Science & Research Entrances
Science & Research Entrance Exams (IISER, NEST, ISI, CMI)
Undergraduate entrances into India’s research institutes — the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), NEST for NISER and UM-DAE CEBS, ISI admission for B.Stat/B.Math, and the CMI entrance — for students aiming at research-focused BS/BS-MS degrees.
For students set on a research career, a handful of institutes admit through their own science-and-mathematics aptitude tests rather than the mainstream engineering or medical routes. These guides explain what each entrance covers and who can apply.
Exact syllabus weightage, dates and fees are set by each institute and change every cycle — always confirm them on the official institute website.
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Guides for India
4 of 4 guides in this hub are for India.
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) & BS-MS Guide: Admission to All Seven IISERs
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) — the single entrance to the 5-year BS-MS and other programmes at all seven IISERs: eligibility, exam pattern, and how to apply.
Read guideNEST Exam Guide: Integrated MSc at NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
A full guide to the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) — the entrance to the 5-year Integrated MSc at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS: eligibility, pattern, and how it differs from the IAT.
Read guideISI Admission Test: B.Stat & B.Math Guide (Indian Statistical Institute)
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) admission test for B.Stat (Kolkata) and B.Math (Bengaluru) — eligibility, the objective + subjective papers and interview, and the stipend.
Read guideCMI Entrance Exam Guide (Chennai Mathematical Institute)
The Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) undergraduate entrance exam — the B.S. (Hons.) programmes, eligibility, the objective + subjective paper, and the Olympiad exemption route.
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