Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are among India’s top research-focused institutions, which offer high-quality education in science along with early exposure to research. To get admission in these institutes, one has to clear and secure a good rank in the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). If you are passionate about scientific discovery, innovation, and research careers, the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is one of the best pathways after Class 12.
As registration for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 has started on 05th March 2026, you will get here a comprehensive and student-friendly guide covering eligibility, application process and fees, exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, and preparation strategy for the IAT- 2026.
About IISERs
The IISERs were established by the Government of India to promote high-quality science education and research. Currently, IISERs are located in:
1. Berhampur, 2. Bhopal, 3. Kolkata, 4. Mohali, 5. Pune, 6. Thiruvananthapuram, 7. Tirupati.
These institutes focus on integrated learning + research, allowing students to explore interdisciplinary science from the beginning of their academic journey.
Key Features of IISERs
- World-class faculty and research facilities
- Early research exposure and internships
- Flexible subject choices and specialization
- Strong global academic recognition
Courses Offered Through IAT 2026
Through IAT 2026, students can get admission into:
- 5-Year BS-MS (Dual Degree Program) (Available at All IISERs)
- 5-Year BS-MS (Dual Degree Program with Major in Geology and Environmental Sciences) (Available at IISER Mohali)
- 5-Year BS-MS in Computational & Data Sciences (Available at IISER Kolkata)
- 4-Year BS Programs (Economic Sciences available at IISER Bhopal and Tirupati, Statistical Sciences available at IISER Tirupati)
- B.Tech. Programs in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Data Science & Engineering (Available only at IISER Bhopal)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for IAT 2026, candidates must fulfil the following conditions:
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026
- Diploma holders (3-year course) passed in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 are also eligible.
Minimum Marks in the Qualifying Examination (i.e., Class 12 or equivalent):
- General/OBC/EWS: Minimum 60% aggregate
- SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 55% aggregate
Subject Requirements
- Must have studied at least 3 subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics
- Mathematics is mandatory for B.Tech., BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences, BS in Economic Sciences program, and BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences program.
🚫 Important Note
- Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier are not eligible to appear for the IAT- 2026.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Application Dates:
- Start: March 5, 2026
- Last Date: April 13, 2026
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official website: www.iiseradmission.in
- Download/Read the full information brochure before applying. (In Hindi / In English)
- Documents to be ready before filling the application:
| Type of Document | File Size |
| Photograph* | Upto 200 KB |
| Signature* | Upto 200 KB |
| Photo ID | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| Caste Certificate | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| 10th Marksheet | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| 12th / Qualifying Examination Marksheet | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| PwD Certificate | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| Kashmiri Migrant Certificate** (If applicable) | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| OCI/PIO/Foreign National Citizenship supporting document (If applicable) | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
| All other Certificates/Forms as given or required in the information brochure | 200KB- upto 1 MB |
* Please go through the instructions provided on the IAT 2026 online application portal regarding the specifications of the photograph and signature.
** Candidates belonging to Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-migrants) must upload a valid domicile certificate in place of KM Certificate.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Kashmiri Migrants | ₹ 1,000 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹ 12,000 |
Note: The application fee is non-refundable.
Exam Pattern of IAT 2026
The IAT exam is designed to test conceptual understanding across core science subjects. The mode of the exam will be a computer-based test (CBT) instead of a pen-and-paper test.
- Total Questions: 60
- Subjects: 4 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
- Questions per Subject: 15
Marking Scheme
- +4 for correct answer
- -1 for incorrect answer
- 0 for un-attempted
Maximum Marks: 240
Syllabus of IAT 2026
The syllabus covers core conceptual topics of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics from NCERT, making strong fundamentals essential.
Important Dates (IAT 2026)
| Event | Date |
| Application Portal opens | March 5, 2026 |
| Application Portal closes | April 13, 2026 |
| Corrections in Application Forms | April 16 – April 18, 2026 |
| Release of Hall Ticket | May 24, 2026 |
| IISER Aptitude Test | June 7, 2026 |
| Answer Key display | June 7, 2026 |
| Upload of student’s response form | June 9, 2026 |
| Portal opens for filing objections | June 9, 2026 |
| Portal closes for filing objections | June 13, 2026 |
| Window for Selective Information / Document upload in Application Form | June 13 – June 21, 2026 |
| Last date for Selective Information / Document upload in Application Form | June 21, 2026 |
| Display of final answer keys | To Be Announced |
| Publication of the IAT 2026 result | To Be Announced |
Available Seats
- Total seats: 2343 (including all programs)
- IISERs offer seats across multiple programs and campuses
Admission depends on:
- IAT Rank
- Preferences filled by the candidate
- Category reservation
Admission Process (Very Important)
The admission process is completely online and based on:
- IAT Rank
- Seat availability
- Candidate preferences
- Reservation rules
Key Steps:
- Appear for IAT
- Check the result and rank
- Fill the preference list
- Participate in counselling
- Accept seat (Freeze/Float option)
Candidates must pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) to confirm admission.
Other Institutes Accepting IAT Score
Apart from IISERs, IAT scores are also used by:
- IISc Bangalore (BS Research)
- IIT Madras
- IIT Guwahati
- IACS Kolkata
- IIEST Shibpur
This significantly increases the value of the exam.
Preparation Strategy for IAT 2026
1. Master NCERT First
- Focus on Class 11 & 12 NCERT thoroughly
2. Practice MCQs Regularly
- Solve previous year questions
- Take mock tests weekly
3. Time Management
- Practice solving 60 questions in 3 hours
- Avoid spending too much time on one question
4. Concept has greater value than memorization
- IISER focuses on analytical thinking, not rote learning
5. Revision Strategy
- Maintain short notes
- Revise formulas and key concepts daily
Best Books for Preparation
- Physics: HC Verma + NCERT
- Chemistry: NCERT + OP Tandon
- Biology: NCERT (must)
- Mathematics: RD Sharma / Cengage
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring NCERT basics
- Skipping mock tests
- Poor time management
- Over-dependence on coaching material
FAQs
Q1. Is IAT tougher than JEE or NEET?
IAT focuses more on conceptual clarity and interdisciplinary thinking, not extreme difficulty.
Q2. Can PCB students apply?
Yes, but some programs (B.Tech., BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences, BS in Economic Sciences program, BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences program) require Mathematics.
Q3. Is there negative marking?
Yes, -1 mark for incorrect answers.
Q4. Is IISER good for research careers?
Yes, IISERs are among the best institutes in India for scientific research and academia.
Q5. How many questions will be there in the Test/Exam?
There will be a total 60 question; 15 questions from each subject: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Conclusion
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 is a golden opportunity for students who want to build a career in science, research, and innovation. With world-class infrastructure, research exposure, and interdisciplinary learning, IISERs offer a unique academic experience.
If you are genuinely passionate about science—not just exams—then IISER is one of the best paths you can choose after Class 12.
Start early, stay consistent, and focus on concepts—you can crack IAT 2026 with the right strategy.
Key Highlights of IAT- 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)- 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IISER (JAC 2026, IISER Berhampur) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Eligibility | Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) or Diploma in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 and studied at least 3 subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (maths is compulsory for some programs) |
| Application Start | 05.03.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13.04.2026 |
| Exam Date | 07.06.2026 |
| Duration of the Exam | 3 Hours |
| Subjects included in the Exam | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (at +2 level) |
| Total Marks | 240 |
| Total Question | 60 |
| Marks for each correct Answer | +4 |
| Marks for each incorrect Answer | -1 |
| Marks for each un-attempted question | 0 |
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