Munish Sood
Mandi
Admissions to all seven Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) for the academic year 2026–27 will be determined exclusively on the basis of the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026, with no consideration of JEE scores. The announcement marks a clear, science-focused pathway for aspirants seeking entry into the country’s premier research-driven institutions.
The IISERs have officially opened the admission cycle for undergraduate programmes through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026. The online application portal will go live on March 5, 2026, and the entrance examination is scheduled to be conducted on June 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM IST.
This year, admission to the seven IISER campuses will strictly depend on performance in IAT 2026, reinforcing the examination as the sole and mandatory gateway for aspiring science students.
The IISERs were established by the Government of India as autonomous institutions dedicated to excellence in basic science education and cutting-edge research. Admissions through IAT 2026 will cover the following campuses: IISER Berhampur, IISER Bhopal, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, and IISER Tirupati.
Aspirants can apply through the official admission portal (https://www.iiseradmission.in/), which also provides information regarding examination centres, eligibility norms, and key deadlines.
A dedicated helpdesk has been set up to support candidates during the admission process. Students can contact +91 7205457461 between 2 PM and 5 PM on working days or email askjac2026@iiserbpr.ac.in for assistance.
Highlighting the academic ethos of IISERs, Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director of IISER Mohali, emphasised that the institute offers an environment where curiosity translates into innovation and knowledge drives societal progress. He noted that the academic framework integrates rigorous scientific training with opportunities in sports, culture, and extracurricular engagement, ensuring holistic student development.
The IISER Aptitude Test is designed to create a science-first academic track, allowing students to explore disciplines across biological, chemical, mathematical, physical, and earth sciences before selecting a specialisation. The flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum equips students with strong conceptual foundations and early exposure to research methodologies.
Over the years, IISER graduates have secured placements in leading global firms, reputed research laboratories, and prestigious PhD programmes worldwide. The institutes also provide extensive opportunities for internships, industry collaborations, and international exchange programmes. This ecosystem prepares students for careers in research and development, academia, deep technology, and innovation-led sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who have passed Class XII or an equivalent examination, or completed a minimum three-year diploma programme in the science stream in 2024, 2025, or 2026, with at least 60 per cent aggregate marks (55 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates), are eligible to apply. The aggregate will be calculated by considering all subjects taken.
Applicants must have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Mathematics is mandatory for specific programmes such as BS-MS Computational and Data Sciences at IISER Kolkata, B.Tech./BS Economic Sciences at IISER Bhopal, and BS Economic & Statistical Sciences at IISER Tirupati.
Special provisions apply to JKBOSE Kashmir and Ladakh students from the December 2023 batch, who will be treated as 2024 pass-outs. Kashmiri migrant candidates must upload a domicile certificate during the application process. Reservations will be implemented as per Government of India policy—15 per cent for SC, 7.5 per cent for ST, 27 per cent for OBC-NCL, 5 per cent for PwD, and up to 10 per cent for EWS candidates, along with supernumerary seats for Kashmiri migrants.
Important Dates
• March 5, 2026: Application portal opens
• April 13, 2026: Application portal closes
• April 16–18, 2026: Application correction window
• May 24, 2026: Release of admit cards
• June 7, 2026: IAT 2026 examination
Candidates are advised to carefully fill in their application forms, as certain details cannot be modified after submission. Regular updates and detailed notifications will be available on the official admission portal.
With admissions now streamlined exclusively through IAT, IISERs continue to strengthen their commitment to nurturing India’s next generation of scientists through rigorous academic training, interdisciplinary exposure, and a strong research-driven foundation.
