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An IIT degree without JEE or moving cities? A new programme now lets Class 12 pass students study from home with flexible classes, weekend exams and industry-linked opportunities.
IIT Madras launches online undergraduate programme allowing Class 12 pass students to pursue an IIT degree from home.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched a new online Bachelor of Science (BS) programme in Aeronautics and Space Technology, allowing students to pursue an IIT degree without clearing JEE or relocating to campus.
The programme, announced on February 9, 2026, will be offered entirely in online mode and is aimed at building skills in aircraft design, space systems and related sectors. It is open to anyone who has passed Class 12 or an equivalent qualification, including diploma holders, and there is no cap on enrolment.
The course was launched on campus in the presence of IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, with Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Dr. V. Sumantran, former Chairman of Indigo airlines, joining virtually.
“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,” said Prof. Kamakoti.
No JEE Required, Flexible Learning
Unlike traditional IIT programmes, the course does not require an IIT-JEE qualification. Students can study at their own pace while meeting defined milestones, making it suitable for school graduates, college students pursuing another degree and working professionals.
Examinations will be conducted on Sundays through a mix of centre-based and online proctored tests. Placement and internship support will be provided through the institute’s Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE).
Focus on Aerospace and Space Industry
The institute said the programme has been designed to address skill shortages in emerging sectors such as unmanned aerial vehicles, civil aviation and space technologies. The course will combine recorded lectures, live tutorial sessions and discussion forums. Students will also get hands-on exposure through laboratory courses conducted at the IIT Madras campus, including wind tunnel and mechanical testing facilities.
Career Scope After the Degree
Graduates can find opportunities in aerospace, defence, aviation and engineering design sectors. Possible career roles include aeronautical design engineer, aircraft maintenance and analysis engineer, UAV (drone) systems engineer, propulsion and structural analyst, and space systems engineer.
They may work with public sector undertakings, global aerospace companies, start-ups and engineering analysis firms. Potential recruiters include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Mishra Dhatu Nigam, GE Aerospace, Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, Ansys and Siemens.
The programme will also prepare students for higher studies and research. Graduates can appear for GATE and pursue MTech, MS or research programmes at IITs and IISc. High-performing students may be eligible to join MS programmes at IIT Madras without a GATE score, subject to CGPA requirements.
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Multiple Exit Options
In line with the National Education Policy, the programme offers exit points at the foundation, diploma and BS degree levels. Diploma-stage students will work on projects using tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) and may receive internship opportunities through industry collaborations. The BS-level capstone project will involve designing a complete aircraft or spacecraft.
Course coordinator Prof. HSN Murthy 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.”
Prof. Sriram Rengarajan 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.”
IIT Madras also announced fee waivers of up to 75 percent for eligible low-income learners.
February 10, 2026, 12:26 IST
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