Are you preparing for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) but feeling unsure about where to start? You’re not alone! Many students take a leap of faith into IAT prep but often stumble due to a few common mistakes. Avoiding these mistakes can unlock your path to land in your dream institutes.
This blog talks about what you need to watch out for to make the most of your IAT preparation!
Understanding IAT:
What is IAT?
IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research) Aptitude Test (IAT or IISER Aptitude Test) is an entrance examination that opens pathways to some of the prestigious Indian institutes, including seven IISERs, IIT Madras and IISc Bangalore.
Why IAT?
If you are passionate about science research and want to see yourself working in well-equipped institutes facilitating all your research requirements, in the future – IAT is the key to unlocking that future.
Common Mistakes in IAT:
IAT indeed comes with many exciting future opportunities, however with more opportunities there also come more challenges. With the right mindset, you can aim to minimize these challenges by avoiding the following common mistakes. Let us look at some common mistakes that students often make:
- Not Preparing from the Right Books: Using only NCERT textbooks may not be enough to score well on the IAT. While NCERT books are great for building foundational knowledge, the IAT. Look for additional books that dive into concepts with more IAT-oriented questions. Check here for further guidance on the best books for IAT.
- Not Taking Class 11th Seriously: Many students make the mistake of focusing only on the Class 12 syllabus, thinking it’s more important. However, the IAT includes a significant number of questions from the Class 11 syllabus as well. Ignoring these basics can leave gaps in your understanding and lower your chances of scoring well. Make sure to go over Class 11 topics carefully – they’re as important as Class 12 topics!
- Not Revising Enough: It’s easy to get caught up in learning new topics and forget about revision. However, consistent revision is key to remembering what you’ve studied. Without it, you might forget important concepts and struggle to recall formulas during the test. Set a dedicated schedule for revision for every subject. This will keep the content fresh in your mind.
- Memorizing Instead of Understanding: IAT questions are designed to test your understanding, not just your memory. If you focus only on memorizing formulas or facts without understanding the “why” behind them, you might struggle to apply that knowledge in tricky questions. Spend some time understanding the core concepts and practicing different types of problems. This way you can be more prepared for questions that require critical thinking and application.
- Not Starting Early Enough: Many students wait too long before getting serious about IAT preparation, thinking they can cover everything quickly. Remember, it’s not your school exams that you can cover a day before the exam – NO! This exam is made to test the application of your knowledge – why you know and not what you know. Begin preparing early to give yourself enough time to study, revise, and practice. A head start will allow you to go deeper into each subject and build confidence for the final test.
How To Avoid These Mistakes?
Knowing the mistakes is not enough – you must avoid these mistakes also. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to avoid these mistakes.
- Choose the Right Books: Combine NCERT with other resources – practice mock tests, focus on problem-solving understanding and application-based questions. Take SciAstra’s free study materials to boost your preparation.
- Take Class 11th Seriously: Include Class 11 topics in your study schedule, and take time every few weeks to revisit Class 11 materials, as you go over Class 12 content.
- Prioritize Regular Revision: Make quick revision notes or flashcards for formulas and key concepts to make revisiting topics and concepts easier. Plan a revision session once every week or two and stick to the schedule.
- Focus on Understanding, Not Memorizing: Break down concepts into “why” and “how” to ensure you are clear on the fundamentals. After studying every topic, test yourself with different types of problems to track your preparation. To further enhance your IAT preparation, consider taking SciAstra’s courses, such as the Vikram 2.0 Batch (IAT & NEST 2025) with a Crash Course in Hinglish, the Kalam Batch (IAT & NEST 2025) with a Crash Course in English, or the Homi Batch 2026 for Class 11th (IAT & NEST 2026).
- Start Early and Plan Ahead: Avoid delaying – begin your IAT preparation at least a few months in advance. Break down the syllabus into monthly goals, and aim to achieve those goals. This will keep you organized and prevent any last-minute cramming. Make sure to take regular mock tests to prepare you for the final exam.
Conclusion:
The IAT opens doors to exciting future opportunities, but with these come real challenges. With the right mindset, you can minimize these challenges by avoiding common mistakes. Use a balanced mix of study materials – NCERT alone isn’t enough. Give equal attention to Class 11 topics to build a solid foundation. Make regular revision a habit to keep everything fresh. Focus on truly understanding concepts instead of just memorizing, as the IAT tests how well you can apply what you know. Finally, start your preparation early to avoid last-minute stress and allow time for practice.
By following these strategies, you’ll be ready and confident on test day. Good luck – you’ve got this!
FAQs:
- Is NCERT enough for the IISER Aptitude Test?
NCERT books are great for building a strong foundation, but they aren’t enough on their own. To score well, you should use additional resources for more practice and deeper understanding, especially in physics, chemistry, and math. - How important is the Class 11 syllabus for IAT preparation?
The Class 11 syllabus is crucial! The IAT includes many questions from Class 11 topics, so skipping them can leave gaps in your knowledge. Be sure to cover both Class 11 and 12 thoroughly. - When should I start preparing for the IAT?
Starting early is key! Begin a few months in advance to allow enough time for studying, revising, and taking practice tests. Early preparation reduces last-minute stress and helps you build confidence.
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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