Integrated Science Education and Research Centre (ISERC)

Integrated Science Education and Research Centre (ISERC) is a less-known but excellent institute for science education in India. It was founded in 2008 upon the recommendation of Visva Bharati University of West Bengal and the President of India in 2006. Visva-Bharati University itself is a well-known university in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. ISERC is currently supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The centre offers a Five-Year Integrated M.Sc. programme to teach Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Life Science with equal emphasis during the first two years. Then, the students opt for their major subjects in any of the four subjects, as well as Earth and Environmental Science. Apart from that, the centre also offers a PhD program in those mentioned above five broad areas. If you want to study any subject deeply, and understand and appreciate different cultures, you must try for ISERC. 

In this blog, we will discuss:-

• How is ISERC different from other institutes?
• How to get into ISERC?
• Campus Life
• Future opportunities 

How is ISERC different from other Institutes?

Although the courses offered by ISERC are similar to those provided by other science institutes in India, like Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc), IITs or IISERs, ISERC’s style of teaching and vision is quite different and unique. Being under Visva Bharati University, the teaching style is inspired by Gurukuls of ancient times. There is equal emphasis on science, art, culture and nature. 

The courses aren’t as rigorous as those of IISERs but offer deep insight into fundamental sciences. There is also a course called Tagore Studies for the first two years of the Int. MSc in which students learn about Rabindranath Tagore, his work, the lives of people associated with him and his moral values. For the first two years, students study all subjects, including Tagore studies and philosophy and in their third year, select a major subject. After five years, students get a degree for Integrated MSc in the subject they choose as their major.

ISERC comes under Visva Bharati, which is an institute of national importance. The Prime Minister of India is the Chancellor of this central university, while the President of India appoints the Vice-Chancellor. Its NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) ranking is 97 among all universities in India. The main reason for the low popularity of ISERC is its culture. The majority of students here come from the surrounding area, and the academic atmosphere is influenced by ancient periods yet is not inferior to that of any other institution. 

There is a huge central library and Shiksha Bhavan library for students. All labs are well equipped with high technologies. All the classrooms are neat and clean. There is also an auditorium hall for conducting cultural programs. For accommodation, there are separate hostels for both boys and girls, with approximately 14 for boys and 10 for girls. The infrastructure of the buildings is good. ISERC is DST and DBT-funded; hence, it gets good research equipment every year.

How to get into ISERC?

Students of Five-Year integrated M.Sc. programs are admitted from the regular science stream, only having biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics in their XI and XII classes. It is crucial to have all four subjects after high school. Earlier, the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) exam, which is a well-known entrance exam for institutes like the National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar (NISER), and the Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai, was accepted. But currently, the admissions are through your board exam marks. 

Students admitted to the course are also provided (according to merit) with a DST INSPIRE scholarship of Rs. 5,000/- per month, along with mentorship support of Rs. 20,000/- annually for a summer research internship during the vacation period. The fee structure changes regularly according to the guidelines of Visva Bharati University. The average fee in the first year of Int. MSc is around Rs. 6,000, and Rs. 2000 per year for the remaining years. For PhD, the total fee is around Rs. 16,000 in the first year and around Rs. 2000 for the second to sixth years.

Campus Life:

ISERC is located in Shantiniketan, a place which is known for its cultural values and nature. Hence, you can expect a culturally rich environment with events occurring regularly. All festivals are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. People respect all art forms and conduct frequent events for art, dance, music, etc. Professors are very helpful and friendly. They actively get involved in many events driven by the student community. Various fairs are conducted on occasions with deep cultural and historical relations to Shantiniketan.

Sports facilities are also quite good here. Various competitions are conducted regularly to promote mental and physical fitness. Regular coaching sessions are also organised for the students and the faculty. Overall, you get a vibrant campus life where you can work on your academics, appreciate culture, and maintain the health of mind and body.

Future Opportunities:

Like IISERs, there are no direct campus placements in ISERC, and students usually apply themselves to various tech and data analyst companies, research firms, and institutions. Most students pursue PhDs from prestigious universities in India or foreign countries. After PhD, they join the research work or teaching field as a professor in colleges or universities. Many students are pursuing their PhD from IISc Bangalore, IISERs, IACS, many IITs, and NITS, while some are in America, Germany, Spain, etc. Some work for various data analysis and research firms with a median salary of around 6-7 lakhs annually. Few also prepare for civil service examinations like UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). You can also look for a career in defence research. Check out this blog if you want a job in DRDO, the governmental body for defence research.

The future opportunities in the science field depend more on students than on institutions. You must focus on developing your skills and gaining experience to help you excel in any career you choose. If you want to know the future opportunities after IISERs or NISER, check out this blog.

Conclusion:

ISERC is the right place for students who want to live their lives not only to earn money but also to serve the country in the science field. This place has excellent respect regarding cultural aspects, and people have started recognising its scientific achievements. If you want to know about top universities like Stanford and MIT and how to get into them, check out this blog.

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