Is It Necessary to Take Biology in 11th-12th to Join IISER?

If you are pursuing an admission to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) through the Science-Cum-Commerce (SCB) channel, and you will be appearing for the IISER Admission Test (IAT), then it's not strictly necessary to take Biology in your 11th and 12th grades. Your core subjects, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), are more than sufficient to secure decent marks on the IAT. Provided your concepts in these core subjects are strong and you can handle the test without making any silly mistakes, you can focus on PCM and skip Biology. However, if you are confident about the IISER institutions in Pune, Mohali, or Kolkata and are concerned about stability, then familiarizing yourself with Biology, especially in your 12th grade, will put you on a safer side.

Necessity of Biology in the First Year at IISER

For students joining IISER through the IAT, Biology is indeed necessary, but not in your 11th and 12th grades. Biology is a core subject that is mandatory in the first year of your studies at IISER Kolkata, Bhopal, and for the first two years at all other campuses. It is essential for understanding the scientific theories and concepts that will be taught in your initial years of college. Without a solid foundation in Biology, you might struggle with the curriculum.

However, if you are considering studying a non-medical or non-biological program, such as joining through the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) channel, then you do not necessarily need to take Biology in your 12th grade. Some IISER campuses, like IISER Bhopal, make Biology compulsory for the first two semesters for all students, regardless of their background. This ensures that all students are well-prepared for the subjects they will be studying.

Biology for the IAT and Overall Performance

For students focusing on securing good marks in the IAT and aiming for top ranks in IISER, it is advisable to have Biology along with Mathematics. The IAT paper includes questions from all four disciplines—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Therefore, having a basic understanding of Biology can help you perform better and answer more questions accurately, thereby increasing your chances of success.

Flexibility and Future Opportunities

It is important to note that while Biology is a mandatory subject in the initial years of IISER, it does not necessarily have to be part of your 11th and 12th grade curriculum. Some candidates can opt for non-medical streams and still have the flexibility to pursue advanced studies in Biology, Mathematics, and other subjects. These students can take relevant entrance exams like the Joint Admission Test (JAM) or directly apply to programs based on their ranks and interview performances.

Therefore, if you plan to take the IISER admission test, you need not take Biology in your 11th and 12th grades. Focus on strengthening your core subjects and prepare well for the IAT. However, if you are determined to join IISER and believe that having a basic understanding of Biology will give you an edge, then familiarize yourself with at least the 12th-grade Biology curriculum.

Good luck with your application process, and I hope this helps guide you in the right direction!