Are you a science aspirant dreaming of world-class research education in India? The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 is your gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research — institutions built specifically for students passionate about pure science and research.
In this guide, you get to know about IISER 2026 admission — from eligibility and application process to exam pattern, cutoff trends, and important dates.
What is IISER? A Quick Overview
The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are autonomous institutions established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. As a result, they bridge the gap between science education and cutting-edge research.
Unlike traditional engineering colleges, IISERs focus exclusively on pure sciences — making them the top choice for students who want to pursue research careers in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Earth Sciences.
Admissions to IISERs are conducted through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) — a national-level, computer-based entrance exam held annually.
IISER IAT 2026 — Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research |
| Exam Name | IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Date | June 07, 2026 (Sunday, 9:00 AM IST) |
| Admission Basis | IAT Score only |
| Official Website | iiseradmission.in |
| Participating Institutes | 11 (IISERs + IISc Bangalore + IIT Guwahati + IIEST Shibpur + IACS Kolkata) |
Important Update 2026: The authorities now base admissions solely on IAT scores.
IISER 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Form Released | March 5, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April 13, 2026 |
| Correction Window | April 13 – April 16, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 24, 2026 |
| IAT Exam Date | June 07, 2026 (9:00 AM IST) |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 (To be announced) |
Deadline Alert: The application window is now closed. If you have already applied, use the correction window (April 13–16) to fix any errors in your form.
IISER 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet all of the following requirements:
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent (Science stream) |
| Subjects Required | At least 3 subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics |
| Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate (General/OBC/EWS) — 55% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Year of Passing | 2024, 2025, or 2026 |
| Nationality | Indian nationals, PIO, or OCI holders |
Special Notes:
- Mathematics is mandatory for BS-MS Computational & Data Sciences (IISER Kolkata), B.Tech/BS Economic Sciences (IISER Bhopal), and BS Economic & Statistical Sciences (IISER Tirupati)
- Foreign nationals must upload an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- Kashmiri migrants must upload a valid domicile certificate at the time of application
IISER 2026 Application Process — Step by Step
Applying for IAT 2026 is a fully online process at iiseradmission.in. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1 — Register
Visit iiseradmission.in and register using your email ID and mobile number. You will receive login credentials via email and SMS.
Step 2 — Fill the Application Form.
Log in and enter your personal details, academic information, and exam city preferences accurately.
Step 3 — Upload Documents.
Keep the following ready before you begin:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
Step 4 — Pay the Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General, EWS, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹2,000 |
| SC, ST, PwD, Kashmiri Migrants | ₹1,000 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹12,000 |
Payment accepted via UPI, net banking, debit/credit card.
Step 5 — Submit and Save Confirmation
Review all details carefully before final submission. Note: You cannot change your registered email ID after submission
Tip: your application is complete, and your fee payment goes through. Download it from iiseradmission.in after May 24, 2026.
IAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Physics | 15 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 60 |
| Biology | 15 | 60 |
| Total | 60 | 240 |
Key Exam Details:
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Question Type: MCQs with 4 options, 1 correct answer
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Marking Scheme: Check the official brochure for negative marking details
Top IISER Institutes in India 2026
| Institute | Location | Approx. Average Package | Seats |
| IISER Mohali | SAS Nagar, Punjab | ₹8.7 LPA | 270 |
| IISER Tirupati | Andhra Pradesh | ₹8 LPA | 250 |
| IISER Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) | Kerala | ₹8 LPA | 320 |
| IISER Pune | Maharashtra | ₹7 LPA | 288 |
| IISER Kolkata | West Bengal | ₹7 LPA | 310 |
| IISER Berhampur | Odisha | ₹4.63 LPA | 300 |
| IISER Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | — | 300 |
New in 2026: IACS Kolkata, IIT Guwahati, and IIEST Shibpur have been added as IAT participating institutes, bringing the total to 11 institutions.
IISER IAT 2026 Expected Cutoff Trends
| Score / Rank | Expected Allotment |
| 120+ marks (IAT) | Top IISERs — Pune, Kolkata, Mohali |
| 90–120 marks | Mid-tier IISERs |
| 70–90 marks | Newer IISERs |
📌 Your IAT rank, seat availability, and the preferences you submit during counselling together determine your allotment
How a College Predictor App Can Help You
After results are declared, most students face two big questions: Which IISER can I get into? and Should I choose IISER or an engineering college?
A reliable college predictor app helps you:
- Predict colleges based on your IAT score
- Compare IISERs with the top engineering colleges in India
- Analyse year-wise cutoff trends
- Get data-driven admission guidance
Platforms like Shiksha Samadhan serve as a trusted admission counselling app, helping students make informed, confident decisions after results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the IISER IAT 2026 exam date?
The IAT 2026 exam is scheduled for June 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM IST, and will be conducted as a computer-based test across centres in India.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for IISER 2026?
The application deadline is April 13, 2026. The correction window remains open until April 16, 2026.
Q3. Is the JEE score accepted for IISER 2026 admission?
No. From 2026, admissions are based solely on IAT scores. JEE channel admissions have been discontinued.
Q4. What is the minimum percentage required for IAT 2026?
Candidates need a minimum of 60% aggregate in Class 12 (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Q5. When will the IISER 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card will be available for download from May 24, 2026, on iiseradmission.in. Only candidates with complete, successfully submitted applications will receive it.
Q6. How many institutes participate in IAT 2026?
A total of 11 institutes participate in IAT 2026, including all 7 IISERs, IISc Bangalore, IIT Guwahati, IIEST Shibpur, and IACS Kolkata.