Can Droppers Apply for the IISER Aptitude Test?

Yes, droppers can apply for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). The IISER Aptitude Test is open to candidates who have completed their 12th standard or its equivalent, regardless of whether they are appearing for the exam in the same year or have taken a gap year. However, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by IISER, which typically includes specific requirements related to their performance in the qualifying examination.

It's advisable for droppers to check the official IISER website for the most current information on eligibility and application procedures. Generally, you are allowed to take at most one drop year after completing your 12th standard. After this period, you would need to join somewhere else and can then appear for the IISER Aptitude Test in the year following your first year of study.

Eligibility for Droppers

For those who have taken a one-year drop, if your total 12th standard marks are equal to or above the set minimum for your board, you can appear for the IISER Aptitude Test. As of now, these minimum marks haven't been released for the 2020s IAT. However, for those who took a drop of two years or more, eligibility rules change. You are only eligible to write the IISER Aptitude Test in the year that you pass out of 12th and the year following that.

Common Eligibility Criteria for Droppers

Several IISERs accept students who have taken a one-year drop. A significant number of every batch at IISERs is composed of one/two-year droppers. The key criteria involve ensuring you clear both the board cutoff for your respective board and the IISER Aptitude Test in the year you apply. It is important to note that there is generally no written rule prohibiting droppers from applying to IISERs, provided they meet the specified admission criteria.

Many students at IISER Bhopal, for example, are droppers. Specific considerations include:

Only candidates appearing for the SCB (Science-Cum-Biology) stream in the year of the drop are eligible for admission. Previous year JEE ranks, etc., are not considered. The board cutoff varies from year to year, and no separate cutoff is declared for droppers. The past years' marks of the student are calibrated with the present year's cutoff to decide eligibility.

Conclusion

IISERs welcome all students with a passion for science, and droppers form an essential part of this system. It is crucial to ensure you meet the specific criteria set by the respective IISER for the year in which you apply. For detailed and up-to-date information, always refer to the official IISER website.