IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)

1. Orientation, programmes and eligibilityThe seven IISERs and the programmes at each · Other institutions that use the IAT and how to apply to them · Eligibility and subject rules from the current brochure · Student and parent goals
   Deliverable: Route map and 20-week plan
2. Baseline diagnostic across four subjectsA timed set of questions from past papers in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics · Where marks were lost: concept, speed or reading · Strengths to protect
   Deliverable: Baseline report
3. Biology 1: cell, biomolecules and plant physiologyNCERT depth on cell structure, enzymes and photosynthesis · Reading kinetics graphs and diagrams · A weekly figure-reading drill
   Deliverable: Biology notes and error log
4. Biology 2: human physiology, genetics and evolutionPhysiology systems and hormones · Inheritance, pedigrees and molecular genetics · Hardy–Weinberg and evolution questions
   Deliverable: Biology question set reviewed
5. Biology 3: biotechnology and ecologyRecombinant DNA tools and applications · Population growth curves and interactions · Ecosystem energy flow
   Deliverable: Data-interpretation practice log
6. Chemistry 1: physical chemistryAtomic structure, thermodynamics and equilibrium · Solutions, electrochemistry and kinetics · Units, estimation and quick checks
   Deliverable: Numerical practice tracker
7. Chemistry 2: inorganic chemistry and bondingPeriodicity and molecular orbital theory · Coordination compounds and magnetic properties · d- and f-block trends
   Deliverable: Concept map and error log
8. Chemistry 3: organic chemistryReaction mechanisms and stereochemistry · Reading reaction schemes and chromatograms · Functional-group conversions
   Deliverable: Mechanism practice set
9. Mathematics 1: algebra, functions and calculusFunctions, polynomials and complex numbers · Limits, derivatives and integrals · Solving each problem two ways
   Deliverable: Problem set and error log
10. Mathematics 2: geometry, vectors and probabilityConic sections and three-dimensional geometry · Vectors, matrices and determinants · Probability and statistics
    Deliverable: Problem set reviewed
11. Physics 1: mechanics, gravitation and thermodynamicsKinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, rotation · Gravitation, fluids and heat · Dimension and unit checks as a habit
    Deliverable: Physics problem tracker
12. Physics 2: electromagnetism, optics and modern physicsElectrostatics, current, magnetism and induction · Optics, waves and the photoelectric effect · Atoms, nuclei and semiconductors
    Deliverable: Physics question set reviewed
13. Past papers: a solved paper in four subjectsWork through a released paper with its official answers where they exist · How examiners hide the concept in the wording · Build a personal error log
    Deliverable: Annotated paper
14. Timed mock test 1 and analysisA full 180-minute mock in the official format · Section-wise time split · Mistake categories and what to drill next
    Deliverable: Mock analysis report
15. Negative marking and exam strategyThe break-even accuracy for a 4 and minus 1 scheme · When to guess and when to skip · Handling the computer-based interface (practise on the official mock)
    Deliverable: Personal exam strategy card
16. Timed mock test 2 and last revisionA second full mock · Revision priorities from the error log · Sleep and exam-day routine
    Deliverable: Final readiness checklist
17. Application, documents and calendarRegistration, fee and document checklist from the current notice · Category and marks documents · Applications to IISc, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, IACS or IIEST Shibpur where relevant
    Deliverable: Dated application tracker
18. Results and the preference listReading the result and rank · Past closing ranks by programme as a guide only · Building a reach, match and safe preference list across IISERs
    Deliverable: Preference matrix
19. Counselling rounds and seat decisionsHow offers, acceptance and withdrawal work in the rounds (read the brochure) · When to hold, upgrade or withdraw · Backup options
    Deliverable: Round-by-round decision sheet
20. Parent briefing and decision reviewCost, campus life and research path · Backup routes: other science programmes, engineering, medicine · Final decision checklist
    Deliverable: Parent summary note

Yes for 2026. The brochure says all students admitted to IISERs in 2026–27 are admitted through the IAT 2026.

No. Admission uses the IAT score only, plus the Class XII eligibility conditions. The IAT is separate from JEE Main, JEE Advanced and NEET.

Yes for the 5-year BS-MS: you need at least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Some programmes need Mathematics; see Who can apply.

Yes. 4 marks for a correct answer, minus 1 for a wrong answer and 0 for unanswered questions.

No. Not every candidate is ranked and a rank does not guarantee an offer. Seats are offered through counselling rounds.

Yes, for the programmes listed above, but you must apply separately on each institute’s website as well as for the IAT.

Compare programmes, location, research areas and the closing ranks of past rounds, which the official site publishes. The mentorship programme helps you build a preference list.

Class 11 students should build NCERT depth in all four subjects. A twelve-month plan before the June test works well for most students.