All about the test for IISER’S integrated science programme

Every year the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), conducts a national level entrance exam for aptitude for aspiring science candidates. This test is for admission into a 5-year integrated BS-MS programme. Students who successfully clear JEE Advanced (of IITs) and KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) get direct admission into this university. However, students who appear for SCB (State and Central Boards) are obligated to sit for this IISER aptitude test. This year, this test was conducted on 17^th September 2021 across 18 cities all over the country. For the candidates who wish to enter IISER through the SCB channel in the coming years, here’s all about their aptitude test.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates should be Indian nationals with valid identity proofs. PIO and OCI category candidates are also eligible as long as they can provide the relevant documents.
Candidates should have successfully passed their class XII board exams with the science stream. General and OBC candidates need minimum 60%, while the reserved category students need to secure 55%.
JEE Advanced candidates should have secured a valid rank (within the first 15000) as per the cut-off of that academic year.
KVPY candidates are required to have their KVPY fellowship.
It is mandatory for SCB candidates to appear for the IISER aptitude test, the cut-off for which will be decided by the concerned authorities.

Exam pattern
The IISER aptitude test has a single paper consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The syllabus of this entrance test is from the 10+2 curriculum of all recognised boards. It comprises of subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Logical Reasoning.

Marking scheme
The total marks of IISER aptitude test are 180. There are 60 MCQs. For each correct answer, 3 marks are awarded, while there is a negative marking of 1 for each wrong answer.

Mode and duration
The IISER aptitude exam is held online through computer-based mode. Candidates can only write their paper in English. The duration of this exam is 3 hours.