How to Get Into IISER 2025? Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria, List of IISER Campus

How to Get Into IISER 2025? To get into IISER, students need to take the IAT 2025 also known as IISER aptitude test. The selection process for IISER includes IAT exam, application process and selection process.

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) were established by the Government of India and are regarded as the country's finest research institutes. IISERs are independent institutes that provide master's and doctorate degrees to students. IISERs provide courses such as BS, MS, integrated PhD, and PhD to aspirants.

IISERs has seven campuses across the country in Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tirupati. It was created to encourage basic science education in the country.

Admission Process to Get Into IISER

With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, IISERs offer programs like the BS-MS Dual Degree, Integrated PhD, and PhD across various science disciplines. Admission to these institutes is highly competitive and sought after by students aspiring to build a career in science and research. The admission process majorly include of 3 stages: understanding the admission channels, steps to fill IISER application form 2025, and IISER 2025 counselling process

Understanding the Admission Channels

Applicants need to understand the admission channels that include the IAT entrance exam, KVPY Channel, and JEE Advanced Channel. Students can have an overview of each of these channels stated below.

• IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)

  • This is the primary channel for admission to IISERs.
  • Candidates must qualify the IAT, which is conducted exclusively for IISER admissions.
  • Eligibility: Students who have completed their Class 12 (or equivalent) in the science stream with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology.
  • Syllabus: Based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

• KVPY Channel

  • Students who have a valid KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) fellowship are eligible for direct admission.
  • This channel is designed for academically exceptional students.
  • IISERs verify the KVPY fellowship details during the application process.

• JEE Advanced Channel

  • Students who have qualified the JEE Advanced exam with a rank within the prescribed cutoff are eligible.
  • This channel is ideal for students with strong engineering and science aptitude.

Steps to Fill IISER Application Form 2025

After filling out the initial application information, candidates can follow the steps given below to apply through the SCB channel. While filling out the IISER 2025 application form, aspirants must upload scanned papers such as a class 12 mark sheet, signature, and photograph.

Step 1: Aside from the application details, select the 'IAT Channel' option and select  the 'Click Here to Fill the Application' icon.

Step 2: Enter personal information such as the application number, reference number, name, and date of birth.

Step 3: Fill out the city preferences for the IISER Aptitude Test.

Step 4: Select your preferred course in the specific IISER campus from top priority to low priority. Click the 'Submit' button to be sent to the payment gateway.

Step 5: Pay the application cost using RTGS/NEFT, net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Enter the mobile number, email address, and payer's name Enter the mobile number, email address, and payer's name. After that, click the 'Generate Challan' icon to generate a challan.

Step 6: The application process is complete after the application fee has been paid.

Candidates in the general category must pay the IISER Application Fee 2025 of INR 2000, while those in the SC/ST/Kashmiri Migrant category must pay only INR 1000.

IISER 2025 Counselling Process

All qualified candidates are allowed to proceed with applying for the following phase of the counselling procedure. Admissions will be based on the merit list created by IISER. Exam administrators will disclose the seat allotment admittance method for each round.

The IISER counselling 2025 seat allotment process for rounds will begin when the results are announced. Candidates must obtain their offer letter from the candidate portal and confirm their seats before the deadline.

Step 1: Seat Allocation

Depending on merit, the total number of available seats at different IISERs, and candidates' choices, the seats will be allotted to the candidates.

Step 2: Locking of Seat

Float in IISER Counselling: The float option allows a candidate to either keep the seat given to them (if no) or change seats (if yes) based on the candidate's preferences stated in their application form and merit list.

Freeze in IISER Counselling: If the candidate selects Yes in the Float option, the seat allocation is finalized.

Step 3: Verification of Documents

Candidates must report to the allocated regional documentation center on the planned date and time to have all essential documents verified. Candidates must bring the original copy of the following documents along with two self-attested photocopies: 

• Class 12th mark sheet.
• Class 10th Mark sheet as evidence of Date of Birth 
• Admit Card of Aptitude Test
• Score Card of Aptitude Test
• Caste Certificate (If Any)
• PWD Certificate (if applicable)
• Two recent passport-sized pictures.

Step 4: Payment of IISER fee

After being allocated an IISER seat, candidates must pay a seat acceptance fee of INR 25,000 for General/OBC candidates and INR 12,500 for reserved category candidates.

Choose the Right Program

IISERs offer various programs, and candidates should decide based on their academic goals:

• BS-MS Dual Degree: A five-year program combining undergraduate and master’s education in science.
• Integrated PhD: For students with a bachelor’s degree in science.
• PhD: For postgraduate students aiming to pursue advanced research.

IISER 2025 Eligibility Criteria 

IISER has published the IAT 2025 eligibility criteria on its official website. IISER eligibility criteria include nationality, education level, and other factors. Candidates must meet the IISER eligibility requirements before filling out the application form.

• To apply for the IAT 2025, applicants must be Indian nationals, OCI/PIOs, or foreign nationals.
• Candidates must have passed the Class XII or equivalent level examination in 2022, 2023, or 2025 from a board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE). 
• Candidates must have studied at least three subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at their Class XII (or equivalent) examination.
• SC/ST/PwD candidates must obtain a minimum of 55% aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class XII (or equivalent) examination. Candidates from other categories must achieve a minimum aggregate grade point average of 60% in their Class XII (or equivalent) examination.
• Candidates from Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-Migrants) may apply for the IAT-2025 as Kashmiri Migrants, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. These candidates must provide a valid domicile certificate in place of the "Kashmiri Migrant Certificate" while applying.
• Students from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), Kashmir division/Winter Zone areas of Jammu division, and the U.T. of Ladakh who took their Class XII or equivalent level examination in December 2021 are also eligible to apply for the IAT 2025, as long as they meet all of the other eligibility requirements. During the application procedure, these candidates must specify 2022 as the year they will pass the class 12 exams.

List of IISER Campuses in India 2025

Students can check the list of IISER colleges in India 2025 with their NIRF details in the table given below.

List of IISER Campuses in India 2025

IISER Campus	NIRF
IISER Pune (Maharashtra)	42
IISER Kolkata (West Bengal)	61
IISER Mohali (Punjab)	64
IISER Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)	78
IISER Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)	NA
IISER Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)	NA
IISER Berhampur (Odisha)	NA

In terms of selecting the IIER campus students can also check NISER vs IISER, the comparison will help understand the differences and what matches their preferences.

IISER Qualifying Cut-offs

IISER will post the IAT Cut-off 2025 on its official website, iiseradmission.in, following each round of counselling. The IISER IAT Cut off is announced in the form of the closing ranks required by candidates for admission to the seven IISER campuses. Students can find the previous year’s category-wise cut-off list in the table below.

IISER College	General	EWS	OBC-NCL	SC	ST
Pune	160-180	120-140	120-140	70-90	60-80
Kolkata	140-160	100-120	100-120	70-80	60-70
Mohali	110-130	80-90	80-90	65-70	50-60
Bhopal	110-130	80-90	80-90	65-70	50-60
TVM	110-120	80-85	80-85	55-65	40-50
Tirupati	100-110	75-85	75-85	50-60	30-40
Berhampur	100-110	75-85	75-85	50-60	30-40

Also Read: IISER Merit List 2025: Cutoff, Seat Matrix, Download PDF

Exam Preparation Tips to get into IISER

IISER administers the IAT Exam to candidates seeking admission to five-year BS-MS dual degree programs and BS degree programs (IISER Bhopal) at several institutes across India. 

Admissions are exclusively available via the IAT Channel. JEE Advanced and KVPY scores are no longer valid. 

This decision by exam officials would increase the competition level, as all interested candidates must take the IAT exam. The entrance exam is considered to be fairly difficult to pass, thus students must prepare extensively. Here are a few tips to prepare for the exam that will help you get into IISER.

• Understand the IISER exam pattern and marking scheme and collect all pertinent information. This contains exam dates, the number of papers, each paper's duration, and the curriculum.
• Gather all of the study materials you can to better prepare for the IISER Entrance Exam.
• Make a daily and weekly schedule outlining how much content you can study daily. Be realistic about how much you can study in one day. Stick to your schedule as much as possible.
• Try to solve as many question papers as possible, including sample papers, and administer mock tests to determine your strengths and shortcomings. 
• Reviewing your mock test results will help you identify areas where you need to improve your knowledge or understanding.
• Focus your studies on the most crucial topics, this will help in increasing your chances of passing the actual exam.