IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) & BS-MS Guide: Admission to All Seven IISERs

What the IISER Aptitude Test is

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is the national entrance examination for admission to the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). There are seven IISERs — Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirupati — dedicated to integrating undergraduate teaching with cutting-edge research in the basic sciences.

Since 2024, the IAT is the sole channel of admission to the IISERs — earlier routes such as a separate KVPY channel and a JEE Advanced channel are no longer used. If you want a research-focused science degree at an IISER, the IAT is the exam you sit.

The test is conducted for all the IISERs together, so a single IAT score is used across institutes during counselling. Always confirm the current year's participating institutes and rules on the official admission portal.

The programmes IAT admits to (and why students choose them)

The flagship programme at the IISERs is the 5-year BS-MS — an integrated dual-level degree that takes you from a bachelor's foundation straight into master's-level coursework and a research project, without re-applying midway. Beyond the BS-MS, some IISERs also admit through the IAT to a 4-year BS and, at IISER Bhopal, to 4-year B.Tech programmes; the exact list of programmes and majors varies by institute and year.

The BS-MS curriculum emphasises a broad base across physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology in the early years, letting you specialise later once your interests are clear. A substantial research component and access to laboratories are central to the IISER model.

• One continuous BS-MS admission from undergraduate to master's level
• Some IISERs also admit (via IAT) to a 4-year BS; IISER Bhopal to B.Tech
• Strong emphasis on laboratory work and a final-year research project
• Programme lists and majors differ by IISER — verify on each institute's page

Who is eligible

Eligibility centres on a science background at Class 12 and a minimum aggregate. Candidates generally must have passed Class 12 (or be appearing) within the recent qualifying years, from the science stream, having studied science subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

A minimum aggregate percentage is required, with a relaxation for reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD). The exact qualifying years, the number and combination of science subjects required, and the precise percentage thresholds are set fresh each year.

• Class 12 from the science stream (recent qualifying years — verify)
• Science subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
• Minimum aggregate percentage, with relaxation for SC/ST/PwD
• Confirm every threshold on the official IAT information brochure

IAT exam pattern

The IAT is a computer-based test (CBT). It assesses core school science and mathematics across four subjects, with a negative-marking scheme, so both accuracy and coverage matter.

As published in the official brochure, the paper is built around four science subjects with an equal split of questions, single-correct multiple-choice questions, and a fixed time limit. Because negative marking applies, blind guessing can cost marks. The exact question count, marks per question and duration are stated in the current brochure — check it before you plan your attempt strategy.

• Mode: computer-based test (CBT)
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (equal weighting)
• Single-correct multiple-choice questions
• Negative marking applies — verify the exact +/- scheme and totals in the brochure

How to apply and prepare

Applications are made online at the official IISER admission portal, iiseradmission.in. You create an account, complete the form, and pay the application fee within the announced window. The application window, fee and exam date are published on the portal each year.

Because the syllabus is anchored to Class 11 and 12 science and mathematics, a strong, concept-level command of the school curriculum is the foundation. Working through the official information brochure and any sample questions on the portal is the most reliable way to understand the expected depth. No coaching or resource can guarantee a seat — selection depends on your score and the counselling process.

• Apply online at the official portal, iiseradmission.in
• Watch the portal for the application window, fee and exam date
• Build depth in Class 11-12 physics, chemistry, maths and biology
• Use the official brochure and sample questions to gauge the level

Scholarship support for basic-science students

Students admitted to integrated science programmes such as the IISER BS-MS may be eligible for the Government of India's INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), run by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) to encourage careers in the natural and basic sciences.

The scheme is merit-based (for example, aimed at top performers in Class 12) and provides an annual scholarship plus a mentorship/summer-research grant to eligible students. Eligibility rules, amounts and the application process are set by DST and change over time, so verify the current terms on the official INSPIRE portal before relying on them.