%	45%
SC / ST / PwD (≥ 40% disability)	30%	40%

Candidates who pass the qualifier examination will be allowed to register for foundation level courses.

Course registration based on qualifier score

The number of courses a student can take in the first term depends on the average qualifier exam score.

Students who score between the minimum qualifying mark and 50 per cent can register for up to two courses. Those scoring between 50 per cent and 70 per cent can register for up to three courses, while students with an average score of 70 per cent or higher can enrol in up to four courses.

The qualifier exam results will remain valid for two terms for candidates who have already completed Class 12. For students who attempt the exam while studying in Class 12, the results remain valid for three academic terms.

Re attempt option for qualifier exam

Students who are eligible for the qualifier exam but fail to clear it or are absent will be allowed to re attempt the exam in the same term without repeating the assignment coursework.

Candidates must submit a re attempt application form and pay the applicable fee. The re attempt fee is Rs 2,000 for general, OBC NCL and EWS applicants, Rs 1,000 for SC, ST and PwD candidates, and Rs 500 for candidates belonging to the SC or ST category who are also PwD.

If a student fails in both attempts or was not eligible to receive the hall ticket in the first attempt, they must apply again in the next term as a fresh candidate and repeat the four week coursework.

Flexible learning and course structure

The programme is designed to offer flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere and choose the number of courses they wish to take each term.

Most coursework including lectures, tutorials, doubt clearing sessions and assignments will be conducted online. However, quizzes and examinations will be held in person at centres across India and in selected international locations.

Laboratory sessions will be conducted in person at the IIT Madras campus on pre announced dates.

Students also have the option to exit the programme after completing a specified set of courses and receive a diploma.

Diploma in aeronautics option

Students who complete courses up to the diploma level can receive a Diploma in Aeronautics from IIT Madras.

According to the institute, the diploma will familiarise students with the theoretical foundations and analytical tools used in aeronautics. The curriculum includes subjects such as aerodynamics, structures, flight mechanics, control systems and propulsion systems.

Students will also gain exposure to technical tools including solid modelling, computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis.

Programme open to international students

The programme is also open to international learners who wish to study from outside India.

Currently, IIT Madras conducts in person examinations in several cities abroad, including Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Manama in Bahrain, Salmiya in Kuwait and Muscat in Oman.

Students residing in these countries must appear for exams at designated centres. Those living in other countries may enrol in the programme and take remote proctored exams.

However, IIT Madras said all laboratory courses must be completed in person at the institute’s campus at least twice each year, requiring students to travel to Chennai for these sessions.