How to Get Admission in IISc Bangalore After 12th?

As India’s leading institute, IISc Bangalore opens its doors to those who are ready to innovate and make an impact. To all the ambitious 12th graders passionate about science and research, imagine being part of a community where discoveries are made every day!  Understanding the admission process is your only way to this prestigious institute. Meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing with determination, and keeping track of deadlines -take the first step today!

Overview of IISc Bangalore’s UG Program:

IISc offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science (Research) program, blending science with research. This unique course prepares students for advanced studies or careers in various scientific fields.

1. Research Focus:
   Students dive into hands-on lab work from the start, culminating in a major research project in the final year.
2. Specialization Options:
   After a multidisciplinary first year covering core subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering. This broad foundation allows students to explore various scientific disciplines before choosing a specialization.

Specialization Options: From the second year onward, students can specialize in one of several   disciplines, including:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Interdisciplinary topics are also available like Biophysics.

Entrance Exam for IISc Bangalore:

1. No Separate Entrance Exam:Unlike other colleges, IISc doesn’t have its own entrance test. Instead, it accepts scores from these major exams: IAT(IISER Aptitude Test), JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET.
2. Accepted Entrance Exams: You must qualify any of the below-mentioned exams to get admitted into IISc.
   Admission is based on national-level exams, including:
   1. IISER Aptitude Test (IAT): A newly introduced exam specifically for admissions into the IISc and seven IISERs. 
   2. JEE Main: A key entry point for engineering aspirants. It is one of the primary exams for admission to various engineering colleges across India, including NITs, IIITs, but it is also considered by IISc for its undergraduate programs. 
   3. JEE Advanced: After JEE Main, the next level is JEE Advanced. For those who really ace JEE Advanced, IISc is an option beyond the IITs. 
   4. NEET-UG: Primarily for students with a biology background. It is primarily for admission to medical courses like MBBS and BDS. However, IISc also accepts NEET scores for students applying to its BS program, particularly those interested in life sciences and interdisciplinary science courses.
   5. Cut-off Based Admission:
      Admission is based on the cutoff ranks in these exams( IAT(IISER Aptitude Test), JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET). The cut-off list for getting IISc is published online on the IISc official website once all Accepted entrance exam results have been announced. 

Eligibility Criteria for Admission After 12th:

1. Educational Qualification: To be eligible for admission at IISc Bangalore, students must have completed their 12th grade or an equivalent qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as their core subjects. These subjects form the foundation for the courses and research-oriented studies offered at IISc, as they align closely with the focus on science, engineering, and research.
2. Biology Students: While the main focus is on PCM for general admissions, students who wish to apply through the NEET-UG entrance exam route must have studied Biology in addition to Physics and Chemistry in their 12th grade.
3. Minimum Marks: the minimum requirement is 60% aggregate marks for candidates in the General category. This means that students need to secure at least 60% marks when averaging all subjects taken in their 12th grade and for Reserved Categories (SC/ST) a simple “12th Pass” is considered the minimum qualification. 
4. Age Limit: IISc does not have a separate age criterion for admission but follows the age requirements specified by the entrance exams (JEE Main), NEET(no age limit). Specifically for IAT and NEST there are no hard age limits, but the exam does restrict the number of attempts to three consecutive years after completing Class XII​.

Step by Step: Admission Process:

• Apply Online and Fill the Form: Head to the official IISc Bangalore website, usually around February or March, when the application portal opens (IISc website) and fill out the application form. 

• Application Fee: Once the form is filled, you’ll need to pay an application fee, usually ₹800 for the general category and ₹400 for ST/SC and other reserved categories. 

• Documents Upload: Besides filling the form, candidates need to upload scanned copies of their 10th and 12th marksheets, passport-size photographs, scanned signatures, caste certificate(if applicable) and proof of identity.

• Entrance Exam Selection: Next, select which entrance exam score you will be using for your application: IAT, JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, or NEET-UG. This choice is critical as it determines which scores IISc will consider for your admission.

If you’ve taken more than one of these exams, you can submit scores for each, but only one will be considered based on which gives you the best chance.

• Enter your Registration Number and Score: You’ll be asked to provide the registration number and the score for the entrance exam(s) you selected. Make sure to enter these details accurately as any mistakes can delay your application review or even disqualify you.

• Select Specialization: While filling out the form, you’ll get an option to select a preferred specialization or area of interest. Don’t stress too much about this—if you change your mind later, IISc allows some flexibility in choosing your field after you’ve joined.
• Submit the Application: Submit before the last date, which is usually April. Late submissions aren’t accepted, so keep a reminder a few days before.

Wanna know about the IISc Bangalore 2024 exam, check this.

Preparation Tips for Admission to IISc:

To effectively prepare for the IISc Bangalore entrance exams, start by understanding the exam format, including the syllabi for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NEET-UG. This knowledge will help you tailor your study plan.

Explore SciAstra’s specialized courses, such as the Vikram 2.0 Batch for bilingual support, the Kalam Batch for those who prefer English, or the Homi Batch 2026 designed for newcomers.

SciAstra now provides exceptional resources and books specifically for the IAT exam, enhancing your readiness for these exams. SciAstra offers top-notch resources tailored for IAT and NEST preparation. Additionally, explore complimentary free PDF samples available in the free study material section of the SciAstra App. 

Conclusion:

IISc Bangalore stands as a premier institution for aspiring scientists, known for its exceptional programs in research and science. With a comprehensive admission process and a commitment to academic excellence, IISc offers a promising future for those who succeed in gaining admission. As the application period approaches, candidates should familiarize themselves with the eligibility criteria, stay informed about important deadlines, and prepare diligently for the entrance exams. By combining hard work and focused preparation, students can embark on an enriching academic journey at IISc, paving the way for a bright and impactful career in science.

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