IISER 2025 Shiksha Poll: How Much Time Are Students Spending Daily for IISER 2025 Preparation?

The IISER 2025 exam is scheduled for May 25, 2025. According to Shiksha Poll data, 38% of students are dedicating six hours daily to their studies. This exam, known as IAT 2025, offers admission to BS-MS/BS/BTech degree courses at IISER institutes, IISc Bangalore, and IIT Madras. Check out the complete details here.

Shiksha Poll: IAT 2025 Exam Preparation

The IISER entrance exam is conducted every year to facilitate admissions to various IISER institutes, IISc Bangalore, and IIT Madras. This highly competitive exam offers pathways to five-year BS-MS and four-year BS degree programmes for students passionate about scientific research.

Given the prestige of the participating institutions, early preparation is crucial for aspiring candidates. The IAT 2025 exam is scheduled for May 25, 2025, and will be conducted at numerous centers nationwide.The journey toward cracking competitive exams like IISER 2025 is rigorous and demands a consistent and strategic approach. To understand how aspirants are managing their daily preparation time, a recent poll was conducted asking students:

Shiksha Poll: Daily Hours Spent on IAT 2025 Preparation

• Majority Struggle to Go Beyond 6 Hours – 38%

A significant portion of students (38%) reported that they are unable to study for more than 6 hours each day. This could be due to various factors such as school/college commitments, coaching classes, fatigue, or lack of a structured routine. It reflects the real challenge students face in balancing preparation with daily life.

•  A Solid Commitment from the 6 to 8 Hour Group – 31%

Coming in second, 31% of students manage to study between 6 to 8 hours daily. This group represents those who have possibly created a more consistent and manageable schedule. While not extremely high, this time commitment, if used wisely with quality study sessions, can lead to strong results.

• Intensive Preparers (10 to 12 hrs) – 16%

Only 16% of respondents reported dedicating 10 to 12 hours every day to preparation. This group likely consists of full-time aspirants who have minimal distractions and are deeply focused on acing the exam. However, maintaining such a high level of intensity daily can be physically and mentally taxing without proper breaks and support.

• The 8 to 10 Hour Group – 15%

The smallest group (15%) studies between 8 to 10 hours daily. Although fewer in number, this bracket shows students who are putting in serious time while possibly balancing it with well-being and revision. They may also be using spaced repetition and active learning techniques to make their study hours more effective.

Interpretation of the Shiksha Poll

• Diverse Approaches: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Students are customizing their schedules based on availability, energy levels, and personal learning styles.

• Time vs. Quality: More hours don’t always equate to better preparation. A student studying 6 hours with full focus and revision strategy might outperform someone putting in 10 distracted hours.

• Need for Support: With 38% unable to cross the 6-hour mark, there’s a strong indication that students need more guidance on time management, productivity, and balancing rest.

Tips for Effective IISER 2025 Preparation 

1. Create a Timetable: Regardless of how many hours you have, a structured timetable helps in covering the syllabus effectively.

2. Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Quality over quantity. Understand the concepts rather than rote learning.

3. Use Active Learning Techniques: Flashcards, teaching someone else, or solving past papers can enhance retention.

4. Take Breaks: For those studying long hours, regular breaks improve productivity and reduce burnout.

5. Track Progress: Weekly self-assessment can help identify weak areas and improve strategy.

Preparing for IISER 2025 is a personal journey, and the poll results reflect just that. While some students can afford to dedicate 10–12 hours, others are managing with less than 6. What truly matters is consistency, smart planning, and effective execution. Whether you're in the 38% who can’t go beyond 6 hours or the committed 16% clocking 10+ hours a day, remember that success in competitive exams is driven not just by time, but by how well you use that time.