Can I Prepare for IAT and Boards Together?

The shortest answer is Yes! If you’re preparing for the IAT (IISER Aptitude Test), you’re already covering a big part of your Board syllabus. You don’t need to prepare for both separately. However, it’s still important to have a good strategy to do well in both exams.

In this blog, we will be guiding you to prepare effectively for the IAT(IISER Aptitude Test) and Board exam together. 

Key Difference between IAT and Boards:

The curriculum for Board examination focuses more on factual knowledge of the subject, whereas, IAT emphasis on the conceptual knowledge of the subject. You can learn facts and figures to ace in board examinations, however, to truly ace in IAT you must learn and understand the concepts of the subjects which requires a deeper understanding of the core subjects. 

Here are a few aspects in which IAT and Boards differ: 

1. Syllabus Focus-

   • Board Exams:
     • Primarily based on the NCERT syllabus for Class 11 and 12, focusing on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and English.
     • The questions are mostly direct, testing theoretical understanding and detailed knowledge of each topic.
   • IAT:
     • Focuses on a deeper application of concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology from the NCERT syllabus.
     • Requires a more problem-solving approach with analytical questions that test the ability to apply concepts rather than just memorizing them.

2. Exam Pattern-

   • Board Exams:
     • Theory-based and written exams, often including long-answer and essay-type questions.
     • Exams are subject-specific, usually divided into multiple papers over different days.
   • IAT:
     • Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test conceptual understanding and quick problem-solving. Practice free mock tests available here, to analyze the question paper pattern. 
     • All subjects are tested in one paper, requiring time management and cross-disciplinary thinking.

3. Preparation Approach-

   • Board Exams:
     • Focus on detailed reading of textbooks, thorough note preparation, and learning the theory well.
     • Emphasis on practice of previous years’ papers, essay-type questions, and revision of formulas, definitions, and processes.
   • IAT:
     • Requires practicing higher-level questions and MCQs that go beyond basic textbook knowledge.
     • Involves solving mock tests, working on time management, and practicing questions that involve critical thinking and application of multiple concepts.

How to Prepare for IAT and Boards Simultaneously? 

Preparing for both the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) and board exams can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s possible to excel in both. Here are some key strategies to help you balance your preparation effectively:

• Build a Realistic Study Plan-

1. 1. • Create a study schedule that gives equal attention to board exam subjects and IAT preparation.
      • Focus on overlapping topics first (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology), as mastering these will benefit you in both exams.
      • For more structured guidance, SciAstra’s Vikram 2.0 Batch (IAT & NEST 2025) provides a detailed course plan for Class 12 students, helping them tackle both exams with a clear roadmap.

• Master NCERT Concepts-

1. 1. • Both IAT and board exams are rooted in the NCERT syllabus, so start by thoroughly understanding each concept from your NCERT textbooks.
      • While board exams test your theoretical knowledge, IAT focuses on applying these concepts to solve problems, so clarity in fundamentals is key.

• Focus on Problem-Solving Skills for IAT-

1. 1. • In addition to theoretical understanding, IAT requires you to solve complex, application-based questions. Dedicate time to solving previous year’s IAT papers and practicing mock tests regularly. Check here.
      • The Kalam Batch (IAT & NEST 2025) by SciAstra, conducted in English, provides tailored problem-solving practice and mock tests to help you hone these skills while staying aligned with board preparation.

• Time Management and Prioritization-

1. 1. • During school hours, focus more on your board syllabus, as it’s necessary for your final exams. Use weekends and holidays to dive deeper into IAT-specific preparation.
      • The Homi Batch 2026 by SciAstra is perfect for Class 11 students aiming for IAT in the future, as it allows early preparation for both IAT and boards, ensuring you build a strong foundation from the start.

• Regular Revision and Mock Tests-

1. 1. • For board exams, prioritize revising subjective topics and practicing past papers.
      • For IAT, take mock tests frequently to improve your speed and accuracy. A dedicated Crash Course included in SciAstra’s Vikram 2.0 Batch and Kalam Batch will help you fine-tune your preparation before the exam.

• Prioritize Your Health-

1. • With the heavy workload of both exams, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Ensure you’re taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy study-life balance.

Conclusion:

Preparing for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) can go hand in hand with your board exam studies, as both share a significant portion of the syllabus. Rather than treating them as separate challenges, focus on creating a balanced strategy that emphasizes overlapping topics, rigorous problem-solving for IAT, and consistent revision for the boards. With a smart, integrated approach, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in both exams and achieve your goals.

FAQs:

1. Can I study for IAT and board exams at the same time?
   Yes, you can! Preparing for the IAT covers much of the board syllabus, so you can efficiently study for both. Just make sure to balance your study time.
2. What should I focus on while preparing for both exams?
   Focus on common subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Understanding the NCERT syllabus well will help you excel in both the board exams and the IAT.
3. How can I manage my time effectively for both preparations?
   Create a realistic study schedule that includes dedicated time for board subjects and IAT practice. Prioritize overlapping topics and include regular revisions and mock tests.

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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