Understanding the IISER Aptitude Test: Admission Requirements

To gain admission to any of the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), it's crucial to understand the scoring requirements. These requirements can vary each year based on several factors, including the test difficulty, number of applicants, and the specific IISER you are targeting.

Typical Scoring Requirements

Typically, scoring in the top 10-20% of all test-takers is advisable for a strong chance of admission. In recent years, this has translated to a score of around 50-60 out of the total 180 marks. However, since cutoffs can change annually, it's essential to check the official IISER website or recent admissions notifications for the most accurate and updated information regarding the specific cutoff scores for each IISER.

Historical and Current Scoring Trends

In the IAT 2021, a score of about 110/180 (approximately 61%) generally guaranteed admission to IISER Pune or Kolkata, though it may not be in the first round itself but in subsequent rounds. For 'any' IISER, a score of around 80/180 (approximately 44%) was sufficient.

Assuming the marking scheme has changed from 3/-1 to 4/-1, making it more scoring, and if the difficulty of the paper remains the same, for 'any' IISER, a score of 49-50 (120 marks) would suffice, while for IISER Pune or Kolkata, a score of 65 (165 marks) would be more secure.

Personal Insights

From my personal experience, I believe a score of 130 would be sufficient for admission to any IISER. However, for IISER Kolkata, Pune, and Mohali, a score of 150 would be the safer side. As of now, scoring around 110 would be sufficient, but this can fluctuate based on the difficulty of the paper and student performance. It is always advisable to aim for the highest possible score to secure your admission.

Summary and Advice

To secure a seat in any of the IISERs, you need to score more than 120. For a seat in IISER Pune or Kolkata, you need around 140 marks. An 80 score would fetch you an admission, while a 90 score would be considered good for top IISERs, and 95 for specifically targeting IISER Pune or Kolkata.

Final advice: Always aim for the highest score possible to increase your chances of admission. Whether you're targeting a general category or a specific IISER, staying proactive and informed can significantly enhance your prospects. Good luck!