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My NEET Journey

Hey, I’m Prisha, a two-time NEET aspirant who learned that not all journeys end in a rank, but every journey teaches something. If you're tired of hearing only topper stories, this post is for you. ❔ How I Discovered NEET? I didn’t grow up dreaming of AIIMS or scribbling NEET ranks in my diary.  The first time I ever even heard  the word was in 7th grade when my sibling was transitioning from class 10 to 11. Even then, it was just a word floating around the house, I had no idea what it really meant or how intense it would be. It was only after watching my sibling go through two tough years of preparation that I started to understand the pressure and expectations that came with it. It wasn’t just another exam. It was a full-blown identity crisis in MCQ format. ❔ How I Found Myself On The NEET Path (without even realizing it)? Then came my own turn, the class 11 stream selection. To be very honest, I chose PCB not because I had a clear vision of becoming a doctor, but...
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IISER Aptitude Test– Exam Pattern, Cutoff, Campuses & Preparation Tips

If you’re a science student dreaming of research, IISER (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research) is one of the best places to start. Every year, thousands of PCB, PCM and PCMB students attempt the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) to grab a seat in one of the seven prestigious IISER campuses.


In this blog, I’ll cover everything you need to know about IISER admissions – the exam pattern, courses, cutoffs, campuses, and prep tips.


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What is IISER?

IISERs are India’s top research institutes created by the Government of India to promote science and innovation. There are 7 IISER campuses:

  • IISER Pune
  • IISER Kolkata
  • IISER Mohali
  • IISER Bhopal
  • IISER Tirupati
  • IISER Berhampur
  • IISER Thiruvananthapuram





Courses Offered at IISERs

Traditionally, IISERs are famous for their BS-MS Dual Degree (5 years) in sciences. But recently, some IISERs have also started offering B.Tech programs. Here’s a breakdown:

1. BS-MS Dual Degree (All Campuses)

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Earth & Environmental Science
  • Interdisciplinary Sciences


2. B.Tech Programs (Newly Introduced)

  • IISER Bhopal: B.Tech in Engineering Sciences, Data Science, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS).
  • IISER Tirupati & IISER Pune are planning to expand into B.Tech fields in the coming years.

IISERs are no longer only for “pure sciences”; they’re moving towards technology & applied sciences too.





Courses & Specialities at Each IISER


🟣 IISER Bhopal

  • Courses: BS-MS Dual Degree, Integrated PhD, PhD, and now B.Tech programs in Engineering Sciences, Data Science, and EECS.
  • Highlights: Known for its strong mathematics & computer science departments, plus a tech-oriented approach compared to other IISERs. Campus life is vibrant and interdisciplinary.




🟢 IISER Pune

  • Courses: BS-MS, PhD.
  • Highlights: One of the oldest and most reputed IISERs. Strong in chemistry and physics research. The Pune campus also has collaborations with IISc and international universities.



🔵 IISER Kolkata

  • Courses: BS-MS, Integrated PhD, PhD.
  • Highlights: Famous for Earth & Environmental Sciences, along with Biology. Students interested in ecology, geology, and environmental studies often prefer Kolkata.



🟡 IISER Mohali

  • Courses: BS-MS, PhD.
  • Highlights: Often called the “Biology hub” among IISERs. If you’re into Life Sciences, IISER Mohali has one of the strongest faculties and labs.



🟠 IISER Thiruvananthapuram (TVM)

  • Courses: BS-MS, Integrated PhD, PhD.
  • Highlights: Known for physics and chemistry, especially theoretical physics. The campus has a research-driven atmosphere with great exposure in mathematics too.




🔴 IISER Tirupati

  • Courses: BS-MS, PhD.
  • Highlights: One of the newer IISERs, but it’s growing fast. Known for biology and chemistry strengths. Offers good opportunities for students who want a balance of labs + theory.



🟤 IISER Berhampur

  • Courses: BS-MS, PhD.
  • Highlights: The youngest IISER, still developing infrastructure but expanding quickly. Flexible course structure and focus on interdisciplinary sciences.



Beyond IISERs

  • IISc Bangalore: Offers a prestigious BS in Research, with strong placements and international PhD opportunities.


  • IIT Madras (BS in Data Science): A flexible, hybrid program with a tech focus.




IISER Admission Channels

There are three ways to get admission into IISERs:

  1. IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) - main route for most students.
  2. KVPY Channel (discontinued from 2022, now merged with IAT).
  3. JEE Advanced Channel (only for B.Tech course at IISC Bangalore and BS MS course at IITM) 






IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025 – Exam Pattern

  • Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
  • Total Questions: 60 (15 from each subject)
  • Marking Scheme:
    • +4 marks for correct answer
    • -1 for wrong answer
    • 0 for unattempted
  • Syllabus: Based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 (PCB + Maths).


Note: Students from PCB/PCM can also attempt this exam. You can completely skip Maths/Bio if you’re not comfortable. You can still score good and bag an IISER even with your 3 strong subjects.


IISER Cutoffs & Difficulty Level

  • The cutoffs vary every year, usually 110-130 marks are enough for a seat in newer IISERs, while 150+ marks are needed for top campuses like Pune and Kolkata.
  • Compared to NEET, the IAT is considered trickier in terms of questions (concept-based, logical). But the competition is less intense than NEET since fewer students apply.



Life at IISER

Studying at IISER means:

  • Early exposure to research labs.
  • Guidance by some of the best scientists in India.
  • Opportunities to pursue PhD abroad with full scholarships.
  • Vibrant campus life with cultural and science clubs.



How to Prepare for IAT

  • Focus on NCERT basics – almost all questions are based on them.
  • Practice previous year papers (they’re limited, but useful).
  • Solve mock tests to get a feel of the computer-based format.
  • If you’re from PCB, strengthen Biology + Chemistry + Physics.



Final Thoughts

If you’re passionate about science, IISER is the best alternative to NEET/JEE. It opens doors to research, innovation, and international opportunities. 


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