The aptitude route to a BS-MS research career at the IISERs.
Overview
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is a computer-based national test for admission to the five-year BS-MS Dual Degree, four-year BS and BTech programmes at the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research. It emphasises reasoning and application over rote recall.
Conducted jointly by the IISERs (Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati), with one IISER acting as the coordinating institute.
To select students for research-oriented integrated science education at IISERs; IISc Bangalore's BS programme and IISER Aptitude-based admission at some allied institutes also use the IAT score.
Latest Bulletins
The IISER admissions portal is open for IAT applications; the last date and exam date are listed in the official notice.
Admission to all IISER BS-MS programmes continues exclusively through the IISER Aptitude Test.
Participating IISERs published the updated programme and seat matrix for the coming academic year.
Always cross-check dates and notices with the official IISER / IAT website.
Eligibility Criteria
Exam Pattern
60 multiple-choice questions — 15 each from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Computer-based test with a single correct answer per question.
| Subject / Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 15 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 60 |
| Physics | 15 | 60 |
| Total | 60 | 240 |
3 hours (180 minutes).
+4 marks for each correct answer; all four sections carry equal weight.
−1 mark for each incorrect answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Detailed Syllabus
Important Dates
| Event | Expected Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | April |
| Application Closes | Mid May |
| Admit Card | Mid–late May |
| IAT Examination | Late May / early June |
| Answer Key & Challenge | Early June |
| Result Declaration | Mid June |
| Counselling / Seat Allotment Rounds | June – August |
Indicative schedule — exact dates are confirmed by the official notification each year.
Registration Process
Counselling Process
Participating Colleges
IISER Pune
Among the most preferred IISERs; strong biology and chemistry research.
IISER Kolkata
Established campus with broad BS-MS disciplines.
IISER Mohali
Highly rated for physics and mathematics research.
IISER Bhopal
BS-MS plus BTech programmes on offer.
IISER Thiruvananthapuram
Strong interdisciplinary science curriculum.
IISER Tirupati & Berhampur
Newer IISERs with growing research infrastructure.
IISc Bangalore (BS programme)
Admits a portion of its BS cohort using IAT-equivalent channels.
Cut-offs
Indicative closing scores (out of 240)
| General — IISER Pune | ≈ 150–160 |
|---|---|
| General — IISER Kolkata / Mohali | ≈ 140–150 |
| General — IISER Bhopal / Thiruvananthapuram | ≈ 130–140 |
| OBC-NCL | ≈ 115–130 |
| SC | ≈ 85–100 |
| ST | ≈ 60–80 |
Indicative figures from previous years — actual cut-offs vary with difficulty and seat matrix.
Preparation Tips
Cover all four subjects — many aspirants lose seats because they ignore one section entirely.
Stay NCERT-centric: IAT questions rarely go beyond NCERT-level concepts but test their application.
Practise 60-question, 3-hour mocks so you average about 3 minutes per question with time to review.
Solve IAT previous year papers — the paper repeats reasoning patterns even when the topics change.
Biology and Chemistry can be scored fastest; use them to bank marks before attempting Physics and Maths.
Keep a formula sheet for Maths and revise it in short, frequent sessions.
Study Resources
Free deep notes and 30-question chapter tests for IISER IAT.
OpenYear-wise IISER IAT papers, answer keys and solutions.
OpenFull-length IISER IAT-pattern mock tests with analytics.
OpenCurated book list for IISER IAT preparation.
OpenMonth-by-month strategy for IISER IAT aspirants.
OpenLive mentored coaching with printed material and test series.
OpenFAQs
The paper has a compulsory Biology section, so a Class 12 Science background covering Biology is strongly recommended even though the eligibility rule is Science stream.
Yes. The IAT is now the single admission channel for IISER BS-MS programmes; the earlier KVPY and board-channel routes have been discontinued.
You can appear only in the year you pass Class 12 and the immediately following year.
The questions are conceptually lighter than JEE Advanced but cover four subjects, so breadth and application matter more than depth.
Book a free demo class with a Prepkunj mentor and get a personalised IISER / IAT roadmap.
Papers, free notes, tests and coaching programs connected to this exam.
