If you’re planning to take the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) in 2024, then you need to stay updated with the latest information regarding the examination. The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) has recently released information regarding their upcoming entrance test IAT 2024 and has made an official announcement through various newspapers. In this article, we’ll provide you with the most recent updates about IAT, including the exam date, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and more. We’ll also discuss the impact of the abolition of both JEE and KVPY channels on IAT admissions and the application fee for different categories. So, keep reading to stay fully informed.
Are you Still trying to decide if IISERs are worth studying? Click here. To learn about the exam pattern and details of IAT, please click here.
What is the IAT Exam Date?
This year, IAT will be conducted on the 9th of June (2024). The application portal opens on April 1 and the last date to apply is May 13. See the detail below to take note of important dates:
| Application Portal Opens | April 1, 2024 |
| Last Date For Application | May 13, 2024 |
| Release of Hall Ticket | Generally In June |
| Exam Date | June 9, 2024 |
| Display of Answer Key | Just After Exam |
| The Portal opens to file an objection | Generally, in June End |
| IAT Result Declaration | Generally, In July |
Please follow our YouTube channel ‘Vivek NISER | SciAstra’ for the latest updates.
Both JEE and KVPY Channel Have Been Abolished:
In the past, the Indian government has abolished the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), which has had an impact on admission processes for IISERs. As a result, IISERs have stopped granting admission based on KVPY scores. However, this year IISERs have announced that admission will be granted through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) exclusively. This means that admission will not be based on Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) scores.
How will this Impact the Candidates?
This change is expected to increase the level of competition for admission through the IAT since students who previously sought admission through the JEE channel may also appear for the IAT, leading to an increase in the number of candidates. As a result, the cutoff for admissions may be slightly higher this year.
Is there Any Change in Eligibility Criteria?
Earlier, only first droppers were allowed to register for IISER or IAT. But this year, anyone who has qualified XII or equivalent from any recognized board in 2022, 2023 or 2024 will be eligible for IAT. This means that second droppers are also allowed this time. So, if you are a second dropper, this is the best opportunity for you.
Following are all the eligibility criteria:
- You must be an Indian Citizen
- You must have passed Class XII or equivalent exam with science stream in 2022, 2023, or 2024
- You must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in your +2
- If you belong to the SC/ST category, you must have secured 55% aggregate or equivalent grade in XII. If you belong to any other category, you must have secured 60% aggregate or equivalent grade in XII
Is there Any Change in the Syllabus?
IAT is based on the NCERT for Class XI and XII. But more than NCERT is required. Hence, check the SciAstra app and website for IAT resources. Also, check the SciAstra app for PYQs of IAT. Also, download and check the SciAstra app. A PDF of the syllabus is present in the ‘free materials section’ in the app. There might be changes in the syllabus this year. Please follow our YouTube channel ‘Vivek NISER | SciAstra’ for the latest updates.
Is there any change in Syllabus?
Till now, IISER has not announced its exam pattern for this year. Hence, the exam pattern is expected to be the same. The exam pattern that IAT generally follows is given below:
IAT is a computer-based offline test. It consists of 60 questions, 15 each from four sections: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
The marking scheme is given below:
- For each correct answer, you will be awarded +4 marks
- For each incorrect answer, one mark will be deducted
- No marks for unanswered questions
All the questions are Multiple Choice Questions with only single correct answers. Total time for answering the test is 3 hours or 180 minutes.
Are both Math And Biology sections compulsory?
The common problem of both PCB and PCM students is that both the Maths and Biology sections are present in the IAT question paper. These sections are not optional. Although, since both PCB and PCM students appear for the exam, if you skip one of these sections, it should not hamper your result much.
But note that if you attempt both sections, it greatly enhances your chances of getting selected. But how can a PCB student solve the maths section and vice-versa? SciAstra comes to your rescue. We have several courses for IAT preparation, and we specifically focus on PCB and PCM students to help them solve the sections that they have not studied in their +2. Click here to learn more about our course.
Scholarships-
Students admitted to IISER might be eligible for a limited number of INSPIRE scholarships. The scholarship will be granted based on norms set by the Department of Science and Technology, India.
How Much is the Application Fee?
- INR 2000 for candidates applying under GEN, EWS and OBC-NCL categories
- INR 1000 for candidates applying under PWD, SC/ST categories and for Kashmiri migrants
- The application fee is the same for male and female candidates.
How to Register for IAT?
All the registration will be done online through the official website: iiseradmission.in
Number of Seats-
The tentative total number of seats available for the BS-MS/BS program is 1808, with each IISER having the following number of seats:
- BS-MS Program (Total 1718 seats)
- Berhampur -170
- Bhopal -240
- Kolkata-250
- Mohali -250
- Pune- 288
- Tirupati-200
- Thiruvananthapuram-320
- BS Program at IISER Bhopal (Total 90 seats)
- Engineering Sciences – 60
- Economic Science – 30
How to Prepare for IAT?
IAT has a unique exam pattern. Hence, it requires a different strategy. SciAstra has come up with the following strategy that can help you ace IAT.
- Understand the unique exam pattern of IAT by solving mock tests: IAT has a unique exam pattern. Solve the mock tests on the SciAstra app available for free to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern.
- Practise Key Topics: There are certain topics that are frequently covered in IAT. You must have deeper conceptual clarity on those topics. You must practise IAT PYQs for the same. SciAstra provides solved PYQs of IAT as well as other exams. You can check important topics in the ‘Free Materials’ section of the SciAstra app. Download our app now!
- Enrol in SciAstra online courses: SciAstra’s online courses have helped many NEET students clear the IAT and other competitive exams like NEST, CMI, and ISI. Join SciAstra now.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, for students seeking higher education in the field of science and looking for an alternative to JEE and NEET exams, IISERs could be a great choice. With the latest updates on IISER Admission 2024 and the exclusive use of the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest information. Additionally, with the opportunity for second droppers to register for the IA, it is a great time to consider IISERs as a viable option. However, with the limited number of seats available, it is crucial to prepare well for the IAT to secure a seat in one of the IISERs.
FAQs:
- How to prepare for IAT?
Take help from SciAstra. SciAstra is like your friend and mentor. Through our youtube channel and website, we do not just guide students about different exams, we also provide courses that can help you ace exams like NEST. Click here to know more.
- What is IISER, and why is its entrance exam different?
IISER stands for Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. It offers a unique 5-year BS-MS program focusing on research and requires strong conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Unlike JEE and NEET, IAT assesses these abilities through a non-traditional exam pattern.
- When is the IAT exam, and what are the eligibility criteria?
wThe IAT exam will be conducted on the 9th of June this year (2024). You must be an Indian citizen with a Class XII qualification (or equivalent) and have studied at least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in Class XII. Second droppers are allowed.
- What is the exam format and marking scheme?
IAT is a 3-hour computer-based test with 60 multiple-choice questions (15 each from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics). Each correct answer earns 4 marks, each incorrect answer deducts 1 mark, and there’s no penalty for unattempted questions. The total score out of 240 determines your rank.
- Are both Math and Biology sections mandatory?
Yes, both sections are compulsory. While skipping one won’t significantly impact your result if both PCB and PCM students are taking the exam, attempting both sections significantly improves your chances.
- How can I prepare for the IAT exam?
Familiarise yourself with the unique exam pattern by taking mock tests. Focus on key topics through past year question papers and practice problems. Consider enrolling in online courses designed specifically for IAT preparation, like those offered by SciAstra.
- Where can I find more information about the IAT exam?
The official website for IAT is iiseradmission.in. You can also find valuable resources and preparation materials on websites like SciAstra, which offers courses specifically tailored for IAT aspirants.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world, like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, etc., teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!
