After your 12th board exam, are you eager to learn more about the vast field of science? Do you want to enrol in India’s prestigious universities like IISERs and IISC in order to pursue your dream of becoming a scientist? Then, don’t worry; with this blog, we’ll direct your route to your destination. IAT (SCB) is the mode of entrance to IISERs, IISc and IIT Madras. For many science enthusiasts in India, getting into the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) or getting admitted through the SCB (State and Central Boards) channel is a dream.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- IISERs and their courses
- What is the SCB channel?
- Eligibility and exam pattern
- How to crack IAT in the first attempt?
IISERs and their courses:
Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are reputed institutes in India that concentrate on integrated undergraduate and postgraduate science education. These institutions, which were founded by the Indian government’s Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), are dedicated to advancing excellence in scientific research and education.
IISERs provide a variety of science courses in areas such as earth sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. These courses aim to give students a thorough understanding of basic scientific ideas and concepts in addition to practical research experience.
What is the SCB channel?
The exclusive admissions route for students wishing to enrol in the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) is through the SCB (State and Central Boards) channel. Since every state board has a unique curriculum and set of marking guidelines, the IISER system took this into account. Every 12th-grade board exam has a cutoff, and if your class XII overall percentage is higher than the cutoff, you can apply for the IISER Aptitude Test. This computer-based test is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at various centres across the country. More about IAT 2024 from here.
Eligibility and Exam Pattern:
Eligibility-
- To apply for IAT 2024, candidates must be citizens of India or be PIOs or OCIs.
- The applicants must have graduated from any board the Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE) acknowledged in 2022, 2023, or 2024 or have passed the Class XII or equivalent level examination.
- During their Class XII (or equivalent) examination, candidates must have taken at least three subjects from the following categories: physics, chemistry, biology, and maths.
- Applicants who are recognised as SC, ST, or PwD must receive at least 55% of the possible points in their Class XII (or equivalent) exam or an equivalent grade. Applicants from other categories must receive at least 60% in aggregate or the equivalent grade in their Class XII (or equivalent) exam.
Check out this blog to know more about eligibility criteria.
Exam Pattern:
This is a computer-based exam, and question types are only MCQs. The subject-wise marking scheme will be:
| Subject | Total Questions | Total marks |
| Mathematics | 15 | 15*4=60 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 15*4=60 |
| Physics | 15 | 15*4=60 |
| Biology | 15 | 15*4=60 |
| Grand total= | 240 |
The exam will be 3 hours long. Each correct answer carries 4 marks, and -1 will be deducted for one incorrect answer. You do not need to attempt all four sections and can attempt any one in maths and biology. However, it is advised to attempt all 4 sections in order to get high scores. The question paper will be in English. More about the IAT exam pattern, here.
How to crack IAT in the first attempt?
Know the Syllabus: Once you have the syllabus, carefully review it to determine the most important topics and their weight. Make a well-organized study schedule that allows enough time to cover each topic in detail, giving high-weighted subjects priority. This strategy guarantees that your study time is used effectively and allows for focused preparation to increase your exam success rate.
Effective Study Materials: Effective preparation requires using high-quality study materials. You can rely on SciAstra for quality content and regular practice sessions. Check out our courses here.
Time Management: Time is the most important thing in your preparation. Try to improve your time management while solving mock papers. During practice sessions, set time limits for every section to replicate exam conditions.
Tricks and Tips: Learn and practice shortcut techniques for handling conceptual and mathematical problems. This will reduce time and help you solve questions in less time.
Seek advice and eliminate any doubts: Never be afraid to ask for assistance from mentors, teachers, or online forums if you have questions or are having trouble understanding a particular subject. With its online courses designed especially for IISER candidates, Sci-Astra stands out as a useful addition to your toolkit for preparation. The complete syllabus of the IISER aptitude test is covered in the carefully selected courses offered by Sci-Astra. You can improve your understanding of any subject by using the in-depth study materials, video lectures, and practice questions available, whether it’s physics, biology, chemistry, or mathematics. You can be sure that Sci-Astra will cover every subject, providing a comprehensive preparation experience.
Advice on Particular Subjects:
Mathematics: Make time for practice to enhance your ability to solve mathematical problems. It takes consistent practice to grasp mathematical concepts. Set algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry as your top priorities because these subjects are frequently covered in the test. Give these subjects more time to ensure that you understand them completely.
Physics: Gain a strong foundation by comprehending physics’s fundamental ideas and theories. Concentrate on developing conceptual clarity to tackle a range of numerical problems confidently. You must practice solving numerical problems a lot if you want to improve your understanding of physics.
Chemistry: If you want to study chemistry from all angles, divide it up into three categories: organic, inorganic, and physical. Fundamental ideas like the periodic table, chemical bonds, reactions, and equilibrium should all be carefully considered. To strengthen your comprehension, practice balancing chemical equations and resolving numerical issues.
Biology: Create a well-organized study schedule that addresses the fundamental subjects of biology, such as genetics, cell biology, ecology, and evolution. Make sure you give each topic enough time to be understood in-depth. Use visual aids to help with conceptualisation and memorisation, such as flowcharts, diagrams, and mnemonic devices. These resources can help people understand and remember difficult biological concepts.
Conclusion:
Like in the IAT, success in the entrance exams demands commitment, determination, and thoughtful planning. You can increase the likelihood that you will succeed on your first try by paying attention to the advice and techniques provided in this guide. Maintaining confidence, motivation, and focus while you’re getting ready is important. Remember, the path is not easy, but destiny is beautiful. Try your best and enjoy the learning process. All the best!
FAQs:
Q: What is the State and Central Boards (SCB) admissions channel for IISER?
A: Students can choose to enter the SCB channel instead of the regular one, depending on how well they did on the Class 12 board exams. Applying to IISERs is now possible for individuals with a variety of educational backgrounds without the need to take competitive entrance exams like JEE or KVPY.
Q: How can I successfully prepare for the SCB channel or the IISER entrance exam?
A: Make an organised study schedule covering every subject and start early. Make use of high-quality SciAstra study resources and complete past years’ exam questions. Practice often and concentrate on gaining a solid understanding of the foundational ideas in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Q: Which subjects are included in the SCB channel or the IISER entrance exam?
A: Typically, topics including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology are covered on the exam. Those who want to do well on the test should study hard in each of these areas.
Q: How can I maintain my confidence and motivation while I prepare?
A: Remain committed to your goals and have a positive outlook on your planning. To keep yourself inspired and self-assured, set reasonable goals, acknowledge minor accomplishments, and ask for help from others, teachers, or online forums.
Q: Is it required to complete past years’ test questions and mock tests?
A: Yes, it is necessary to complete past years’ question papers and practice exams in order to become acquainted with the format of the test, evaluate your level of preparation, and define areas in which you need to improve. During the actual exam, it lessens anxiety and boosts 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 in their 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!
