The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) have commenced the application process for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026, marking the official opening of admissions for the academic year commencing in 2026. Aspiring science students can now submit their applications online through the official admission portal, iiseradmission.in. The application window opened on May 15, 2024, and is scheduled to close on June 15, 2024.

This early start to the admission cycle for the 2026 academic year provides prospective candidates ample time to prepare for the rigorous selection process. The IAT serves as the primary gateway for admission to the highly sought-after five-year Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) dual degree programs offered across the IISER campuses in India. These programs are designed to foster interdisciplinary scientific research and education.

To be eligible for IAT 2026, candidates must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with science stream subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and/or Biology, in either 2024 or 2025. A minimum of 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in the qualifying examination is generally required. Detailed eligibility criteria, including specific subject requirements and age limits, are available on the official IISER admission website.

The application process is entirely online. Candidates are required to register on the portal, fill out the application form with personal and academic details, upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as photographs, signatures, and mark sheets, and pay the non-refundable application fee. The application fee for General/OBC category candidates is INR 2,000, while SC/ST/PwD category candidates are required to pay INR 1,000. It is crucial for applicants to ensure all submitted information is accurate and complete to avoid disqualification.

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 is tentatively scheduled to be conducted on July 20, 2025. The test assesses candidates' aptitude in four core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The examination typically consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, with 15 questions from each subject, and candidates are allotted three hours to complete the test. A robust performance in the IAT is essential for securing admission, as it evaluates fundamental scientific understanding and problem-solving skills.

Seven fully operational IISERs and two IISERs operating from transit campuses will participate in the IAT 2026 admissions. These include IISER Berhampur, IISER Bhopal, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, and IISER Tirupati, along with IISER Tirupati (transit campus) and IISER Berhampur (transit campus). These institutions are recognized for their faculty, research infrastructure, and comprehensive curriculum aimed at producing skilled scientists and researchers.

Key dates for the IISER IAT 2026 admission cycle are as follows:

  • Application Start Date: May 15, 2024
  • Application End Date: June 15, 2024
  • IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026: July 20, 2025 (Tentative)
  • IAT 2026 Result Announcement: August 15, 2025 (Tentative)
  • Counseling and Seat Allotment: September-October 2025 (Tentative)
  • Academic Session Commences: August 2026 (Tentative)

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IISER admission portal, iiseradmission.in, for any updates or changes to the schedule and for detailed information regarding the examination pattern, syllabus, and counseling process. Thorough preparation for the IAT is recommended, given the competitive nature of admissions to these premier science institutions.