IISER Aptitude Test (IAT): syllabus, exam pattern & eligibility

IISER Aptitude Test. Sole route of admission to the 5-year BS-MS, 4-year BS and 4-year B.Tech programmes at the seven IISERs (Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati). IAT 2026 scores are also used by IIT Madras (4-yr BS), IIT Guwahati (4-yr BS Biomedical Science & Engg), IISc Bengaluru (4-yr BS Research), IACS Kolkata (BS-MS) and IIEST Shibpur (5-yr BS-MS), which require a separate application.

Category
Science & Research
Conducted by
Joint Admissions Committee of the IISERs (IAT 2026 organised by IISER Berhampur)
Level
UG entrance
Frequency
Once a year
Mode
CBT
Languages
English, Hindi
Application fee
₹2000 for General, EWS, OBC, OBC-NCL; ₹1000 for SC/ST, PwD, Kashmiri Migrants (2026)

Eligibility

Exam pattern

IAT

180 min · 60 questions · 240 marks

Syllabus

Biology

Diversity in the Living World, Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals, Cell: Structure and Functions, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology in Human Welfare, Biotechnology, Ecology

Chemistry

Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of the Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, The d- and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules

Mathematics

Sets and Logic, Basic Counting Techniques, Complex Numbers, Linear and Quadratic Equations, Trigonometric Functions, Vectors, Matrices and Determinants, Coordinate Geometry, Three-Dimensional Geometry, Sequences and Series, Limit and Continuity, Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations, Statistics, Probability and Linear Programming

Physics

Units and Measurements, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, System of Particles and Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Properties of Matter, Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Modern Physics, Semiconductor Electronics

Important dates (2026)

Selection process

Rank list based on total IAT marks (out of 240); admission offers made in multiple centralised counselling rounds according to rank, category and programme preferences, subject to Class XII eligibility (60% / 55%).

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Frequently asked questions

What is IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?

IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) stands for IISER Aptitude Test. Sole route of admission to the 5-year BS-MS, 4-year BS and 4-year B.Tech programmes at the seven IISERs (Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati). IAT 2026 scores are also used by IIT Madras (4-yr BS), IIT Guwahati (4-yr BS Biomedical Science & Engg), IISc Bengaluru (4-yr BS Research), IACS Kolkata (BS-MS) and IIEST Shibpur (5-yr BS-MS), which require a separate application. It is conducted by Joint Admissions Committee of the IISERs (IAT 2026 organised by IISER Berhampur). Level: UG entrance.

Who is eligible for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?

Education: Class XII (or equivalent) passed in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026, from a COBSE-recognised board, with at least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics. Minimum 60% aggregate in Class XII (55% for SC/ST/PwD). Mathematics in Class XII required for BS-MS Computational & Data Sciences (IISER Kolkata), B.Tech and BS Economic Sciences (IISER Bhopal), BS Economic & Statistical Sciences (IISER Tirupati). Age limit: No age limit stated. Attempts: Limited by the Class XII passing-year window (current year and previous two years). Nationality: Indian nationals, OCI/PIO card holders and foreign nationals (OCI/PIO/foreign nationals need an AIU equivalence certificate unless Class XII is from a COBSE-recognised Indian board).

What is the exam pattern of IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?

IAT: 180 minutes, 60 questions, 240 marks. Mode: CBT.

How often is IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) held?

Once a year.

When is IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) held?

2026 cycle: Information brochure released 2026-03-04; Application opens 2026-03-05; Application closes 2026-04-13; Application correction window 2026-04-16 to 2026-04-18; Hall tickets released 2026-05-24; Exam (9:00 AM–12:00 noon IST) 2026-06-07.

How are candidates selected through IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?

Rank list based on total IAT marks (out of 240); admission offers made in multiple centralised counselling rounds according to rank, category and programme preferences, subject to Class XII eligibility (60% / 55%).

What is the application fee for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?

₹2000 for General, EWS, OBC, OBC-NCL; ₹1000 for SC/ST, PwD, Kashmiri Migrants (2026).

Compiled from public sources, last checked 2026-09-25. Dates, fees and rules change, so confirm with the official website before you apply.