Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Cut Off 2026
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Cut Off
What is IISER IAT Cutoff 2026?
The IISER IAT Cutoff 2026 is the lowest closing rank at which a seat is offered at a given campus. It is not a fixed qualifying score. The cutoff is decided by the IISER Joint Admissions Committee (IISER-JAC) and depends on seats available, candidate ranks, and the choices students fill during counselling.
There are two types of cutoffs. The eligibility cutoff is the minimum Class 12 score needed to apply — 60 marks per 100 aggregate for General category and 55 marks per 100 for reserved categories. The admission cutoff is the closing rank in each counselling round. Clearing the eligibility cutoff only qualifies you for counselling; actual admission depends on your rank falling within the closing rank of your chosen campus in that round.
IISER offers only one programme: the 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree in Sciences. There are no branch-wise cutoffs at admission. You choose your major (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Earth Sciences) in your second or third year on campus.
IISER IAT Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
The IAT 2026 exam was held on June 7, 2026. Over 1.86 lakh students appeared for 2,343 BS-MS seats across all seven campuses.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| IAT 2026 result | Last week of June 2026 |
| Round 1 seat allotment and first official cutoff release | July 2026 |
| Counselling rounds | 8–9 rounds from July to September 2026 |
The cutoff is published campus-wise and category-wise on iiseradmission.in after every round of counselling.
IISER IAT 2026 Expected Cutoff: Campus-Wise and Category-Wise
A rank below 355 gives strong chances at IISER Pune in Round 1, based on 2025 counselling data. Reserved category students (OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST) get seats at lower closing ranks than General category students.
- IISER Berhampur had the highest final round General closing rank in 2025 at 8,789. It is the least competitive campus.
- Scoring 160 or more out of 240 is a safe score for most IISER campuses in the General category.
- Closing ranks rise with each counselling round.
IISER IAT 2025 Round-Wise Closing Ranks
The General category final round closing rank at IISER Pune grew from 534 in 2022 to 1,671 in 2025. That is a shift of 1,137 ranks over four years.
| Campus | 2025 Final Round General Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| IISER Berhampur | 8,789 |
| IISER Pune | 1,671 |
Two admission channels exist: IAT channel and JEE Advanced channel. Each has separate campus-wise and category-wise closing ranks.
Factors Affecting IISER IAT Cutoff 2026
The cutoff is decided by the IISER Joint Admissions Committee (IISER-JAC). It depends on seats available, candidate ranks, and the choices students fill during counselling.
- Number of seats at each campus
- Number of candidates appearing for the exam
- Difficulty level of the IAT 2026 paper
- Category-wise reservation policies
- Choice filling patterns of candidates
IISER IAT Cutoff 2026: Marks vs Rank
Scoring 160 or more out of 240 in IAT 2026 targets mid-tier IISER campuses in the General category. A rank below 355 gives strong chances at IISER Pune in Round 1.
- Higher marks generally lead to better ranks and more campus options.
- Closing ranks vary by category and campus.
- Reserved category students can secure seats at lower closing ranks.
IISER IAT Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The General category final round closing rank at IISER Pune grew from 534 in 2022 to 1,671 in 2025. That is a shift of 1,137 ranks over four years.
IISER Berhampur had the highest final round closing rank in 2025 at 8,789 for General category. It is the most accessible campus.
How to Check IISER IAT Cutoff 2026
The cutoff is published on iiseradmission.in after every round of counselling. The first official cutoff release is expected in July 2026.
- Visit the official website iiseradmission.in.
- Look for the cutoff or allotment section.
- Select your campus and category.
- Check the opening and closing ranks for each round.
IISER IAT Counselling Process 2026
Counselling runs in 8–9 rounds from July to September 2026. Closing ranks rise with each round.
The eligibility cutoff is the minimum Class 12 score needed to apply — 60 marks per 100 aggregate for General category and 55 marks per 100 for reserved categories. Clearing the eligibility cutoff only qualifies you for counselling; actual admission depends on your rank falling within the closing rank of your chosen campus in that round.
FAQs on IISER IAT Cutoff 2026
What is the IISER IAT Cutoff 2026?
The IISER IAT Cutoff 2026 is the lowest closing rank at which a seat is offered at a given campus. It is published campus-wise and category-wise on iiseradmission.in after every round of counselling.
When will the IISER IAT 2026 result be released?
The IISER IAT 2026 result is expected in the last week of June 2026.
How many seats are available at IISER campuses?
There are 2,343 BS-MS seats across all seven campuses. Over 1.86 lakh students appeared for IAT 2026.
Which IISER campus has the highest closing rank?
IISER Berhampur had the highest final round General closing rank in 2025 at 8,789. It is the least competitive campus.
What is a safe score for IISER IAT 2026?
Scoring 160 or more out of 240 is a safe score for most IISER campuses in the General category.
IISER IAT Closing Ranks: 2022 to 2025
The table below shows the final round General category closing ranks for four IISER campuses from 2022 to 2025. These figures come from official seat allotment data published on iiseradmission.in. Values marked approximate reflect the best available reported data from official allotment PDFs.
| Year | Final Round | IISER Pune (Gen) | IISER Kolkata (Gen) | IISER Thiruvananthapuram (Gen) | IISER Berhampur (Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Round 6 | 534 | ~700 | ~1,500 | ~3,200 |
| 2023 | Round 7 | ~700 | 941 | ~1,800 | ~3,800 |
| 2024 | Round 7 | ~1,023 | ~1,850 | ~2,600 | ~5,200 |
| 2025 | Round 9 | 1,671 | ~2,100 | ~3,500 | 8,789 |
Source: IISER Admission Portal – iiseradmission.in (Official Seat Allotment PDFs)
The General category closing rank at IISER Pune rose by 1,137 ranks from 2022 to 2025. IISER Berhampur’s final round closing rank moved from about 3,200 in 2022 to 8,789 in 2025. That is a shift of about 5,589 ranks over four years, reflecting growing student acceptance of the newer campus.
IISER IAT 2026 Cutoff: Common Questions
Will the IISER IAT 2026 cutoff be higher or lower than 2025?
IAT 2026 had about 1.86 lakh candidates, fewer than the 2.5 lakh who appeared in 2025. Fewer candidates can ease competition slightly. But cutoff direction also depends on paper difficulty. If the 2026 paper is harder than 2025, closing ranks could ease toward 2024 levels. A General category final round closing rank of 1,500 to 2,000 for IISER Pune is a reasonable estimate for 2026.
Is there a separate cutoff for the JEE Advanced channel at IISER?
Yes. Students who qualify JEE Advanced can apply through the JEE Advanced channel. These candidates are ranked separately and allotted seats from a reserved intake at each campus. The JEE Advanced channel closing ranks differ from IAT channel closing ranks. Both are published on iiseradmission.in after each allotment round.
IISER IAT Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
The IISER IAT 2026 cutoff is released with each round of seat allotment, starting from Round 1 in July 2026. The table below places upcoming events first, followed by completed events. Keep checking iiseradmission.in for official updates.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Final Answer Key Release | Last week of June 2026 | Upcoming |
| IAT 2026 Result Declaration | Last week of June 2026 | Upcoming |
| Counselling Registration Opens | July 2026 (Expected) | Expected |
| Choice Filling Window | July 2026 (Expected) | Expected |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment and Cutoff Release | July 2026 (Expected) | Expected |
| Rounds 2 – 9 of Allotment | July – September 2026 | Expected |
| Campus Reporting and Admission Formalities | September 2026 (Expected) | Expected |
| IAT 2026 Application Form | February – April 2026 | Over |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 | Over |
| IAT 2026 Exam | June 7, 2026 | Over |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | June 7, 2026 | Over |
| Answer Key Objection Window | June 7 – 13, 2026 | Over |
IISER IAT 2026 Expected Cutoff: Campus-Wise and Category-Wise
The official IISER IAT 2026 cutoff has not been released yet. Once counselling begins, it will be published round-by-round on iiseradmission.in. The table below gives expected Round 1 closing ranks for 2026 based on 2025 counselling data and current exam conditions.
IISER IAT 2026 Expected Cutoff Ranks
The expected Round 1 closing ranks for IISER IAT 2026 are listed below. These figures are based on 2025 counselling trends and are not official.
The official 2026 cutoff will be published on iiseradmission.in after each round of allotment.
| IISER Campus | General (Expected) | EWS (Expected) | OBC-NCL (Expected) | SC (Expected) | ST (Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IISER Pune | 300 – 420 | 120 – 180 | 320 – 460 | 120 – 190 | 55 – 80 |
| IISER Kolkata | 880 – 1,100 | 320 – 450 | 750 – 980 | 230 – 360 | 95 – 150 |
| IISER Mohali | 1,100 – 1,450 | 400 – 570 | 900 – 1,250 | 290 – 420 | 110 – 180 |
| IISER Bhopal | 1,300 – 1,700 | 450 – 620 | 1,050 – 1,450 | 340 – 470 | 135 – 200 |
| IISER Thiruvananthapuram | 2,100 – 2,700 | 560 – 750 | 1,400 – 1,850 | 560 – 780 | 270 – 400 |
| IISER Tirupati | 2,900 – 3,800 | 850 – 1,200 | 2,000 – 2,700 | 700 – 1,000 | 300 – 480 |
| IISER Berhampur | 3,000 – 4,200 | 950 – 1,400 | 2,100 – 2,900 | 750 – 1,100 | 330 – 520 |
IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata fill up early and have the tightest closing ranks. IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati have much higher closing ranks in Round 1.
These two campuses stay open through more rounds than other campuses. If your General category rank is above 2,500, look at these two newer campuses closely.
IISER IAT 2025 Round-Wise Closing Ranks
Counselling at IISER runs across up to nine rounds. Closing ranks rise with each passing round at popular campuses.
Students who receive a seat may upgrade to a better campus in a later round. This opens up their original seat for candidates with higher ranks. The table below shows how closing ranks moved across three checkpoints in 2025 for the General category.
| IISER Campus | Round 1 Closing Rank (Gen) | Round 4 Closing Rank (Gen) | Final Round Closing Rank (Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IISER Pune | 355 | ~800 | 1,671 |
| IISER Kolkata | 935 | ~1,400 | ~2,100 |
| IISER Mohali | ~1,200 | ~1,700 | ~2,600 |
| IISER Bhopal | ~1,400 | ~2,000 | ~2,900 |
| IISER Thiruvananthapuram | 2,381 | ~3,000 | ~3,500 |
| IISER Tirupati | ~2,900 | ~4,000 | ~5,500 |
| IISER Berhampur | 3,299 | 5,086 | 8,789 |
At IISER Pune, the closing rank moved from 355 in Round 1 to 1,671 in the final round. That is a shift of 1,316 ranks across nine rounds.
At IISER Berhampur, the closing rank grew from 3,299 in Round 1 to 8,789 in the final round. That is a shift of 5,490 ranks. If your General category rank is between 1,000 and 3,000, do not give up after Round 1. Many seats open up in Rounds 4 through 7.
Should I freeze my seat in Round 1 or wait for later rounds?
Freeze your seat if you are happy with the campus allotted in Round 1. Choose Float if you want to try for a better campus in the next round.
Floating is safe because you cannot get a worse seat than your current allotment. If your first preference is already allotted in Round 1, freeze it right away.
Factors Affecting IISER IAT Cutoff 2026
The IISER IAT cutoff is not fixed in advance. Several factors decide how tight or relaxed the closing ranks will be in 2026. Here are the key ones:
IISER IAT 2026 Cutoff: Factors That Affect Closing Ranks
Several factors decide the IISER IAT 2026 closing ranks. These include the number of candidates, paper difficulty, seat availability, category, admission channel, campus popularity, and counselling round.
- Total candidates appearing: IAT 2026 saw about 1.86 lakh candidates. This is fewer than the 2.5 lakh who appeared in 2025. Fewer candidates can ease the closing ranks slightly at all campuses.
- Paper difficulty: An easier paper means more students score high. This compresses the rank distribution and pushes closing ranks higher (harder). In 2025, the paper was noticeably easier than 2024, causing significant rank inflation. The 2026 paper’s difficulty is the biggest variable.
- Total seats available: IISER 2026 has 2,343 BS-MS seats across seven campuses. Any change in seat intake directly affects closing ranks. More seats generally means higher (easier) closing ranks.
- Category reservation: OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD categories have separate merit lists. Reserved category candidates compete only within their own category. Their closing ranks are always lower than the General category at the same campus.
- Admission channel: Candidates admitted through the JEE Advanced channel are allotted from a separate intake pool. IAT and JEE Advanced channel candidates do not compete with each other. Each channel has its own closing ranks.
- Campus popularity: Older campuses like IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata attract the most first-preference choices from top-ranked students. This keeps their closing ranks low (harder to enter). Newer campuses like IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati see higher closing ranks because fewer students rank them first.
- Round of counselling: Closing ranks rise across rounds as students upgrade to better campuses. This releases seats for lower-ranked students in subsequent rounds.
IISER IAT Cutoff 2026: Marks vs Rank
The IAT 2026 exam has 60 questions for a total of 240 marks. Each correct answer gives 4 marks. Each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. Your rank depends on your total score. The table below shows approximate score ranges and expected ranks for IAT 2026, based on 2025 score distribution trends.
| Score Range (out of 240) | Expected Rank – General | Expected Rank – OBC-NCL | Expected Rank – SC / ST | Likely Campus in Round 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 and above | 1 – 10 | 1 – 5 | 1 – 3 | IISER Pune (any choice) |
| 180 – 199 | 11 – 80 | 5 – 30 | 3 – 12 | IISER Pune or Kolkata |
| 160 – 179 | 81 – 400 | 31 – 160 | 12 – 65 | IISER Kolkata or Mohali |
| 140 – 159 | 401 – 1,200 | 161 – 520 | 65 – 210 | IISER Mohali or Bhopal |
| 120 – 139 | 1,201 – 3,000 | 521 – 1,250 | 210 – 520 | IISER Bhopal or Thiruvananthapuram |
| 100 – 119 | 3,001 – 6,000 | 1,251 – 2,600 | 521 – 850 | IISER Tirupati or Berhampur |
| 80 – 99 | 6,001 – 10,000 | 2,601 – 4,200 | 851 – 1,300 | IISER Berhampur (later rounds only) |
| Below 80 | Above 10,000 | Above 4,200 | Above 1,300 | Admission unlikely at any IISER |
In 2025, the IAT paper was easier than 2024, causing severe rank inflation. A score of 130 marks placed students about 4,000 ranks lower than the same score would have in 2024. If the 2026 paper is harder, ranks at a given score may improve significantly from 2025 benchmarks.
This table is a planning guide based on 2025 distribution trends. Your actual rank will be on iiseradmission.in after the result. Always compare your official rank to the published closing ranks before finalising your choices.
IISER IAT Previous Year Cutoff Trends
More students appear for IAT every year, and IISER campuses are gaining recognition as top science institutions. These two forces have driven closing ranks higher every year from 2022 to 2025. The table below tracks the General category final round closing rank at IISER Pune and IISER Berhampur across four years.
| Year | IISER Pune Gen (Final Round) | Shift from Previous Year | IISER Kolkata Gen (Final Round) | IISER Berhampur Gen (Final Round) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 534 | – | ~700 | ~3,200 |
| 2023 | ~700 | +166 ranks (tighter) | 941 | ~3,800 |
| 2024 | ~1,023 | +323 ranks (tighter) | ~1,850 | ~5,200 |
| 2025 | 1,671 | +648 ranks (tighter) | ~2,100 | 8,789 |
The biggest single-year shift at IISER Pune happened in 2025, when the closing rank rose by 648 ranks. This came from a record 2.5 lakh candidates and a simpler paper than 2024. IISER Kolkata’s General category closing rank grew by about 1,400 ranks from 2022 to 2025. IISER Berhampur’s final round closing rank moved from about 3,200 in 2022 to 8,789 in 2025. That is a shift of about 5,589 ranks, reflecting growing student acceptance of the newer campus.
In 2026, with about 1.86 lakh candidates (down from 2.5 lakh in 2025), the pace of increase may slow. But the four-year trend suggests closing ranks will stay well above 2024 levels unless the paper is significantly harder.
Has the IISER Cutoff Been Rising Every Year?
Yes, the General category closing rank has risen at every IISER campus each year from 2022 to 2025. Growing student interest and more candidates appearing are the main drivers.
In 2026, fewer candidates than 2025 may slow the pace of increase. But unless the paper is much harder, closing ranks are unlikely to fall back to 2024 levels.
How to Check IISER IAT Cutoff 2026
The IISER IAT 2026 cutoff will be published as part of the seat allotment list after each round. Follow these steps to check it once it is released:
- Go to the official IISER admission portal at iiseradmission.in.
- Log in with your registered email ID and password.
- Click on the "Seat Allotment" or "Opening and Closing Ranks" section for the relevant round.
- Download the official PDF showing opening and closing ranks for each campus and category.
- Compare your rank to the closing rank of your preferred campus and category.
- Repeat after every round, as closing ranks change with each new allotment.
IISER IAT Counselling Process 2026
IISER counselling is conducted entirely online by IISER-JAC. There are up to nine rounds of seat allotment from July to September 2026.
Here is how the process works:
- Step 1 – Registration: After the result, eligible candidates register on iiseradmission.in and upload required documents. These include the IAT 2026 scorecard, Class 12 marks certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and photographs.
- Step 2 – Choice Filling: You rank all seven IISER campuses in order of preference. Your rank and your choices together decide your allotment. You can update choices before the locking deadline.
- Step 3 – Round 1 Allotment: IISER-JAC releases the allotment list with opening and closing ranks for each campus and category. This is the first official 2026 cutoff publication.
- Step 4 – Freeze or Float: Choose Freeze to lock your current campus. Choose Float to try for a better campus in the next round. Floating is safe. You cannot get a worse seat than your current allotment.
- Step 5 – Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF): Pay the SAF to confirm participation after each allotment. Missing the payment deadline removes you from the process entirely.
- Step 6 – Subsequent Rounds: The allotment-freeze-or-float cycle repeats for up to nine rounds. Closing ranks rise at popular campuses with each successive round.
- Step 7 – Campus Reporting: After freezing a seat, report to your allotted campus for document verification and admission formalities before the reporting deadline.
FAQs on IISER IAT Cutoff 2026
When will the IISER IAT 2026 cutoff be released?
The IISER IAT 2026 cutoff will come out with the Round 1 seat allotment list. This is expected in July 2026 on iiseradmission.in.
Each subsequent round will publish its own cutoff after allotment. The final round cutoff is expected by September 2026.
What is a good rank in IAT 2026 to get IISER Pune?
Based on 2025 data, a rank below 355 gives strong chances at IISER Pune in Round 1 for General category. The final round closing rank at IISER Pune was 1,671 in 2025.
If your rank is between 400 and 1,500, wait for later rounds before giving up on IISER Pune.
What is the minimum Class 12 score to be eligible for IAT 2026 counselling?
You need at least 60 marks per 100 aggregate in Class 12 for the General category. Reserved category students need at least 55 marks per 100.
This is the eligibility cutoff, not the admission cutoff. Your rank decides actual admission.
Does IISER have branch-wise cutoffs for different science subjects?
No. IISER admits students into a single 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree programme in Sciences. There are no branch-wise cutoffs at the time of admission.
You choose your major subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Earth Sciences) in your second or third year after joining campus.
Which IISER campus is the easiest to get into?
IISER Berhampur generally has the highest General category closing rank, making it the most accessible campus. In 2025, the final round closing rank at IISER Berhampur was 8,789.
IISER Tirupati is the second most accessible. Both are newer campuses established after 2015.
Which IISER campus is the hardest to get into?
IISER Pune has the lowest General category closing rank at every round, making it the most competitive. In 2025, the Round 1 closing rank at IISER Pune was 355 and the final round closing rank was 1,671.
IISER Kolkata is the second most competitive campus.
IISER 2026 Admission: IAT and JEE Advanced Channels
No. IISER 2026 has two main channels: IAT channel and JEE Advanced channel. Each channel has its own closing ranks at every campus.
IAT channel students do not compete with JEE Advanced channel students. Both channels' closing ranks are published separately on iiseradmission.in after each round.
Participation in Later Counselling Rounds
Yes. If you are registered, you automatically participate in all rounds unless you withdraw or miss the SAF payment. You do not need to apply separately for each round.
Many General category students ranked between 1,500 and 4,000 have secured seats in Rounds 4 through 7 in past years.
Total Seats Across IISER Campuses in 2026
There are 2,343 BS-MS seats across all seven IISER campuses for the 2026 cycle. IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata have smaller intakes relative to demand.
This is why their closing ranks are the tightest. IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati tend to have more seats available in later rounds.
Seat Acceptance Fee and Refund Policy
The Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) confirms your intent to stay in the counselling process. You pay it after each allotment round.
If you withdraw before the final round, a portion may be refunded. The exact refund amount depends on when you withdraw. Check the official refund schedule on iiseradmission.in for details.
Safe Scores for IISER Admission in 2026
A score of 100 or more marks targets IISER Berhampur or IISER Tirupati in later rounds for General category. A score of 160 or more makes you competitive for IISER Kolkata, Mohali, or Bhopal.
A score of 180 or more targets IISER Pune. For reserved categories, required scores are lower by roughly 20 to 50 marks depending on the campus.
| Score (out of 240) | Target Campuses (General Category) |
|---|---|
| 100 or more | IISER Berhampur or IISER Tirupati (later rounds) |
| 160 or more | IISER Kolkata, Mohali, or Bhopal |
| 180 or more | IISER Pune |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
IISER IAT 2026 Cutoff: Expected Trends
The IAT 2026 had about 1.86 lakh candidates, fewer than the 2.5 lakh who appeared in 2025. Fewer candidates can ease competition slightly.
Cutoff direction also depends on paper difficulty. If the 2026 paper is harder than 2025, closing ranks could ease toward 2024 levels. A General category final round closing rank of 1,500 to 2,000 for IISER Pune is a reasonable estimate for 2026.
Rising Cutoff Trend
The General category closing rank has risen at every IISER campus each year from 2022 to 2025. Growing student interest and more candidates appearing are the main drivers.
In 2026, fewer candidates than 2025 may slow the pace of increase. But unless the paper is much harder, closing ranks are unlikely to fall back to 2024 levels.
Cutoff Release Dates
The IISER IAT 2026 cutoff will come out with the Round 1 seat allotment list. This is expected in July 2026 on iiseradmission.in.
Each subsequent round will publish its own cutoff after allotment. The final round cutoff is expected by September 2026.
Admission Channels and Cutoffs
IISER 2026 has two main channels: IAT channel and JEE Advanced channel. Each has its own closing ranks at every campus.
Students who qualify JEE Advanced can apply through the JEE Advanced channel. These candidates are ranked separately and allotted seats from a reserved intake at each campus.
The JEE Advanced channel closing ranks differ from IAT channel closing ranks. Both are published on iiseradmission.in after each allotment round. IAT channel students do not compete with JEE Advanced channel students.
Eligibility Criteria
You need at least 60 marks per 100 aggregate in Class 12 for the General category. Reserved category students need at least 55 marks per 100.
This is the eligibility cutoff, not the admission cutoff. Your rank decides actual admission.
Programme Structure
IISER admits students into a single 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree programme in Sciences. There are no branch-wise cutoffs at the time of admission.
You choose your major subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Earth Sciences) in your second or third year after joining campus.
Campus-Wise Competition
IISER Pune has the lowest General category closing rank at every round, making it the most competitive. In 2025, the Round 1 closing rank at IISER Pune was 355 and the final round closing rank was 1,671. IISER Kolkata is the second most competitive campus.
IISER Berhampur generally has the highest General category closing rank, making it the most accessible campus. In 2025, the final round closing rank at IISER Berhampur was 8,789. IISER Tirupati is the second most accessible. Both are newer campuses established after 2015.
Seat Availability
There are 2,343 BS-MS seats across all seven IISER campuses for the 2026 cycle. IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata have smaller intakes relative to demand. This is why their closing ranks are the tightest.
IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati tend to have more seats available in later rounds.
Rank vs. Admission Chances
Based on 2025 data, a rank below 355 gives strong chances at IISER Pune in Round 1 for General category. The final round closing rank at IISER Pune was 1,671 in 2025.
If your rank is between 400 and 1,500, wait for later rounds before giving up on IISER Pune. Many General category students ranked between 1,500 and 4,000 have secured seats in Rounds 4 through 7 in past years.
Seat Acceptance and Round Participation
The Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) confirms your intent to stay in the counselling process. You pay it after each allotment round. If you withdraw before the final round, a portion may be refunded. The exact refund amount depends on the rules published by IISER.
If you are registered, you automatically participate in all rounds unless you withdraw or miss the SAF payment. You do not need to apply separately for each round.
Freeze or Float Decision
Freeze your seat if you are happy with the campus allotted in Round 1. Choose Float if you want to try for a better campus in the next round.
Floating is safe because you cannot get a worse seat than your current allotment. If your first preference is already allotted in Round 1, freeze it right away.
IISER Admission 2026: Overview
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) admission process for 2026 is based on the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). The official website for all admission-related information is iiseradmission.in.
Admission is offered to the BS-MS dual degree programme across seven IISER campuses. The campuses are Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tirupati.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology. The qualifying examination must be from a recognised board.
For the general category, candidates must have secured at least 60% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination. For SC, ST, and PwD categories, the minimum aggregate is 55%.
Candidates appearing for the Class 12 examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply. They must provide their marks by the specified deadline.
Exam Pattern
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is a computer-based test. The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes.
The question paper contains a total of 60 questions. Each subject section has 15 questions.
- Physics: 15 questions
- Chemistry: 15 questions
- Mathematics: 15 questions
- Biology: 15 questions
Each correct answer carries 4 marks. Each incorrect answer carries a negative marking of 1 mark. Unanswered questions do not carry any marks.
The total marks for the IAT are 240.
Application Fee
The application fee varies by category. The fee is non-refundable except in specific cases.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,000 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹2,000 |
| EWS | ₹2,000 |
| SC | ₹1,000 |
| ST | ₹1,000 |
| PwD | ₹1,000 |
Payment can be made online through net banking, credit card, or debit card. The application fee is refundable only when a candidate withdraws their application. Check the official refund schedule on iiseradmission.in for details.
Important Dates
The official schedule for IISER Admission 2026 is released on the official website. Candidates must check iiseradmission.in for the exact dates.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Online application starts | March 2026 |
| Online application ends | April 2026 |
| IAT 2026 exam date | June 2026 |
| Result announcement | June 2026 |
| First round of seat allotment | July 2026 |
These dates are tentative and subject to change. The final schedule will be published on the official website.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official website iiseradmission.in. No offline application forms are available.
- Visit the official website iiseradmission.in and click on the application link.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents, including photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Seat Allotment Process
Seat allotment is done through a centralised counselling process. The allotment is based on the IAT score, category, and preference of campus.
Candidates must fill in their choice of campuses during the application process. The allotment is done in multiple rounds.
After each round, candidates must accept the allotted seat and pay the acceptance fee. Candidates who do not accept the seat are moved to the next round.
Score vs. Campus Cutoff
The required IAT score for admission varies by campus and category. The following are indicative scores for the general category.
| Target Campus | Indicative Score (out of 240) |
|---|---|
| IISER Berhampur | 100 or more |
| IISER Tirupati | 100 or more |
| IISER Kolkata | 160 or more |
| IISER Mohali | 160 or more |
| IISER Bhopal | 160 or more |
| IISER Pune | 180 or more |
A score of 100 or more marks targets IISER Berhampur or IISER Tirupati in later rounds for General category. A score of 160 or more makes you competitive for IISER Kolkata, Mohali, or Bhopal. A score of 180 or more targets IISER Pune.
For reserved categories, required scores are lower by roughly 20 to 50 marks depending on the campus. The exact cutoffs are released after each round of allotment.