How to Prepare for IISER Entrance Exam 2024: Prep Tips and Guidelines

Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Entrance Exam 2025 ( IISER Entrance Exam )

7 mins read17.7K Views354 Comments
Manisha
Manisha Kumari
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Apr 10, 2024 13:08 IST

IISER Entrance Exam 2024 is going to be conducted on June 9, 2024. Around 2-3 months are left for the exam and aspirants should start accelerating their preparation for the same. This Shiksha article will provide you the various tips that you can use to prepare better for IISER entrance exam 2024 and ace the entrance exam.

IISER Entrance Exam

The Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) conducts the IISER Entrance Exam to offer students admission in five-year BS-MS dual degree programmes and BS degree programmes (IISER Bhopal) offered at the various institutes in India. Considered to be quite a tough exam to crack, students need plenty of preparation in order to crack the entrance exam as it is no child’s play.

Explore colleges based on IISER Entrance Exam

Bangalore
₹40 K
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Chennai
NA
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Bhopal
₹60 K - 3.15 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Bangalore
₹40 K
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Nadia
₹4.45 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Coimbatore
₹6.25 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Mohali
₹4.44 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Thiruvananthapuram
₹4.44 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Berhampur
₹4.04 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
Pune
₹3.56 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.Sc. Colleges
View allCollections

Admissions are via IAT Channel only. JEE Advanced and KVPY scorecards are no longer valid. This decision by the exam officials will now create more competition among the students as all the interested candidates have to appear in IAT 2024 exam. The IISER exam is highly competitive. To stand a chance of getting into a good university, you need to have a well-planned and comprehensive preparation strategy. While doing the IISER 2024 preparation, candidates will understand that the IISER syllabus is vast. There is a lot of material that you need to cover to be successful in the exam. A preparation plan will help you ensure that you cover all of the important topics.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of IISER entrance test?

A:
IISER 2023 entrance examination is considered to be one of the finest and the toughest exams under Science stream undergraduate entrance examination as it provides the BSMS dual degree in the most reputed and research-oriented institutions across the country which is IISERs. On a comparison note, candidates will find the examination tougher than JEE Main exam, but below JEE Advanced. Unlike JEE or NEET the IISER aptitude test asks questions from both mathematics and Biology. Subjects which are found tougher in IISER entrance examination- Organic Chemistry can easily create hassle while giving the entrance examination as there are a lot of naming reactions, its electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks which are commonly asked in the examination. For the bio-background people, the Math section is not usually unscalable. With a decent understanding of regular 11th and 12th-grade concepts, you should be able to crack a few questions without much trouble. Of course, the caveat being that you rock it in the bio section and make up for it. So ensure that you don't falter at this juncture.

Q:   How can I get admission at IISER Mohali?

A:

To secure admission in IISER Mohali, candidates need to sit for KVPY, or SCB exams. Fill out the application form provided by IISER Mohali and choose one of the three admission channels (JKVPY, or SCB) to apply. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to attend counselling sessions as part of the admission process.

Q:   Can I crack IISER without maths?

A:
Depends on the branch you choose. If you are looking for Pure Sciences, then there is no need for math. None of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research mandatory requires a math background for BSMS admissions. However, if you are applying for the Engineering Science and Economics programme at the Indian Institute of Science Education & Research Bhopal, then you are required to have a math background in class 10+2. Also, as a previous answer pointed out, the Aptitude Test has 25 percent of questions from Mathematics. So if you are a non-math candidate, you would be well-advised to maybe spend the last couple of months going over a few basics from the class 11th and class 12th NCERT textbooks, so as to be able to score a few marks at least in the mathematics section. However, All you need to have is a bit of knowledge in mathematics and you should be strong with the basics. That will help you to clear your Indian Institute of Science Education & Research examinations. The Indian Institute of Science Education & Research syllabus includes topics from Physics mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha IISER page. (https://www.shiksha.com/college/iiser-Bhopal-indian-institute-of-science-education-research-57301). I hope this will help you.

Also Read: IISER Eligibility Criteria 2024: Check Nationality, Educational Qualification and Reservation Policy Here 

Academic Programmes Offered by IISER 

IISERs offer admission into courses leading to BS-MS Dual Degree, and BS Degree (only at IISER Bhopal) Programs. Admissions are via IAT Channel, KVPY Channel and JEE (Advanced) Channel. Programmes offered by the participating IISER institutions are mentioned below:

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

CUEE 2025 Application Form

2 Dec '24 - 25 Dec '24

SAT Registration Deadline for ...

21 Feb '25

ISI Admssion Test 2025 Applica...

4 Mar '25 - 8 Mar '25

NEST 2024 Application Process ...

3 Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

27 Feb '25 - 5 Apr '25

CGC Josh 2025 Registration Stage 1

14 Nov '24 - 31 May '25

KALSEE 2025 Application Form E...

19 Jul '25

OUAT 2024 Campus Reporting for...

6 Jan '25 - 7 Jan '25

RUASAT 2025 Application Process

20 Dec '24 - 7 Apr '25

PU CET (UG) 2025 Application Form

23 Mar '25 - 25 Apr '25

Biological Sciences
● Chemical Sciences
● Earth & Climate Sciences/Earth & Environmental Sciences
● Economic Sciences
● Engineering Sciences (Chemical Engineering, Data Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science)
● Geological Sciences

● Integrated & Interdisciplinary Sciences (Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences)
● Mathematical Sciences
 Physical Sciences

Note: Four-year BS program in Engineering Sciences and Economics Sciences is offered only by IISER Bhopal.

Q:   How to get admission to IISER Bhopal?

A:

Admission to IISER Bhopal is based on the candidate's performance in either of the three channels: SCB, KVPY, or IIT-JEE. For admission through the SCB channel, candidates need to appear for the IISER Aptitude Test conducted by the institute and meet the minimum eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 60% marks in Class 12 or equivalent. For admission through KVPY and IIT-JEE channels, candidates must have qualified KVPY or JEE Advanced and meet the minimum eligibility criteria. After qualifying for any of the three channels, candidates must apply through the official website of IISER Bhopal during the admission window and follow the prescribed application process. Finally, candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance and called for further rounds of the selection process, which may include a personal interview and/or a counselling session.

Q:   How to get a BS-MS seat at IISER Kolkata?

A:

The process to get a BS-MS seat at IISER Kolkata includes five broad steps. Interested candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. The admissions are subject to fulfillment of the eligibility criteria. Thus, students must check the criteria before applying.

2. Those who are eligible can apply for the preferred course by visiting the official website of the institute’s admission portal.

3. After applying, candidates must appear for the IISER Aptitude Test.

4. Once the exam results are out, the institute prepares a rank list based on the entrance exam scores.

5. Based on the rank list, the students are allocated a seat via the counselling process.

Q:   Can I get direct admission to B.Sc at IISER Mohali - Indian Institute of Science Education & Research?

A:

At Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, a standalone B.Sc programme isn't offered; instead, the institute provides an integrated BS-MS dual degree programme spanning five or less years. Admission to this programme requires aspiring students to appear for either IISER Aptitude Test, with candidates shortlisted based on their exam scores. While direct admission to a traditional B.Sc isn't an option, the BS-MS programme ensures a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping students for diverse and rewarding scientific careers.

Q:   When is IISER Bhopal application forms out?

A:

IISER Bhopal is one of the premier institutes of Science education and research in India. It offers excellent academic opportunities and facilities to its students and faculty members. It also has a vibrant campus life with various cultural and sports activities. If you are passionate about Science and innovation, IISER Bhopal might be a great choice for you.

The IISER Bhopal online application form 2023 is available on the institute’s official website. The application process for admission to various courses such as BS-MS, M.Sc./Integrated PhD, and PhD is expected to start from August 2, 2023. The eligibility criteria, selection process, fee structure, and other details can be found on the institute’s website.

The last date for applying for admission through JEE Main rank was August 2, 2023. The application forms for admission through KVPY and SCB channel are expected to be released soon on the official website of IISER Bhopal.

Q:   What are the different channels for getting admission in IISER Colleges?

A:

Earlier there was three chaneels through which candidates can ge admissions to the courses offered at IISER institions, IISc Banglore and IIT Madras. From the academic session 2025, admisisons were made through IAT exam channel only and other two channels were discontinued.

There were three channels for admission:

  1. IAT Channel a. Candidates seeking admission through this channel must appear for a computer-based IISER Aptitude Test (IAT-2025).
  2. KVPY Channel The KVPY-SA-2021 students who have received the provisional KVPY fellowship award are eligible to apply for admission. A. Candidates in the extended KVPY merit list are not eligible.
  3. JEE Channel a. Candidates seeking admission under JEE channel should have qualified in the JEE Advanced in the year 2023, AND should have a rank within 15000 in the common rank list or in the respective category rank lists (GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD). B. Those who qualified JEE Advanced in any year other than 2023 are not eligible. C. Candidates with JEE Advanced preparatory ranks are not eligible. Candidates seeking admission under this channel do not have to appear for IAT-2023.

In order to ace the IISER Entrance Exam, students need to prepare well, get all the right material to study, sort out their time schedule, solve mock tests, know the exam pattern and marking scheme.

Here are a few step-wise preparation tips which you can apply when you are short on time and need to study straight away. Follow the below-mentioned steps on how prepare for the IISER Entrance Exam.

Stepwise Preparation for IISER Entrance Exam

Step 1: Understand the IISER Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme.

Step 2: Get the prescribed syllabus for the applied course.

Step 3: Get all the study material you can to prepare better for IISER Entrance Exam. 

Step 4: Create a day to day and weekly time table on how much material you can study on a daily basis.

Step 5:  Try and solve as many question papers as you can, including sample papers and give mock tests to know your strengths and weaknesses.

How to prepare for IISER Entrance Exam?

The first step in preparing for IISER Entrance Exam is all about how you will utilize your time, how many topics you can cover in a day, how many equations can you solve from hard to easy. Studying according to a jotted out plan is always successful. Candidates can go through the following tips steps on how to prepare for the entrance test.

Know the IISER Entrance Exam Pattern

First and foremost, the candidate needs to understand the IISER Entrance Exam pattern. One should know the duration of the exam, the mode and medium of the entrance exam, how many questions will be asked and the weightage of marks. Will the question pattern be in MCQ format or have long answer questions. How many sections will there be and which section will carry the most amount of marks? Once you understand the pattern, you have a blueprint in your mind and will know exactly how to manage your time while sitting for the entrance exam.

Know the IISER Entrance Exam Marking Scheme

Along with the exam pattern, students should know the marking scheme as well. If you are not thorough with the exam pattern and marking scheme, it will be quite tough to prepare your plan before you get down to write as soon as you get the question paper. You have to know the minute details as it can help you prepare better and you better chances of scoring better. You will not have much trouble once you have the pattern in mind and know what to expect in terms of the marking scheme.

Know the IISER Entrance Exam Syllabus

Once you have the syllabus of the course you have applied for, be it Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Chemistry, it just makes the preparation process much smoother from here on. To score well in IISER Entrance Exam, candidates have to thoroughly go through the prescribed IISER 2024 syllabus. Even if its general topics which you have covered, go through them once again. Don’t leave out anything. Strategize your plans on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. There is no success without hard work and in order to get admission in IISER, you can prepare better by knowing which topics to cover in-depth and which sections will require superficial knowledge such as general studies. You can do so by following the below-mentioned pointers:

  • Segregate the subjects and topics into easy and difficult categories. Cover topics which you find challenging.
  • Cover the subjects thoroughly and know the important topics which have to be covered.
  • Note down the topics which carry maximum weightage (based on previous years’ question papers).

To know the IISER Entrance Exam syllabus, click here.

Go through Prep Books

Along with the syllabus, aspirants should purchase the required IISER Entrance Exam 2024 books. Through prep books, one tests themselves. You can identify where you fall behind and which are your strong points. It is advised that you purchase at least two to three prep books to help better understand the test. The prep books will give you an idea of the syllabus, know what type of questions that can be asked in the entrance exam and much more.

Refer to Past Years’ Question Papers

The best way to get a grip of what you can expect is by going through the IISER previous years question papers. You can understand which section has what type of questions and how many sections carry the maximum amount of marks where you can score well.

Solve Sample Papers and Mock Tests

The best way to know where you fall behind and what your weaknesses are, is by solving question papers, sample papers and mock tests. If you’re having trouble in a topic, try and answer the questions asked. You can only build on your weak aspects and can only build and become more confident.

Make IISER Entrance Exam 2024 Timetable

Here are the steps on how to make an IISER exam timetable:
  • Gather all the relevant information. This includes the exam dates, the number of papers, the duration of each paper, and the syllabus for each paper.
  • List all the papers you need to take.
  • Estimate the amount of time you need to study for each paper.
  • Allocate time for each paper in your timetable.
  • Be realistic about how much you can study in a day.
  • Schedule your study sessions around your other commitments.
  • Stick to your timetable as much as possible.
  • To identify areas where you need to improve: By reviewing your mock test results, you can identify areas where you need to improve your knowledge or understanding. This can help you focus your studies on the most important topics, maximizing your chances of success on the actual exam.
  • To boost your confidence: Taking mock tests can help you build confidence in your ability to perform well on the actual exam. By seeing yourself succeed in a simulated testing environment, you can reduce anxiety and increase your chances of success on the actual day.

Books to Read for the IISER Entrance Exam 2024

Candidates can go through the following books which are used by students to study for IISER Entrance Exam.

Physics

Book

Author

Concepts if Physics Volume I

H.C Verma

Concepts if Physics Volume II

H.C Verma

NCERT Physics Class XI

NCERT

NCERT Physics Class XII

NCERT

Fundamentals of Physics

Halliday, Resnik, Walker

Problems in General Physics

I.E Irodov

Chemistry

NCERT Chemistry Class XI

NCERT

NCERT Chemistry Class XII

NCERT

Organic Chemistry

Morrison and Boyd

Inorganic Chemistry for IIT JEE

O.P Tandon

Concise Inorganic Chemistry for JEE

J.D Lee

Numerical Chemistry

P Bahadur

Chemical Calculations

R.C Mukherjee

Mathematics

Problems Plus in IIT Mathematics

A Das Gupta

Comprehensive Mathematics JEE Advanced

Tata McGraw Hill

Plane Trigonometry Part 1

SL Loneyx`

For more details on the IISER Entrance Exam, you can go through the following links:

IISER Entrance Exam Important Dates

How to fill IISER Entrance Exam Application Form

How to download IISER Entrance Exam Admit Card

How to download IISER Entrance Exam Results

Read More:

About the Author
author-image
Manisha Kumari
Associate Senior Executive

Being a post-graduate and BEd degree holder, I'm an innovative, task-driven and immensely motivated science enthusiast, making me a passionate content writer. I love providing meaningful and constructive articles in... Read Full Bio

Download Important Dates for Science Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

Apr '25

NEST 2024 Application Process ...

Jun '25

NEST 2024 Application Form Cor...

Dec '24

BVP CET 2025 Application Form

Jun '25

BVP CET 2025 Admit Card

Jan '25

IIT JAM 2025 Admit Card

2 Feb '25

IIT JAM 2025 Exam Day

18 Apr '25 -

19 Apr '25

KCET 2025 exam date

Jan '25

TIFR GS Final Answer

Feb '25

TIFR GS 2025 Result For Writte...

6 Jan '25 -

10 Jan '25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling...

15 Jan '25 -

16 Jan '25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates will be able to download the final answer key of IISER 2025 pdf from the official website only in online mode. The authorities released the first provisional answer key of IISER pdf and candidates will be able to check their answers and calculate the probable scores secured in the IISER 2

...more

48624059
Manisha Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Analyzing trends in IISER application statistics can provide valuable insights into the growing popularity and competitiveness of the IISERs. Here are some key factors to consider when interpreting these trends:
1. Overall Increase in Applicants:
Rising Awareness: A steady increase in the number of ap

...more

48624059
Manisha Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

IISER application statistics can be helpful for applicants in the IISER examination in several ways:

1. Understanding the Competition:

  • Number of applicants: Knowing the total number of applicants can give you an idea of the competitive landscape and help you gauge your chances.
  • Distribution of applican

...more

48624059
Manisha Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The IISER Paper Analysis 2023 is given below for the reference of the candidates.

 
ParticularsAnalysis 
Overall Difficulty LevelModerate 
Expected Number of Good Attempts45-50
Difficulty Level of BiologyEasy to Moderate
Difficulty Level of PhysicsModerate to Difficult
Difficulty Level of MathematicsDifficult
Difficulty Level of ChemistryModerate 
Topics with Highest Weightage in MathematicsSets, Relations And Functions
Topics with Highest Weightage in ChemistryInorganic and Organic Chemistry,
Topics with Highest Weightage in PhysicsGravitation, Electricity, Electrostatistics
Topics with Highest Weightage in BiologyMolecular Biology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology

 

48624059
Manisha Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

IAT 2024 question paper and answer key were released on June 9, 2024 on the official website. For the last day of IAT 2024 preparation, candidates can go through the IISER 2024 question paper weightage from here:

SubjectDifficulty LevelGood Attempt
BiologyEasy12-13 Questions
PhysicsModerate8-10 Questions
ChemistryEasy to Moderate10-12 Questions
MathematicsModerate9-11 Questions

48624059
Manisha Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The following items or objects will not be allowed to be carried to the IISER 2025 exam centres.

  • Stationery items such as test-based material (written/printed), papers, notes, Pencil box, pouches, geometry box, pen, scale/ruler, eraser, etc.
  • Electronic devices such as calculators, cameras, electronic

...more

48624059
Manisha Kumari

Contributor-Level 10