Every year, students across India set their sights on the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research—better known as IISERs—for one reason: world-class science education. With JEE Advanced and KVPY no longer viable admission channels, the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) has become the sole gateway to these prestigious institutes. That means more competition, higher cutoffs, and yes—more confusion.
So, how many times can you actually attempt the IAT? Let’s dig in.
New Changes in IAT 2025: What You Must Know
Here’s what’s causing a stir this year:
1. The Competition Just Leveled Up
Since 2021, IAT registrations have exploded—up to 3 to 4 times the previous numbers. With no cap on the number of applicants, expect an even tighter race in 2025. It’s survival of the sharpest minds.
2. Fresh Courses, New Dreams
This year isn’t just about a tougher exam—it’s about new beginnings:
- IISER Tirupati launches a new 4-year BS in Economics & Statistical Sciences.
- IISER Bhopal revamps its engineering offerings—BS becomes B.Tech in Chemical, Data Science, and Electrical & Computer Science Engineering.
- IISER Kolkata is debuting a BS-MS in Computational & Data Sciences (with Math mandatory).
Are you ready to ride this new wave?
3. Eligibility Shake-Up
Let’s get the basics sorted:
- You’re eligible if you passed Class XII in 2023, 2024, or 2025 with a science stream from a COBSE-recognized board.
- You need at least three subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- For certain courses, Mathematics is non-negotiable—especially for Data Science, B.Tech tracks, and the new Economics programs.
- Minimum score? 60% for General/OBC-NCL/EWS, and 55% for SC/ST/PwD.
Special Note: Candidates from JKBOSE (Winter Zones) and Kashmiri Pandit families have tailored eligibility rules—check those carefully.
But Back to the Question: How Many Attempts?
You get three chances to take the IAT—as long as you’re within the eligibility years (2023, 2024, 2025). That means:
- If you appeared for Class XII in 2023, you can apply in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
- If you appear in 2025, it’s your first shot.
Use them wisely. Each attempt can be a stepping stone—or a learning curve.
What’s the Exam Like?
The IAT is a Computer-Based Test that lasts 3 hours, featuring:
- 60 marks per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology)
- 240 marks in total
- Marking scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong answers
Choose your subjects strategically—play to your strengths.
Spotlight on IISERs: The Latest Buzz
The IISER ecosystem is buzzing with change and ambition:
- ₹100 crore grants to IISER Pune & IIT Bombay under ANRF for research excellence.
- India Science Fest 2025 hosted at IISER Pune—packed with fascinating demos and interactive exhibits.
- New IISER at Gandhinagar approved—opening doors to even more science aspirants.
- Workshops like CSPT 2025 at IISER Thiruvananthapuram are reshaping research exposure at the UG level.
Final Word: Preparation is Power
Resources for IAT prep are still relatively scarce compared to JEE or NEET. But that’s where platforms like SciAstra come in. They’re not just offering prep courses—they’re building a community of future scientists. Whether it’s their new Vikram 1.0 or HOMI 2026 program, students are finding structured paths to crack IAT and NEST.
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from Play Store or App Store!
