IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Pattern: Check Negative Marking Scheme & Section-wise Paper Pattern Here

Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Entrance Exam 2026 ( IISER Entrance Exam )

Sreetama Datta Roy
Updated on Jan 29, 2026 14:04 IST

By Sreetama Datta Roy, Manager Content

IISER 2026 entrance exam pattern will be updated on this page after the official release. Students can check the IISER exam pattern to know the marking scheme, mode of exam, types of questions, and duration of the test. The IISER exam is conducted as computer based test. Students who wish to appear for the test must check the exam syllabus and paper pattern. The IAT 2026 is expected to be held in May 2026.

The exam authority will soon release the IAT syllabus 2026 online. Students can refer to the previous year syllabus for IISER exam preparation. Check the article to know the IISER entrance exam pattern 2026 in detail.

Table of contents
  • IISER Entrance Exam 2026 Highlights
  • IISER Entrance Exam 2026 Marking Scheme
  • IISER Syllabus 2026
  • IISER Entrace Exam Preparation
  • FAQs Regarding IISER Entrance Exam 2026 Pattern
IISER Entrance Exam Logo

IISER Entrance Exam 2026 Highlights

The exam pattern helps to understand the structure of the paper. IISER question paper has four sections. Each section will have 15 questions. Every question carries four marks. Negative marking is done for wrong answers. You can check the IAT exam pattern below.

Particulars Details
Mode of exam Computer Based Test (Online)
Duration of Test 3 hours (180 minutes)
Types of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Sections 

Four Sections

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
Total Questions

60 Questions (15 questions each section)

Marking Scheme

Each question carries four marks

Negative Marking

-1 for wrong answer

Total  Marks

240

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will there be any changes made in the IISER Entrance Exam 2026 pattern?
A: 

IISER Exam pattern for the academic session 2026-27 is yet to be announced. However, last year pattern remains to be same as of the previous year of IISER Entrance Exam which was also conducted in online mode i.e., computer-based. The only change which is made by the exam conducting body is the marks awarded for each correct anwer.

Q:   What is a good score for the IISER?
A: 

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.

IISER Entrance Exam Logo

IISER Entrance Exam 2026 Marking Scheme

Students must know the IISER marking scheme before appearing for the test. This will help them in marking their answers. In IISER, negative marking is done for wrong answers; students must try not to assume their answers. One wrong answer will reduce the marks; better leave the question if you are not confident of your answer. The IISER marking scheme is mentioned below.

  • Each question carries 4 marks.
  • -1 mark for wrong answer
  • 0 mark for unanswered questions.
  • Maximum marks are 240.

Also Read: IISER previous year question paper

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What will be the section wise marking scheme of IISER Entrance Exam 2026?
A: 

The IISER Entrance Exam Marking Scheme is given below.

SectionMarks
Physics60
Mathematics60
Chemistry60
Biology60

Each section carries 15 marks. 

Q:   What language will the IISER Entrance Exam be conducted in?
A: 

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.

IISER Entrance Exam Logo

IISER Syllabus 2026

The exam authority will release the IISER 2026 entrance exam syllabus online. Students can check the syllabus to know what topics to prepare for the test. Every student must be familiar with the IISER exam pattern and syllabus to plan a preparation strategy. IAT exam syllabus is mentioned below.

Subject Topics

Physics

  • Units and Measurements
  • Motion in a Straight Line
  • Motion in a Plane
  • Laws of Motion
  • Work, Energy and Power
  • System of Particles and Rotational Motion
  • Gravitation
  • Mechanical Properties of Solids
  • Mechanical Properties of Fluids
  • Thermal Properties of Matter
  • Thermodynamics
  • Kinetic Theory
  • Oscillations
  • Waves
  • Electric Charges and Fields
  • Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
  • Current Electricity
  • Moving Charges and Magnetism
  • Magnetism and Matter
  • Electromagnetic Induction
  • Alternating Current
  • Electromagnetic Waves
  • Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
  • Wave Optics
  • Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
  • Atoms
  • Nuclei
  • Semiconductor Electronics
Chemistry
  • Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
  • Structure of the Atom
  • Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
  • Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
  • The d- & f-block elements
  • Coordination compounds
  • Thermodynamics
  • Equilibrium
  • Redox Reactions
  • Solutions
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Haloalkanes and haloarenes
  • Alcohols, phenols, and ethers
  • Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids
  • Organic compounds containing nitrogen
  • Biomolecules
Mathematics
  • Sets and Logic
  • Basic counting techniques
  • Complex numbers, linear and quadratic equations
  • Trigonometric functions
  • Vectors
  • Matrices & determinants
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Three-dimensional geometry
  • Sequences & series
  • Limit & continuity
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Differential equations
  • Statistics, Probability & Linear Programming
Biology
  • Diversity In the Living World
  • Structural Organisation In Plants And Animals
  • Cell: Structure And Functions
  • Plant Physiology
  • Human Physiology
  • Reproduction
  • Genetics And Evolution
  • Biology In Human Welfare
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology

Also Read: IISER entrance exam books 2026

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the level of the IISER Entrance Exam syllabus?
A: 

The IISER Entrance Exam syllabus is in tune with the Class 11 and 12 Board exam syllabus. The questions in the examination are asked from four domains of the Science subject, which are Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

As per the syllabus mentioned in the information brochure of IISER, it is observed that in the Biology subject maximum syllabus is covered from the Class 12 book. For the subjects of Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry, the syllabus is equally distributed in Class 11 and 12.

Q:   How many sections are asked in the IISER Entrance Exam?
A: 

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.

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IISER Entrace Exam Preparation

Preparation plays a major role in scoring good marks. IISER preparation requires dedication and a planned strategy. Check the IAT 2026 preparation tips below.

  • Know the IISER exam pattern and syllabus: Students must check the paper pattern and exam syllabus before starting the preparation. One must know what they are supposed to study for the test rather. 
  • Make a study timetable: Plan your strategy after knowing the exam syllabus. Distribute equal time for each subject and follow the plan strictly. Make a weekly schedule for solving the past year's question paper. 
  • Use the study material: Preparation done using the right resource will be fruitful. Use the NCERT textbook to clear the basic concepts. Refer IISER books as suggested by toppers.
  • Revision: Practice makes perfect. Students must revise what they have studied. The best way for revision is to solve the previous year question paper. This will also help in self-assessment.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many sections are asked in the IISER Entrance Exam?
A: 

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.

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.
IISER Entrance Exam Logo

FAQs Regarding IISER Entrance Exam 2026 Pattern

Students can check frequently asked questions regarding the IISER 2026 exam pattern here.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I get IISER Pune with 120 marks?
A: 

The General All India category student seeking admission to the BS-MS Dual Degree programme had Round 1 closing rank of 175 according to the IISER Pune cutoff for 2023. For 2022 and 2021, the corresponding Round 1 closing ranks were 535 and 529. According to this, there is a significant possibility that a student who ranks 120 or lower will get admitted to IISER Pune. 

Q:   Where can I check IISER exam pattern and syllabus?
A: 

You can check the IISER exam pattern and syllabus on the website, iiseradmission.in. Knowing the paper pattern and syllabus for IISER, you can plan your preparation.

Q:   How many marks are required to qualify in IISER?
A: 
This merit list of IISER is prepared on the basis of marks secured by the candidates in KVPY (marks in 10+2 and KVPY fellowship) and JEE Advanced. So if you wants to know about the JEE Advanced channel, than candidates must have secured a rank within 15000 in the common rank list (for candidates belonging to GEN/OBC categories) or in the respective category rank lists (for candidates belonging to GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PWD categories) of JEE (Advanced). Additional cut-off criteria for marks obtained in 10+2 board examination is also applicable. The cut-off marks in (10+2) as eligibility for admissions is: 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade for GEN/OBC and OBC-NCL categories and 55% for SC/ST/PWD in any recognised board.
Q:   What is the entrance exam of IISER?
A: 

The entrance exam for IISER is the IAT (IISER Aptitude Test). This exam is conducted for admission to BS-MS, BS and BTech courses at IISER campuses. IAT is as computer based test.

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IISER Entrance Exam Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

You can check the IISER exam pattern and syllabus on the website, iiseradmission.in. Knowing the paper pattern and syllabus for IISER, you can plan your preparation.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 days ago

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.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

There is no fixed number of entering preference for the IISER Entrance Exam counselling process. There are seven IISER institutes offering 11 programmes. Candidates have to select at least one IISER. Higher the number of preferences, better will be their chance of seat allotment.

N

Nishtha Pathak

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

Once the IISER Entrance Exam counselling seat allotment result is declared, candidates have the following options.

  • FREEZE: By selecting this option, candidates confirm the acceptance of the offer, and that they will not participate in the next rounds of IISER Entrance Exam counselling. 
  • FLOAT: Selecti

...Read more

V

Vipra Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

Seat Acceptance Fee or SAF is the fee to be paid to accept the allotted seat at a particular round of IISER counselling process. Unless the SAF is paid, candidates will not be considered for admission. 

L

Liyansha Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

During the IISER Entrance Exam counselling process, seats are allotted based on the following factors.

  • Seats available across IISER institutes in the current round of counselling
  • IAT Rank obtained by candidates
  • IISER preference given by the candidate
  • Candidate category.

Candidates are advised to fill as

...Read more

A

Akansha Thakur

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

IISER does not conduct the counselling or admission process for IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras through the IAT scores. These institutes conduct their own counselling or admission process. IISER counselling process is conducted only for seven IISER institutes located across India.

P

Pooja Kalra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The IISER Entrance Exam counselling process is conducted in online mode. Candidates have to register on the exam website and fill in their institute in course choices in order of preference. Based on that, the seat allotment will be released. They can either 'Freeze' the seat and take admission, or

...Read more

M

Manashjyoti Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The IISER entrance exam scores are accepted by 11 IISER institutes across India. Apart from that, IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras also consider the scores for admission to BS courses offered by them.

P

Piyush Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

Passed 10+2 from a recognised board in 2024, 2025, or 2026 with minimum 60% marks in aggregate (55% for SC /ST /PwD students) are eligible to apply for IISER exam 2026. Candidates must have taken any three subject among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in class 12. 

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 9

11 Institutes accepting IISER Entrance Exam

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