If you're a NEET aspirant eyeing the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), here's your reality check: this exam is not just another pit stop on your medical prep journey. It's a completely different beast. And unless you shift gears—fast—you might be in for a bumpy ride. Let’s talk about strategy. Based on deep insights from SciAstra’s mentors, we’re breaking down the top five mistakes NEET students make when facing the IAT—and how you can dodge them like a pro. Stay Tuned!

Mistake #1: Skimming Over the IAT Pattern & Syllabus

Think you’ve cracked NEET, so IAT will be a breeze? Think again. While NEET zooms in on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with a heavy dose of MCQs, IAT throws Math into the ring—and not just as a side act. Plus, it includes numerical-based questions, not just option-ticking. The real kicker? Biology in NEET isn’t the same as Biology in IAT. Many get blindsided by this. ✅ Know your battleground: IAT has 60 questions—15 each from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. ✅ Don’t sideline Math. For many PCB students, it's the game-changer. ✅ Past year papers? Your best friends. Use them to decode the difficulty and format.

Mistake #2: Rote Learning is Your Kryptonite

Let’s be honest—NEET leans heavily on recall. Memorize diagrams, mug up reactions, rinse, repeat. But IAT? It's hungry for conceptual understanding and application-based thinking. It demands you think, not just remember. And that’s where many aspirants trip. ✅ Prioritize clarity. Understand the "why," not just the "what." ✅ Tackle application-style questions, especially in Physics and Math. ✅ Start with NCERT—but don't stop there. Challenge yourself with advanced problems.

Mistake #3: Poor Time Management = Potential Wasted

Yes, both NEET and IAT are 3-hour exams. But here’s the twist—IAT’s questions are denser. Trickier. More time-consuming. So, while NEET feels like a sprint, IAT is more like a puzzle marathon. ✅ Simulate the real thing. Take full-length timed mock tests. ✅ Learn the sacred art of skipping. Don't cling to a question—circle back later. ✅ Plan your time: maybe 40 mins for Math, 30 for Bio, and adjust based on your strengths.

Mistake #4: Treating Math Like an Optional Elective (It’s Not)

Here’s a painful truth: many NEET aspirants straight-up ignore Math. Some haven’t touched it in over a year. Big mistake. Math is 25% of the IAT. That’s 15 questions. And guess what? Those who ace Math often leapfrog others in rank. It’s the dark horse of the exam—ignored by many, mastered by few. ✅ Begin with NCERT Math—focus on Algebra, Calculus, Probability. ✅ Daily practice is non-negotiable. Use RD Sharma, IAT papers, mocks—whatever builds muscle. ✅ Speed + accuracy = success. IAT Math isn’t JEE-level tough, but it’s deceptively tricky.

Mistake #5: Not Taking IAT-Specific Mock Tests Seriously

Mock tests can make or break your IAT game. Yet, many students treat NEET-style mocks as enough. They’re not. IAT mocks are a different breed. If you’ve never trained under IAT-style conditions, your performance will take a hit when it matters most. ✅ Aim for at least 10–15 full-length IAT mocks. Minimum. ✅ Don’t just take them—analyze. Reflect. Improve. ✅ Join a good test series. (SciAstra’s mock tests.)

Resources You Shouldn’t Miss

  • Check out SciAstra’s Vikram 2.0 Batch (Hinglish) or Kalam Batch (English) for focused crash courses on IAT & NEST 2025.
  • For younger students (Class 11), the Homi Batch 2026 is a goldmine.
  • The IISER Aptitude Test Mock Book 2025? It’s not hype. It’s genuinely one of the best prep companions out there
FAQs: Q1. Is the  syllabus for IAT and NEET the same? No, while there is some overlap in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, IAT also includes Mathematics and focuses more on analytical and problem-solving skills compared to NEET. Q2. How important is Mathematics in the IISER Aptitude Test? Mathematics carries 25% weightage in IAT (15 out of 60 questions). Excelling in Math can significantly improve your rank, especially for PCB students. Q3. How should NEET aspirants adjust their preparation for IAT? NEET aspirants must shift focus from rote learning to conceptual clarity, emphasize mathematics, practice application-based problems, and work on time management with IAT-specific mock tests. Q4. How many mock tests should I take to prepare well for IAT? It is recommended to take at least 10 to 15 full-length IAT mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify weak areas for improvement.

About Us:

At SciAstra, we guide students who want to become scientists and pursue research by helping them secure admissions in the top colleges for the same like IISER, NISER, CEBS, ICAR, CMI, etc. Our mentors are from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2025, 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 Play Store or App Store!