Are you a science student doing your Bachelor in Science from some lesser known institute? You must be thinking that BSc from any less reputed college does not matter. Ofcourse a degree from Institute of national importance like IISER, IISc and NISER holds a greater significance but if you could not do your bachelors from these institute, do not worry. In this article, we will explain how you can join Indian Institute of Science Education and Research after BSc from any college.
What is IISER?
Before we dive into the admission process, let’s take a brief look at what IISER is all about. IISERs are a group of premier science education and research institutes in India, established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). These institutes aim to promote high-quality scientific education and research in various disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Earth Sciences.
IISERs offer a diverse range of academic programs, including integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (BS-MS), Master of Science (MSc), and Integrated PhD (i-PhD) programs. These programs provide opportunities for research and hands-on experience.
Post Graduate Programs Offered by IISER:
IISERs offer a variety of programs at the postgraduate level, providing students with the opportunity to specialize in their chosen field of interest. Let’s take a closer look at the programs offered by different IISERs:
IISER Pune-
- MSc Program: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune offers a two-year Master of Science (MSc) program for highly motivated students with a Bachelor’s degree in any branch of science. The program focuses on intense in-depth inquiry in specialized areas of research and education. It emphasizes both coursework and research experience gained through projects and training. The program is currently offered in the departments of:
- Chemistry
- Earth and Climate Science
- Mathematics.
- Integrated PhD (i-PhD) Program: IISER Pune also offers an Integrated PhD program for students who wish to pursue a career in research. This program combines curricula for Master’s and PhD degrees into a single integrated program. Students are awarded both a Master of Science degree and a PhD degree upon successful completion of the program. iPhD programme is offered by following departments:
- Biological Science
- Physics
IISER Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM)-
- MSc Program: IISER Thiruvananthapuram offers a two-year Master of Science (MS) program in various disciplines, including Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The program provides an immersive and flexible learning experience, with a strong emphasis on research and practical training. It aims to prepare students for careers in scientific research, development, innovation, and teaching.
IISER Kolkata-
- MSc Program: IISER Kolkata offers a two-year Master of Science (MS) program in Mathematics and Chemical Sciences. The program provides rigorous training in the respective disciplines, with a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It prepares students for further studies and research in their chosen field. This programme is offered by following departments:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Integrated PhD (i-PhD) Program: IISER Kolkata also offers an Integrated PhD program in Biology and Physics. This program provides students with an opportunity to pursue research in their chosen field, leading to both a Master of Science degree and a PhD degree.
- MS by Research Programme: IISER Kolkata offers a distinctive MS by Research Programme through the Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI), catering to individuals with a background in Physics and Engineering aspiring to pursue a research career in space science. Established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, CESSI focuses on solar physics, space weather, gravitational wave astrophysics, computational astrophysics, and space- and ground-based instrumentation support and development. The program is a unique synthesis of thematic courses and a research project, fostering the integration of fundamental knowledge and proficiency in astrophysics and space science research. Eligible candidates must hold a recent Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physics with a first-class or equivalent grade point average, along with qualification in GATE or any other national eligibility test such as JEST. The selection process involves application evaluation, shortlisting, interviews, and the final selection based on academic background and performance in the interview. The duration of the program is 2 years (4 semesters), with fellowships provided as per institutional norms.
IISER Bhopal-
- MSc Program: IISER Bhopal offers a two-year Master of Science (MSc) program in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These programs provide a strong foundation in research and analytical skills, with a focus on core areas of the respective disciplines. The programs aim to prepare students for careers in both industry and academia.
- Integrated PhD (i-PhD) Program: IISER Bhopal also offers an Integrated PhD program in Mathematics and Physics. This program combines coursework, research, and hands-on training, leading to a PhD degree. It prepares students for research careers in their chosen field.
IISER Tirupati, Berhampur and Mohali-
These three Indian Institute of Science Education and Research only offer the iPhD programme. The structure of the iPhD programme is similar to those provided by other IISERs. This institute offers the iPhD programme in following disciplines:
| Institute | Discipline |
| Tirupati | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Berhampur | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Mohali | Varies each year |
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process:
Each IISER has its own eligibility criteria and admission process for different programs. A general eligibility criteria is mentioned here but it can change depending on the programme, discipline and specific IISER. It is advisable to check the official website of IISER to know to criterias and admission process in detail.
To be eligible for the MSc or iPhD program at IISERs, candidates must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent CGPA. Note that it is not mandatory to do your bachelors from any reputed institute.
- Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply, but their final selection is subject to the successful completion of the degree with the required marks.
The admission process for the MSc or iPhD program generally involves the following steps:
- Online Application: Candidates need to fill and submit the online application form within the specified deadline. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their eligibility and performance in national-level aptitude tests, such as JAM (Joint Admission Test), GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology), or any other relevant test.
- Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates are called for interviews or counseling sessions. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the interview and availability of seats.
- Admission Offer: Selected candidates will receive an admission offer, which they need to accept within the given timeframe to secure their admission.
What are JAM and GAT-B?
JAM and GAT-B are both national-level entrance exams in India used for admission to postgraduate programs in science. But they cater to slightly different areas. Following contains the detail of each exam:
JAM – Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.
Exam Pattern-
- Computer-based Test (CBT) of 3 hours duration.
- Two sections: Section A (10+2 level Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology) with 60 multiple choice questions (MCQs) carrying 1 mark each (negative marking of 0.5 mark per wrong answer) and Section B (B.Sc. level questions from any chosen discipline) with 60 MCQs carrying 3 marks each (negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer).
- Total Marks: 300.
Eligibility-
- B.Sc. or equivalent degree in any branch of Science with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Appearing final year B.Sc. students are also eligible.
GAT-B – Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology
Exam Pattern-
- CBT of 3 hours duration.
- Two sections: Section A (10+2 level Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology) with 60 MCQs carrying 1 mark each (negative marking of 0.5 mark per wrong answer) and Section B (Graduate level Biotechnology and allied areas) with 100 MCQs carrying 3 marks each (negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer).
- Total Marks: 300.
Eligibility-
- B.Sc. or equivalent degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or any other related field with minimum 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Appearing final year B.Sc. students are also eligible.
It is advisable to check the official website for the latest exam pattern and eligibility criteria.
Scholarships and Fellowships:
IISERs offer scholarships and fellowships to eligible students to support their academic journey. The details of scholarships/fellowships vary from institute to institute and program to program. Some common scholarships/fellowships available at IISERs include:
- Institute Scholarships: IISERs provide merit-based scholarships to deserving students. The scholarship amount may vary depending on the program and institute.
- Government Scholarships: Eligible students can also apply for various government scholarships, such as the INSPIRE Scholarship, CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship, UGC-JRF, and more. These scholarships provide financial support to students pursuing research and higher education.
- Project Fellowships: Students enrolled in research programs like Integrated PhD may have the opportunity to work as project fellows under funded research projects. These fellowships provide financial support and valuable research experience.
It is important to note that the availability and terms of scholarships/fellowships may change from time to time. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the official websites of the respective IISERs for the most up-to-date information on scholarships and fellowships.
Conclusion:
You might not have been able to secure a good college for your undergraduate studies, but you can join IISER for your post-graduate studies. Different Indian Institute of Science Education and Researchs provide different post-graduate programmes in different disciplines. The general eligibility criteria and admission process is mentioned in the article. You can get good placements and PhD positions if you do your post-graduate studies from IISER and the undergraduate studies will not matter much in the long run.
FAQs:
1. How to get into IISER for undergraduate programs?
To get into IISER for UG programs, you need to appear for IAT. SciAstra offers courses to help you prepare for IAT. Click here to know more about the same.
2. How to Get into IISER after BSc?
You can join IISER for post-graduate programs. Read the blog to know more.
3. What Postgraduate Programs are Offered by IISER?
MS by research program is offered by IISER Kolkata. Other IISERs offers Masters of Science and iPhD programs in specific disciplines
4. What is the MS by Research Programs at IISER Kolkata?
MS by Research program offered by IISER Kolkata through CESSI, focuses on space sciences and caters to individuals with backgrounds in Physics and Engineering.
5. What are the Eligibility Criteria for IISER Postgraduate Programs?
General eligibility criteria for MSc, i-PhD, and other programs, including the required minimum percentage, relevant disciplines, and conditions for final-year candidates is mentioned in the blog. Check the official pages of IISER to know the same in detail.
6. What are JAM and GAT-B, and How are They Relevant to IISER Admissions?
Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM) and Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B), national-level exams are used for post-graduate IISER admissions.
7. What Scholarships and Fellowships are Available at IISERs?
Different scholarships and fellowships are offered at IISERs, including institute scholarships, government scholarships, and project fellowships, supporting students in their academic pursuits.
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