Indian Institute of Science Education and Research or IISER provides a great opportunity for students with a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to pursue scientific research and education. These institutions aim to encourage curiosity and create an environment for advanced research. Still, many aspirants with a PCB background have doubts that IISER will be a good choice for them. In this article, let’s explore three reasons why IISER is a good choice for PCB students.
1. Foundational Courses Ensures That All Students Have Basic Knowledge In All Subjects Including Mathematics:
The IISERs provide a special program that combines both undergraduate and postgraduate studies into five years, covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Even with a background in PCB, students receive foundational courses in Mathematics in the initial years so that everyone has a strong understanding of basic scientific principles. This multidisciplinary approach prepares students for more focused studies in their chosen fields later in the program.
2. Students Are Exposed To Cutting-Edge Research:
IISERs place a strong focus on research from the undergraduate level. Through internships, students can get involved in research projects early on, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific inquiry. This emphasis on research is very valuable because it provides students with practical exposure that is essential for those aiming to contribute to scientific advancements. The institutes have modern research facilities and encourage curiosity and innovation, helping students to develop a strong research portfolio for future academic pursuits or research-related careers.
3. Diverse Career Opportunities Are Available:
IISER graduates have many career options to choose from. Some pursue further education by doing a PhD in India or abroad due to their strong research training. Others prefer to start their careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data science. Common industry roles include data analysts, bioinformaticians, lab chemists, and clinical trials coordinators, with competitive salaries both in India and abroad. For example, data analysts can earn up to INR 66.63 lakhs per year internationally, while clinical trials coordinators can command salaries up to INR 83.29 lakhs per year abroad. IISER graduates have many career options to choose from. Some pursue further education by doing a PhD in India or abroad due to their strong research training. Others prefer to start their careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data science. Common industry roles include data analysts, bioinformaticians, lab chemists, and clinical trials coordinators, with competitive salaries both in India and abroad. To know more about different career options after IISER, Click here.
How Can A PCB Student Get Into IISER?
Admission in IISERs is taken through IISER Aptitude Test or IAT. The IAT is a critical entrance exam for students aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research as well as IISc and IIT Madras. It evaluates candidates on their knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, focusing on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. All the students with a PCB background (or PCM/PCMB background) are eligible for IAT. To learn more about IAT and its eligibility criterias, click here.
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Preparing for IISER with SciAstra:
For students aspiring to join IISER, rigorous preparation is key. SciAstra offers comprehensive courses designed to help students excel in entrance exams like the IAT and NEST. SciAstra’s courses, such as Vikram 1.0 Batch 2025 and HOMI 2026 Batch, provide detailed coverage of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, along with personalised mentorship, regular mock tests, and access to high-quality study materials. These courses are tailored to address the individual learning needs of students and prepare them thoroughly for the competitive entrance exams.
Key Features of SciAstra Courses-
- Expert Faculty: Most faculty members are IISER and NISER graduates who have successfully cracked these exams.
- Practice Tests: Regular mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping improve time management and accuracy.
- Personalised Mentorship: One-on-one sessions to address individual doubts and customise learning plans.
- Resource Accessibility: Access to research study materials, question papers from previous years, and practice questions through the SciAstra app.
For more information about SciAstra courses and how they can help you prepare for IISER entrance exams, visit the SciAstra website or download the SciAstra app from the Play Store and App Store.
Conclusion:
Choosing IISER for further studies is a highly recommended path for PCB students interested in a research-oriented career in science. The integrated BS-MS program offers a blend of foundational knowledge, interdisciplinary learning, and extensive research opportunities. With a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, IISERs provide an ideal platform for aspiring scientists to build a successful and rewarding career in the scientific realm.
FAQs:
1. What foundational courses does IISER offer for students with a PCB background?
IISER provides a multidisciplinary approach that includes foundational courses in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Even for students from a PCB background, the program ensures that they receive the necessary mathematics training in the initial years. This comprehensive education lays a strong foundation in all scientific principles, preparing students for advanced studies and research in their chosen fields.
2. How does IISER integrate research into its undergraduate programs?
IISER places a strong emphasis on research from the undergraduate level. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects and internships early in their academic journey. This hands-on experience with cutting-edge scientific inquiry is facilitated by modern research facilities and a culture that fosters curiosity and innovation. Such exposure is invaluable for students aiming to contribute to scientific advancements and build a strong research portfolio.
3. What career opportunities are available for IISER graduates?
IISER graduates have diverse career options. Many pursue further education by enrolling in PhD programs in India or abroad, benefiting from their strong research training. Others enter industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data science. Common roles include data analysts, bioinformaticians, lab chemists, and clinical trials coordinators. These positions offer competitive salaries both in India and internationally. For example, data analysts can earn up to INR 66.63 lakhs per year abroad, while clinical trials coordinators can command salaries up to INR 83.29 lakhs per year.
4. How can a PCB student get admission into IISER?
Admission to IISER is through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), which evaluates candidates on their knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Students with a PCB background are eligible to take the IAT. The exam focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
5. What resources does SciAstra offer for students preparing for IISER entrance exams?
SciAstra provides comprehensive courses designed to help students excel in entrance exams like the IAT and NEST. Courses such as Vikram 1.0 Batch 2025 and HOMI 2026 Batch offer detailed coverage of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Key features include expert faculty (many of whom are IISER and NISER graduates), regular practice tests, personalized mentorship, and access to high-quality study materials. These resources are available through the SciAstra app and website.
6. Why is IISER considered a good choice for PCB students interested in research-oriented careers?
IISER is an excellent choice for PCB students due to its integrated BS-MS program, which offers a blend of foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary learning. The institutions provide extensive research opportunities, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. This dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment equips students with the skills and experience needed to build successful careers in science, whether in academia, industry, or research.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world, like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, etc., teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2025, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!
