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The Ultimate Guide to the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026: Dates, Eligibility & Syllabus
The Ultimate Guide to the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026: Dates, Eligibility & Syllabus
If you are a science enthusiast aiming for a premier undergraduate program in India, the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) should be at the top of your list. Here is the ultimate, complete guide to the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026.
📅 Important Dates at a Glance
Mark your calendars! Here are the critical deadlines for IAT 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | Thursday, March 5, 2026 |
| Application Portal Closes | Monday, April 13, 2026 (11:55 PM IST) |
| Corrections in Application Forms | Thursday, April 16, 2026 (11:00 AM IST) – Saturday, April 18, 2026 (11:55 PM IST) |
| Release of Hall Tickets | Sunday, May 24, 2026 |
| IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 | Sunday, June 7, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon IST) |
📝 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
IAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test at various centres across India.
Test Structure
- Total Questions: 60 (15 questions each from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics)
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with only one correct answer
| Action | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 mark (negative marking) |
| Unanswered | 0 marks |
| Maximum Marks | 240 |
Important Notes:
- The total marks obtained out of 240 will be considered for preparing the Rank List.
- Not every candidate will be awarded a rank—the rank cut-off will be announced at an appropriate time.
- Getting a rank does not guarantee an offer or admission to an IISER.
🏛️ Other Institutes Using IAT 2026
Several prestigious institutions will use IAT 2026 for admissions. Students wishing to apply to any of these programs MUST complete the following two steps:
Step 1: Apply to IAT 2026 on the IISER Admission Portal (www.iiseradmission.in)
Step 2: Follow instructions on the specific program pages of the respective institute websites and apply separately.
| # | Institution | Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Madras | 4-Year Bachelor of Science (BS) Program |
| 2 | IIT Guwahati | 4-year BS program on Biomedical Science and Engineering |
| 3 | IISc Bengaluru | 4-Year Bachelor of Science (BS) (Research) Program |
| 4 | IACS Kolkata | Integrated Bachelor’s–Master’s in Science (BS-MS) Program |
| 5 | IIEST Shibpur | 5-Year BS-MS in Chemistry, Physics and Applied Geology Program |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Nationality & Year of Passing
Applicants must be Indian nationals, OCI/PIO, or Foreign Nationals.
Candidates must have passed Class XII (or equivalent) in:
- 2024 or 2025, OR
- Appearing in 2026 from any COBSE recognized board.
Subject Requirements
Must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
Mathematics is mandatory for:
- BS-MS Computational/Data Sciences (Kolkata)
- B.Tech programs (Bhopal)
- BS in Economic Sciences (Bhopal)
- BS in Economic/Statistical Sciences (Tirupati)
Minimum Percentage
Calculated using aggregate marks of ALL subjects taken in Class XII.
- SC/ST/PwD: 55% marks or equivalent grade
- General/OBC/Others: 60% marks or equivalent grade
Special Provisions
- JKBOSE Students: (Kashmir division/Winter Zone & Ladakh) who appeared in Dec 2023 are eligible. Select 2024 as passing year.
- Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-Migrants): Can apply as Kashmiri Migrants with a valid domicile certificate.
💰 Fee Structure
Application Fee (Non-refundable)
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General, EWS, OBC, OBC-NCL | Rs. 2,000/- |
| PwD, SC/ST, Kashmiri Migrants/Pandits/Hindu Families (Non-Migrant) | Rs. 1,000/- |
| Foreign National | Rs. 12,000/- |
Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) – Payable after offer of admission
| Category | Seat Acceptance Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC / OBC-NCL / PwD / KM | Rs. 35,000/-(Rs. 25k + Rs. 10k non-refundable admin fee) |
| SC / ST | Rs. 17,500/-(Rs. 12.5k + Rs. 5k non-refundable admin fee) |
Important Note: Failure to deposit the SAF within the stipulated time will result in the immediate cancellation of your offer. The SAF will be adjusted against your first-semester fee after registration.
📚 Complete Syllabus for IAT 2026
🧬 Biology
- Diversity in the Living World: Biological classification, Plant & Animal kingdom.
- Structural Organisation: Morphology & Anatomy of flowering plants, Structural organisation in animals (Frog).
- Cell Structure & Functions: Prokaryotic/Eukaryotic cells, Biomolecules, Cell cycle (Mitosis/Meiosis).
- Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, Respiration (Glycolysis, Krebs), Plant growth.
- Human Physiology: Breathing, Circulation, Excretion, Locomotion, Neural control, Chemical coordination.
- Reproduction: Flowering plants, Human reproduction, Reproductive health.
- Genetics and Evolution: Inheritance principles, Molecular basis (DNA, RNA), Evolution.
- Biology in Human Welfare & Biotechnology: Health & disease, Microbes, Biotech principles & applications.
- Ecology: Organisms, Ecosystems, Biodiversity.
🧪 Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry: Basic concepts, Atomic Structure, Thermodynamics, Chemical & Ionic Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic classification, Chemical Bonding (VSEPR, MOT), d & f block elements, Coordination compounds.
- Organic Chemistry: Basic Principles, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes/Haloarenes, Alcohols/Phenols/Ethers, Aldehydes/Ketones/Carboxylic Acids, Amines & Diazonium salts.
- Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Enzymes, Vitamins, Nucleic Acids, Hormones.
📐 Mathematics
- Algebra: Sets, Relations & Functions, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequalities.
- Matrices, Vectors & Geometry: Matrices & Determinants, Vector algebra, Coordinate Geometry (Straight lines, Conic sections), 3D Geometry.
- Trigonometry & Series: Trigonometric & Inverse functions, Sequences & Series (AP, GP).
- Calculus: Limits & Continuity, Differentiation & Applications, Integration & Applications, Differential Equations.
- Statistics & Probability: Measures of dispersion, Probability, Baye’s theorem.
🧲 Physics
- Mechanics: Units & Measurements, Motion (Straight line, Plane), Laws of Motion, Work/Energy/Power, System of Particles, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Mechanical Properties of Solids & Fluids.
- Thermal Physics & Waves: Thermal properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Oscillations (SHM), Waves.
- Electromagnetism: Electric Charges/Fields, Electrostatic Potential/Capacitance, Current Electricity, Moving Charges/Magnetism, Magnetism/Matter, EMI, Alternating Current, Electromagnetic Waves.
- Optics: Ray Optics, Wave Optics.
- Modern Physics: Dual Nature of Radiation/Matter, Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductor Electronics.
🪑 Reservation Policy & PwD Facilities
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | Up to 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% (horizontal) |
| Kashmiri Migrants/Pandits/Hindu Families | 3 seats per IISER (supernumerary) |
Note: EWS/OBC-NCL certificates should be issued on or after April 1, 2026.
👨🦯 Scribe & Compensatory Time
Scribe Facility: Available for PwD candidates who are visually impaired, severely dyslexic, or have upper limb/hand disabilities.
Extra Time: 1 hour of compensatory time for PwD (>= 40% impairment) or those with <40% impairment but having difficulty writing.
🌏 OCI/PIO & Foreign Nationals
Both categories can apply and compete for unreserved seats.
Must upload an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities unless they passed Class XII from a COBSE-recognized board.
📊 Seat Matrix 2026
The tentative total number of seats across all BS-MS / BS / B.Tech programs is 2,343.
| Institute (BS-MS Program) | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| IISER Berhampur | 300 |
| IISER Bhopal | 300 |
| IISER Kolkata | 280 |
| IISER Kolkata (Computational & Data Sciences) | 30 |
| IISER Mohali | 275 |
| IISER Pune | 288 |
| IISER Thiruvananthapuram | 320 |
| IISER Tirupati | 250 |
🎯 Predict Your Chances
Want to check your prediction and eligibility based on ranks for different IISERs and courses? Visit the Brilliant Pala IISER College Predictor below!
Go to College Predictor 🚀⚡ Quick Tips for Aspirants
- Start Early: With the portal opening on March 5, 2026, begin organizing documents now.
- Cover All Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Physics carry equal weightage.
- Beware Negative Marking: With -1 for incorrect answers, accuracy is paramount.
- Verify Certificates: Ensure category certificates are dated within the valid period.
- Stay Updated: Always check the official portal at www.iiseradmission.in.
All the best for your IAT 2026 journey! This could be your gateway to India’s most prestigious science education institutions.
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