IISER Entrance Exam Preparation 2025: Tips, Strategy & Guide

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

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Manisha Kumari

Manisha KumariAssociate Senior Executive

Updated on May 24, 2024 18:19 IST

IISER Entrance Exam Mock Test 2024 link has been activated by the exam authority for the test takers to get an experimental practice of the IAT 2024 exam. Candidates who are appearing for the IISER 2024 examination can visit the official website of IAT 2024 and get their exam subject mock test link. 

Also Read: IAT 2024 Mock Test Link Activates @iiseradmission.in; Practice Questions Here 

IISER Entrance Exam 2024 was held on June 9, 2024 at different locations around the country. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) conducts the IISER entrance exam in order to offer students admission in a five-year-long BS-MS dual degree course offered at the institutes in India. Candidates who qualify the entrance exam, are offered admission in IISER institutes which are located in the following cities: 

IISER, Pune

IISER, Kolkata

IISER, Mohali

IISER Bhopal

IISER, Thiruvananthapuram

IISER, Tirupati

IISER Behrampur

In order to ace the national-level entrance exam, students need to prepare well, get all the right study material, solve mock tests, solve previous years question papers and much more in order to qualify. Here are a few step-wise preparation tips which you can apply when you are short on time and need to study straight away. Once the clarity is attained by the candidiates about what to prepare for appearing in the IISER 2024 Entrance Examination, then it becomes very easy for the aspirants to get prepared for the examination. Follow the below-mentioned steps on how to prepare for the IISER Entrance Exam

Also Read: 

IISER 2024 Exam Highlights

The following table provides important information and highlights of the IISER Aptitude Test 2024.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

IISER Aptitude Test

Conducting Body

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research

Exam Level

Undergraduate

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Exam Mode

Online/Computer-based Test (CBT)

Total Registrations

Two lakh (approximate number)

Courses Offered through IISER Aptitude Test

BS-MS

Application Fee

Gen/OBC/OBC-NCL/EWS - INR 2,000

SC/ST/KM/PwD - INR 1,000

Exam Duration

3 Hours

Exam Medium

English and Hindi

Total Marks of IISER

240 Marks

Total Questions

60

Marking Scheme

+4 for each correct answer

-1 for each wrong answer

Colleges Accepting IISER Aptitude Test Scores

All IISER campuses in India

Official Website

http://www.iiseradmission.in/

Contact Details

Phone: 020 25908222 (2 to 5 PM, Monday to Friday)

Email: ask-jac2022@acads.iiserpune.ac.in

Note- Admission of candidates in the five-year-long BS-MS dual degree programme offered by IISER is only on the basis of the candidate’s score in the IISER entrance exam from this academic session (2024-2025) onwards.

 

IAT 2024: Subject Wise Preparation

IAT 2024 Examination will evaluate based on the performance of candidates in four subjects which are namely, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Since there are four different subjects which the candidates need to study, therefore a strategy must be prepared by the candidates in order to ace the IISER 2024 Entrance Examination. Let's see how to study Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology for the IISER aptitude test.

IISER 2024 Chemistry Preparation Tips

An aspirant need to study Chemistry into three different domains which are namely, Organic Chemistrty, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry. There will be 15 questions asked form the chemistry in the IISER 2024 examination. For every correct answer, candidate will be awarded with +4 marks. Negative Marking is -1.

The best way to study Organic Chemistry for IISER Aptitude Test is through understaning the concept very thoroughly which is given in the NCERT Books and then revising it again and again. Write a summary of important points. Start with the basics and then move ahead with complex concepts. Practice problems each time when you study a topic. Make a separate notebook for named reactions & their mechanism and revise it daily.

For Physical Chemistry, Read from NCERT and have your concepts clarified at your coaching institute. To become good at Physical Chemistry you need to develop problem solving skills. Be thorough with all the formulae. Solve good quality problems in Physical Chemistry.

Inorganic Chemistry involves a lot of mugging up the concet and memorizing. Study NCERT Books of class 11 and 12 properly.

IISER 2024 Physics Preparation Tips

There will be 15 questions asked form the chemistry in the IISER 2024 examination. For every correct answer, candidate will be awarded with +4 marks. Negative Marking is -1.

Next, aspirants need to be thorough with IISER 2024 Syllabus. Here, candidates need to be well acquainted with the topics that they need to ace to score well in the science entrance exam. The topics that form a part of Physics syllabus include:

Mathematical Methods

Mechanics and General Properties of Matter

Oscillations, Waves and Optics

Electricity and Magnetism

Kinetic theory, Thermodynamics

Modern Physics

Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics

 

Stepwise Preparation for IISER Entrance Exam

Here is the stepwise preparation tips for preparing IISER 2024 Entrance Examination:

  • Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme.
  • Step 2: Get the prescribed Exam 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.

How to prepare for IISER Entrance Exam

Students can follow the below-mentioned steps on how to prepare well for the entrance exam and come out with flying colours. 

Know the IISER Entrance 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. All the minute questions which bother you, you should know and understand before the entrance exam so that there is no trouble later on.

Know the IISER Entrance Exam Marking Scheme

Along with the exam pattern, students should know the marking scheme as well. You have to know the minute details as it can help you prepare better and hence you will have better chances of scoring. You will not have much trouble once you have the pattern in mind and know what to expect in terms of the marking scheme. You should be familiar which sections carry the most marks, how many long questions will be asked or how many questions come in a section.

To know the IISER Entrance Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme, click here.

Know the IISER Entrance Exam Syllabus

To score well in IISER Entrance Exam, candidates have to thoroughly go through the prescribed 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. Cover all the biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics-related notes on different days. Do not mix it up, You can do so by following the below-mentioned pointers:

  • Cover the subjects thoroughly and know the important topics which have to be covered.
  • Segregate the subjects and topics into easy and difficult categories. Cover topics which you find challenging.
  • 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 books for IISER Entrance Exam 2024. Through prep books, one can study better and understand the subjects and topics. 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.

Prepare a TimeTable

One of the most important elements while preparing for an exam is time management. Make a schedule, as to how much material you can cover on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. By creating a plan, the candidate can cover all the topics which are to come in the Entrance Exam.

Refer to Past Years’ Question Papers

Solve as many question papers as you can. The best way to get a grip of what you can expect is by going through the previous year’s question papers. You can understand the weightage of marks, how many long question answers are there, 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.

Revision

Revise your work at the end of the day. Whatever you have studied, revise the work, especially the important parts which you have had a tough time learning or understanding. The more revision, the more will understand the topics better.

Q:   What are the types of questions asked in the IISER 2025 exam?

A:

The IISER Entrance Exam questions are objective and carries multiple choices (MCQs). Each question will have four answer options. Candidates will have to deduce the correct answer option and click on it with the help of mouse. Since IISER 2025 exam will be conducted in a computer-based mode, test-takers will be able to mark only one answer option. In case it is the correct option, they will get full marks and in case of wrong answer, negative marking scheme will be applied. Hence, candidates must ensure the accuracy of the answer before selecting the answer. Before the final submission, they can change the answer option in case they realise that they have entered a wrong answer option earlier.

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Q:   What is the salary after IISER?

A:
The Average Salary Package offered by IISER Bhopal in 2022 was INR 5.5 Lacs Per Annum for undergraduate 5-year BSMS Dual Degree) students. The Average Salary Package offered by IISER Bhopal in 2021 was INR 5.5 Lacs Per Annum for undergraduate 5-year BSMS Dual Degree) students. The Average Salary Package offered by IISER Bhopal in 2019 was INR 7 Lacs Per Annum for undergraduate 5-year BSMS Dual Degree) students. For more placement details, you may visit the Shiksha IISER Bhopal Placement page. (https://www.shiksha.com/college/iiser-Bhopal-indian-institute-of-science-education-research-57301/placement). I hope this will help you.
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Q:   Which subject carries maximum weightage at IISER Entrance Examination?

A:
IISER Entrance Exam carries equal weightage of all the subjects which are asked in the examination. The IISER Entrance Exam Marking Scheme is as follows: 1. Physics 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers. 2. Mathematics- 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers. 3. Chemistry 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers. 4. Biology 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers. Marking scheme: Candidates will be awarded three marks for each correct answer. There will be negative marking of one mark for each incorrect answer.
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Q:   Which branch of IISER is best?

A:
One of the best Indian institutes of Science Education and Research is the Pune campus. The college is considered to be the best based on course structure and affiliations with foreign universities. However, Indian institutes of Science Education and Research Pune, Kolkata, and Mohali are among the top three choices for candidates planning to venture into Research and Development. Indian institutes of Science Education and Research institutes offer 5-year dual-degree courses BSMS to eligible students. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha IISER page. (https://www.shiksha.com/science/articles/which-is-the-best-iiser-in-india-blogId-23797#:~:text=IISc Bangalore has once again, for top universities in India. ). I hope this will help you.
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Q:   What are some preparation tips for IISER entrance examination?

A:

Stepwise Preparation for the IISER Entrance Exam 

Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme.

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

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

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

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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.

Q:   I want PCMB with JEE classes and want IISER but don't know if it's best for me, which is the best for IISER. , JEE, NEET or CBSE.

A:
IISERs are public institutes whose primary focus is on research. So, if you are interested in pursuing research, then no doubt IISER would be a good choice for you. Admissions to IISERs are from 3 channels or ways: their entrance exam - IAT (IISER Aptitude Test), JEE (Advance) and KVPY. So, you can apply via JEE channel, but only 25% of seats offered are from KVPY and JEE in total, i.e., 75% of seats allotted are via the entrance exam.
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Q:   I have done HSC and currently I am doing B.Sc in chemistry. Can I apply for IISER entrance exam?

A:
For BSMS dual degree, you can apply for IISER's up to 1 year of drop. That is, you should have passed 12th in the year of admission or the year before. If you have passed before that, then, unfortunately, you can't apply. For Masters or Ph.D. courses, IISERs don't have their entrance exam.
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Q:   Is it difficult to crack KVPY entrance exam of IISER College?

A:
Hello, KVPY entrance exam is one of tough exam. It is somewhat different, but if you go through proper direction, you can able to crack it. 1) Clear basic concepts 2) Be motivated 3) Solve previous year question paper. KVPY is best option to enroll in IISER College.
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Q:   What will be the section wise marking scheme of IISER Entrance Exam 2024?

A:

The IISER Entrance Exam Marking Scheme is as follows:

  1. Physics 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers.
  2.  Mathematics- 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers.
  3. Chemistry 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers.
  4. Biology 15 questions will be asked in the examination and 60 marks will be the maximum awarded for all the correct answers. Marking scheme: Candidates will be awarded three marks for each correct answer. There will be negative marking of one mark for each incorrect answer.
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Q:   What are the Books required for the IISER?

A:
Best IISER Aptitude Test Books for Physics; 1- Concepts of Physics Volume I by H. C Verma 2- Concepts of Physics Volume II by H. C Verma 3- NCERT Physics Class XI by NCERT 4- NCERT Physics Class XII by NCERT 5- Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnik, Walker 6- Problems in General Physics by I. E Irodov Best IISER Aptitude Test Books for Chemistry; 1- NCERT Chemistry Class XI by NCERT 2- NCERT Chemistry Class XII by NCERT 3- Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd 4- Inorganic Chemistry for IIT Joint Entrance Examination by O. P Tandon 5- Concise Inorganic Chemistry for JEE by J. D Lee 6- Numerical Chemistry by P Bahadur 7- Chemical Calculations by R. C Mukherjee. Best IISER Aptitude Test Books for Mathematics; 1- Problems Plus in IIT Mathematics by A Das Gupta 2- Comprehensive Mathematics Joint Entrance Examination Advanced by Tata McGraw Hill 3- Plane Trigonometry Part 1 by SL Loney 4- Best IISER Aptitude Test Books for Biology Objective Biology Volume I and volume II by Truemans 5- Objective NCERT at Your Fingertips by MTG Editorial Board 6- NCERT Biology Book for Class 12 by NCERT 7- Master The NCERT for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 11 and 12 Biology by Sanjay Sharma 8- Handbook of Biology by Arihant. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha Indian Institute of Science Education and Research exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/science/iiser-entrance-exam-books#:~:text=A: Some of the top, Biology to name a few. ). I hope this will help you.

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IISER Entrance Exam Exam

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

11 Institutes accepting IISER Entrance Exam

B.Sc. (Research) in Biology
  • 4.0

    Placements

    4.0

    Infrastructure

    4.0

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    3.0

    Crowd & Campus Life

    5.0

    Value for Money

    4.0

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (1)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 40,000
  • |
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • 3.8

    Placements

    2.3

    Infrastructure

    4.3

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.0

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.3

    Value for Money

    4.0

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (3)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 3.15 Lakh
  • |
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Sc. (Research) in Physics
  • 4.3

    Placements

    3.9

    Infrastructure

    4.4

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.3

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.7

    Value for Money

    4.2

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (12)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 40,000
  • |
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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