Are you a student with Science Stream in 12th who is preparing for JEE. Many JEE aspirants either wants to join IISER or have IISER as their backup plans. Hence, they also appear for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). A general question that they have is “Can I crack IAT with JEE preparation?” In this article, we will answer this question along with providing you the strategies for cracking IAT with JEE preparation.
Understanding IAT and JEE:
What Is JEE?
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) serves as the golden ticket to esteemed engineering institutions such as IITs and NITs. Comprising JEE Main and JEE Advanced, it evaluates subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. JEE Main acts as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, where success secures admission to the prestigious IITs.
What Is IAT?
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is the pathway to IISER, a chain of 7 premier researc institutions focusing on basic sciences. Scores of IISER Aptitude Test is also accepted for admission into IISc and IIT Madras. It evaluates aptitude and fundamental sciences, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future scientists of the nation.
Do you want to know if IISER Aptitude Test is tougher than JEE? Click here.
Comparing IAT, JEE Advanced, and JEE Mains-
| Aspect | IAT | JEE Mains | JEE Advanced |
| Full Form | Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Aptitude Test | Joint Entrance Examination Main | Joint Entrance Examination Advanced |
| Purpose | Admission to BS-MS dual degree programs at IISERs, IIT Madras (for BS-MSE course) and IISc | Admission to undergraduate engineering programs at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and other state colleges; Qualifying exam for JEE Advanced | Admission to undergraduate engineering programs at IITs |
| Conducting Authority | IISERs | National Testing Agency (NTA) | One of the seven IITs on a rotational basis |
| Frequency | Once a year | Twice a year | Once a year |
| Eligibility | Passed or appearing in class 12th with science stream (either PCB or PCM). Minimum percentage required in XII (or equivalent) is 55% for SC/ST/PwD and 60% for other categories. | Passed or appearing in class 12th with science stream (Mathematics Compulsory). Minimum percentage required in XII (or equivalent) is 65% for SC/ST/PwD and 75% for | Ranked among top 2,50,000 JEE Main rank holders; Passed or appearing in class 12th with science stream; Maximum two attempts in consecutive years |
| Mode | Offline CBT | Offline | Offline |
| Language | English | 13 languages | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers | 1 | 3 (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, Paper 2B for B.Plan) | 2 |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours for each paper | 3 hours for each paper. Total 6 hours. |
| Difficulty | Moderate to high | Moderate | High |
Exam Pattern-
IAT (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Aptitude Test) is an offline Computer Based Test conducted once a year for admission to BS-MS dual degree programs at IISERs.
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- The exam consists of one paper with four sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
- The paper has 60 questions (15 from each section) of multiple choice and numerical answer type.
- The duration of the exam is 3 hours and the total marks are 180.
- The marking scheme is +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer and 0 for no answer.
JEE Mains (Joint Entrance Examination Main) is an offline exam conducted twice a year for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and other state colleges; and for qualifying for JEE Advanced.
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- The exam consists of three papers: Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch and Paper 2B for B.Plan.
- Paper 1 has three sections: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each section has 20 multiple choice questions and 10 numerical answer type questions, out of which 5 have to be attempted. The duration of the paper is 3 hours and the total marks are 300.
- Paper 2A has three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude and Drawing. The Mathematics section has 20 multiple choice questions and 10 numerical answer type questions, out of which 5 have to be attempted. The Aptitude section has 50 multiple choice questions. The Drawing section has 2 questions. The duration of the paper is 3 hours and the total marks are 400.
- Paper 2B has three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude and Planning Based. The Mathematics section has 20 multiple choice questions and 10 numerical answer type questions, out of which 5 have to be attempted. The Aptitude section has 50 multiple choice questions. The Planning Based section has 25 multiple choice questions. The duration of the paper is 3 hours and the total marks are 400.
- The marking scheme for all the papers is +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer and 0 for no answer.
JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Examination Advanced) is an offline exam conducted once a year for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at IITs.
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- The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, and both are compulsory.
- Both papers have three sections: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Paper 1 (9 AM to 12 PM): Physics, Chemistry
- Paper 2 (2 PM to 5 PM): Mathematics Questions: 54 in total (21 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -2 for incorrect Total Marks: 360
- The type and number of questions, the duration and the marking scheme vary every year. The questions can be of multiple choice, numerical answer, multiple correct or matrix match type. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. The marking scheme can involve partial, negative or zero marking.
Can JEE Preparation Help in Cracking IAT?
Here comes the million dollar problem. Can JEE preparation help in cracking IAT. Although the syllabus for both the exam is same, the exam pattern is different. Hence, any JEE aspirant must familiarize himself/herslef with the question pattern of IISER Aptitude Test to be able to crack it. SciAstra has done a detailed analysis for both the exam and we identified the benefits of JEE preparation for IAT. But, SciAstra also identified the additional efforts that are needed for cracking IAT. Below are the details on the same.
Analyzing Benefits of JEE Preparation for IAT-
- Strong Foundation: JEE equips aspirants with a robust understanding of core subjects, forming the backbone for IAT preparation.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The analytical approach cultivated through JEE preparation proves to be instrumental in tackling complex problems posed by the IISER Aptitude Test.
Additional Effort Needed-
- Biology: IAT introduces a Biology section absent in JEE. While PCM students can skip it, attempting Biology can be advantageous, requiring focused preparation.
- General Aptitude Questions: IISER Aptitude Test includes questions testing general aptitude. Devote time to practicing these questions alongside JEE preparation.
- Familiarize Yourself With IAT’s Question Pattern: The unique nature of IAT’s problems demands familiarity. Analyzing past papers and practicing IAT-specific mock tests become imperative. SciAstra provides mock tests that can greatly boost your chances of getting selected in IAT. To solve our mock test, download the SciAstra app today.
In essence, while JEE preparation lays a solid foundation for IISER Aptitude Test, aspirants must recognize the unique demands of each exam and tailor their approach accordingly. See below the strategy that the SciAstra has prepared for JEE students to help them crack IAT.
Strategies for Cracking IAT with JEE Preparation-
- Conceptual Clarity: Leverage the depth of conceptual understanding gained from JEE preparation to excel in IAT.
- Time Management Hone time management skills acquired through JEE preparation, adapting them to the IAT’s distinct patterns.
- Mock Tests: Practice IISER Aptitude Test-specific mock tests on the SciAstra app. Also practice the free PYQs available on our app.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Although the JEE and IAT has the same syllabus, the exam pattern is very different. Hence, preparation for JEE Advanced can help the IISER Aptitude Test aspirants but is never enough. You must familiarise yourself with the unique exam pattern of IAT so that you are not surprised in the exam hall. SciAstra can help you here. Download our app and practice the mock test. Also enroll in the best courses for the preparation of IAT, NEST and other exams.
FAQs:
1.How to prepare specifically for IAT?
Take help from SciAstra. SciAstra is like your friend and mentor. Through our youtube channel and website, we do not just guide students about different exams, we also provide courses that can help you ace exams like NEST. Click here to know more.
2.What is the difference between IAT and JEE?
IAT focuses on basic sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology) for admission to IISERs. JEE focuses on engineering (Physics, Chemistry, Math) for admission to IITs, NITs, and other institutes. IISER Aptitude Test has one paper with 60 MCQs, while JEE Main has three papers and JEE Advanced has two papers with more complex questions.
3.Does JEE preparation help for IAT?
Yes, JEE preparation builds a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Math, beneficial for IAT. The analytical skills developed through JEE help with problem-solving in IISER Aptitude Test.
4.What additional effort is needed for IAT compared to JEE?
IISER Aptitude Test includes Biology, so PCM students need to study it if they want to maximize their score. IISER Aptitude Test has general aptitude questions, requiring additional practice. Familiarization with IAT’s unique question pattern through past papers and mock tests is crucial.
5.Can I crack IAT solely through JEE preparation?
No, while JEE preparation helps, it’s not enough to guarantee success in IAT due to the differences in exam pattern and focus.
6.What strategies can JEE students use to crack IAT?
Build strong conceptual clarity in science and math from JEE preparation. Hone time management skills to adapt to the different format of IAT. Practice IISER Aptitude Test-specific mock tests to get familiar with the question pattern.
7.Where can I find IAT-specific mock tests and resources?
Download the SciAstra app for mock-tess and courses designed for IISER Aptitude Test preparation.
8.What are other exam options for science students besides IAT and JEE?
You can read on SciAstra about exams like NEST, CMI, ISI etc., depending on your specific interests and career goals.
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 2024, 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!
