Why Are IITs Giving Away 10 Aerospace Engineering Courses for Free?

Several  IITs are offering free online courses on Aerospace Engineering. And there are ten different options. You can actually enroll now. The registration is already open, but there is a deadline, so this is something you might want to act on soon.

This is a great opportunity, especially if you are someone curious about how aircraft and spacecraft work. Or even if you are just trying to explore this space without jumping into a full-fledged degree immediately. Aerospace Engineering is one of those fields that has been picking up speed lately. More students are going for it, probably because the industry itself is evolving so rapidly.

Now, here is the thing. These courses are hosted by different IITs across the country. They cover everything from the very basics to more advanced topics. Here is  breaking them down, one by one.

1. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering – IIT Bombay

This is probably a good one to start with if you are completely new to the field. It is meant to give you a broad overview - nothing too intimidating. The course is structured into ten "capsules," and each capsule has two lectures. So, kind of digestible chunks. It runs from July to October 2025, and you need to enrol by August 15.

2. Introduction to Aircraft Design – IIT Bombay

Now this one is more detailed. You will go into things like aircraft types, configuration, how to size them, and aerodynamic coefficients. Even things like noise and emissions are included, which shows how practical it is. Again, the deadline is August 15.

3. Elements of Mechanical Vibration – IIT Delhi

This sounds a bit more mechanical-focused. It deals with vibrations. Like how machines vibrate, and how that impacts the design of structures or parts. They also promise to keep it practical, not just theory-heavy. The enrolment ends on August 15, and the exam is on November 2.

4. Introduction to Airplane Performance – IIT Kanpur

This is about how airplanes behave performance-wise. It mixes design and even flight testing. So it sounds like something that bridges theory and real-world application. Enrol before August 15; the exam is on September 21.

5. Aircraft Stability and Control – IIT Kanpur

This one dives into the whole idea of how to make sure an airplane is stable and controllable. If you are someone who wants to understand how aircraft stay balanced mid-air, this is your course. The last date again is August 15, and the exam is on November 1.

6. Design of Fixed-Wing UAVs – IIT Kanpur

Now, if you are into drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, this could be fascinating. It covers the early design and performance evaluation of fixed-wing UAVs. The course runs from July to September 2025, and the exam is on September 21.

7. UAV Design – Part II – IIT Kanpur

So this is like the next level of the previous course. It adds simulation and experimental elements. If you are planning to build a career or project around UAVs, this might be valuable. The same deadline is August 15.

8. Introduction to Airbreathing Propulsion – IIT Kanpur

This one is a bit more technical. It is about propulsion systems for aircraft and rockets. You will also go into engine design, maintenance, and things like that. The exam is scheduled for October 26.

9. Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics – IIT Kanpur

If you are someone who likes the math and simulation side of things, this is for you. It teaches you how to model compressible flows, solve equations, and deal with shocks - sounds intense, but also rewarding. Enrolment closes on August 15.

10. Space Flight Mechanics – IIT Kharagpur

This is where things get a little more... celestial? The course starts with basic motion and then gets into two-body and three-body dynamics - basically, how bodies move in space under gravitational forces. Lagrange Points are also discussed. The course runs from July to October, and the exam is on November 1.

If any of this sounds interesting, the key point is: enrolment ends August 15, 2025, for most of these. These are not casual webinars -  they are proper, structured courses by IIT professors. You will probably need to put in real effort. But the fact that they are free? That is pretty generous.

If you are serious about Aerospace, or just curious and ready to explore, this could be your chance to dip your toes in, without spending a rupee.