[rajkrish]

IIST to take off from Ponmudi

After checking out a number of spots in the district, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has finally zeroed in on Ponmudi for setting up the main campus of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). The IIST will come up on 100 acres at Ponmudi - 55 km east of the city - in two years time.

The fully-residential institute will, in reality, be a mini city. State-of-the-art academic facilities apart, the campus will boast a mini shopping arcade, bank and post office, studio, apartments, hostels, libraries, sports complex, open air theatre and a convocation complex.

Supporting infrastructure planned includes a water treatment plant, captive power station and a sub-station. ISRO has already begun the countdown for ‘launching’ the IIST.

It has invited expression of interest from construction firms for setting up an eco-friendly campus. The counselling for admissions will be held in Bangalore on July 20. ISRO plans to source its candidates from the IIT-JEE list.

The undergraduate programme will use curriculums of IITs and top institutions in the area of electronics, communication and mechanical and aerospace engineering, but will keep the specific needs of the ISRO in mind.

The Integrated Masters in Applied Science will stress theoretical science in the first three years. The last two years will focus on topics such as astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric science, material science and remote sensing and Global Information Systems (GIS) with stress on experimental studies.

ISRO has set a condition that students passing out of the IIST will have to serve the ISRO for five years. ISRO also has plans to offer brilliant students assistantships during their education.

If things go as planned, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the IIST this year itself. The idea is to start classes this year at temporary facilities at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

Though the faculty has not yet been finalised, the ISRO is planning to invite President A P J Abdul Kalam to hold a key position, once he steps down as President.

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