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IISER IAT 2026: Check Dates, Eligibility, Fees, Total Seats, Marking Scheme, Pattern & Syllabus

Sajad Ahmad Dar's profile photo

Sajad Ahmad Dar

Content Writer | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The IISER IAT 2026 registration started on 5th March 2026, on its official website – iiseradmission.in/. The IISER Berhampur will close the IAT 2026 registration on April 13, 2026.

Candidates seeking admission to BS-MS, BS, and BTech programmes offered at IISER campuses can submit their applications through the online mode. The IISER IAT Exam 2026 will be held in the last week of May 2026.

  • Around 2000 seats are offered by IISER every year, for admission into 5-Year BS-MS, 4-Year BS, and B.Tech Programs, along with the reservation by the Government of India.
  • The IISER Exam 2026 will include 60 MCQ Questions, divided among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology, with each subject carrying 15 questions.
  • In each correct answer, +3 marks will be added for each correct and -1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer, which makes the total marks 180.

The Syllabus of IISER will include NCET Class 11 and 12 topics from physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology. Different subject combinations can be selected from these 4 subjects.

You should regularly visit the official website, iiseradmission.in, to get information regarding the schedule, pattern, and syllabus.

Check: Colleges in India Accepting IISER

IISER IAT 2026

Key Summary

  • In this Article, we have discussed about IISER IAT 2026 along with the Dates, Eligibility, Fees, Total Seats, Marking Scheme, Pattern, & Syllabus.
  • The IISER Official notification will be released in February 2026, and the exam will be held in the last week of May 2026.
  • The IISER Exam offers around 2000 seats for 5-Year BS-MS, 4-Year BS and B.Tech Programs.
  • The IISER Application fees for general/EWS/OBC candidates are Rs. 2000, and for SC / ST / PwD, it is Rs. 1000.
  • The IISER Exam 2026 will include 60 MCQ Questions, divided among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology, with each subject carrying 15 questions.
  • The IISER Syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 & 12 format.
  • The IISER Result is expected to be declared in the last week of june 2026.

What is IISER IAT 2026?

The IISER IAT 2026 is a national-level exam for admission into IISERs in India. It is a gateway for admission into the 5-Year BS-MS Degree, 4-Year BS, and B.Tech Programs.

The IISER Exam is expected to be held in May 2026 in a CBT Mode, and the syllabus will be based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology subjects.

IISER IAT 2026 Overview

Particulars Details (Expected for 2026)
Exam Name IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026
Conducting Body Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
Exam Level National
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration 3 Hours
Total Questions 60 (15 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking Scheme +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect
Total Marks 180
Syllabus NCERT Class 11 & 12 (PCM & Biology)
Programmes Offered 5-Year BS-MS, 4-Year BS, B.Tech
Expected Seats 1800–2000 across all IISERs
Official Website iiseradmission.in
IISER IAT 2026 Overview

Check: IISER Application Process

IISER IAT 2026 Dates

The IISER IAT Dates will follow a proper timeline, which starts from the release of the official notification to the result declaration. The IISER IAT Exam is expected to be conducted in the last week of May.

The Complete Schedule, including the process, admit card, and counselling, will be released on the official website, iiseradmission.in.

Date (Expected) Event
March 5, 2026 IISER IAT Start of Application Process
April 13, 2026 Last Date to Apply
May 24, 2026 IISER IAT Admit Card Release
June 7, 2026 IISER IAT 2026 Exam Date
June 7, 2026 Provisional Answer Key
June 2026 (Fourth Week) IISER IAT Result Declaration
July 2026 (First Week onwards) IISER IAT Counselling & Seat Allotment
IISER IAT 2026 Dates

Ques. Do IISER Students Get a Stipend?

Ans. Yes, IISER Candidates receive financial support in stipends and scholarships according to their program and category. Ensuring that the candidates focus on academics and research rather than on financial stress.

Type of Stipend / Support Details
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship For students from families with annual income ≤4.5 lakh INR, covers full tuition + monthly stipend (~1,000–2,000 INR).
Institute Stipend All BS-MS students receive a monthly stipend (~5,000–6,000 INR) from the 2nd year onwards.
Contingency Grant One-time or yearly grant for academic materials, lab work, and research projects.
Other Fellowships Merit-based fellowships for research, summer internships, or national-level awards.

Ques. Is IAT Conducted Twice a Year?

Ans. No, the IISER Exam is currently conducted only once a year, which is in May. The Admissions are only for that session, without any bi-annual or multiple attempts.

  • The IISER Exam is conducted once a year in a CBT Mode.
  • Students who are currently in class 12 and passed in the previous year are eligible to apply.

IISER IAT Registration Fees 2026

The IISER IAT Application fees 2026 will vary according to the category of the candidate. The IISER Fees are non-refundable and will be paid online by Debit/credit card, UPI or net banking during the form submission.

Category Application Fee (₹)
General / EWS / OBC-NCL 2,000
SC / ST / PwD 1,000
Foreign Nationals 12,000
IISER IAT Registration Fees 2026

Ques. Is IISER Free of Cost?

Ans. The IISER is not completely free of cost, but the tuition fees are funded by the Ministry of Education.

Candidates from the reserve categories and with different fellowships can get full or partial fee waivers.

  • For general category candidates, the tuition fees are around 34,000 to 40,000 per semester.
  • There is no tuition fee for SC/ST and PwD candidates, only minimal charges for hostel and mess are covered.
  • The candidates who are eligible for a scholarship get Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 per month.
  • There are separate charges for hostel and mess, which are around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. .6,000 per month.

Ques. Which is the Most Preferred IISER?

Ans. The Top & Least preferred IISERs are based on the academic reputation, research facilities, location and the opportunity of placements. Among all the top 7 IISERs, IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, and IISER Bhopal are generally the most preferred ones.

Rank IISER Institute Reason for Preference
1 IISER Pune Oldest, top research output, strong global collaborations
2 IISER Kolkata Strong PhD pipeline, international opportunities
3 IISER Bhopal Excellent infrastructure, strong industry interface
4 IISER Mohali Research-focused, good faculty strength
5 IISER Thiruvananthapuram Good academic environment, expanding labs
6 IISER Tirupati Newer IISER, growing rapidly
7 IISER Berhampur Relatively new, developing infrastructure

IISER IAT Registration Statistics

Every year, IISER IAT has a high participation from science streams in India. The Total number of registered and appeared candidates has been increasing, showing the high popularity of BS-MS programs by IISERs.

  • Around 75,000 to 85,000 candidates register every year, with 90 to 95% attendance.
  • From 2021 to 2025, the registration has increased from 72,000 to 82,000, which shows increasing growth of IISER Programs.
  • Around 94 to 95% registered candidates appear every year in the exam, which shows high attendance rates.
Year Candidates Registered Candidates Appeared
2025 82000 78000
2024 80600 76000
2023 78000 73000
2022 75000 70000
2021 72000 68000
IISER IAT Registration Statistics

Ques. How Many Seats are in IISER through IAT?

Ans. The Admission in the top IISERs by IAT is more than 2000 seats across the top 7 IISERs. The IISER Seat Matrix will vary according to the capacity of the institute, the norms of reservation, and policy updates.

IISER Seat Distribution (Expected 2026)

BS-MS Program Number of Seats
IISER Berhampur 300
IISER Bhopal 300
IISER Kolkata 280
IISER Kolkata (BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences) 30
IISER Mohali 270
IISER Pune 288
IISER Tirupati 350
IISER Thiruvananthapuram 320
B. Tech. / BS Program Number of Seats
IISER Bhopal (B. Tech.) 140
IISER Bhopal (BS in Economic Sciences) 35
IISER Tirupati (BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences) 50
Total 2363

Ques. When to Register for IAT 2026?

Ans. The IISER IAT Registration is expected to start in the first week of April 2026, after the official notifications are expected to be released in February. The Application window will open for 4-5 weeks.

Expected Registration Timeline (2026)

Expected Date Event
Early February 2026 Release of Official Notification
First Week of April 2026 Start of Online Registration
First Week of May 2026 Last Date to Apply
Third Week of May 2026 Admit Card Release
Fourth Week of May 2026 IAT 2026 Exam Date

IISER IAT 2026 Eligibility

To appear in the IISER IAT 2026, candidates should meet a few academic and subject-related requirements. The IISER IAT Eligibility depends upon the educational qualification, class 12 subject combinations, and reservation.

The Candidates should meet the age and nationality requirements according to the official notification.

IISER IAT Eligibility Criteria

Criteria Details (Expected for 2026)
Educational Qualification Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent in 2025 or 2026 with the Science stream.
Subjects Required Mandatory: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Biology is optional but included in the exam.
Minimum Marks Candidates must secure at least 60% aggregate (GEN/EWS/OBC-NCL) and 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 12.
Year of Passing Only candidates who passed Class 12 in 2025 or are appearing in 2026 are eligible.
Age Limit No specific upper age limit, but candidates must meet the year of passing requirement.
Nationality Open to Indian nationals, OCI/PIO cardholders, and foreign nationals.

Ques. Does IAT require 75% Criteria?

Ans. The IISER IAT does not have any fixed 75% marks criteria in class 12. The Candidates should meet the eligibility cutoff set by IISERS for the respective boards.

  • It is usually around the 20th percentile or 60% marks for General, EWS, and OBC Candidates and 55% for SC/ST/PwD.
  • The Candidates should have passed class 12 in the science stream for 2025 or 2026 with valid scores.

Ques. Can a PCM Student Apply for IISER?

Ans. Yes, PCM Candidates can apply for IISER IAT 2026. The candidates with PCM and PCB are both eligible. Candidates should have mathematics in class 12 for admission in BS-MS Programs.

Stream Eligibility for IISER IAT 2026 Remarks
PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) Eligible Most common stream for IAT; required for BS-MS (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Data Science)
PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) Eligible Allowed, but Maths is strongly recommended for multiple academic tracks
PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology) Eligible Best suited for IISER; opens all subject specializations

Academic Programmes Offered by IISER

The IISERs are the top institutes that focus on research and innovation in the basic sciences.

  • Through IISER IAT 2026, candidates can get admission in the integrated and undergraduate programmes, combining the strong science foundation with research opportunities.
  • These programs will prepare the candidates for a career in research, academia and industry.
Programme Duration Key Highlights
BS-MS Dual Degree 5 Years This is a flagship programme, combining a foundation of broad science with research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and other areas.
BS Degree 4 Years This is offered in certain IISERs, B.S in Engineering Sciences, and Economic Sciences is offered at IISER Bhopal, which focuses on core science topics.
B.Tech Programme 4 Years This is available at IISER Bhopal for Data Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and industry-related fields, with exposure to research.
Integrated PhD (iPhD) Varies Will get a direct entry after BS-MS for research-based students, with a master's and PhD in the science field.
PhD Programmes Varies Doctoral programmes in all major science streams; admission through national-level fellowships (not via IAT).

Ques. Which Course is Best at IISER?

Ans. The IISERs are known for BS-MS Dual degree programs in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and topics like Data Science and Earth Science. The Best course in IISER depends upon the candidate's career goals.

Course Why It’s Preferred
BS-MS in Physics Strong demand for PhD, quantum research, and data-driven industries.
BS-MS in Biology Ideal for biotech, genetics, and bioinformatics careers.
BS-MS in Chemistry Popular for pharma, materials science, and R&D.
BS-MS in Mathematics High demand in AI, finance, and data science sectors.
BS-MS in Earth/Environmental Science A growing field with sustainability and climate research.

Ques. What is IISER Famous For?

Ans. The IISERs are among India’s top research institutes in basic science, which are established by the Ministry of Education. They include a fixed curriculum, strong research and global collaboration.

  • Include a high publication and global recognition rate.
  • Includes unique BS-MS Dual degree programs.
  • Includes centrally funded subsidies and fellowships.
  • Have tie-ups with institutions like MIT, Oxford & Max Planck.

Total seats in IISER 2026

In all IISERs, around 2,000 seats are offered every year by IISER IAT. The Seats in IISER are different in all 7 IISERS.

Every IISER offers BS-MS, BS or B. Tech Programmes and seat intake, which differ every year according to the seat intake of the institutes.

Total seats in IISER 2026

Source: iiseradmission.in

IISER Exam Pattern 2026

The IISER IAT Exam will be conducted in a CBT Mode, and will test candidates' conceptual understanding along with the analytical skills in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.

  • The IISER Exam will follow the syllabus from NCERT Class 11 and 12, and will include MCQ Questions.
  • The IISER Exam will be of a 3-hour time duration, and on average, candidates can take 3 minutes per question.
  • In the IISER Exam, +3 marks will be given for each correct answer, and -1 mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer.
IISER Exam Pattern 2026

Ques. What is the Difficulty Level of IISER IAT 2026?

Ans. The IISER IAT Exam is expected to be moderate to high difficulty level, as compared to JEE Main, along with JEE Advanced school-level concepts. The IISER IAT Exam includes conceptual clarity, analytical skills, and multi-disciplinary understanding.

  • The Overall difficulty level is moderate to high, but it is tougher than CUET and easier than JEE Advanced.
  • The Physics & Maths are generally moderate to difficult with application-based questions.
  • The Chemistry is mostly a moderate section, with more NCERT-based questions.
  • Biology is the easiest section, and direct NCERT-based questions will be asked.
  • The Difficulty level is different every year; if the exam is tougher, the cutoff will be lower by 5 to 10 marks.

Ques. Can I Get Into IISER With 75 Marks?

Ans. By getting 75 marks in the IISER IAT 2026, the admission chances are less for the general category, as the cutoffs are generally around 100-180 marks according to the category of the candidate.

Expected Cutoff Range (2026)

Category Expected Cutoff (Marks) Admission Chance with 75 Marks
General 160–180 Very Low
EWS 150–160 Low
OBC-NCL 140–150 Low
SC 120–130 Possible only in lower-ranked IISERs
ST 100–110 Chance in newer IISERs
PwD 90–100 Moderate chance

IISER Previous Year Question Paper PDF

Year Question Paper PDF
IISER 2024 Question Paper Check Here
IISER 2023 Question Paper Check Here
IISER 2022 Question Paper Check Here
IISER 2021 Question Paper Check Here
IISER 2019 Question Paper Check Here
IISER 2018 Question Paper Check Here
IISER 2017 Question Paper Check Here

IISER Syllabus 2026

The IISER IAT Syllabus includes NCERT Class 11 and 12 format for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. It focuses on problem-solving and analytical skills.

These are the subject-wise topics and sub-topics for candidates to focus on their preparation in an effective way.

IISER IAT Physics Syllabus

Topic Subtopics
Mechanics Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Oscillations, Fluid Mechanics
Thermal Physics Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Heat Transfer
Waves & Optics Wave Motion, Sound Waves, Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Interference, Diffraction, Polarisation
Electricity & Magnetism Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Currents
Modern Physics Dual Nature of Matter, Atomic Structure, Nuclear Physics, Photoelectric Effect, Quantum Mechanics Basics
… Read More Read Less

IISER IAT Chemistry Syllabus

Topic Subtopics
Physical Chemistry Mole Concept, Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium (Chemical, Ionic, & Solubility), Electrochemistry
Inorganic Chemistry Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds, Block Elements (s, p, d, f), Metallurgy
Organic Chemistry General Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes & Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers, Carbonyl Compounds, Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives, Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers

IISER IAT Mathematics Syllabus

Topic Subtopics
Algebra Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series, Binomial Theorem, Matrices & Determinants
Calculus Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Application of Derivatives, Integration, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations
Coordinate Geometry Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections (Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola)
Vectors & 3D Geometry Vector Algebra, Scalar & Vector Product, 3D Geometry (Planes & Lines)
Probability & Statistics Probability Rules, Random Variables, Distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal)

IISER IAT Biology Syllabus

Topic Subtopics
Diversity of the Living World Taxonomy, Plant & Animal Classification, Evolutionary Trends
Cell Biology Cell Structure, Cell Cycle, Cell Organelles, Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis)
Genetics & Evolution Mendelian Genetics, Molecular Genetics, DNA & RNA, Gene Expression, Evolutionary Mechanisms
Human Physiology Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Digestive System, Excretory System, Nervous & Endocrine Systems, Reproductive System
Ecology & Environment Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Conservation, Environmental Issues

Check: IISER Previous Year Question Paper

Ques. Which Topic Has the Highest Weightage in IISER IAT?

Ans. The IISER IAT Exam has equal weightage in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, but in each subject, some topics carry high weightage.

Subject-Wise Highest Weightage Topics

Subject Topic with Highest Weightage Avg. % Weightage
Physics Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy) 25%
Chemistry Organic Chemistry (General, Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules) 30%
Biology Genetics & Molecular Biology 28%
Mathematics Calculus (Differentiation, Integration, Limits) 30%

Ques. Which Are the Important Topics for IISER IAT 2026?

Ans. In IISER, if candidates focus on high-weightage and repeatedly asked topics, it can improve their performance. By prioritising these topics, candidates can ensure accuracy and optimise their scores.

Subject Important Topics
Physics Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Modern Physics, Electricity & Magnetism
Chemistry Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules), Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry), Inorganic (Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds)
Biology Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Human Physiology, Ecology & Evolution
Mathematics Calculus, Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Complex Numbers), Probability, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors & 3D Geometry

IISER IAT Preparation Strategy

To crack the IISER IAT 2026, candidates should follow a strategic approach to focus on conceptual clarity, NCERT and practice with Mock tests.

  • The weightage of all 4 subjects is equal in the exam, so candidates should give time according to their strengths and previous year analytics.
  • Before the exam, candidates should attempt at least 10-12 full-length mock tests in CBT Mode before the exams.
  • Solve the last 5 years of IAT Papers to understand the question paper analysis.
  • Candidates should attempt the easier questions first, then move to the difficult ones.

IISER IAT Subject-wise Preparation Strategy

Subject Focus Areas Strategy Practice
Physics Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics Understand concepts, derivations, and formulas; practice numerical problems 40–50 MCQs/week + 1 mock sectional test
Chemistry Physical, Organic, Inorganic Revise NCERT; memorise reactions, mechanisms, periodic trends 30–40 MCQs/day + previous IAT questions
Mathematics Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, Probability Focus on problem-solving & formula derivation; practice time-bound questions 30–50 MCQs/day + 1 full-length mock/week
Biology Genetics, Cell Biology, Human Physiology, Ecology Learn diagrams, processes, and definitions; revise NCERT diagrams & cycles 25–35 MCQs/day + sectional quizzes

Ques. How to Start Preparing for IAT?

Ans. To prepare for IISER IAT, candidates require a strong concept-based approach by focusing on the NCERT Syllabus along with problem-solving speed and previous year trends.

  • Start your preparation with NCERT, cover classes 11 & 12 completely for all 4 subjects.
  • Give priority to high-weightage topics like mechanics, organic chemistry, genetics and calculus.
  • Solve the PYQs & Mock tests weekly, as they are time-based.
  • Give equal time to all 4 subjects.
  • Have a target of more than 150+ marks to get safe admission chances.

Ques. Is IAT Easy to Crack?

Ans. The IISER IAT Difficulty level is moderate to high; with NCERT-based practice, it can be easily cracked.

  • Biology: Easy, mostly NCERT-based.
  • Chemistry: Moderate, mix of theory + numericals.
  • Physics & Math: Conceptually tougher, problem-solving based.

IISER IAT Expected Cutoffs

Through IISER, candidates can get admission into 7 IISERs. The IISER IAT 2026 expected cutoffs are expected to be the same as the previous year, as per the factors like difficulty level, availability of seats and category-wise reservations.

  • The General category candidates require around 160-180 marks, and the top IISERs require a rank of 1-500 to get admission.
  • For the EWS Category, the expected cutoff is around 150-160 marks, and the closing rank is around 501 to 700.
  • The Competition is high as around 80,000 candidates are expected to appear for around 1,800 to 2,000 seats.
  • By scoring more than 160 marks, candidates can increase their chances of getting into top IISERs.
Category Expected Cutoff (Marks) Expected Closing Rank
General 160–180 1–500
EWS 150–160 501–700
OBC-NCL 140–150 701–1000
SC 120–130 1001–1500
ST 100–110 1501–2000
PwD (All) 90–100 2001–2500
IISER IAT Expected Cutoffs

Check: IISER Cutoff

… Read More Read Less

IISER Closing Ranks 2025

By having an analysis of the previous year's ranks, candidates can understand the Closing Rank of IISER.

IISER 2025: Round 1 Closing Ranks

IISER 2025: Round 1 Closing Ranks

Source: @iiseradmission.in

IISER 2025: Round 2 Closing Ranks

IISER 2025: Round 1 Closing Ranks

Source: @iiseradmission.in

IISER 2025: Round 3 Closing Ranks

IISER 2025: Round 1 Closing Ranks

Source: @iiseradmission.in

IISER 2025: Round 4 Closing Ranks

IISER 2025: Round 4 Closing Ranks

Source: @iiseradmission.in

IISER 2025: Round 5 Closing Ranks

IISER 2025: Round 5 Closing Ranks

Source: @iiseradmission.in

These ranks are available on the official website. For more information, check :

IISER 2025 Closing Ranks

Ques. What is the Lowest Cutoff for IISER?

Ans. The IISER Lowest cutoff will differ every year, but it is under 100-110 marks for the ST Category and 90 for PwD.

Category-Wise Lowest Cutoff Trends

Category Lowest Cutoff Range (Marks)
General 160
OBC-NCL 140
EWS 150
SC 120
ST 100
PwD 90

Ques. What is a Safe Score out of 240 for IISER?

Ans. A Safe score will ensure admission into a top IISER.

  • Top IISERs (Pune/Kolkata/Bhopal): Safe score of more than 170–180 marks.
  • Mid IISERs (Mohali/Thiruvananthapuram): Safe score of 150–160 marks.
  • New IISERs (Tirupati/Berhampur): Safe score of 130–140 marks.

IISER IAT 2026 Reservation

The IISER follows a reservation policy set by the government of India for admission through IAT. The IISER Seats are allotted according to different categories such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS and PwD, which ensures fair representation.

IISER IAT 2026 Reservation Matrix

Category Reservation (%) Notes
General (Unreserved) 45% Open for all candidates without reservation benefits
OBC-NCL 27% Non-Creamy Layer; separate cutoff for this category
SC 15% Reserved seats for the Scheduled Castes
ST 7.5% Reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes
EWS 10% Economically Weaker Section of the General category
PwD (All Categories) 5% Horizontal reservation across all categories
IISER IAT 2026 Reservation

Colleges Accepting IISER Score

The IISER IAT 2026 is used for admission into the top 7 IISERs across India. The IISER is for admission in IISERs, but other institutes and programs consider the IISER Scores for admission in BS-MS or research-oriented programs.

Colleges Accepting IISER IAT 2026 Score

Institute / College Programs Offered Location
IISER Pune BS-MS Dual Degree, BS, B.Tech Pune, Maharashtra
IISER Bhopal BS-MS Dual Degree, BS Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
IISER Kolkata BS-MS Dual Degree Kolkata, West Bengal
IISER Mohali BS-MS Dual Degree Mohali, Punjab
IISER Thiruvananthapuram BS-MS Dual Degree Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
IISER Berhampur BS-MS Dual Degree Berhampur, Odisha
IISER Tirupati BS-MS Dual Degree Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Check: IISER College Predictor

Ques. What is the Budget of IISER?

Ans. The IISERs are centrally funded institutes, with the tuition and hostel fees being heavily subsidised.

Category Tuition Fees Hostel + Mess Total (per year)
General/OBC/EWS ₹34,000–40,000 ₹35,000–45,000 ₹70,000–85,000
SC/ST/PwD NIL ₹35,000–45,000 ₹35,000–45,000

Ques. Are There Any Scholarships Available at IISER?

Ans. Yes, different national fellowships and scholarships are available for IISER Students.

Major Scholarships at IISER:

  • INSPIRE Fellowship: ₹5,000/month stipend + ₹20,000 annual contingency grant.
  • KVPY Fellowship (till 2025 batch): ₹5,000/month stipend.
  • State Govt. Scholarships: Category-based financial aid.
  • Institute Merit Scholarships: Based on performance in IISER.

Check: IISER Result & Counselling

IISER Career Opportunities & Placement Trends

The IISERs are basically research-based institutes, which are opted for by the candidates for higher studies or research careers after the BS-MS or BS Programs.

The Placements in the IISER main campus are limited, as compared to the engineering colleges, in which candidates receive an internship opportunity, research fellowships, and international PhD Programs.

IISER Career & Placement Overview

  • More than 70-80% graduates of IISER pursue M.Sc., PhD or integrated PhD programs.
  • The Candidates will receive a monthly stipend from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 according to the fellowships and year of study.
  • The IISER has collaborations with top global universities for summer programs, PhD and research internships.
IISER Institute Popular Career Pathways Average Package / Stipend Notable Opportunities
IISER Pune M.Sc, PhD, Research ₹5,000–₹15,000/month (stipend) DST, CSIR, INSPIRE Fellowships, PhD abroad
IISER Bhopal M.Sc, PhD, Industry Roles ₹6,000–₹12,000/month (stipend) Biotechnology, Pharma internships, Summer Research Programs
IISER Kolkata Research & Higher Studies ₹5,000–₹15,000/month IISc, IITs, International universities, Research projects
IISER Mohali Academia & R&D ₹5,000–₹14,000/month National & international fellowships, Start-ups
IISER Thiruvananthapuram Ph.D., R&D ₹5,000–₹12,000/month CSIR, ICMR, NIH collaborations
IISER Berhampur Research & Higher Education ₹5,000–₹12,000/month Summer internships, Biotechnology/Pharma industry
IISER Tirupati Academic & Research ₹5,000–₹12,000/month Fellowships, national research labs, M.Sc/PhD programs abroad

FAQs for IISER IAT 2026

Ques. Is Living in a Hostel Compulsory for IISER Students?

Ans. Yes, IISERs are fully residential-based institutes, so the hostel accommodations are compulsory for the BS-MS Candidates.

  • Hostel Allotment: All students will get hostel rooms.
  • Facilities: The Mess, Wi-Fi, common rooms, sports facilities.
  • Compulsory Rule: Ensures academic discipline and peer learning.
  • Exemptions: Rare, mostly for local day scholars (subject to approval).

Ques. Which is the Most Beautiful IISER Campus?

Ans. All 7 IISERs have modern campuses, but some are famous for their location, greenery and architecture. According to some students, IISER Thiruvananthapuram and IISER Bhupal are the most beautiful.

IISER Beauty Factor
IISER Thiruvananthapuram Scenic greenery, hilly terrain, eco-friendly campus.
IISER Bhopal Modern architecture, a vast 200-acre campus, is clean and well-planned.
IISER Kolkata Located in Kalyani township, serene with water bodies.
IISER Pune Urban campus with modern labs, compact but green.
IISER Mohali Spacious and organised, focus on functional design.
IISER Tirupati Developing campus, focus on modern infrastructure.
IISER Berhampur New campus, still expanding, but scenic surroundings.

Ques. What is the criteria for IAT 2026?

Ans. The IISER IAT 2026 Eligibility depends upon the academic qualification, subject requirement and percentile criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for IAT 2026

Criteria Details
Qualification Class 12 (10+2) with Science stream (2025/2026 pass-outs)
Subjects Required Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology
Minimum Marks At least 60% (GEN/EWS/OBC-NCL), 55% (SC/ST/PwD)
Age Limit No specific upper age limit

Ques. Can a 3-year dropper give the IISER exam in 2026?

Ans. Yes, the candidates who have valid Class 12 Certificates, which should not be older than 3 years, can apply.

If a candidate has passed class 12 in 2023, 2024, and 2025 can appear for IAT 2026.

Ques. Can I crack the IAT exam in 3 months?

Ans. Candidates can crack the IAT Exam in 3 months if they follow a focused preparation strategy.

3-Month Strategy for IAT 2026:

  • Focus on the NCERT Physics, Chemistry, Math/Biology
  • Prioritise high-weightage topics like Organic Chemistry, Optics, and Genetics
  • Practice mock tests & previous year papers daily.

Ques. Does everyone in IISER get a scholarship?

Ans. No, not all students do not receive the scholarships. The Scholarships are based on the candidates' category and performance.

Scholarship Types at IISER:

  • INSPIRE Fellowship (DST) – For top IAT rankers.
  • Institute Scholarships – Need & merit-based.
  • Government Schemes – SC/ST/OBC/PwD scholarships.

Ques. How many rounds of counselling are there in IISER?

Ans. The IISER has 3-4 counselling rounds, according to the number of vacant seats.

Counselling Rounds (General Trend)

Round Process
Round 1 Seat allotment based on merit & preference
Round 2 Upgradation and fresh allotment
Round 3 Further allotment if seats remain
Special/Spot Round Conduct if seats are vacant

Ques. Does IISER have a female quota?

Ans. Yes, IISER has a reservation for supernumerary seats for female candidates to have gender diversity.

  • Around 15–20% supernumerary seats are allocated for females.
  • This will improve the chances of female candidates beyond the category-wise quotas.

Ques. What are the fees for IISER Pune for 5 years?

Ans. The IISER Pune fees structure is comparatively affordable compared to IITs/NITs.

IISER Pune 5-Year BS-MS Fee (Approx.)

Fee Component Amount (per year)
Tuition Fee ₹34,000
Hostel Fee ₹12,000 – ₹18,000
Mess Charges ₹18,000 – ₹22,000
Other Fees ₹10,000
Total (per year) ₹70,000 – ₹80,000
Total (5 years) ₹3.5 – ₹4 Lakhs

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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