PUNE / NEW DELHI, 03 March, 2026: Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are calling for applications for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026, the exclusive and mandatory gateway for admission to undergraduate programmes across all IISER campuses for the academic year 2026–27.
The online application window opens on 5th March 2026 (Thursday) with the aptitude test scheduled to be held on 7th June 2026 (Sunday).
Aspiring science students can now register for this key aptitude test, which opens doors to world-class research training at any of the seven IISER campuses. IISERs are premier autonomous institutions established by the Government of India to promote high-quality basic science education and research.
Candidates seeking admission to the IISERs, including IISER Berhampur, IISER Bhopal, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram and IISER Tirupati, are encouraged to register for the IAT 2026 by visiting the official website—https://www.iiseradmission.in/, which will also provide details on examination centres.
A helpdesk has been established (Tel: +91 7205457461 (between 2 PM to 5 PM on working days); Email: [email protected]) to assist candidates during the entire IAT 2026 admissions process.
Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat, Director, IISER Pune, said, “With infrastructure and amenities comparable to those of some of the best universities in the world, and accomplished faculty active in cutting-edge research, IISER Pune provides an ideal environment to nurture the best students. Located in the city and surrounded by premier research institutes and industry, IISER Pune offers a vibrant and inspiring environment for learning, exploration and growth. In addition, IISER Pune also fosters an inclusive environment enriched by cultural and sports activities.”
IISERs boast strong placement records, with graduates securing roles at top global firms, research institutions, and PhD programmes worldwide. Opportunities abound through internships, industry collaborations, and international exchange programmes, setting students up for strong careers in academia, industry, and beyond.
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) stands out for offering a dedicated science-first pathway, enabling students to explore multiple disciplines before choosing their specialisation. Successful applicants will join a vibrant community focused on cutting-edge research in biological, chemical, mathematical, physical, and earth sciences.
In the long run, IISERs benefit students by providing early exposure to research, conceptual training, greater flexibility toward interdisciplinary and higher studies (MS/PhD), and better alignment for careers in R&D, academia, deep tech, and scientific innovation.
Eligibility Criteria for IAT 2026
- Candidates who have passed class XII/equivalent examination or minimum 3-year Diploma program in science stream (in 2024, 2025 or 2026) with minimum 60% marks in aggregate (55% for SC/ST/PWD) calculated by considering all subjects taken are eligible to apply for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026.
- Must have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics; Mathematics is mandatory for specific programs like BS-MS Computational and Data Sciences at IISER Kolkata, B.Tech./BS Economic Sciences at IISER Bhopal, and BS Economic & Statistical Sciences at IISER Tirupati.
- Special notes: JKBOSE Kashmir/Ladakh students from Dec 2023 treated as 2024 passers; Kashmiri migrants should upload domicile certificate; reservations follow The Govt. of India policy (SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, PwD 5%, EWS up to 10%, supernumerary for Kashmiri migrants).
Candidates are required to follow the below-listed steps to apply for IAT 2026:
- Step 1: Visit IISER Admissions 2026 Website: https://iiseradmission.in/
- Step 2: On the homepage, go to the ‘Apply for IAT-2026”
- Step 3: On the next page, register to receive User ID and Password
- Step 4: After successful registration, complete the application form by uploading the necessary documents and making the appropriate payment
Candidates must provide all the details correctly and carefully. Some of the details cannot be changed once the application form is submitted.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- 5th March 2026: Application Portal Opens
- 13th April 2026: Application Portal Closes
- 16th-18th April 2026: Corrections in Application Forms
- 24th May 2026: Release of Exam Hall Ticket
- 7th June 2026: IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 Examination Date (9:00 am – 12:00 pm IST)
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official admission portal for updates: https://www.iiseradmission.in/#admission_important_dates
Prof. Ashok Kumar Ganguli, Director, IISER Berhampur, Odisha, said, “IISER Berhampur gives an environment of being in the midst of pristine natural surroundings, full of peace & calm to allow creative unfettered thinking simultaneously with the availability of the most advanced equipment to interrogate phenomena yet to be understood, to carry out novel innovations. We aim to recruit the best human resources for an excellent academic experience. We give immense importance to sports, cultural and outreach/ social activities as personality-enhancement avenues for the all-round growth of the student.”
Prof. Gobardhan Das, Director, IISER Bhopal, said, “The IISER Aptitude Test is more than just an assessment; it’s a gateway to IISER Bhopal’s dynamic research ecosystem, where students are inspired to explore, investigate, and create new knowledge. What sets IISER Bhopal apart is its distinctive integration of science, engineering, economics, and humanities, fostering an interdisciplinary academic environment. Beyond academics, the Institute actively promotes sports and cultural activities as integral components of campus life, supported by state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and facilities that enable students to excel both intellectually and physically.”
Prof. Sunil Kumar Khare, Director, IISER Kolkata, said, “At IISER Kolkata, we are committed to training the next generation of leaders who will advance the Nation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Since our founding in 2006, we have cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Our inclusive and dynamic campus nurtures curiosity, leadership, and interdisciplinary thinking through world-class facilities and eminent faculty. Beyond academic instruction, we prepare our students to contribute meaningfully to society with integrity, responsibility, and a transformative vision for the future.”
Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director, IISER Mohali, said, “IISER Mohali, located in the finest civic ambience of the Knowledge City of Mohali near the Himalayan foothills, is where curiosity finds purpose, wonder leads to wisdom, passion for science transforms into insights and innovations, and knowledge becomes a force for human progress. We place a strong emphasis on an insightful science education with vibrant sports and cultural engagement, enabling a holistic and well-rounded student life that supports students in their curricular as well as extracurricular pursuits.”
Prof. Jarugu Narasimha Moorthy, Director, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, said, “At IISER Thiruvananthapuram, we are committed to nurturing a culture in which curiosity-driven inquiry seamlessly complements rigorous scientific training. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Western Ghats in Kerala, our campus provides an inspiring milieu that fosters the spirit of inquiry, creativity, and meaningful collaboration across disciplines. Since the institute’s inception in 2008, we have established a strong foundation in high-quality research and teaching, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and a vibrant scholarly community. We endeavour to attract and cultivate exceptional talent, empowering students to pursue fundamental questions while engaging with pressing real-world challenges. Through our distinctive academic programs, which promote interdisciplinary learning, we train and prepare competent individuals for the nation’s future scientific workforce to address challenges in energy security, advanced materials, modern medicine, quantum computing, etc.”
Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya, Director, IISER Tirupati, said, “IISER Tirupati is a leading research-oriented institution (6th in the IISER series, established in 2015). It provides an exceptional, interdisciplinary 5-year BS-MS program that seamlessly integrates fundamental sciences with a research-oriented education. Key features include state-of-the-art infrastructure, the largest campus among the IISERs, a high-end array of instrumentation, an emphasis on hands-on scientific inquiry, and a commitment to high-quality, faculty-led teaching with wide-ranging choices of majors and minors, including dual degree opportunities globally. At IISER Tirupati, we celebrate the spirit of inquiry that shapes tomorrow. We honor the questions that challenge us, the experiments that inspire us, and the discoveries that transform our world. Here’s to the researchers, scholars, and dreamers who push the boundaries of knowledge every single day.”
