IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 – Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Registration, Cut-Off & Preparation Guide

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into the prestigious BS-MS (5-year Integrated) and 4-year BS programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs).

IISERs are India's top science and research institutions known for:

• World-class laboratories

• Research-driven curriculum

• Excellent faculty

• High-quality doctoral and post-doctoral opportunities

IAT is the primary pathway for the SCIENCE + RESEARCH career aspirants who want to pursue Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Data Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and interdisciplinary subjects.

The exam is expected to be conducted in June 2026 in computer-based mode.

IISERs Participating in IAT 2026

There are 7 IISER campuses participating in IAT:

1. IISER Pune

2. IISER Kolkata

3. IISER Mohali

4. IISER Bhopal

5. IISER Thiruvananthapuram

6. IISER Tirupati

7. IISER Berhampur

In addition, IISER Bhopal offers Engineering Science and Economic Sciences programs.

IAT 2026 – Key Highlights

IAT 2026 – Important Dates (Tentative)

IAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

• Must have passed Class 12 in Science stream (with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology).

• Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible.

Minimum Marks

• GEN/OBC/EWS: Minimum 60% aggregate.

• SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 55% aggregate.

Mandatory Subjects

Candidate must have studied three of the following subjects in Class 12:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

• Biology

Age Limit

• No upper age limit.

• Must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026.

IAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Marking Scheme

• +4 marks for each correct answer
• –1 mark for incorrect answer
• 0 marks for unattempted

IAT 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus is based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 for all four subjects.

Biology

Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Physiology, Biotechnology, Plant & Animal Biology, Ecology, Human Health & Disease.

Chemistry

Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Hydrocarbons, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry.

Physics

Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work & Energy, Thermodynamics, Oscillations & Waves, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics.

Mathematics

Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Vector Algebra, Probability, Matrices, Differential Equations.

IAT 2026 Application Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit the IISER admissions portal

2. Register with email & phone

3. Fill in academic and personal details

4. Upload photo & signature

5. Choose preferred IISERs

6. Pay the registration fee

7. Download confirmation page

Expected Application Fee: 

IISER IAT 2026 Cut-Off (Expected Score Range)

Seats in IISERs (Expected)

Total: ~1,500 seats (BS-MS + BS programs)

IISER Admission Channels

There are three modes of admission:

1. IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) — Main channel: For most students.

2. KVPY Channel (Only if reintroduced):  Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (may or may not continue).

3. JEE Advanced Channel: A few seats reserved for top JEE Advanced rankers.

IAT 2026 Counselling & Seat Allocation

Counselling is centralized and conducted online.
Process includes:

1. Register for counselling

2. Submit preferences of IISER campuses

3. Seat allocation based on IAT rank

4. Document verification

5. Fee payment

6. Reporting to the allotted IISER

Why Choose IISER?

• Research-driven curriculum:  Ideal for students aiming for careers in research, innovation, and academia.

• Best labs & facilities:  World-class infrastructure for Physics, Chemistry, Bio, Earth Science & Data Science research.

• Summer internships & semester exchange

Including opportunities at:

• IISc

• TIFR

• IITs

• International universities

High career prospects

Many IISER graduates pursue:

• PhD abroad (MIT, Stanford, Princeton)

• Research institutes (ISRO, DRDO, BARC)

• Industry roles in biotech, data science, and R&D

IAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

1. Master NCERT Class 11 & 12: Almost 80% of questions are concept-based.

2. Focus on Conceptual Understanding:  IAT is not formula-memorizing — it tests deep reasoning.

3. Practice IAT & JEE Foundation Questions: Physics and maths require analytical approach.

4. Solve Previous Year Papers: Understand difficult concepts and question types.

5. Attempt Mock Tests: Helps with accuracy and time management.

6. Strengthen Application-Based Thinking: Questions often require linking two or more topics.

Final Thoughts

The IISER Aptitude Test 2026 is the gateway to India’s best science research institutions.
If you dream of a career in scientific research, discovery, academia, biotechnology, data science, physics, chemistry, or biological sciences, then IISER is the perfect start.

With strong fundamentals, conceptual clarity, consistent practice, and early preparation — cracking IAT is absolutely achievable.