Which is the best IISER in India?
One of the best IISERs, based on students' review on Shiksha.com and so according to the NIRF Ranking 2025, is the IISER Pune campus. The college is considered to be the best based on course structure and affiliations with foreign universities.
- Factors Determining Best IISER
- Which is the best IISER?
- NIRF Ranking Comparison Between IISERs
- Placements of IISERs
- IISER Admission Process (For UG courses)
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.
NIRF Ranking Comparison Between IISERs
Below is the list of IISERs that are located in India:
| IAT 2025 Participating Institutes | NIRF Ranking |
|---|---|
| IISER Pune | 29 |
| IISER Kolkata | 38 |
| IISER Mohali | 49 |
| IISER Bhopal | NA |
| IISER Thiruvananthapuram | NA |
| IISER Tirupati | NA |
| IISER Berhampur | NA |
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.
IISER does not provide BSc course. It offers BSMS course. BSMS offers candidates a Bachelor's degree in Science (BS) and a Master's degree in Science (MS). These BS and MS courses are different from BSc course as they focus more on research aspects.
IISER kolkata BS and MS course rated 3.5 out of 5 by verified student while IISER mohali in same course rated 4.3 out of 5 by 35 students. Total fees for the BS /MS dual degree program in IISER Kolkata is INR 3.27 lakh for 5 years while in IISER Mohali it is INR 1.62 Lakh for 5 years. The infrastucture rating by the students from IISER kolkata is 3.9 and from the students of IISER Mohali is 4.3.
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata is an institute in Science and education field located in Mohanpur near the town of Kalyani in Nadia, West Bengal, India.
There are many different types of Courses offered here. Some of the them with their fee structure and Eligibility criteria in this institute are as follows :
- M.Sc + Ph.D - Rs 43,750 (1st Yr Fees) ( Graduation )
- M.Sc - Rs 75,600 (1st Yr Fees) ( BE/BTech )
The median package offered here is 6 Lacs per annum. The highest package offered here is around 10.5 Lacs per annum to 11 Lacs per annum, whereas the lowest package offered here is around 5.5 Lacs per annum - 6 Lacs per annum.
Presidency University, Kolkata is a public state university located in College Street, Kolkata. It was among the best colleges in the country when the institute was affiliated to University of Calcutta.
Fees and eligibility criteria of M.Sc. are :
- M.Sc - Rs 2,295 (1st Yr Fees) ( Graduation )
Students were offered a median salary package of Rs 4 Lacs per annum and Rs 7.24 Lacs per annum during Presidency University, Kolkata placements.
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.
I do not have much data on this, But a few (4) of my seniors were placed in Dr. Reddy's lab with salaries around 9lpa.It being a Science institute, they have. A newly made placement cell. (because most of the students opt for higher education after the completion of their studies )Some students also go for government jobs.But as the institute has signed some MoU s with well established foreign institutes (with jku Austria, UDE in Germany, university of Pennsylvania in USA, RWTH Aachen in Germany to name a few)and the high standings in global rankings (placed 48th in young institutes contributing to quality research world-wide by nature, 2019)These factors contribute to a good enough background for a future PhD or MS in other countries. B.Sc in biological sciences is atop course in IISER Kolkata and has a better placement, having average package 7 LPA and higher package is approximately 14 to 15 LPA.
The BSc offered at IISER Berhampur is compared against the BSc programme offered at IISER Pune. The comparison made on the basis of total fees charged by the Institutes and the closing rank of the last round. IISER Berhampur BSc fees for the five-year programme is INR 3.92 Lacs while on another hand the total tuition fees charged is IISER Pune is INR 3.56 lakh. The final round closing rank for IISER Berhampur BSc course was 3,567 in 2023 while it was 534 for IISER Pune.
Note: This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.
From my perspective each IISER functions independently in terms of their course. The facilities provided might be different in both IISER. Rest there is no comparisons in subjects beacause Science remains everywhere.Currently, IISER'S are relatively new compared to other Science institutions in the country, which are well established and developed and so you have to decide which IISER you are comfortable with.
To find out which university offers better ROI for the MSc cousre candidtaes can compare the fees and package offered for the MSc course at IISER TVM and Kerala University. Finf below the comparison:
| College Name | MSc Fees | Average Package | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc at IISER TVM | INR 1.8 Lacs - INR 4.4 Lakh | INR 6 LPA | Adobe, Tata Group, TCS |
| MSc at Kerala University | INR 1,800 - INR 2.3 lakh | INR 60,000 - INR 7.5 LPA | TCS, CTS, Wipro, Cognizant, Deloitte, |
This comparison effectively highlights IISER TVM strengths in industry connections and earning potential, enabling you to make an informed decision based on these important criteria.
Comparing the rankings of IISER Pune with other colleges in Pune, we can consider the following:
NIRF Rankings: IISER Pune is ranked in the overall and research categories, showcasing its academic excellence and research focus.
CWUR Rankings: SPPU is ranked lower than IISER Pune based on research performance.
Shiksha.com: Provides comparisons between IISER Pune and other colleges in Pune on various aspects like fees, placements, cut-off, reviews, and more.
In conclusion, while IISER Pune excels in research performance and academic reputation, specific rankings compared to other colleges in Pune may vary depending on the ranking criteria and categories considered.
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.
Salary Packages After IISER (BS-MS or Integrated PhD)
Graduating from an IISER (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research) typically leads to strong career prospects, especially in research, academia, and STEM industries. However, salary packages after IISER depend heavily on the path a student takes after graduation.
| Career Path | Average Starting Salary (INR/Year) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in India (e.g., IISc, IITs, TIFR) | ₹35,000 – ₹42,000 (stipend) | Monthly fellowship during PhD (JRF/SRF) |
| PhD Abroad (USA, Europe, etc.) | ₹20 – ₹40 LPA equivalent | Fully funded with stipend, no tuition fee |
| Industry R&D (Biotech, Pharma, etc.) | ₹6 – ₹12 LPA | Depends on skillset, internships, and company |
| Scientific Officer (BARC, ISRO, DRDO) | ₹8 – ₹14 LPA | Competitive exams required |
| Data Science / Analytics | ₹10 – ₹20 LPA | With relevant projects and certifications |
| Teaching/Assistant Professor | ₹6 – ₹10 LPA | Post PhD or NET qualification |
| Startups / Consulting (Science/Tech) | ₹5 – ₹10 LPA | Based on role and specialization |
Courses offered at IISER Pune
Students can go through the list of courses offered at IISER Pune in the table below:
| Courses Offered | Admission Through |
|---|---|
| 5 year BS-MS dual Degree Programme | IISER Entrance Exam 2025 |
| Masters' Programme (MS) in Quantum Technology |
Directly apply through the website |
| Masters' Programmes in Chemistry, Geology, and Mathematics |
Through IIT JAM Scorecard |
| Integrated PhD programmes in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics | Applying does not automatically guarantee that a candidate will be shortlisted for interview. Depending on the number of applications received, respective departments may use additional criteria (like academic performance and/or ranking in respective national level tests like JGEEBILS / JAM / NBHM / JEST) to shortlist candidates for interviews. |
| PhD Programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Data Science, Earth and Climate Science, Physics, Mathematics and Humanities and Social Sciences. | Qualified a National Eligibility exam that provides a 5-year Ph.D. fellowship such as CSIR–JRF/ UGC–JRF/ DBT–JRF–A / ICMR–JRF / DBT–BINC–JRF/ Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship / Maulana Azad National Fellowship / National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students by CSIR-UGC / National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students / National Fellowship for OBC Candidates / National Fellowship for persons with disabilities (NFPWD). The fellowships must be valid on August 01, 2025. |
| Externally Funded PhD Programme in Biology, Chemistry, and Data Science |
|
IISER Admission Process (For UG courses)
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 2025-2026 is underway. The IAT 2025 exam will be conducted on May 25, 2025, at various exam centres across the nation.
Candidates who had appeared in the IISER 2025 exam needed to register for the counselling registration process to get admission in the IAT 2025 participating institutes. Based on the number of registrations made in the IAT 2025 counselling registration, the exam officials will release the IISER 2024 category-wise opening and closing ranks.
IISER 2025 Counselling Process Round 1 Closing Ranks will be anounced soon. Candidates who had applied for IAT 2025 counselling registration and whose AIR ranks lie in the released IISER 2025 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 dates from here:
| IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Events | IISER 2025 Dates |
|---|---|
| IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Application Form Start Date | 10-Mar-2025 |
| IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Application Form End Date | 15-Apr-2025 |
| IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Application Form Correction Window | 21-Apr-2025 to 22-Apr-2025 |
| IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Admit Card | 15-May-2025 |
| IISER Entrance Exam Date 2025 | 25-May-2025 |
| IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Answer Key | 25-May-2025 (After the successful conduct of examination) |
Also Read: IISER 2025 Marks vs Rank: Check IAT 2025 Round 1 Closing Rank List Here
List of IISER in India
Here is the list of IISER Colleges in India.
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2 years ago
The BSc course offered at IISER Berhampur is compared against the BSc programme offered at IISER Kolkata. The comparison is based on the total fees charged by the Institutes and the closing rank of the last round. IISER Berhampur BSc fees for the five-year programme is INR 3.92 Lacs while the total tuition fees charged is IISER Kolkata is INR 3.27 lakh. The final round closing rank for IISER Berhampur BSc admission was 3,567 in 2023 while it was 3,733 for IISER Kolkata.
Note: This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.