What is the IISER Integrated Aptitude Test (IAT)?
The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Integrated Aptitude Test, commonly known as IISER IAT, serves as the primary entrance examination for admission to the prestigious undergraduate programs offered by the seven IISER campuses across India. Established under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, these autonomous institutes aim to integrate high-quality science education with cutting-edge research, nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers. The BS-MS dual degree program, the flagship offering, spans five years and seamlessly blends bachelor's and master's level coursework, culminating in a master's degree with opportunities for specialized majors.
IISER IAT 2026 marks a significant expansion, with scores now accepted by additional premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore for its BS Research program, IIT Madras for its BS degree, IIT Guwahati for Biomedical Science and Engineering, and others including IACS Kolkata and IIEST Shibpur. This broadening enhances the stakes and opportunities for aspirants, making thorough preparation essential.
Key Dates for IISER IAT 2026 – Don’t Miss the Window
With registration kicking off today, March 5, 2026, time is of the essence for Class XII science students eyeing IISER admissions. The official timeline is as follows:
- Application Portal Opens: March 5, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: April 13, 2026
- Application Correction Window: April 13–15, 2026
- Hall Ticket Release: May 24, 2026
- IISER IAT Exam Date: June 7, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon IST)
Post-exam, expect answer keys shortly after, followed by results in late June or early July, and multiple rounds of counseling. Missing the April 13 deadline means waiting another year, so prioritize accuracy in your submission.
Eligibility Criteria for IISER Admission 2026
To qualify for IISER IAT 2026, candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class XII (or equivalent) in the science stream during 2024, 2025, or 2026. A minimum of three subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology—is mandatory. There is no specified minimum percentage requirement, but performance in Class XII and the IAT score determine shortlisting under the Single Channel Basis (SCB) now exclusively through IAT (KVPY and JEE Advanced channels discontinued).
Indian nationals, OCI/PIO cardholders, and foreign nationals are eligible, with reservations as per Government norms: 27% OBC-NCL, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 10% EWS, and 5% PwD across categories. Kashmiri migrants and specific state quotas may apply at certain campuses. Always verify Class XII marks upload deadlines during counseling.
Candidates with a gap year (passed in 2024/2025) are welcome, reflecting IISERs' focus on mature aspirants passionate about research.
Step-by-Step Guide to IISER IAT 2026 Application Process
Applying is straightforward via iiseradmission.in. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website and click 'Apply Now'.
- Register with a valid email and mobile number, creating a password.
- Fill personal, academic details (Class X/XII marks), and upload photo/signature (specific formats: passport photo, plain background).
- Select program preferences (all IISERs and others).
- Pay the fee: ₹2,000 (General/OBC/EWS), ₹1,000 (SC/ST/PwD/KM/Female).
- Submit and download the confirmation; use correction window for edits.
Pro tip: Prepare documents in advance—scanned images under 100KB. Multiple attempts aren't allowed; one application per candidate.
IISER IAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The computer-based test (CBT) lasts 3 hours with 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs): 15 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each correct answer scores +4 marks, wrong -1, unanswered 0—total 240 marks. Questions are at the Class XI-XII NCERT level, testing conceptual understanding over rote learning. Medium: English only.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 15 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 60 |
| Biology | 15 | 60 |
| Total | 60 | 240 |
Practice with past papers to master time management.
Syllabus Breakdown and High-Weightage Topics
The syllabus mirrors NCERT textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 across all subjects. Key high-weightage areas include:
- Physics: Mechanics (30-35%), Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics.
- Chemistry: Physical (25%), Organic (30%), Inorganic (25%), Coordination Compounds.
- Mathematics: Calculus (25%), Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors.
- Biology: Genetics (20%), Ecology, Human Physiology, Biotechnology.
Focus on conceptual clarity; numericals carry significant weight. Download the official syllabus from the brochure.
IISER Seat Matrix 2026 and Reservation Policy
IISERs offer over 2,300 seats across programs. Approximate BS-MS seats: Berhampur (300), Bhopal (300), Kolkata (280), Mohali (270), Pune (288), Thiruvananthapuram (250), Tirupati (350). Additional seats for new programs like B.Tech at Bhopal (~50-100 each) and BS Economic Sciences. Total including others: 2,600+.
Counseling allotments are merit-based via centralized process, with multiple rounds and spot rounds. Reservations ensure inclusivity, prioritizing merit within categories.
Check university job opportunities post-IISER for alumni networks.Previous Year Cutoffs and Rank Predictors
IAT 2025 saw rank inflation; top ranks needed 200+ marks (out of 240). Expected 2026 General cutoffs: Pune/Kolkata (170-180 marks, Rank 1-200), Bhopal/Mohali (160-170, Rank 200-600), others (140+). Category-wise: OBC ~150+, SC/ST lower by 40-60 marks. Aim for 180+ for safe top IISER spot.
Use official merit lists for precise trends; ranks determine counseling choices.
Preparation Strategies and Resources for IISER IAT 2026
Build a 3-month plan: NCERT mastery (80% questions), advanced books (HC Verma Physics, OP Tandon Chem, etc.), daily mocks. Analyze errors, focus weak areas. Join test series for All India Ranking. Balance all subjects—no skipping Biology or Math.
- Daily: 6-8 hours study, alternate subjects.
- Weekly: Full mocks, PYQs (2015-2025).
- Revision: Formula sheets, mind maps.
Online resources: SciAstra, Brilliant Pala. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.
Life and Opportunities at IISER Campuses
IISERs boast world-class labs, vibrant research culture from Year 1. Summers: Mandatory internships (DAE, CSIR funded; abroad via DAAD, MITACS). Hostel life fosters collaborations. Pune, Kolkata rank high in NIRF.
New majors like Geology at Mohali address emerging fields.
Career Prospects After IISER BS-MS Dual Degree
90% pursue PhDs at MIT, Harvard, Oxford (full scholarships). Others: Industry R&D (Biocon, Dr. Reddy's), consulting, civil services. Placements: Average 10-15 LPA, highest 30+ LPA (data science tracks). Alumni lead at ISRO, ICMR.
Explore research jobs or rate my professor for insights. Faculty positions await post-PhD.
India's push for 500 semiconductor unis boosts IISER grads' demand.Related news.
Photo by Annual Report Design Agency - Report Yak on Unsplash
Counseling Process and Next Steps
Post-results: Register for counseling, fill institute preferences, seat allotment via merit. Multiple floats/slides. Secure with Seat Acceptance Fee (₹35,000, adjustable). Monitor official site for updates.
Ready to launch your science career? Apply now and connect with university jobs for guidance.
