IISER, short for Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, are a group of premier public research institutions located throughout India. These institutes are dedicated to scientific research and education in various fields, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and more. The entrance test for IISERs called the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), has been announced for the year 2024. However, this year, there have been changes in the eligibility criteria for the exam. In this article, we will delve into what these changes are and what they mean for prospective students who are interested in applying to IISER.
JEE has been Abolished:
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a national-level engineering entrance exam for admission into various engineering colleges in India. IISER used to take admission based on JEE scores. But this year, IISER announced that IAT is the only channel of admission for this year. This means that the JEE channel of admission to the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) has been abolished.
What Would Be The Impact?
Since JEE is no longer being accepted, all the candidates that were going to appear through the JEE channel will now register for IAT. This will increase the number of students appearing for IAT. Hence, IAT is expected to be more competitive this year. As a result, the cut-off is expected to increase. Click here to check the cut-off for IAT 2023.
Second Droppers Are Allowed:
Earlier, IISER used to allow only one drop year. But this year, all the students who have qualified Class XII or equivalent from any recognized board in 2022, 2023 or 2024 are eligible to appear for IAT 2024. This means that IISER has allowed second droppers for IAT 2024. So, if you are a second dropper who could not crack IAT last year, this is your best chance.
Other Criteria are Same:
Apart from this, there are no other changes in eligibility criteria. All the criteria are mentioned below:
- You must be an Indian Citizen
- You must have passed Class XII or equivalent exam with science stream in 2022, 2023, or 2024.
- You must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in your +2
- If you belong to the SC/ST category, you must have secured 55% aggregate or equivalent grade in XII. If you belong to any other category, you must have secured 60% aggregate or equivalent grade in XII
Are both Math And Biology sections compulsory?
The common problem of both PCB and PCM students is that both the Maths and Biology sections are present in the IAT question paper. These sections are not optional. Although, since both PCB and PCM students appear for the exam, if you skip one of these sections, it should not hamper your result much.
But note that if you attempt both sections, it greatly enhances your chances of getting selected. For example, to get into IISER Pune, you must score close to 200 marks. Hence, it becomes crucial to solve both Maths and Biology sections. But how can a PCB student solve the maths section and vice-versa? SciAstra comes to your rescue. We have several courses for IAT preparation, and we specifically focus on PCB and PCM students to help them solve the sections that they have not studied in their +2. Click here to learn more about our course.
Only Online Applications are Accepted:
All the registration for IAT will be through online mode. All the application will can be made through the official website of IISER: https://iiseradmission.in/
During the online registration process, you may need the following documents, and it is suggested to keep them handy during the registration process:
- Xth Admit Card and Marksheet
- XIIth Admit Card and Marksheet
- Valid ID Proof like Adhar Card, Voter ID, etc.
Hall Ticket And Important Documents:
A Hall Ticket is like an admit card. IAT issues hall tickets to all the registered candidates. On the day of the examination, you need to bring your hall ticket printed on an A4 sheet. You also need to stick your photograph on the hall ticket and put your signature on the same. It will be collected at your exam centre.
Apart from the Hall Ticket, you also need to carry a xerox of valid ID proof. This can be your Passport, PAN card, Driving License, photo-passed Nationalised Bank Passbook, UID Aadhar card, etc.
Apart from this, you also need to take a signed self-declaration form to the exam centre.
When is the Exam Date?
IAT is generally conducted in the month of June. This year, IAT is scheduled for the 9th of June, 2024. Important Dates for IAT is given below:
| Application Portal Opens | April 1, 2024 |
| Last Date For Application | May 13, 2024 |
| Release of Hall Ticket | Generally In June |
| Exam Date | June 9, 2024 |
| Display of Answer Key | Just After Exam |
| The Portal opens to file an objection | Generally, in June End |
| IAT Result Declaration | Generally, In July |
Please follow our YouTube channel ‘Vivek NISER | SciAstra’ for the latest updates.
For the syllabus and other details regarding IAT, read our latest article.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, IISER has introduced some changes in the eligibility criteria for IAT 2024, with the most significant being the abolition of the JEE channel of admission. This year, only IAT scores will be considered for admission. Additionally, IISER has allowed second droppers to appear for the exam. All other eligibility criteria remain the same. The exam is expected to be more competitive this year, and candidates must prepare accordingly to secure admission. Online applications are accepted, and only registered candidates will be issued hall tickets. The exam is scheduled for June 9, 2024, and candidates must keep the important dates in mind.
FAQs:
- How to prepare for IAT?
Take help from SciAstra. SciAstra is like your friend and mentor. Through our youtube channel and website, we do not just guide students about different exams, we also provide courses that can help you ace exams like NEST. Click here to know more.
- What is IISER, and why is its entrance exam different?
IISER stands for Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. It offers a unique 5-year BS-MS program focusing on research and requires strong conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Unlike JEE and NEET, IAT assesses these abilities through a non-traditional exam pattern.
- When is the IAT exam, and what are the eligibility criteria?
wThe IAT exam will be conducted on the 9th of June this year (2024). You must be an Indian citizen with a Class XII qualification (or equivalent) and have studied at least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in Class XII. Second droppers are allowed.
- What is the exam format and marking scheme?
IAT is a 3-hour computer-based test with 60 multiple-choice questions (15 each from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics). Each correct answer earns 4 marks, each incorrect answer deducts 1 mark, and there’s no penalty for unattempted questions. The total score out of 240 determines your rank.
- Are both Math and Biology sections mandatory?
Yes, both sections are compulsory. While skipping one won’t significantly impact your result if both PCB and PCM students are taking the exam, attempting both sections significantly improves your chances.
- How can I prepare for the IAT exam?
Familiarize yourself with the unique exam pattern by taking mock tests. Focus on key topics through past year question papers and practice problems. Consider enrolling in online courses designed specifically for IAT preparation, like those offered by SciAstra.
- Where can I find more information about the IAT exam?
The official website for IAT is iiseradmission.in. You can also find valuable resources and preparation materials on websites like SciAstra, which offers courses specifically tailored for IAT aspirants.
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 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!
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