IISER Aptitude Test 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility and Syllabus
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 is the main entrance examination for admission into the esteemed BS-MS dual degree programs at India’s Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). Designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in core science subjects, the test provides a pathway to world-class research training for aspiring scientists. Grasping its essential details is vital for thorough and effective preparation.
Table of Contents
IISER Aptitude Test Exam Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours), single session |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (4 sections) |
| Questions | 60 MCQs (15 per subject) |
| Total Marks | 240 |
| Marking Scheme | 4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Score Range | -60 to 240 |
These highlights outline the standard exam structure, offering equal coverage across all science subjects and incorporating negative marking to encourage accuracy.
IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Exam Dates
The important dates for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 are currently tentative. Official confirmation will be released on iiser admission by early 2026. These timelines are based on trends from previous years, aiming for a streamlined BS-MS admission process across IISERs, IISc, and IIT Madras. Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for updates.
Tentative Key Dates
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Fourth week of January 2026 |
| Application Form Availability | March – April 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Fourth week of April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Third week of May 2026 |
| IAT Exam (9 AM – 12 PM) | Third/Fourth week of May 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | Same day post-exam |
| Final Answer Key | Third week of June 2026 |
| Results Declaration | Fourth week of June 2026 |
| Counselling Registration | July 2026 |
Post-Exam Process
The counselling process includes online registration, choice filling, and multiple rounds based on IAT ranks. Seat allotment considers merit, category, and candidate preferences, with reporting deadlines scheduled between July and August. Delays are possible, so candidates should keep all essential documents, including Class 12 marksheets, ready in advance.
Eligibility Criteria for IISER Aptitude Test
The IAT 2026 eligibility focuses on academic performance, subject background, and age, with relaxations for reserved categories. These criteria ensure candidates have a strong foundation in science, preparing them for the rigorous BS-MS programs at IISERs. Official details will be released in the 2026 brochure on iiseradmission.i, but patterns from previous years can guide preparation.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE).
Eligible pass-out years: 2024, 2025, or 2026 (candidates appearing in 2026 can apply provisionally).
Science stream is mandatory, with at least three subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (e.g., PCB, PCM, or PCMB).
Minimum Marks Requirement
Eligibility is based on the aggregate percentage in Class 12 across all subjects.
General/OBC-NCL/EWS: 60% or equivalent grade.
SC/ST/PwD: 55% or equivalent grade.
Age Limit
Age acts as the primary eligibility filter, replacing strict year-of-passing rules.
General/OBC: Born on or after October 1, 2000.
SC/ST/PwD: Born on or after October 1, 1995 (5-year relaxation).
No upper limit on the number of attempts, allowing repeat candidates to apply.
Nationality and Reservations
Open to Indian nationals, PIO/OCI, and foreign nationals, with priority given to Indian candidates.
Reservations: SC/ST (15%/7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (10%), PwD (5% horizontal), and supernumerary seats for Kashmiri migrants.
Valid certificates are required, e.g., OBC-NCL/EWS certificates issued after April 1, 2026.
Admission Channel
IAT is now the sole admission route; previous channels like KVPY and JEE have been discontinued.
Board toppers are required to appear for the test. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria during application to avoid disqualification.
IISER Aptitude Test Syllabus
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) syllabus closely follows the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curricula in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. It emphasizes conceptual clarity and application rather than rote learning. The test does not segregate questions by class level; instead, topics from both classes are integrated across the 15 questions per subject.
Physics Syllabus
Key areas include mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Fundamentals: Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, and Power
Advanced Concepts: Motion of Systems of Particles and Rigid Body, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics
Other Topics: Behavior of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity
Electromagnetism: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves
Modern Physics & Optics: Optics, Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices
Chemistry Syllabus
Covers the fundamentals of physical, inorganic, organic, and surface chemistry.
Physical Chemistry: Some Basic Concepts, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity, P-Block, D-Block, and F-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Hydrogen, S-Block Elements
Organic Chemistry: Purification and Characterization of Compounds, Hydrocarbons, Halogen/Benzene/Nitrogen/Oxygen Compounds, Polymers, Biomolecules, Chemistry in Everyday Life
Mathematics Syllabus
Focuses on algebra, calculus, geometry, and probability.
Algebra & Functions: Sets, Relations and Functions, Trigonometric Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations
Combinatorics & Sequences: Linear Inequalities, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences and Series
Geometry & Calculus: Straight Lines, Conic Sections, 3D Geometry, Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, Applications of Derivatives
Advanced Topics: Integrals and Applications, Differential Equations, Vectors, Probability
Biology Syllabus
Emphasizes diversity, structure, function, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.
Fundamentals: Diversity of the Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function
Physiology & Genetics: Plant and Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics, Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare
Modern Biology: Biotechnology and Its Applications, Ecology and Environment
Preparation Notes
Primary Resource: NCERT textbooks for thorough understanding
High-Weightage Topics: Mechanics (Physics), Chemical Equilibrium & Kinetics (Chemistry), Calculus (Math), Genetics & Physiology (Biology)
Strategy: Focus on conceptual integration, as many questions connect multiple topics across subjects
IISER Entrance Exam Pattern
The IISER Entrance Exam (IISER Aptitude Test / IAT) 2026 follows a uniform paper pattern for all candidates, aimed at evaluating conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in a balanced manner.
Exam Overview
Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in a single shift.
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) for the complete paper.
Question Type: Objective Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) only.
Sections and Questions
Total Sections: 4 – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology.
Total Questions: 60 questions, with 15 questions from each subject.
Section Weightage: Each section carries equal weight: 15 questions × 4 marks = 60 marks per subject.
Marks and Negative Marking
Total Marks: 240 for the entire paper.
Marking Scheme:
4 marks for each correct answer
−1 mark for each incorrect answer
0 marks for unattempted questions
Language and Attempt Pattern
Medium: Bilingual (English and Hindi).
Compulsory Sections: All four subjects must be attempted; there is no internal choice.
Practical Preparation Tips
Since all subjects carry equal weight, neglecting any subject can significantly reduce your maximum score.
Time management is essential: with 60 questions in 180 minutes, you have about 3 minutes per question. Avoid random guesses due to negative marking.
Always verify the latest exam pattern in the official IISER 2026 admission brochure before applying, as minor updates in language or interface instructions may occur.
IISER 2026 Counselling Overview
IISER 2026 counselling allocates seats for BS-MS dual degree programs across the seven IISERs, IISc Bangalore, and IIT Madras solely based on IAT ranks. The entire process conducted online through iiseradmission, including registration, choice submission, multiple allotment rounds, and fee payment, with no physical reporting required until the final seat confirmation.
Counselling Process
The counselling occurs in sequential stages after the IAT results:
Registration: Candidates register online using their IAT roll number and rank, paying a non-refundable fee (approximately ₹2,000 for general candidates; lower for reserved categories).
Choice Filling: Applicants select preferred institutes and majors (e.g., IISER Pune, Biology) and can reorder or lock their preferences.
Allotment Rounds: Typically 3–5 rounds are conducted. Provisional lists are released based on merit, category, and preferences. Candidates may:
Freeze: Accept the allotted seat,
Float: Try for a better choice in the next round,
Slide: Shift to a different major in the same institute.
Final Reporting: Seat confirmation requires document upload and partial fee payment.
Spot Rounds: Conducted, if necessary, to fill vacant seats.
Tentative Counselling Schedule
Following the IAT results in late June 2026, the counselling is expected as:
| Stage | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration | First week of July 2026 |
| Choice Filling | Mid-July 2026 |
| Round 1 Allotment | Third week of July 2026 |
| Round 2/3 Allotments | Late July – Early August 2026 |
| Final Withdrawal / Spot Rounds | Mid-August 2026 |
| Classes Begin | Late August 2026 |
Official dates will be announced with the results.
Seat Matrix and Reservations
Approximately 2,300 seats are available: ~1,800 at IISERs (IISc Bangalore – 120, IIT Madras – 80). Reservations are as follows: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC-NCL, 10% EWS, 5% PwD (supernumerary), along with state quotas at select IISERs. Seat allocation prioritizes the CRL rank first, followed by category rank.
Documents Required for Counselling
Candidates must upload scanned copies of:
Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
IAT admit card and scorecard
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD), if applicable
Income proof for EWS/tuition waiver
Aadhaar/PAN card
Fee Payment
First installment: ₹35,000 for general, ₹17,500 for reserved categories (due after allotment)
Remaining balance payable at the time of joining
IISER Aptitude Test FAQs
For IAT 2026, the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Aptitude Test (IISER IAT) will be conducted and organized by IISER Berhampur, with the institute appointed as the hosting body for the 2026 exam cycle and its Director serving as the Chairperson of the IISER Admissions Board overseeing the test and admissions process.
To be eligible for the IISER Exam 2026 (IISER Aptitude Test – IAT 2026), candidates must be Indian nationals, OCI/PIO, or foreign nationals, and should have passed the Class XII (or equivalent) examination in 2024, 2025, or 2026 from a board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India, having studied at least three science subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics; General, OBC-NCL and EWS category students must secure a minimum of 60% aggregate marks and SC/ST/PwD candidates must have at least 55% aggregate, with candidates appearing for their Class XII exam in 2026 also eligible to apply, and admissions can be sought through the IAT channel
Yes, you can join IISER without the IAT, but only through the KVPY or JEE Advanced channels, depending on the admission policy of that particular year. While the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is the primary and largest admission route, IISERs also offer seats to candidates with a valid KVPY fellowship or a qualified JEE Advanced rank, provided they meet IISER eligibility norms and complete the centralized counselling at iiseradmission.in. However, IISERs may revise admission policies annually, so candidates must check the latest official notification to confirm whether KVPY or JEE channels are available in that admission cycle, as some years rely exclusively on IAT.
A rank of 10,000 in the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is generally considered a lower rank, and securing a seat in the more sought-after IISERs is usually difficult at this range; however, admission chances depend heavily on the year’s total applicants, difficulty level, and seat availability. While top IISERs typically close at much higher ranks, candidates with around 10,000 may still have a chance in later counselling rounds or at institutes with historically higher closing ranks, provided they fill a wide list of preferences and actively participate in all rounds.
In the IISER Admission process, only one drop (gap year) is fully accepted, and students who have completed their Class 12 in the previous one or two years before the admission year are eligible to apply for IAT, provided they meet all other criteria. This means a student can take up to two attempts at the IISER Aptitude Test—one in the year of passing Class 12 and one in the immediate next year. IISERs do not restrict academic drops beyond this window, but candidates must satisfy the rule that only students who passed Class 12 in the current or last year can apply, making additional drops automatically ineligible. This policy ensures fair chances while keeping the admission cycle aligned with recent academic performance.
The highest package at IISER (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research) in recent years typically varies by campus and cohort, and unlike traditional engineering colleges, IISERs focus more on research and many students opt for higher studies, so on-campus placement figures are limited. According to available placement reports, some IISERs have reported top salary offers in the range of ₹40–75 LPA during placement seasons (for example, IISER Kolkata has seen highest offers around ₹42 LPA and IISER Tirupati around ₹75 LPA), though median and average packages are generally much lower given the small number of students who take up industry roles directly after graduation. Because IISER placement data is often sparse and many students pursue PhD or research careers instead of corporate jobs, these highest package figures should be understood in that context rather than as large, consistent campus placement outcomes.