Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Application Process 2026

IISER 2026 Registration Started

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) has started the registration process for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026. The registration window is open from March 5, 2026, to April 13, 2026.

The entrance exam will be conducted on June 7, 2026, for admission to many IISER campuses. Students who want a career in science and research can apply online through the official website.

Applicants can apply through the SCB, KVPY, or JEE Advanced route. It is important to know the eligibility criteria, compile the right documents, and fill in the form correctly.

Eligibility Criteria for IAT 2026

• Candidates should have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025.
• They should be from a science stream and have studied subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and/or Biology.
• The candidates in General, EWS, and OBC-NCL categories are required to have at least 60% marks.
• Candidates from SC, ST, or PwD categories must secure a minimum of 55%.

Eligibility criteria differ marginally based on which channel one decides to apply through—SCB, KVPY, or JEE Advanced. All of these channels also involve a different application form and fee.

What is IISER, and Who Can Apply?

IISERs are self-governing institutions under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. They provide quality education and research in basic sciences.

Candidates having higher secondary science education can apply for admission to the BS-MS dual degree courses provided by these institutes.

IISER 2026 Admission Schedule: Important Dates

It is important to keep an eye on the official schedule. Missing a deadline could deprive you of the opportunity to apply.

IISER 2026 Application: Important Dates

The IISER 2026 application process started on 5 March 2026. The last date to submit the form is 13 April 2026.

An application correction window will be available from April 16, 2026. This window allows applicants to rectify errors in their application form.

Documents Required for IISER Application

Keep all required documents ready before starting the application form. This makes the process easier and quicker.

• Valid email ID and mobile number
• Recent passport-size photograph (scanned copy)
• Scanned signature
• Class 12 mark sheet (if available)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate or medical certificate (as applicable)
• OCI/PIO certificate (if applicable)
• ID proof (not required while applying)

IISER File Specifications for Upload

Documents must be uploaded in the specified format and size. Follow these specifications exactly.

How to Fill IISER Application Form 2026

IISER Registration 2026

Log on to the official IISER admissions portal to start the application process. Fill in your name, date of birth, a valid email ID, and mobile number.

An OTP will be sent to your phone and email address for verification. After verification, you will receive your login details.

IISER Log In and Fill Up Your Profile

Use the credentials sent to your email to log into your account. Begin filling in your personal details, including parent or guardian information, nationality, category (General, OBC, SC, etc.), address, and contact numbers.

You will also be asked about your family's educational background and annual income.

IISER Educational Qualifications

Next, provide details of your academic history. Ensure all entries match the details on your official documents.

• Class 10 and Class 12 board names and passing years
• Name and address of your school
• Whether your school is in a rural or urban area
• Subjects studied in Class 12, particularly Mathematics
• Whether your results have been announced

IISER Required Documents

Upload the required documents after entering your personal and academic details. Follow the exact file format and size specifications.

Preview your application after uploading to ensure everything appears as intended.

IISER Channel and Preferences

Select your admission channel: SCB, KVPY, or JEE Advanced. The requirements depend on your selection.

• SCB candidates must choose five exam cities and rank up to nine IISER campuses in order of preference.
• KVPY applicants must enter their stream, rank, and application number.
• JEE Advanced candidates must input their roll number and counselling centre.
• You can apply to multiple channels, but a separate application fee must be paid for each one.

IISER Application Fee

Payment is the last step before submission. Pay using UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card on the secure payment gateway.

Save the payment receipt and transaction ID for future reference. Check your application one final time, then submit the form.

Download a PDF copy of your completed application for safekeeping after submission.

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Pattern

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is scheduled for 6 June 2026. The exam pattern details are part of the official admission process.

IISER Aptitude Test Pattern for SCB Stream

Candidates applying under the SCB stream must take the IISER Aptitude Test. It is a computer-based exam covering four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each subject has 15 questions.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Total Questions: 60
• Marking Scheme: +3 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong one

The test checks basic concepts and reasoning. Candidates should review the official syllabus and solve sample papers to prepare.

IISER Final Tips for Applicants

Applicants for IISER 2026 should start early, follow instructions closely, and verify everything before submitting the form. Uploaded documents must be readable, and fees should be paid well before the deadline.

Check the official IISER website often for updates. Keep an eye on your email for admit card and exam notifications.

IISER Cutoff Marks for IAT 2026

The IISER Cutoff Marks for IAT 2026 are split by category: General (UR), OBC-NCL, SC/ST, and EWS. The IAT is scored out of 240 marks, and past data shows cutoff scores are quite high.

Can I get IISER with 60 marks?

No, a score of 60 out of 240 in the IAT is very unlikely to secure admission, especially for General category candidates. A score below 60 would likely put a candidate beyond rank 2000.

Here is the expected marks versus rank analysis for IISER.

Is IISER better than IIT?

IISER focuses on science research, while IIT focuses on engineering technology and applied sciences. The choice depends on individual goals and preferences.

IISER Application Form FAQs

1. Can I select my preferred IISER campus while submitting the application form?

Yes. Candidates must rank their preferred IISER campuses when applying. Final allotment depends on IAT scores and seat availability, but preferences are considered.

2. I am a Class 12 student. Am I eligible to apply for IISER IAT 2026?

Yes, students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026 are fully eligible. Selected candidates must submit proof of passing, like the Class 12 marksheet, during admission.

3. Is there any limit on the number of times I can appear for the IAT exam?

Yes. Candidates may appear for the IISER Aptitude Test a maximum of three times consecutively in a year. Those who have appeared more than three times are not considered.

4. Should I send any hard copies of documents by post after completing the form?

No, the entire IISER 2026 application process is online. No hard copies need to be posted. Keep the originals for counselling and admission.

5. What if my name or details are printed wrong on the admit card?

Admit Card Errors

If you notice an error in your admit card after it is released, contact the IISER admission helpdesk immediately using the official contact details. Errors can usually be corrected before the exam date if you raise them in time.

Payment Failure During Application

If your payment fails or is pending, your application will be considered incomplete. Log in again to check your payment status, and if needed, make the payment once more to complete your submission.

Eligibility for IAT Without All Four Subjects

Yes, you can attempt the IAT even if you did not study all four subjects. You must have studied at least three of the four subjects—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology—in Class 12 to be qualified.

The IAT exam tests you on all four subjects. If one subject was not part of your course, prepare for it in advance.