IISER - Integrated PhD

Eligibility Criteria for IISER Entrance Exam

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have cleared 10+2 or equivalent with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and/or Biology. Minimum qualifying marks vary depending on the admission channel (KVPY, JEE Advanced, or SCB - State and Central Boards).
• Age Limit: There is generally no age limit for admission but candidates must check specific timelines and rules on the official IISER website annually for any updates.
• Nationality: Open to Indian nationals and foreign nationals. Fulfilling the qualifying exam criteria is necessary.

Exam Pattern of IISER Entrance

• Mode of Exam: The admission to IISERs is conducted based on three channels: KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana), JEE Advanced Rank, and State and Central Boards (SCB) channel. The SCB channel includes a separate IISER Aptitude Test conducted online.
• Number of Questions: The IISER Aptitude Test generally comprises 60 questions divided as - 15 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• Marking Scheme: The questions are multiple choice with some carrying partial marking; detailed marking scheme is published in the official notification each year.
• Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• Exam Schedule: The IISER Aptitude Test usually takes place in the month of June. The application notification is typically released around April-May annually.

Syllabus for IISER Entrance Exam

The syllabus broadly covers NCERT topics from classes 11 and 12 in the following subjects:

• Physics: Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Heat and Thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei.
• Chemistry: Basic concepts of Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Hydrogen, The s-Block Element, The p-Block Element, The d-Block and f-Block Elements, Organic Chemistry including Hydrocarbons, Environmental Chemistry.
• Mathematics: Sets, Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Sequences and Series, Binomial Theorem and its Applications, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Coordinate Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
• Biology: Diversity of Living Organisms, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, Ecology and Environment.

Other Important Information About IISER Entrance Exam

Application Process

1. Visit the official IISER admission website: https://www.iiseradmission.in/
2. Create an account by registering with a valid email ID and phone number.
3. Fill in personal, academic, and choice of channels (KVPY, JEE Advanced, SCB) in the application form.
4. Upload the required documents as per specifications (photo, signature, category certificate if applicable).
5. Pay the application fee online through net banking, credit/debit card or UPI.
6. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Bachelor of Science (BS) - BS-MS Dual Degree program in Sciences including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Earth and Climate Sciences, etc.
• Integrated PhD and PhD programs offered by individual IISERs after admission.

Facts About the Entrance Exam

• The exam selects highly talented students for an elite science education program.
• Admission is through a competitive and transparent process across multiple channels.
• Through KVPY and JEE Advanced channels, students enjoy direct admission without writing the IISER Aptitude Test.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are usually released online on the IISER admission portal about 1-2 weeks before the exam date.
• Download it by logging into the candidate portal with credentials.
• Carry a printed copy of the admit card and valid photo ID on exam day.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are announced on the official IISER admission website.
• Cut-offs depend on the channel of admission and category of candidate.
• Selection lists are made available with detailed marks and ranks.

Preparation Tips

• Thorough knowledge of NCERT textbooks for classes 11 and 12 is essential.
• Practice previous years question papers and sample papers for IISER Aptitude Test.
• Use reference books like H.C. Verma for Physics, O.P. Tandon for Chemistry, R.D. Sharma for Mathematics, and Trueman’s Biology.
• Online platforms like Unacademy, Khan Academy, and Byju's offer specialized coaching and problem-solving sessions.

FAQs

• Q: Can I apply through multiple channels?
  A: Yes, candidates can apply through KVPY, JEE Advanced, and SCB channel simultaneously but must meet eligibility criteria for each.
• Q: Is there any negative marking?
  A: Negative marking is applicable in the IISER Aptitude Test for certain question sections as per notification.
• Q: What is the typical duration of the IISER Aptitude Test?
  A: The test duration is generally around 180 minutes (3 hours).
• Q: Are there reservations for reserved categories?
  A: Yes, reservations as per Government of India norms are applicable.
• Q: Can foreign nationals apply?
  A: Yes, foreign nationals can apply by fulfilling academic qualifications and applying through the SCB channel.