IISER Aptitude Test Preparation Tips: Steps to Prepare, Books & Syllabus

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Preparation Tips: The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) offer BS-MS dual degree programmes, 4-year BS degree programmes, and BTech courses through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026. These highly prestigious institutes enable students to achieve mastery in Science and Research fields. If you have completed Class 12 or are appearing for the Class 12 final exam and wish to become an expert in the fields of Science and Research, you must take the IAT 2026 to secure admission to one of these courses.

To take the IAT 2026 and crack it with a good score, you must prepare well for the exam. Understanding these preparation needs of yours, this SciAstra article provides effective preparation tips for the IISER Aptitude Test 2026. So, read on!

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Exam Pattern

The IAT 2026 will tentatively be conducted in the fourth week of May 2026 for admission to the 5-year BS-MS courses offered at IISER Berhampur, IISER Bhopal, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Tirupati, and IISER Thiruvananthapuram.

Candidates can also gain admission to the BTech programmes in Chemical Engineering, Data Science & Engineering, and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at IISER Bhopal, as well as the 4-year BS courses at IISER Bhopal and IISER Tirupati.

IAT 2026 aspirants should first understand all the important details about the exam by knowing the exam pattern. This will help them grasp the overall structure of the test and prepare accordingly.

The IAT 2026 exam pattern will tentatively be released in the fourth week of January 2026 along with the IAT 2026 notification on the official IISER admission website. In the meantime, candidates can refer to the following exam pattern based on the previous year’s test details.

How to Prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test?

To prepare for the IAT 2026, candidates should first create a study schedule and dedicate time to each subject, including Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology, as per the IAT 2026 syllabus.

Thereafter, candidates need to allocate study time based on when they start their test preparation. If they begin early, such as 1 year to 6 months before the exam, they can study for 2-3 hours a day. Those who start 3-4 months prior to the test should dedicate 4-5 hours daily to preparation.

All IAT aspirants must note that preparation time varies for each individual and depends on their learning capacity and existing knowledge of the IAT syllabus topics.

After creating a study schedule, candidates use the following four steps to prepare for the IAT 2026:

1. Understanding IAT 2026 Pattern and Syllabus

2. Gathering Study Materials for IAT 2026

3. Solving IAT Books & PYQs

4. Taking IAT Mock Tests

The aforementioned four steps have been explained below.

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Preparation Tips

To boost your IAT 2026 preparation and score well in the test, candidates can use the following steps:

1. Understanding IAT 2026 Pattern and Syllabus

The first step in beginning your IAT 2026 preparation is to understand the exam pattern, which gives an overview of the test and clarifies the topics or subjects from which questions are asked in the IAT question paper. The exam pattern has been provided above.

The next step in your preparation strategy is to review the IAT syllabus 2026 thoroughly and ensure you gain knowledge of all the topics included in it.

The subject-wise syllabus for IAT 2026 is as follows:

Is biology compulsory for IAT?

Yes, biology is a compulsory subject in the IISER exam question paper. Candidates can check the IISER Biology syllabus mentioned above. Moreover, they can use the preparation tips mentioned in this article.

Also Read:

IAT 2026 Syllabus (Detailed)

2. Gathering Study Materials for IAT 2026

Once you know the IAT pattern and syllabus, candidates must gather the study materials to prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test 2026. The materials include the following:

• Notes for topics mentioned in IAT syllabus

• Best books for IAT 2026

• IAT previous years’ question papers (PYQs)

• Mock tests (online/offline)

3. Solving IAT Books & PYQs

The best books for IAT 2026 preparation are those based on the exam syllabus and developed under the guidance of credible authors and IAT mentors. SciAstra IAT/NEST preparation books have these qualities. Therefore, candidates can use these books to boost their IAT 2026 preparation.

Solving IAT PYQs can be highly beneficial to candidates, as it can help them identify the spot, which gives insight into what topics are more likely to appear in the next session of the exam.

Moreover, solving these papers under timed conditions trains them to complete the exam within the allotted time. As a result, they can develop accuracy and speed in solving questions.

4. Taking IAT Mock Tests

The IAT mock tests (online) simulate the real exam environment. This helps candidates become comfortable with the test duration, pressure, and structure of the test. Consequently, they can get familiar with the actual exam pattern, relevant questions and conditions in which the test will be conducted.

The mock tests can also help the IAT 2026 aspirants with the following areas:

• Which questions to attempt first

• Which ones to skip

• How to maximize marks

• How to avoid negative marking

Therefore, all candidates must take the IAT mock tests.

IAT 2026 Preparation Books

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Conclusion

To crack IISER Aptitude Test 2026, practice consistently, strategize rightly, and choose resources wisely. A candidate can gain immense confidence and performance by understanding the pattern of the examination, covering the complete syllabus, solving high-quality books and PYQs, and attempting mock tests regularly. Disciplined preparation and the right guidance will surely help the candidate secure a seat in one of the prestigious IISERs.