Overview of IISER IAT 2026 - Complete Guide

Key highlights of IISER IAT Notification 2026

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 notification is anticipated to be released in the fourth week of January 2026. This notification will contain comprehensive details regarding the exam, including important dates, the application process, syllabus, and exam pattern.

Application and Exam Schedule:
The application form is expected to be released in the second week of March 2026.
The application window will likely remain open until the third week of April 2026.
The IISER IAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for the third or fourth week of May 2026.
The exam duration will be three hours, and it will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates must have passed Class XII (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or 2026 from a board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE).
Applicants must be from the science stream and have studied at least three subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in Class XII.
* Indian nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, and foreign nationals are eligible to apply.

Exam Structure and Content:
The exam will test candidates' domain knowledge based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
Questions will cover Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
* A mock test will be made available online to help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and difficulty level.

How many vacancies have been released for the IISER IAT 2026?

As of current information, the exact number of vacancies released for the IISER IAT 2026 has not been officially announced. However, based on the previous year's data, the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) collectively offer approximately 2600 seats through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) for various undergraduate programs.

These seats are distributed across the different IISER campuses for programs such as the 5-Year BS-MS Dual Degree, 4-Year BS programs, and B.Tech programs. For instance, specific seat allocations for BS-MS programs at various IISERs indicate numbers like 300 at IISER Bhopal, 280 at IISER Kolkata, and 350 at IISER Tirupati, among others. Additionally, B.Tech and BS programs have separate seat allocations, such as 140 seats for B.Tech at IISER Bhopal and 50 seats for BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences at IISER Tirupati.

The official notification for IISER IAT 2026, which will contain precise details on vacancies, is expected to be released in the fourth week of January 2026 or the first week of February 2026. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding seat vacancies.

Important dates for IISER IAT Exam 2026

As of January 27, 2026, the official important dates for the IISER IAT Exam 2026 have not yet been released. These dates are crucial for prospective students to plan their application and preparation effectively.

Typically, the application process for the IISER IAT begins in the first quarter of the year, with the examination usually conducted in the first week of June. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IISER website for the most up-to-date information regarding the application window, admit card release, and exam dates. Keeping an eye on these announcements will ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines for the 2026 admission cycle.

What is the eligibility criteria for IISER IAT 2026?

To be eligible for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualification: You must have passed the Class XII (or equivalent) examination from a board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India. The examination should have been completed in the years 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Subject Combination: Your Class XII examination must include at least three subjects from the following: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Minimum Marks:
Candidates from General, OBC, and OBC-NCL categories need to achieve a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate in their Class XII examination.
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories require a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate in their Class XII examination.
The percentage calculation should consider all subjects taken in Class XII.
Nationality: The eligibility is open to Indian nationals, as well as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders. Foreign nationals can also apply, but they may need to submit an equivalence certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) if their board is not recognized by COBSE.
Age Limit: As of now, there is no specified minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in the IAT exam. However, some sources indicate a birth date criterion for General and OBC categories (born on or after October 1, 2000) and a relaxation for SC, ST, and PwD candidates (born on or after October 1, 1995). It is advisable to check the official notification for the most current age-related guidelines.

It's important to note that candidates who are appearing for their Class XII examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they meet all other criteria and pass their board exams.

When will the application for IISER IAT 2026 begin?

The application for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 is expected to begin in the second week of March 2026. The application process is conducted entirely online, and interested candidates will need to register on the official IAT website.

The application window is anticipated to remain open until the third week of April 2026. Some sources indicate the last date to apply could be around April 15, 2026, while others suggest the second week of April 2026. A correction window for applications is expected to open in the third week of April 2026.

How to apply for IISER IAT 2026?

To apply for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026, you will need to complete an online application process. The application form is expected to be released in the second week of March 2026 and will be available until the third week of April 2026.

Application Steps

The application process is entirely online and involves the following steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official IISER admissions portal, which is iiseradmission.in.
2. Registration: Sign up by providing your email ID and phone number to create a login account. You will receive registration credentials via email and SMS.
3. Complete the Application Form: Log in using your credentials and fill in your personal and educational details. You will also need to select your preferred exam city and course.
4. Upload Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your passport-size photograph and signature.
5. Pay Application Fee: Complete the application by paying the required fee online through net banking, credit card, or debit card.
6. Submit and Print: After successful payment, submit the application form and print a copy for your records.

It is crucial to ensure you meet the IISER 2026 eligibility criteria before starting the application process to avoid any issues. You will also have an opportunity to make corrections to your application form during a designated correction window, which is expected to be in the third week of April 2026.

What is the application fees for the IISER IAT recruitment 2026?

The application fee for the IISER IAT 2026 is structured based on the candidate's category.

General, EWS, OBC, and OBC-NCL categories: The application fee is INR 2,000, plus any applicable transaction fees.
SC, ST, Kashmiri Migrants, and PwD (Persons with Disabilities) categories: The application fee is INR 1,000, plus any applicable transaction fees.

For foreign nationals, the application fee is INR 12,000. The application fee is non-refundable.

What is the selection process for IISER IAT 2026?

The selection process for IISER IAT 2026 is primarily based on the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Candidates must first apply for the examination, with the application process expected to begin around March 2026.

IAT Examination

The IAT is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted for admission to various programs, including the 5-Year BS-MS Dual Degree, 4-Year BS, and B.Tech programs offered by the IISERs. The exam covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Counselling and Seat Allocation

Following the declaration of IAT 2026 results, shortlisted candidates will be invited for counselling and seat allocation. This involves online registration, selecting preferred IISERs and courses, document submission, and paying the counselling fee. Seat allocation is determined by the candidate's rank, their choices, and the availability of seats at the respective IISERs. Final admission is contingent upon successful document verification and fee payment.

What is the exam pattern for IISER IAT 2026?

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) for 2026 will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), divided equally among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each subject will have 15 questions. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).

The exam is conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The marking scheme typically involves +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer. This results in a total maximum score of 240 marks.

Candidates are expected to attempt all four sections, regardless of their academic background. The IISER Aptitude Test is the gateway for admissions into BS-MS dual degree programs at the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and other courses at institutions like IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras.

What is the salary for the IISER IAT 2026?

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is the entrance examination for admission to the BS-MS dual degree programs, 4-year BS programs, and 4-year B.Tech programs at the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). The salary for graduates after completing these programs can vary significantly based on career paths and further studies.

Post-Graduation Career Prospects

For those who directly enter the R&D sector after their BS-MS degree, the minimum starting salary can be around ₹5.5 lakh per annum, with additional perks. If graduates pursue a Ph.D. for further research, they will receive a stipend or scholarship, which varies based on the cost of living in the location of their Ph.D. program.

For graduates from IISER Pune, the median salary for the BSc program during the 2023-24 placement drive was INR 11.95 LPA, and for the MSc program, it was INR 8 LPA. Some sources suggest that starting salaries for industry jobs can range from ₹6 lakh to ₹15 lakh per annum, while academic positions like professor or lecturer could earn between ₹12 lakh to ₹18 lakh per annum. More broadly, initial packages are projected to be between ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per annum, with potential for growth based on experience.

It is important to note that specific salary figures for the IISER IAT 2026 are not yet available, as the admission cycle for that year is still in the future. The figures provided are based on recent placement data and projections.

Related Articles

Explore more about IISER IAT: Syllabus of IISER IAT, Salary for IISER IAT, Eligibility Criteria for IISER IAT, Exam Preparation for IISER IAT.