Exam guide · Entrance Exams
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
For students who love science itself rather than engineering, the IISERs offer five-year BS-MS programmes with early research exposure. The IISER Aptitude Test is the main entry route.
- Leads to
- BS-MS at IISERs; accepted by some other science institutes
- Subjects
- Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
- Stream
- Science in Class 12
- Mode
- Computer-based
About the exam
IISERs combine teaching with research, allowing students to work in labs early and choose a major later. See Career Options After B.Sc and Career Options After Class 12 MPC.
Who takes this exam
- Science students passionate about research
- Students interested in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics or earth sciences
Eligibility (general)
- Class 12 with Science and minimum marks, as per current rules
Exam pattern
| Feature | In recent years |
|---|---|
| Sections | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Marking | Negative marking for wrong answers |
Syllabus overview
Class 11 and 12 science and mathematics, broadly NCERT-based.
Want help applying this to your own situation? Career Counselling After Class 12 on the Career Captain website.
Courses and institutions it leads to
IISERs across India and some other institutes that accept IAT scores.
How the process usually works
- ApplyOnline.
- Take IATComputer-based.
- CounsellingRank-based seat allocation.
How to prepare
- Strengthen all four subjectsThe test covers biology and mathematics.
- Solve past papersFor style and difficulty.
After the result
BS-MS graduates often move into PhD programmes, research careers, data science or teaching.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring one of the four subjects
- Choosing a research programme without genuine interest in science
Alternatives and backup options
- B.Sc through CUET-UG
- ISI admission test for statistics
- JEE for engineering
Frequently asked questions
Do IISERs admit through JEE?
Admission channels have changed over time; the IAT is the main channel. Check current rules.
Published by Career Captain Global Solutions. This page is general guidance; see the disclaimer below. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.