The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are a group of premier public research institutions in India dedicated to high-quality education and breakthrough research in the basic sciences. Established to integrate undergraduate teaching with state-of-the-art research, they are the top choice for students aiming for careers in scientific innovation and academia.
While admission to IISERs was historically available through multiple channels—including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced and KVPY—the process has recently evolved. Today, the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) serves as the primary and mandatory gateway for all aspirants seeking admission to the BS-MS dual degree programs across all seven campuses.
With a clear overview of the institutes’ prestige, let’s now dive into the current admission criteria and how the IAT plays a pivotal role in securing a seat at an IISER.
Understanding IAT and IISER Admissions
In this section, we will break down the structure and significance of the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), which is now the sole gateway for IISER admissions. You’ll also learn about the updated application process and the eligibility criteria that determine your selection.
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
Structure and Format: The IAT is a computer-based test designed to evaluate a student’s aptitude for scientific research. Unlike JEE Advanced, which focuses heavily on two papers, the IAT is a single three-hour paper consisting of 60 questions (15 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology). The questions are conceptual and interdisciplinary, reflecting the integrated nature of the BS-MS curriculum.
IAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
| Total Questions | 60 Questions |
| Total Marks | 240 Marks |
| Language | English and Hindi |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Importance of a Well-Rounded Profile: A key feature of the IAT is the inclusion of Biology as a mandatory section for all students, including those from a non-biology background (and vice-versa for Mathematics). While there is no subject-specific cutoff, a strong performance across all four sections—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology—is essential to secure a competitive rank. This ensures that IISERs select candidates with a broad foundational knowledge in the sciences.
IISER Admissions Process
Application Procedure: The application process typically opens in March or April. Candidates must apply exclusively through the official IISER Admission Portal. During registration, you will choose your exam center and provide your Class 12 details. It is crucial to note that scores from JEE Advanced or KVPY are no longer accepted; your rank in the IAT is the only metric used for the merit list.
Role of IAT Ranks: After the results are declared, a common merit list is released. Based on your IAT rank and the preferences you list during the counseling phase, seats are allotted across the seven IISER campuses (and recently, IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras for specific programs). Cutoffs are expressed as closing ranks rather than marks, and these fluctuate yearly based on the difficulty of the paper and the number of applicants.
Eligibility and Selection Factors: To be eligible for admission, candidates must have passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) exam in the current year or the two preceding years with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (55% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Board Exams: Your board marks are only a qualifying criterion and do not affect your final rank.
- Interviews: There are no interviews for the BS-MS (undergraduate) admissions. Selection is strictly merit-based according to IAT performance.
IISER Cutoff Trends
IAT Cut off 2025
| Category | IISER Berhampur (BS-MS) | IISER Bhopal (BS-MS) | IISER Kolkata (BS-MS) | IISER Mohali (BS-MS) | IISER Pune (BS-MS) | IISER Thiruvananthapuram (BS-MS) |
| Unreserved (GEN, OBC) | 3299 | 2015 | 935 | 1778 | 355 | 2381 |
| OBC-NCL | 2080 | 1325 | 891 | 1358 | 404 | 1563 |
| SC | 856 | 555 | 292 | 520 | 167 | 665 |
| EWS | 767 | 465 | 341 | 480 | 143 | 576 |
| ST | 409 | 264 | 191 | 263 | 65 | 338 |
| Unreserved PwD | 58118 | 31547 | 44127 | 50112 | 10526 | 53859 |
| OBC-NCL PwD | 29183 | 23669 | 20784 | 23209 | 8735 | 24716 |
| SC PwD | 9247 | 10976 | 8626 | 12900 | 3775 | 13788 |
| EWS PwD | — | — | 9505 | — | 7606 | — |
| ST PwD | — | — | 447 | — | — | — |
| Kashmiri Migrant | 21570 | 16933 | 16200 | 10106 | 6037 | 17974 |
| Category | IISER Tirupati (BS-MS) | IISER Bhopal (B.Tech.) | IISER Bhopal (BS Economic Sciences) | IISER Kolkata (BS-MS CDS) | IISER Tirupati (BS Economic & Statistical Sciences) |
| Unreserved (GEN, OBC) | 2990 | 974 | 1636 | 498 | 2324 |
| OBC-NCL | 1880 | 604 | 851 | 417 | 1529 |
| SC | 812 | 355 | 609 | 169 | 800 |
| EWS | 718 | 158 | 246 | 106 | 446 |
| ST | 393 | 115 | 189 | 124 | 313 |
| Unreserved PwD | 60050 | 35747 | 50106 | 967 | 27004 |
| OBC-NCL PwD | 27439 | 3132 | 29841 | 23780 | 26865 |
| SC PwD | 13814 | 2116 | 3594 | 8432 | 8502 |
| EWS PwD | 3563 | 4854 | — | 243 | 7674 |
| ST PwD | — | — | — | — | — |
| Kashmiri Migrant | 19610 | 16708 | 20237 | 17341 | 25127 |
The table above shows the cutoff trends for various IISERs over the past five years. These cutoffs are based on the ranks obtained in JEE Advanced. As seen in the table, the cutoffs can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, which we will discuss in the following section.
Factors Affecting Cutoffs
Several factors influence the cutoff ranks for IISERs. Understanding these factors can help candidates gauge the competitiveness of the admissions process and adjust their preparation strategies accordingly.
1) Number of Applicants:
The number of applicants for IISERs can vary each year. When more students apply, the competition increases, which can lead to higher cutoff ranks. Conversely, if the number of applicants decreases, the cutoffs may be slightly lower.
2) Difficulty Level of IAT Exam:
The difficulty level of IAT exam in a particular year can have a significant impact on the cutoff ranks. If the exam is considered more difficult than usual, the cutoffs may be lower, as fewer candidates would score high marks. Conversely, if the exam is easier, the cutoffs may be higher.
3) Seat Availability in IISERs:
The number of seats available at each IISER also plays a role in determining the cutoffs. If an IISER increases its intake, the cutoff may be lower as more students can be accommodated. On the other hand, if the number of seats remains constant or decreases, the cutoffs may rise due to increased competition.
4) Reservation Policies:
IISERs follow the reservation policies mandated by the government of India. These policies allocate a certain percentage of seats to candidates from reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PwD. The cutoffs for these categories are typically lower than those for the general category, and the overall cutoffs are influenced by the distribution of reserved and unreserved seats.
5) Performance of Applicants:
The overall performance of applicants in the IAT exam also affects the cutoffs. If a large number of candidates perform exceptionally well, the cutoffs may be higher. Conversely, if the overall performance is average or below average, the cutoffs may be lower.
Having explored the general trends in IISER cutoffs, let’s take a closer look at how these cutoffs vary across different IISERs and the reasons behind these variations.
With a detailed understanding of the IISER-specific cutoffs, it’s time to focus on how you can prepare effectively for the IAT exam to boost your chances of securing a seat in the IISER of your choice.
Tips for IAT exam Preparation for IISER Admissions
In this section, we will provide practical tips for preparing for the IAT exam with a focus on securing admission to IISERs. You’ll learn about effective study strategies, the importance of mock tests, and how to prepare for the interview process.
Effective Study Strategies
Time Management Techniques:
Time management is crucial when preparing for the IAT exam. Create a study schedule that allocates time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Ensure that you dedicate enough time for revision and practice tests as well.
Subject-Wise Preparation Tips:
- Physics: Focus on understanding the fundamental concepts and their applications. Practice solving numerical problems and conceptual questions regularly. Pay special attention to topics like mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics, as they often carry significant weight in the exam.
- Chemistry: Divide your preparation into three parts: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. For Physical Chemistry, practise numerical problems and focus on concepts like thermodynamics and kinetics. In Organic Chemistry, concentrate on reaction mechanisms, named reactions, and stereochemistry. For Inorganic Chemistry, memorise important concepts and periodic table trends, and practice coordination compounds.
- Mathematics: Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote learning. Practice problems from topics like calculus, algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry. Regular practice will help you develop problem-solving speed and accuracy, which are crucial for IAT exam.
- Biology: Focus on a thorough reading of the NCERT textbooks, as this section is often a high-scoring area for both PCMB and PCM students. Prioritize high-weightage topics such as Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, Cell Biology, and Human Physiology. Pay close attention to diagrams, labeled parts, and biological cycles, as the IAT frequently tests your ability to interpret visual data and process-based information.
Practice and Revision Strategies:
Regular practice is key to success in the IAT exam. Solve previous years’ question papers and take timed mock tests to simulate the exam environment. After each test, analyse your performance to identify weak areas and work on them. Consistent revision is also essential to keep all concepts fresh in your mind, especially as the exam date approaches.
Mock Tests and Analysis
Importance of Mock Tests:
Mock tests play a vital role in IAT exam preparation. They help you get accustomed to the exam’s format and time constraints. Taking mock tests regularly will improve your time management skills and build your confidence. Additionally, mock tests help in identifying the types of questions that are commonly asked, allowing you to focus your preparation on the most important topics.
Analysing Performance and Identifying Areas of Improvement:
After taking each mock test, spend time analysing your performance. Review the questions you answered incorrectly or left unanswered, and understand the reasons behind your mistakes. This analysis will help you identify areas where you need to improve. Focus on these areas during your subsequent study sessions. Over time, this process will help you minimise errors and improve your overall performance in the exam.
Interview Preparation
Understanding the Interview Process:
For some IISERs, the interview process is an important part of the admission procedure. The interview is usually designed to assess your motivation for pursuing science, your understanding of fundamental concepts, and your research potential. It’s important to be well-prepared for this stage, as it can influence your final selection.
Tips for Preparing for the Interview:
- Research: Learn about the IISER you are applying to, including its research focus and faculty. This knowledge will help you answer questions related to why you want to join that particular IISER.
- Fundamentals: Be thorough with the basic concepts of the subjects you studied in your 12th grade, as questions are often based on them.
- Communication: Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Good communication skills are essential for making a strong impression during the interview.
- Mock Interviews: Participate in mock interviews to get a feel of the real process. This will help you manage your anxiety and improve your performance during the actual interview.
Conclusion
Securing admission to an IISER is a highly competitive process that now centers entirely on the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Success requires a shift in strategy: while JEE Advanced preparation provides a strong conceptual foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, the IAT’s inclusion of Biology and its unique question style necessitates a more integrated approach to the sciences.
Now that you have a clear understanding of the updated 2026 admission landscape, you can approach your journey with confidence. Focus on mastering the NCERT curriculum across all four subjects and keeping a close eye on the IAT application deadlines. By aligning your preparation with the IAT’s specific format, you are taking a definitive step toward a prestigious career in scientific research and innovation.
