Do you like Science? Do you want to be a researcher? Or are you just looking for an alternative to JEE and NEET? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you must consider IISER or the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research for your higher studies. IISER generally starts the registration process for its entrance test IAT in April. Hence, you must be aware of the exam pattern and other details. In this article, we will explore the exam pattern of IAT.
Still in doubt if IISER is worth studying? Click here.
What is IAT and Why is It Different From Other Exams?
As you might already know, IISER is a chain of research institutes of national importance. It is famous for its 5-year Integrated BS-MS course that offers a unique blend of classroom teaching and hands-on research experience. This program is open for higher studies school students in India who have qualified for 10+2 or equivalent exams from any recognised board in Science Stream. However, admission to IISER is very competitive. Thousands of students apply for IISER every year, but only a few of them get selected.
Since IISERs are premium institutes, it ensures that only talented and worthy students get a chance to be part of the IISER community. So, to test the worth of the applying candidates, IISER conducts a rigorous entrance test – IAT or IISER Aptitude Test.
As mentioned, unlike traditional engineering and medical colleges, IISERs are dedicated to research. Research requires conceptual clarity, problem-solving skills, and strong foundational knowledge, among other skills. Hence, only students possessing these capabilities will make a good researcher. Hence, the IAT is designed to test students on these grounds. No doubt, the IAT has a different exam pattern when compared to other national-level tests.
How Difficult is IAT?
Unlike other exams, the IAT has a unique exam pattern. In this article, we explain in detail the unique exam pattern of IAT. But before that, we must tell you that apart from the unique exam pattern, the IAT also comes with considerable difficulty. It tests your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and it is necessary to have complete conceptual clarity to be able to solve IAT questions. When it comes to exams like NEET, questions are mostly information-based. Hence, questions in NEET are relatively less difficult when compared to questions in IAT. Similarly, IAT questions are also more difficult than JEE Mains. The questions in IAT are somewhat at the level of JEE Advanced. However, the competitiveness in IAT can be less than that in NEET and JEE because the number of candidates that appear for IAT is far less than that who appear for JEE and NEET. Below, we have compared all three exams:
| Aspect | IAT | JEE Mains | JEE Advanced |
| Full Form | Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Aptitude Test | Joint Entrance Examination Main | Joint Entrance Examination Advanced |
| Purpose | Admission to BS-MS dual degree programs at IISERs, IIT Madras (for BS-MSE course) and IISc | Admission to undergraduate engineering programs at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and other state colleges; Qualifying exam for JEE Advanced | Admission to undergraduate engineering programs at IITs |
| Conducting Authority | IISERs | National Testing Agency (NTA) | One of the seven IITs on a rotational basis |
| Frequency | Once a year | Twice a year | Once a year |
| Eligibility | Passed or appearing in class 12th with science stream (either PCB or PCM). Minimum percentage required in XII (or equivalent) is 55% for SC/ST/PwD and 60% for other categories. | Passed or appearing in class 12th with science stream (Mathematics Compulsory). Minimum percentage required in XII (or equivalent) is 65% for SC/ST/PwD and 75% for | Ranked among top 2,50,000 JEE Main rank holders; Passed or appearing in class 12th with science stream; Maximum two attempts in consecutive years |
| Mode | Offline CBT | Offline | Offline |
| Language | English | 13 languages | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers | 1 | 3 (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, Paper 2B for B.Plan) | 2 |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours for each paper | 3 hours for each paper. Total 6 hours. |
| Difficulty | Moderate to high | Moderate | High |
The General Information About IAT:
IAT is conducted by IISER for admission into its 5 Year Integrated BS-MS programme. Apart from IISER, IISc and IIT Madras also accept IAT scores for admission into BS (Research) and BS (Medical and Engineering Sciences) programs, respectively.
IAT is a computer-based offline test. This means that you need to go to a centre allotted to you. At your centre, each candidate will be provided with a computer through which you need to take your test.
IAT is usually conducted in June. The details of IAT, along with important dates, will soon be published on the official website: iiseradmission.in
Although the syllabus generally follows NCERT Class XI and Class XII, NCERT books are not sufficient for IISER. Hence, you must try the SciAstra books crafted especially for IAT preparation.
The overall eligibility criteria for IAT is mentioned below:
- You must be an Indian citizen
- You must have passed Class XII or equivalent. IAT generally allows one gap year
- You must have studied at least three subjects in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during Class XII or an equivalent exam
What is the Exam Pattern?
- IAT consists of a total of 60 questions. There are four different sections containing 15 questions each:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- All the questions are Multiple Choice Questions with only single correct answers.
- Total time for answering the test is 3 hours or 180 minutes
- The Marking Scheme is as follows:
- For each correct answer, you will be awarded +4 marks
- For each incorrect answer, one mark will be deducted
- No marks for unanswered questions
The total marks obtained by candidates out of 240 are used to prepare the rank list. Click here to know in detail about the IAT cut-off.
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.
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.
- Practice Key Topics: There are certain topics that are frequently covered in IAT. You must have deeper conceptual clarity on those topics. You must practice 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 JEE and NEET students clear the IAT and other competitive exams like NEST, CMI, and ISI. Join SciAstra now. SciAstra has 1000+ selections.
Is JEE Still Acceptatble?
Previously, admission to the IISERs was taken through Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) scores apart from IAT. However, this year, IISER has announced that all admissions will be through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) only. 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.
Conclusion:
IAT is just around the corner. At this point, all those aspiring to be a researcher must know all the details of the exam. In this article, we have explained the exam pattern of IAT. Note that IAT is a computer-based test. If you are not familiar with Computer-Based Tests, you must solve mock tests to familiarise yourself with this type of exam and avoid surprises during the exam time. To know the exam pattern in detail, read the article.
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 is the eligibility criteria?
The IAT exam is usually held in June. 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. One gap year is generally 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?
Familiarize 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!
