IAT 2026 – Exam Schedule Released, Applications from 5th March

Exam on June 7th – Admission to 2,338 IISER Seats

The official schedule for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026, conducted for admission to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), has been released.

This exam will fill a total of 2,338 seats across the country’s seven premier IISER institutes. This exam is considered a strong alternative to JEE Main and NEET for students seeking careers in the science field.

This year, IISER Mohali has also introduced two new courses—BS-MS Geology and BS-MS Environmental Science—to further broaden the range of subjects available to students.

IAT 2026: Important Dates

Key dates related to the IAT exam are as follows:

Online application begins: March 5, 2026
Application deadline: April 13, 2026
Form correction window: April 13 to 15, 2026
Admit card release date: May 24, 2026
Exam date: June 7, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IISER portal for application and other updates.

Application Fee

The application fee for IAT 2026 is determined by category:

General/EWS/OBC/OBC-NCL: ₹2,000
SC/ST/PWD and other reserved categories: ₹1,000

Applications will be accepted online only.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet the following educational qualifications to be considered for admission to IISER:

Physics, Chemistry, Math, or Biology in Class 12.
A minimum of 55% marks is required for SC, ST, and PwD categories.
All other categories must have a minimum of 60% marks in Class 12.
This percentage will be calculated based on the aggregate marks in all subjects.

Students who are currently awaiting their Class 12 results can appear for the exam. However, it will be mandatory to submit their Class 12 marksheet at the time of document verification. If the student does not pass Class 12, their admission will be cancelled.

Seat Distribution in the Seven IISERs in the Country

Admission will be offered to the following IISERs through IAT:

Institutes	Total Seats
IISER Berhampur	300
IISER Bhopal	550
IISER Kolkata	550
IISER Mohali	270
IISER Pune	288
IISER Tirupati	300
IISER Thiruvananthapuram	320
Total Seats	2338

All of these institutes offer programs such as BS-MS, BS, and in some places, BS-BTech.

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Exam Level and Competition

The difficulty level of the IAT is generally considered comparable to that of the JEE Main, while it is relatively easier than the NEET. This is why many students preparing for the JEE also appear for the IAT. This gives them an additional opportunity to gain admission to the country’s prestigious research institutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to apply separately for each IISER?

No. Admission to all IISERs requires applications through a single online portal. Seats are allocated at any IISER in the country based on the IAT score.

If your 12th grade results haven’t been released yet, can you take the exam?

Yes, students can take the exam. However, it is mandatory to submit your 12th grade marksheet during the admission process.

Which students are IAT suitable for?

For students who have taken a science subject (PCM or PCB) in 12th grade and wish to pursue a career in research and scientific studies, IAT is an excellent option.

IAT 2026 is a significant opportunity for students interested in pursuing higher education and research in the field of science. The application process begins on March 5th, and the exam will be held on June 7th. Competition for admission to a total of 2,338 seats is expected to be fierce, so students should apply and begin preparing early.

If you want to make your future in the field of science and research, then IAT 2026 can prove to be a strong and prestigious option for you.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.