IIT Madras has launched a new Bachelor of Science (BSc) course in aeronautics and space technology to widen access to aerospace education for students across India. The institute announced its online undergraduate programme on X, stating that it targets Class 12 pass-outs and diploma holders and does not require the IIT-JEE.
This development comes just after IIT Madras Research Park and Unicorn India Ventures announced the IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I, a ₹600 crore deep-tech venture capital fund. This came with a ₹400 crore greenshoe option to support IP-led, engineering-intensive startups aligned with national priorities, with the 10+2-year fund. This will invest in over 25 companies across sectors such as robotics, space technology, defence, semiconductors, and medtech.
The programme will run in a flexible online format and aims to support national priorities in aviation, UAVs and space manufacturing. IIT Madras said the course will build foundations in analysis, design, industrial research and higher studies through industry-linked training.
According to the post, the course is a flexible, skill-based undergraduate programme offered in online mode. It allows flexible pacing and Sunday examinations.
Students can exit at the foundation, diploma or BSc stage under the National Education Policy framework. Learners will gain exposure to CFD, FEM, aircraft design and spacecraft design through recorded lectures and live tutorials.
The institute will also offer discussion forums and on-campus laboratory courses at IIT Madras. Internship and placement support will be provided through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education.
Graduates will be prepared for roles across the aerospace, defence, energy, and advanced engineering sectors. The institute said students will also be positioned for GATE and advanced degree programmes.
IIT Madras said the initiative “reinforces our commitment to democratising access to high-quality technical education”. The post added that eligible learners can receive fee waivers of up to 75%.
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