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IISER Aptitude Test 2026: Gateway to India's Premier Science Research Institutes
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 is the best opportunity for students interested in building a career as a fundamental researcher in Science. The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) conduct this examination every year. The exam will take place on the 7th of June 2026. It will be a computer-based exam with many test centres throughout the country. The IAT 2026 admission card will be available on the official website, iiseradmission. in, on the 24th of May, 2026. The registration window closed on the 13th of April, 2026, and students who registered for the test are now in the preparation phase.
What Is the IISER Aptitude Test and Why Does It Matter?
The IISER aptitude test (IAT) is a way to assess students' conceptual understanding and analytical skills in the sciences. It is an entrance exam that is more accessible to students with a strong foundation in school-level science. IAT is an example of a more progressive exam, in that, unlike JEE or NEET, it rewards analytical skills rather than rote learning.
The IAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which are divided into 15 from each of the 4 sciences. The questions must be answered in 180 minutes, or 3 minutes each, which is ample time in comparison to many exams. In total, the IAT is out of 240, with 4 points awarded for a correct answer and -1 point for an incorrect answer. The IAT is more appealing to students because it, along with the 7 IISERs, is accepted by other institutions such as the IITs, IACS, and IIEST. In total, there are approximately 2,324 seats for the 2026-27 academic session.
Who can Apply for the IAT 2026?
Eligibility criteria will dictate how you prepare for this exam. To apply for the IAT 2026, candidates must have completed or be completing their Class 12 examinations in 2024 to 2026. They must have been a student of a science stream and must have been enrolled in a school recognised by the Council of School Board Education, India. Students in the science stream must have been enrolled in at least three subjects from the following: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
For the purpose of total marks obtained, general and OBC-NCL candidates must have obtained a minimum score of 60 per cent in class 12. This score is relaxed to 55 percent for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD. Students from India, as well as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders, can apply. Foreign nationals must obtain an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (if their board examination has not been recognised by COBSE). Candidates can apply for the IAT only three times: in the year they complete their class 12 examinations and the two consecutive following years.
What To Expect: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and Difficulty Level
There have been no notable changes in this year's IAT 2026 compared to last year's. It is still a computer-based test that contains 60 MCQs equally split between 4 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The paper offers options for regional language students and is available in Hindi as well as English. The maximum marks are 240, and the rank list is prepared based only on the marks attained.
The syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12. Topics include the principles and laws of thermodynamics and mechanics in Physics, organic and physical chemistry, calculus and algebra in Mathematics, and cell and molecular biology and genetics in Biology. Boards and coaching institutes that observe and analyse test performance have indicated that the difficulty level lies comfortably between JEE Main and JEE Advanced, with the majority of questions being conceptual rather than numerical. Generally, a score of 200 is a good score for applying to IISER Pune or IISc Bangalore.
KEY DATES
Enrolment Period (Closed): 5th March - 13th April 2026
Form Amendment Period (Closed): 16th - 18th April 2026
Admission Card Issued: 24th May 2026
Date of Examination: 7th June 2026 (09:00 - 12:00)
Preliminary Answer Key: 7th June 2026
Answer Key Contest Period: 9th June 2026 onwards
Results Released: Expected by the end of June 2026
Commencement of Counselling: July 2026 onwards
FAQ Section
Q1. What exactly is the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?
The IAT is a national-level computer-based exam conducted for admission to BS-MS (5-year Dual Degree), BS (4-year), and B. Tech. degree programs at the IISERs, IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, and some other associated organisations.
Q2. When will IAT 2026 be held?
The IISER Aptitude Test 2026 will be conducted on June 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in an online exam at multiple locations across India.
Q3. What is the lowest qualifying mark for IAT 2026 exam?
For IAT 2026, students belonging to General and OBC-NCL categories must have at least 60 per cent marks in the 12th standard, while the SC, ST and PwD categories must have at least 55 per cent marks in the 12th standard.
Q4. How many attempts are allowed for IAT?
Students are allowed to appear for the IAT a maximum of three times beginning from the year in which they appear for their 12th standard examination.
Q5. What score is considered a good score for IAT 2026?
Based on the previous year’s examination, a score of 200 or above out of 240 marks is considered a good score.
Q6. Are KVPY and JEE Advanced scores accepted for seeking admission at IISER?
No. KVPY and JEE Advanced scores for admission to IISER are no longer accepted as of the academic year 2023-24. Admission is based solely on the IAT.
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