Wondering if you can crack the IAT Exam without joining expensive coaching institutes? Yes, you can. With the right preparation strategy and online resources, you can clear the exam. You just need to be smart during your self-study sessions.
In this blog, we’ll be covering how you can prepare IAT exam on your own.
Understanding the IAT Exam:
The IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research) Aptitude Test is a national exam. It is conducted by the IISER Joint Admission Committee (IISER-JAC). This test covers four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. By passing it, you can gain admission to top institutes in India. These include the seven IISERs, IISc Bangalore, and IIT Madras, which offer the BS-MS dual degree programs.
The IAT takes place at centres across India. You have 3 hours to answer 60 questions. There are 15 questions from each subject. For each correct answer, you earn +4 marks. However, a wrong answer costs you -1 mark. On the other hand, if you leave a question unattempted, it won’t affect your score. So, the total possible score is 240 marks.
To learn more about IAT 2025, check out this blog.
Requirements to Crack IAT Exam Without Coaching:
IAT tests conceptual understanding of the subjects, so it’s important to not just memorize the topics, but understand the application of every topic. Prepare your own notes to foster your foundation for IAT 2025. Although coaching is vital but not an absolute requirement for cracking IAT. With the right motive, strategy, and the right guidance, you can pave the path towards your dream institute.
Let’s look into some key aspects of preparation without coaching.
Before you move ahead, let just know that there’s only one preparation strategy – “If it works for you, it works for you”, don’t get overwhelmed with following different strategies. Stick to the one that follows your style.
Where to Begin?
Unlike many other exams, the IAT requires a solid understanding of concepts and their applications. It’s not just rote memorization, but a combination of conceptual understanding and applications. So, it’s essential to emphasize clearing basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
Though you can start with NCERT just for the sake of having an understanding of what to study. However, it’s always recommended not to stick to NCERT. Yes, for Biology, NCERT is good, however, for other subjects, especially Mathematics and Physics, let us tell you, NCERT is not enough.
If not NCERT then what? – Don’t worry SciAstra is there for you! Check out SciAstra’s newly launched books for detailed guidance into exams like IAT, NEST, ISI, CMI and IACS.
How to Remain Focussed?
Now here comes the main point. How do you manage your studies with everything else, especially, when you don’t have a dedicated environment like coaching to keep you engaged in your studies?
We understand that it’s quite easy to get distracted in such cases, however, this is the only path that could take you to your dream institutes, to pursue what you always wanted to. If you had decided to walk on this path, then why not do it with dedication? Here are some points to consider:
- Take a walk outside, and just connect yourself with nature – Have an evening walk to fuel your journey.
- Craft your own strategy, out of your weak points and mistakes – Analyze your weak points/mistakes after every attempt of mock tests.
- Always dedicate time to practicing mock tests and PYQs, while keeping track of your mistakes and weak points.
Recommended Resources for Self-Study:
Although preparation without dedicated coaching can be challenging, if you know the right resources, you can prepare well enough on your own. Here are some resources to get you started.
NCERT Textbooks (Mandatory for Biology):
As mentioned earlier in this blog, NCERT is not enough for exams like IAT and NEST, especially for Physics and Mathematics. For Biology, you can start from NCERT. However, make sure to practice mock tests and PYQs to track your preparation.
References TextBooks for PCMB:
Physics – You can opt for:
- Concepts of Physics by HC Verma – excellent for conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
- Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov (optional) – for advanced problem-solving and practice.
Chemistry – You can opt for:
- Morrison & Boyd – for conceptual clarity in Organic Chemistry.
- A.G. Sharpe and Catherine E Housecroft for Inorganic Chemistry.
- Atkins – for Physical Chemistry.
- KL Kapoor – for numerical practices.
Biology – You can opt for:
- NCERT is the primary resource for Biology.
- Campbell – to understand the “why” of Biology.
Mathematics Books – You can opt for:
- Calculus and Analytical Geometry by George B. Thomas, Jr.
- Problems in Higher Mathematics by A.I. Prilepko – for basic mathematics.
- Plane Trigonometry and Elements of Coordinate Geometry by SL Loney
If you don’t want to wander across for different books, you may consider SciAstra books – Mastering Combo – Class 11th and 12th, to provide an All-in-One package of every book required to excel in exams like IAT, NEST, ISI, CMI, and IACS.
Online Resources and Mock Tests For IAT Exam:
If you are in need of online resources, there are several lectures on YouTube (and you know this too). Study the one that suits your style.
To give you a head start, you can take SciAstra’s free study materials to practice mock tests, previous years’ papers, and lectures from top mentors. You can also go through SciAstra’s YouTube page for further guidance.
The Right Mindset: Confidence and Patience
While coaching can provide guidance, self-study encourages independence and builds confidence in your abilities. This Mindset can help you not only prepare well but crack IAT with a good score. Keep track of your preparation, and practice as much as mock tests and previous year papers, as you can. The more papers you practice before the final exam, the better your score will be.
Conclusion:
The decision to opt for coaching or not depends on your learning style. If you stay disciplined, and focused, and can learn independently, you can crack the IAT without coaching. With the right guidance and strategy, you can create your own preparation plan. By choosing the right books and online resources, you will get closer to your dream institutes. Stay consistent and focused, and you will take one step closer to success.
FAQs:
- Is it possible to crack the IAT exam without coaching?
Yes, it is entirely possible. Focus on strong conceptual understanding, follow NCERT books for Biology, and use recommended resources like SciAstra and other subject-specific books for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Self-discipline and a structured study plan are key. - Are NCERT books enough for IAT preparation?
NCERT is essential, especially for Biology. However, for Physics and Mathematics, supplementary books like HC Verma, Cengage, and SciAstra are recommended for better concept clarity and problem-solving practice. - How should I manage time during the IAT exam?
Practice time management with mock tests. Focus on questions you’re confident about first. Since there’s a negative marking, avoid guessing. Patience and accuracy are crucial.
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!
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