Which is the best IISER in India?

Which is the best IISER in India?

9 mins read1.1L Views 2 Comments
Manisha
Manisha Kumari
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 15:50 IST

One of the best IISERs, based on students' review on Shiksha.com and so according to the NIRF Ranking 2023, is the IISER Pune campus. The college is considered to be the best based on course structure and affiliations with foreign universities.

Every science student, who plans to specialise in the Research & Development (R&D), aims to get admission into the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). In India, there are seven IISERs operating under the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). Each one of the seven IISERs is located at Kolkata Mohali Thiruvananthapuram Bhopal ,  Tirupati  and  Berhampur
Also Read:  

Factors Determining Best IISER

Here are some parameters to consider when determining which IISER is the best fit for the candidates:

Academics:

  • Areas of Focus: Each IISER has its own strengths in specific scientific fields. Look at the research areas of the faculty and see if they align with your interests.
  • Course Structure: IISERs offer a variety of BS-MS dual degree programs. Compare the curriculum and course offerings between institutes to see which one best suits your academic goals.
  • Faculty Reputation: Consider the qualifications and research achievements of the faculty members at each IISER.

Institute Reputation and Rankings:

  • National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF): The NIRF ranking is a reliable indicator of an institute's overall performance. While not the sole factor, a good NIRF rank indicates a strong academic environment.
  • Student Reviews: Read online reviews and forums to get a sense of the student experience at each IISER.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

  • Laboratories: Look at the research facilities available at each institute and see if they are well-equipped for your area of interest.
  • Libraries: Compare the library collections and online resources offered by each IISER.
  • Hostels and Campus Life: Consider the quality of hostels, student amenities, and the overall campus environment.

Other factors:

  • Location and Proximity to Home: Consider how important it is for you to be close to your hometown.
  • Alumni Network: A strong alumni network can be helpful for career prospects and future research collaborations.

Which is the best IISER?

One of the best IISERs, based on students' reviews on Shiksha.com, is the Pune campus. The college is considered to be the best based on course structure and affiliations with foreign universities. However, IISER Pune, Mohali, and Kolkata are among the top three choices for students planning to venture into R&D. These institutes offer five-year dual-degree courses(BS-MS) to the eligible candidates. One of the problems that have been faced by these institutes is the lack of recognition. These institutes are relatively new in the education industry which is why people are not much aware of these institutions.

Departments at IISER Pune

Candidates can look into the broad aspects of various departments at IISER Pune:

Biology:

Research involves a range of contemporary and frontier areas relevant to biological systems. We represent a broad swathe of focus areas, involving both molecular as well as a systems-level understanding of biological systems. We encourage collaborative and cross-disciplinary research that integrates physical and engineering principles to answer key biological questions.

Q:   Is B.Sc. at IISER Pune a good choice?

A:
{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Based on the feedback from students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Research-oriented: IISER Pune is a research-focused institution, making it an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing research careers.
* Excellent infrastructure: The campus has modern infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities.
* Good faculty: Faculty members are experienced researchers in their respective fields and are committed to teaching and mentoring students.
* Strong industry connections: Companies like Serum and Biotech invest in research, providing opportunities for internships and collaborations.
* Diverse campus culture: The college fosters a vibrant campus culture with various clubs and organizations, including sports teams and cultural societies.
* Scholarship opportunities: Scholarships are available, including KVPY and NSP awards.

Cons:

* Limited placement opportunities: Although placements exist, most students opt for higher education, such as MSc or Ph.D., due to the research-intensive nature of the program.
* High competition: Admission to IISER Pune is highly competitive, with limited seats available.

In conclusion, B.Sc. at IISER Pune is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about research and willing to commit to a rigorous academic program. While the placement scene may be limited, the university offers ample opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and higher education.

Q:   Is M.Sc. at IISER Mohali worth the investment?

A:
{Source: M.Sc. students & alumni}

Based on student reviews and feedback, here are the key points to consider:

* Research-oriented: IISER Mohali is a premier research institution, and the M.Sc. programme is designed to prepare students for research careers. If you're passionate about research and want to contribute to the scientific community, this might be an ideal fit.
* Faculty: The faculty members are highly qualified, with most holding Ph.D.s and post-doc experience from renowned institutions worldwide. Their teaching style is considered excellent, with a focus on practical applications and hands-on experience.
* Infrastructure: The campus has state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern labs, libraries, and recreational facilities. Wi-Fi connectivity is reliable, and the hostels are comfortable with amenities like laundry, gym, and medical facilities.
* Campus life: IISER Mohali has a lively campus culture, with regular events, fests, and extracurricular activities. Clubs and societies catering to various interests are actively promoted.
* Placement: Since IISER Mohali is a research-focused institution, there isn't a dedicated placement cell. However, students often secure internships or research positions during their summer breaks, and many go on to pursue Ph.D.s abroad.
* Higher education: With over 80% of students pursuing Ph.D.s abroad, IISER Mohali fosters an environment that encourages students to strive for academic excellence.

Overall, if you're interested in pursuing a research-focused Master's programme and willing to put in the effort required to excel academically, IISER Mohali might be an excellent choice. Keep in mind that while there aren't traditional job placements, the institution's strong reputation and connections can lead to lucrative research opportunities and academic prospects.

Note: The above response is based on student reviews and feedback provided in the text. It does not contain any external information or promotional materials.

Q:   Is IISER Mohali good for BS-MS?

A:

This answer is based on verified Shiksha reviews from students and alumni of the BS MS course at IISER Mohali. It highlights various factors that impact the BS MS course, helping candidates to make an informed decision. By considering these elements, candidates can make a better choice whether the BS-MS course at this institute is suitable for them and align with their academic goals. Check out the IISER Mohali BS-MS course components below:

Infrastructure
Good quality facilities and infrastructure for the BS-MS course
Well-maintained hostels with comfortable living spaces, Wi-Fi connectivity, and modern amenities
Modern laboratory facilities with advanced instruments and equipment
Central library with a vast collection of books and journals

Faculty
Highly qualified and experienced professors with post-doc experience from renowned institutions worldwide
Faculty-student ratio is low, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship
Teachers are approachable and willing to help students with their queries and research projects

Course Curriculum
Relevant and rigorous course curriculum preparing students for research careers
Interdisciplinary courses in the first two years, followed by specialisation in a chosen stream
Project-based learning in the final year allows students to explore their interests and develop practical skills

Research Opportunities
Excellent research opportunities with faculty mentors, allowing students to publish papers and present at conferences
Collaborations with other institutions and industries provide valuable networking opportunities
Encouragement to pursue Ph.D. programmec in India and abroad

Placement and Internships
Limited placement opportunities, but students can participate in internships and volunteer programs during summer breaks
Some students secure jobs in industries related to their field of study
Many students pursue higher education, including Ph.D. programmes, both in India and abroad

Overall, IISER Mohali seems to be a good fit for students interested in pursuing a BS-MS programme with a strong focus on research and academia. While placement opportunities may be limited, the institute provides an excellent foundation for students to excel in their chosen field and pursue higher education or research careers.

Chemistry:

It has become increasingly interdisciplinary as the fundamental queries of sciences focus on the chemical nature of matter. By cultivating both strong academic relations between our students and faculty, and successful connection between course and research programmes, students at IISER Pune can succeed at the frontiers of research in chemistry and chemical biology.

Data Science:

The development of data science as a distinct field of research and education has been propelled by the exponential growth in both, quantity and complexity of data, not just in the sciences, but in all domains of life. Even as the exact nature or definition of data science continues to evolve, the novel techniques originating in the field have already begun to make a deep impact in natural sciences ranging from single-cell biology to astronomy, in social sciences, in public health, as well as in industrial applications.

The department envisions a synthesis of the three foundations of data science: (i) statistics and probability, (ii) applied mathematics, and (iii) computer science. It naturally builds on the existing core strengths of IISER Pune in basic sciences and humanities. The department focuses on a three-tiered strategy of education, research, and innovation in all domains of data science. These include theoretical underpinnings, development of new methods, and a variety of applications. The department seeks to cultivate collaborations with other departments in the institute as well as other academic and industry researchers. 

Q:   Is M.Sc. at IISER Pune worth the investment?

A:
{Source: M.Sc. students & alumni}

Based on reviews from current students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:
* Research-oriented education: IISER Pune is a premier research institution, offering a research-focused M.Sc. programme that prepares students for higher studies and careers in academia or industry.
* Experienced faculty: Faculty members are experts in their respective fields and have international recognition, ensuring students receive high-quality education and mentorship.
* State-of-the-art infrastructure: The campus has modern facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces, creating an ideal environment for learning and growth.
* Networking opportunities: Students have the chance to interact with peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds, facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities.
* Placement records: Although the number of placements might be lower due to the emphasis on research, many students secure internships or employment in reputed organizations.
* Scholarship opportunities: Meritorious students can avail scholarships, such as KVPY and NSP, to fund their education.
* Campus life: The campus is lively, with regular cultural events, sports competitions, and fests, promoting a holistic learning experience.

Cons:
* Limited job opportunities: Due to the focus on research, fewer job opportunities might exist immediately after graduation, although students can pursue higher studies or internships.
* Higher educational costs: Pursuing an M.Sc. at IISER Pune may require significant investments, especially for outstation students.
* Competitive environment: Admissions are highly competitive, making it challenging for students to secure a seat.
* Time commitment: Research-oriented programs often demand intense focus, potentially impacting personal and social lives.

In conclusion, pursuing an M.Sc. at IISER Pune can be worthwhile for those seeking a research-focused education and willing to invest time and resources. While there are limitations to job opportunities, the institution's reputation, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art infrastructure make it an attractive choice for students aiming for higher studies or careers in academia or industry.

Q:   Is IISER Mohali - Indian Institute of Science Education & Research a good college for B.Sc?

A:

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali stands out as a reputable institution, particularly for those aspiring to pursue B.Sc. The BS-MS integrated programme offered spans five years, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, reflecting its research-oriented approach. With a faculty composed of well-qualified professors, many holding PhDs and postdocs from esteemed foreign universities like MIT, Yale, and Stanford, the institution offers a rich academic environment. While the curriculum excels in biology and chemistry, some students note areas for improvement in physics and math offerings.

Q:   Is IISER Berhampur good for B.Sc.?

A:
{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Here's a summary of what current students and alumni have to say:

Infrastructure: Average. While the transit campus is well-equipped, the permanent campus promises to offer world-class facilities.

Teaching Quality: Excellent. Professors are highly qualified, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Research Opportunities: Abundant. IISER Berhampur is a research-focused institution, providing opportunities for students to work on cutting-edge projects.

Placements: Not emphasized. IISER Berhampur is not geared towards placements, focusing instead on preparing students for higher education and research careers.

Campus Life: Average. Students enjoy a range of extracurricular activities, including cultural events and sports.

Hostels: Congested, but expected to improve with the new campus.

Food: Good quality, but limited options.

Overall: IISER Berhampur is a good choice for those interested in pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Science, particularly those looking for research-oriented programs. While placements might not be a priority, the institution provides excellent academic resources and opportunities for growth.

Q:   Is IISER Thiruvananthapuram good for B.Sc.?

A:
{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

* Research focus: IISER Thiruvananthapuram is a research-focused institution, offering a unique opportunity for students to engage in scientific inquiry and discovery.
* High-quality faculty: The institute boasts highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.
* State-of-the-art infrastructure: The campus features modern facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, cutting-edge laboratories, and advanced computational resources.
* Interdisciplinary courses: The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to explore multiple subjects and develop a broad range of skills.
* Strong alumni network: Alumni have gone on to secure research positions at top universities worldwide and have received prestigious awards.
* Limited industry connections: While the institute doesn't offer direct placements, students can explore internships and research opportunities at top institutions.
* Campus life: The campus offers a vibrant atmosphere with various extracurricular activities, sports facilities, and cultural events.

Overall, IISER Thiruvananthapuram appears to be an ideal choice for students seeking a strong foundation in Science and research.

Q:   Is IISER Thiruvananthapuram good for M.Sc.?

A:
{Source: M.Sc. students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's what you need to know:

* Pros:
+ Excellent infrastructure, including state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and hostel facilities
+ Highly qualified and experienced faculty members
+ Opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, including festivals and competitions
+ Good placement record, with many students securing PhD positions in top universities worldwide
* Cons:
+ Limited job opportunities due to the institution's focus on research and academics
+ Remote location, making it challenging for students to commute to and from the campus
+ No formal placement cell or job assistance services offered by the institution
* Research-oriented curriculum: The M.Sc. programme at IISER Thiruvananthapuram is designed to prepare students for research and academia, rather than industry-specific skills. While this may limit job prospects, it can provide a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing higher studies or research careers.

Overall, IISER Thiruvananthapuram seems to be a great choice for students passionate about research and academia, offering excellent infrastructure, faculty, and opportunities for growth. However, students seeking industrial or commercial job placements may want to consider alternative options.

Earth and Climate Sciences:

An approach to consider the Earth as a single integrated system is emerging as a powerful tool. This integrative approach helps to understand this slowly evolving system that has been in dynamic equilibrium for billions of years, cycling matter and energy through its subsystems, providing a resource for the survival of its habitat.

We are especially interested in understanding the interaction between the subsystems of the dynamic Earth, such as the solid Earth, water, atmosphere, and life through time using a modern analytical and computational approach. Our research goals try to address the challenging questions in Earth and Climate Science and are diverse, spanning from the deep-earth to the clouds.

Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)

Department at IISER Pune plays a multifaceted role to further the mandate of the institute. The faculty members of the department offer courses and conduct research in fundamental humanities and social sciences disciplines as well as interdisciplinary areas that cut across different social and natural sciences. The department generates scholarship in disciplines including history, architecture, literature, film and media studies, development studies, economics, political science and sociology. At the same time, the department is engaged in exploring the critical societal interface between the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. Through such interfaces the members of the department expand the horizons of their own disciplines, generate interdisciplinary knowledge and pedagogic content, shape social and environmental policy, and catalyse community level social change. The department has a doctoral programme through which advanced research is carried out by candidates in areas that can be supervised by our faculty. Prospective PhD applicants can write to individual faculty members for informal queries and apply through the PhD application portal.

Department of Science Education (DSE)

This department was established in 2021 at IISER Pune with the belief that critical interventions are required in the yet-underdeveloped field of science education in India. Science education straddles two interrelated areas: conceptual aspects relevant to science disciplines and the pedagogic (learning-teaching) aspects employed to develop and convey these concepts in formal and informal settings. Both these come under the broader umbrella of education theory and practice. Science education deals with the development of effective and interesting teaching methods and materials by taking into account cognitive, psychological, and social elements in the process of teaching and learning. It also strives to create robust and balanced methods of testing, evaluation, and assessment. Additionally, it tackles theoretical questions about the nature of science, the philosophy and sociology of science teaching, and the philosophical underpinnings of education itself. 

Placements of IISERs

IISERs are usually considered as the IITs for the science students who wants to pursue their career in Biological, Mathematical, Physical, Chemical, Earth Science and other fields of Sciences. They have their presence and provide high-quality academics and good placements. As these institutes are young in the educational industry, most of the people do not have proper awareness regarding the same. It is also rumoured that the career prospects of IISER graduates are limited. However, this is not correct. These institutes offer bright career prospects of IISER, both the private and public sector organisations.

The kind of training students receive from IISERs make them equipped to work in different areas like Research and Development, Science related industries, etc. IISER prepares its students to be at the level for a Scientist position than focusing on making them engineers or doctors. But the flexibility in the educational system makes it possible for an IISER graduate to become an engineer after completing their studies from any of this premier institutes. Reputed organizations like GE healthcare, L'oreal, Ranbaxy, Unilever etc. are hiring the students from these institutes.

Let us take a look at some of the career options IISER graduates can try out :

Research

One of the major career options for IISER graduates is Research. Post the BS-MS course and a Ph.D., the graduates can join any research labs or CSIR labs to grow better in their career path.

Teaching

Often regarded as one of the most secure and stable jobs, IISER graduates can definitely give this a shot. After qualifying competitive exams like NET or UPSC, they can apply for a teaching job at a College or University.

Research and Development

After finishing the studies, one can work as a Scientist in the Research and Development department of any organization. The only thing needed for this is to ensure that you have done an internship or a project in these industries.

Government Services

Government jobs are another most sought after thing in the current job market. Graduates can apply for multiple positions in government services. They can also try attempting the civil services exams too as the government recognizes IISER degrees.

So, the career options for IISER graduates are plentiful. It is often considered that Research and Development would be the best career option for an IISER pass out. Nowadays, there are plenty of resources to know about the types of courses, colleges, career options. Shiksha.com is an online platform to know about the courses, colleges, fee structures, and career prospects. I would suggest going through such websites would be insightful for a career aspirant.

IISER Admission Process

Candidates who wish to enrol in BS-MS dual degree/ BS degree (IISER Bhopal) programmes offered by IISER institutions in India need to appear in the IISER Aptitude Test/ IAT exam. IISER admissions for the academic session 2024-2025 is underway. The IAT 2024 exam was successfully conducted on June 9, 2024, at various exam centres across the nation. 

The IISER 2024 counselling process is ongoing. Candidates who had appeared in the IISER 2024 exam needed to register for the counselling registration process to get admission in the IAT 2024 participating institutes. Based on the number of registrations made in the IAT 2024 counselling registration, the exam officials will release the IISER 2024 category-wise opening and closing ranks. 

IISER 2024 Counselling Process Round 1 Closing Ranks were announced on July 18, 2024. Candidates who had applied for IAT 2024 counselling registration and whose AIR ranks lie in the released IISER 2024 closing ranks list, will have the opportunity to either ACCEPT or REJECT the seats offered the seat offered at IISERs, IISc Banglore and IIT Madras.

Candidates can check out the IISER 2024 upcoming counselling process dates from here:

Event Name Date
IISER 2024 Round 1 Seat Allotment Result 18-Jul-2024
Last date to accept seat offered 25-Jul-2024
IISER 2024 Round 2 Seat Allotment Result 30-Jul-2024 (Tentative)
Last date to accept seat offered 03-Aug-2024
IISER 2024 Round 3 Seat Allotment Result Second week of August
Last date to accept seat offered Third week of August

Also Read: IISER 2024 Marks vs Rank: Check IAT 2024 Round 1 Closing Rank List Here 

List of IISER in India

Here is the list of IISER Colleges in India. 

IISER, Pune

IISER, Kolkata

IISER, Mohali

IISER Bhopal

IISER, Thiruvananthapuram

IISER, Tirupati

IISER Behrampur

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

qna

Comments

(2)

I

Ismaeel Ashafa

a year ago

appy to be a student of this university Amrita because I wanted to get it for a long time and this time I got a free university

Reply to Ismaeel Ashafa

S

Sujaana

4 years ago

What would be the rank needed in aptitude test of IISER to get into IISER Trivandrum. Also tell me whether doing ug in IISER Trivandrum is good

Reply to Sujaana