Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is launching a new BS in Aeronautics and Space Technology. This will be a skill-based undergraduate programme will be offered in Online Mode and is designed to equip learners with industry-relevant analysis and design capabilities in aeronautics, space systems and allied sectors.

The BS in Aeronautics and Space Technology was launched on campus today (9th Feb 2026) in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, alongside the virtual presence of Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Dr. V. Sumantran, Former Chairman of Indigo airlines and other stakeholders.

Being launched in response to strong national demand, the programme addresses skills gaps in sunrise sectors such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, civil aviation and space technologies. Placement and internship support will be provided through IIT Madras’ Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), further strengthening employability outcomes for learners completing the programme.

The programme is open to anyone who has passed Class 12 or equivalent, including diploma holders, with no cap on enrolment and no requirement for IIT-JEE qualification. Learners can progress at a flexible pace within defined milestones, making it suitable for working professionals, students pursuing another degree, or those seeking a primary undergraduate qualification. Examinations are conducted on Sundays, with a mix of centre-based and online proctored assessments.

Announcing the course launch in the campus today (9th Feb 2026), Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, “Aeronautics and space technology are exponentially growing sectors that need specialised man power for employment. This BS program is yet another effort taken by IIT Madras to democratise opportunity to all to enter these sectors.”

Graduates are expected to find strong employment prospects across public sector undertakings and global aerospace firms, as well as start-ups and engineering analysis companies. Potential employers include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Mishra Dhatu Nigam, GE Aerospace, Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, Ansys and Siemens. Graduates will also be well prepared for GATE and advanced degrees at IITs and IISc.

The programme aims to prepare students for careers across aerospace, automotive, wind power and energy industries, while also building strong foundations for industrial R&D and higher studies. It will blend rigorous theory with hands-on training. Core theory courses will be delivered through recorded lectures by expert faculty, supported by live interactive tutorial sessions and online discussion forums.

Course Coordinator Prof. HSN Murthy, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “We are confident that this programme will fulfil the demand for good quality engineering graduates in aeronautics, space technology and energy sectors, who will propel India towards becoming a developed nation through their innovation.”

Further, Prof. Sriram Rengarajan, also a Course Coordinator from Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, added, “These graduates will be well trained in critical skills which will enable our nation to develop indigenous technology for our internal consumption as well as for the export market, thereby driving economic growth.”

Laboratory courses conducted on the IIT Madras campus provide exposure to advanced experimental facilities, including wind tunnels and mechanical testing. In line with the National Education Policy, the programme offers multiple exit options at the foundation, diploma and BS degree levels, allowing learners to tailor their pathway based on skills and career goals.

At the diploma stage, students work on tailored projects using industry-standard tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM), with internship opportunities through industry tie-ups.

The BS-level capstone focuses on designing a complete aircraft or spacecraft, preparing graduates for industrial R&D roles. Top performers at diploma level may be invited for interviews to transition to on-campus study, with high achievers eligible to join MS programmes at IIT Madras without GATE score, subject to prescribed CGPA criteria.

With India expanding domestic aircraft manufacturing and aiming to become a net exporter in defence and space, the need for engineers proficient in modern design and analysis tools has grown sharply. True to its mission of widening access to high-quality education, IIT Madras offers fee waivers of up to 75 per cent for eligible low-income learners.