IST - Frequently Asked Questions What is the full form of IST in Regional Time Zones, Time? Expand full name of IST . What does IST stand for? Is it acronym or abbreviation? IST is the time zone for India, with UTC +5:30. It does not observe daylight saving time and is 9.5 hours ahead of New York. The full form of IST is Indian Standard Time, which plays a significant role as the official time observed across all of India and Sri Lanka. It is commonly used in daily schedules, international communications, and academic curricula, making it essential for students and professionals alike.