Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are a group of seven autonomous institutions established by the Government of India to promote high-quality education and research in basic sciences. These institutions are located in Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tirupati.


IISERs offer a variety of programs including a dual degree BS-MS program, Ph.D. programs, and integrated Ph.D. programs, aiming to integrate educational curricula with cutting-edge research. Admission to IISERs is exclusively through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).


The campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, modern laboratories, and extensive libraries, providing a supportive environment for both education and research. IISERs are known for their interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with other national and international research institutions, enhancing the educational and research opportunities available to students.


These institutions not only contribute significantly to the scientific community in India but also play a crucial role in preparing students for diverse careers in science and technology sectors.


IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2024 Overview

The IAT is utilized for admissions into the IISERs, and for Bachelor of Science (Research) program of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and BS-Medical Sciences and Engineering program of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM).


Exam Details

  • Mode of Examination: Computer-based test.
  • Date: Scheduled for June 9, 2024.
  • Exam Centers: Various cities across India.

Exam Format

  • Number of Questions: 60 multiple-choice questions.
  • Subjects Covered: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, with 15 questions from each subject.
  • Duration: 180 minutes.
  • Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, and 0 for unanswered questions.

Syllabus

The syllabus follows the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12, covering key concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. For detailed syllabus refer to IISER syllabus


Important Dates of IAT 2024

EventsDate
Online Application StartsApril 1, 2024
Last Date to Apply OnlineMay 13, 2024
Admit Card ReleaseJune 1, 2024
Conduct of IISER Aptitude TestJune 9, 2024
Declaration of ResultsJuly 3, 2024
Counselling Process BeginsJuly 10, 2024

Seat Matrix

BS-MS ProgramNumber of Seats
IISER Berhampur BS-MS Program
180
IISER Bhopal BS-MS Program
255
IISER Kolkata BS-MS Program
250
IISER Mohali BS-MS Program
250
IISER Pune BS-MS Program
288
IISER Tirupati BS-MS Program
275
IISER Thiruvananthapuram BS-MS Program
320
IISER Bhopal BS Program (Engineering Sciences)
84
IISER Bhopal BS Program (Economic Sciences)
31
Total
1933

IISER 2024 Eligibility and Admission Process

Overall Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality: Open to Indian nationals, OCI/PIO, and foreign nationals.
  • Academic Qualifications: Must have passed Class XII or equivalent in 2022, 2023, or 2024 from a board recognized by COBSE. Foreign nationals need to upload an equivalence certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities.
  • Subject Requirements: Must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
  • Marks Requirement: SC/ST/PwD candidates need at least 55% aggregate marks, others need 60%.
  • Special Considerations: Includes specific provisions for candidates from Jammu and Kashmir and Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu Families.

Admission Process

Admission is exclusively through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), a computer-based test scheduled for June 9, 2024.

Reservation Policy

Reservation for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD categories as per Government of India norms, with specific seats reserved for Kashmiri Migrants.

Additional Provisions

  • Scribe Services: Available for eligible PwD candidates as per the guidelines.
  • Compensatory Time: PwD candidates with significant disabilities are eligible for additional time during the IAT.

Foreign Nationals and OCI/PIO

OCI/PIO cardholders and foreign nationals can apply, provided they satisfy the eligibility criteria and upload necessary documents.


IISER 2024 Application and Seat Acceptance Fees

Application Fee (Non-refundable)

  • Starts on April 01, 2024.
  • Rs. 2,000/- for General, EWS, OBC, and OBC-NCL categories.
  • Rs. 1,000/- for PwD, Kashmiri Migrants/Kashmiri Pandits/Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-Migrant), and SC/ST categories.
  • Rs. 12,000/- for Foreign National category.

Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF)

To be paid after receiving an admission offer and varies based on the category:

  • Rs. 35,000/- (Rs. 25,000/- + Rs. 10,000/- non-refundable administrative fee) for General/EWS/OBC/OBC-NCL/PwD/KM categories.
  • Rs. 17,500/- (Rs. 12,500/- + Rs. 5,000/- non-refundable administrative fee) for SC/ST categories.

Failure to deposit the SAF within the stipulated time will result in the cancellation of the offer. The fee will be adjusted against the first semester fee upon registration at the allotted IISER.


IISER 2024 Results and Counseling

The results of the IAT will dictate the admissions process, which will begin with counseling in July 2024. This process will involve a series of steps to confirm and finalize admissions based on the results of the IAT.


Frequently Asked Questions

The IAT follows a specific pattern:
  1. Duration - 3 hours,
  2. Question Format - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs),
  3. Subjects Covered - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology,
  4. Total Questions - Approximately 60-80 questions,
  5. Marking Scheme - Positive marks for correct answers and negative marking for incorrect ones,
  6. Medium - Computer-based test,
  7. Difficulty Level - Comparable to JEE Advanced with additional focus on Biology.
The exam tests conceptual understanding and analytical abilities rather than mere factual knowledge.

Key dates in the IISER admission process typically include:
  1. Application Start - Usually March-April,
  2. Application Deadline - May-June,
  3. IAT Exam Date - Usually in June-July,
  4. Result Declaration - July-August,
  5. Counseling Rounds - Multiple rounds in August-September,
  6. Document Verification - During counseling process,
  7. Session Commencement - Usually in August-September.
Exact dates are announced on the official website each year.

The counseling process involves several steps:
  1. Merit List Publication - Based on entrance exam performance,
  2. Choice Filling - Candidates list their IISER preferences,
  3. Seat Allocation - Based on merit and preferences,
  4. Multiple Rounds - Several rounds to fill vacant seats,
  5. Document Verification - Physical verification of documents,
  6. Fee Payment - Within specified timeline,
  7. Reporting to Allotted Institute - Physical reporting at the allocated IISER.

Required documents include:
  1. Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates,
  2. Category Certificate (if applicable),
  3. Valid ID Proof,
  4. Character Certificate,
  5. Migration Certificate,
  6. Medical Fitness Certificate,
  7. Entrance Exam Score Card (IAT/JEE Advanced/KVPY),
  8. Domicile Certificate (if required),
  9. Income Certificate (if applicable),
  10. Recent Photographs,
  11. Transfer Certificate,
  12. Anti-ragging Affidavit,
  13. Original and photocopies of all documents,
  14. Any additional documents specified by individual IISERs.

Seat distribution follows a structured pattern:
  1. Category-wise Distribution - General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS quotas,
  2. Institute-wise Allocation - Varies by IISER,
  3. Admission Channel Distribution - Seats allocated for IAT, JEE Advanced, and KVPY routes,
  4. Gender-based Reservation - As per government norms,
  5. PWD Quota - Horizontal reservation,
  6. State-wise Distribution - Some seats reserved for local students,
  7. Supernumerary Seats - Additional seats for special categories.

IISERs are compared based on various parameters:
  1. Research Output - Quality and quantity of research publications,
  2. Faculty Profile - Qualification and experience of teaching staff,
  3. Infrastructure - Laboratory and research facilities available,
  4. Placement Records - Both higher education and job placements,
  5. Research Funding - Grants and project funding received,
  6. International Collaborations - Partnerships with global institutions,
  7. Student Achievements - Academic and research accomplishments of students.
Each IISER has its unique strengths and specializations.

Different IISERs offer various specializations:
  1. Physics - Theoretical and experimental physics programs,
  2. Chemistry - Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry tracks,
  3. Biology - Molecular biology, ecology, and biotechnology,
  4. Mathematics - Pure and applied mathematics streams,
  5. Earth Sciences - Geology, atmospheric sciences,
  6. Data Science - Computational and statistical methods,
  7. Interdisciplinary Areas - Programs combining multiple disciplines.
Specific offerings vary by institute and are updated based on research trends.

IISER faculty profiles are distinguished by:
  1. Educational Background - PhDs from prestigious global institutions,
  2. Research Experience - Post-doctoral work at renowned laboratories,
  3. Publication Record - Regular publications in high-impact journals,
  4. International Exposure - Collaborative research with global institutions,
  5. Teaching Excellence - Innovative teaching methodologies,
  6. Research Grants - Active research funding from various agencies,
  7. Industry Connection - Links with research and development sectors.
Faculty members are actively involved in cutting-edge research while maintaining high teaching standards.

The academic calendar follows a structured format:
  1. Semester System - Two main semesters per year,
  2. Course Distribution - Core courses in initial years followed by specializations,
  3. Examination Schedule - Regular assessments and end-semester exams,
  4. Research Components - Laboratory rotations and project work,
  5. Summer Term - Optional courses and research opportunities,
  6. Winter Break - Usually in December-January,
  7. Summer Break - May-July with research internship opportunities.
The calendar is designed to balance academic learning with research exposure.

IISERs provide comprehensive support services:
  1. Academic Counseling - Faculty mentors for academic guidance,
  2. Mental Health Support - Professional counselors and wellness programs,
  3. Career Guidance - Placement cell and career development activities,
  4. Financial Aid - Scholarship assistance and financial counseling,
  5. Healthcare - Medical facilities and health insurance,
  6. Technical Support - IT services and laboratory assistance,
  7. Library Services - Research resources and digital access.
These services ensure overall student welfare and academic success.

The IISER grading system includes:
  1. Grade Points - Usually on a 10-point scale,
  2. Continuous Assessment - Regular assignments and tests,
  3. Semester Examinations - End-term comprehensive exams,
  4. Project Evaluation - Assessment of research work,
  5. CGPA Calculation - Cumulative performance measure,
  6. Grade Improvement - Opportunities for improving performance,
  7. Minimum Requirements - Criteria for continuing in the program.
The system is designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Research infrastructure at IISERs includes:
  1. Advanced Laboratories - State-of-the-art equipment and facilities,
  2. Computing Resources - High-performance computing clusters,
  3. Library Resources - Access to international journals and databases,
  4. Research Software - Latest scientific and analytical tools,
  5. Collaborative Spaces - Discussion rooms and research areas,
  6. Workshop Facilities - Technical support for research work,
  7. Field Stations - For environmental and ecological studies.
Infrastructure is regularly updated to meet international standards.
IISER Entrance Exam 2025: Pattern, Syllabus & Important Dates