IISER Exam Analysis 2026: Check IAT Paper Review & Student Reaction

IISER exam is considered of moderate difficulty level. Majority of students finds Physics, and Mathematics challenging. PCM students may find biology tough while PCB students might find Mathematics tough. However, the difficulty level of IISER compared to JEE Main and Advanced is moderate to easy.

IISER is a compulsory entrance test to get into the IISER Pune. IISER 2026 entrance exam will be conducted in computer-based test mode. The duration of the entrance exam is three hours, from 9 AM to 12 noon.

Candidates will be able to download the answer key PDF of the IISER entrance exam from the exam website. Authorities releases the provisional answer keys and response sheets first, based on which candidates can check the correct answers and calculate probable scores secured in IISER Aptitude test. To download the IISER answer key, candidates can follow the process given below.

• Go to IISER website - https://iiseradmission.in/   

• Click on ‘IISER answer key” link.

• Enter application number and password.

• Answer key of IISER was displayed on screen.

• Take a print out of answer key and save it for future reference

220+ marks are a good score in IISER.  Students must have a proper strategy to score high. They can plan their preparation according to the IISER exam syllabus. Practising previous year question paper and mock test will help in scoring good marks.

The question paper will be in English and Hindi languages. The candidates must read all the given instructions provided in the question papers at the time of examination.

The IISER Entrance Exam Marking Scheme is given below.

Each section carries 15 marks. 

It is quite difficult for the GEN / OBC category to get admission to IISER with 50 marks. Even the reserved category students have less chance in the later counelling round for admission. To secure admission, students must score above 150 marks.

As per the IISER Entrance Exam 2025 analysis, Physics was the toughest section. The overall difficulty level was medium to high. The topics covered were Electricity and Magnetism, Mechanics, Optics and Modern Physics. The questions were from Classes 11 and 12. 

IISER 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.

IISER Aptitude Test difficulty level is comparatively easier than JEE Main exam difficulty level. There are four sections in the exam, and all have equal weightage. Mentioned below are the details for the same:

• Biology: This section might sound a tough nut to crack for the PCM students, but a reasonable understanding of class 11 and 12 NCERT concepts can help you sail through this section. If you are not familiar with Biology try to ace the Maths section. As the number of test-takers has grown over the years, this section has also seen a surged difficulty level.
• Maths: For the Biology students, it might be hard to crack. You need to focus on 11th and 12th class concepts. You can search for the doable questions and solve them. The level is usually at par or even above JEE Mains. The Biology students can cover the scores in their specialised section.
• Physics and Chemistry: This section is usually easier than the above two sections. The scores obtained here can make-or-break your chances for counselling. The questions in these two sections cover the fundamental and essential concepts. It is better to score well in these two sections. The sections are not really tough. They are far away from the difficulty level of JEE Advance.

Overall, the exam is far from easier than JEE Advanced exam. The Biology students have the advantage to finish their section quicker. Make sure your fundamentals are clear and your reasoning ability is good. This should be enough to secure a good score.

The IISER Entrance Exam questions are objective type. These are multiple-choice questions with four options. The mode of the exam is computer-based. Test-takers have to select one option. Marks per question is four. One mark will be removed for wrong answers.

The IISER Entrance Exam 2026 pattern is expected to remains same as last year. IAT consists of 60 questions, 15 questions each from Biology, Chemistry Mathematics, and Physics. There will be four answer options. Total time for answering the test is 180 minutes. Questions are multiple choice type with only one correct answer. The mode of the exam is computer-based.

IISER entrance examination provides admission to candidates in the five-year-long BSMS dual degree programme offered by them. On the basis of a candidates score in the IISER Entrance Exam (also known as IISER aptitude test), he/she can secure admission at IISER located in Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, or Tirupati. Since it is an undergraduate degree, the syllabus for the examination is confined to class 11 and 12 subjects which are Physics Chemistry Biology and mathematics. Candidates can find the complete syllabus in the information brochure of the IISER on the official website. For detailed syllabus, candidates can view the below Shiksha link- https://www.shiksha.com/science/iiser-entrance-exam-syllabus.

IISERs offer admission into courses leading to BSMS Dual Degree and BS Degree (only at IISER Bhopal) Programs. Below are the programmes offered by IISERs:

1. Biological Sciences
2. Chemical Sciences
3. Earth & Climate Sciences/Earth & Environmental Sciences
4. Economic Sciences
5. Engineering Sciences (Chemical Engineering, Data Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science)
6. Geological Sciences
7. Integrated & Interdisciplinary Sciences (Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences)
8. Mathematical Sciences
9. Physical Sciences.

Based on previous year analysis, IAT exam is moderately difficult. It requires strong conceptual knowledge. Students who have prepared properly for exam can easily score good marks.

IISER score 200 or above is a good marks. It can help to get admission to IISER Pune and IISc Bangalore. Candidates must have a good conceptual knowledge, give priority to all four subjects. Prepare for the exam according to the exam syllabus and take mock test to score above 200.