If you are a science enthusiast who wants to pursue a career in research and innovation, you might have heard of the IISERs. The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) are premier institutions of higher education in India that offer a five-year dual degree program called BS-MS (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science). The IISERs aim to integrate teaching and research and foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
But how do you get admission to the IISERs? Well, there are 2 channels for admission: IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) and JEE Advanced. Wanna know which one is easier: IAT or JEE? Click here.
The IAT is a computer-based test that is conducted once a year, usually in May or June, at various centers across the country. The IAT consists of 60 questions, 15 questions each from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The total time for answering the test is 180 minutes. The questions are of multiple choice type with only one correct answer. Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, each incorrect answer leads to the deduction of 1 mark, and unanswered questions are awarded 0 marks. The maximum mark in the IAT is 240.
Now, you might be wondering: Is Math compulsory in the IISER Aptitude Test? PCB or PCM Students having only 3 subjects in class 12th need clarification on whether math or biology is compulsory or not. Let’s discuss.
Do You have subject flexibility in IAT?
When it comes to the IISER Aptitude Test, one thing that sets it apart from other competitive exams is the freedom you have in choosing your subjects. You get to decide which subjects you want to attempt in the exam. The test allows you to combine any of the following four subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
Is Maths a Must?
It is one of the biggest confusions students have in their minds. The answer is a resounding “No.” Maths is not mandatory for the IISER aptitude test. This means you have the freedom to select any combination of the four subjects according to your strengths and interests.
According to the eligibility criteria for the IAT channel, candidates must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during their Class XII (or equivalent) exam.
So don’t worry if you are a NEET student and have chosen PCB as your main subject in Class XII, you still have a chance to get into IISERs. Also, don’t get afraid of Maths, it is a fun and logical subject that can help you in other subjects too. Try to solve the Maths questions in the exam, they will increase your score and confidence.
But you need to prepare well for the IISER aptitude test, which has a Mathematics section that covers 25% of the total marks. IAT has 15 questions from Mathematics, which means that you need to have a good grasp of the subject to score well in the test.
For IIT-M and IISc Bangalore-
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for students who aspire to join the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc Bangalore). You have to be a Mathematics wizard to get into these top institutions. If you like math, there are two other institutes you must know about, ISI and CMI.
Both these institutes are among the top-ranked institutions in India and the world for engineering, science, and technology. They offer various undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in various disciplines and fields.
To get admission into these institutes, students need to have a strong foundation in mathematics along with physics and chemistry, which means you must have PCM as your main subject in 12th grade as these 3 are the key subjects to acquire admission to IIT-M and IISc Bangalore.
How to prepare well and ace the Mathematics section?
Don’t lose hope NEET Students, if you have PCB as your main subjects, Follow these simple and effective tips to prepare well for the IAT and ace the Mathematics section.
1. Identify the most important chapters, focus on key concepts-
You don’t need to master the entire syllabus of math, just focus on the topics that are most likely to appear in the IAT exam. Some chapters and topics are more important than others when it comes to subjects like Maths. You can find out which ones they are by using resources like SciAstra. SciAstra has done a detailed analysis of the IAT last year chapters in the free study material section of their app. You can see which chapters, topics, and types of questions are most frequent and have a high probability of being asked again. This will help you prioritize your preparation and save time. By focusing on the key concepts, you can boost your preparation and confidence.
2. Solve previous papers and mock tests-
One of the best ways to prepare for the exam is to practice with past papers and mock tests. Solve previous year papers and mock tests of the IAT to get familiar with the pattern and difficulty level of the questions. You can find some sample papers and mock tests on platforms like SciAstra for free, which will help you experience the real exam scenario and identify your weak points. They also have books specifically designed for IAT & NEST preparation, which include PYQs and mock tests. Solving these will help you improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence.
3. Know your level of preparation-
After solving some papers and tests, you should evaluate your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses. It is important to keep track of how well you are doing in your preparation. You can do this by regularly assessing your performance and understanding. This will help you discover your strengths and areas that need more work, so you can plan your study time accordingly. You should also compare your scores with the cut-off ranks for admission and see where you stand. This will help you set realistic goals and plan your revision accordingly.
4. Manage Your Time Wisely-
Don’t waste time, don’t get stressed, or don’t get emotional. Be emotionally stable. Preparing for IAT can be challenging and stressful, but you should not let it affect your mental health. You should manage your time wisely and avoid distractions. You should also take care of your physical health and get enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Practice time management and accuracy while solving the questions. Remember, there is negative marking in the IAT, so avoid guessing and skipping questions. Try to attempt all the questions within the allotted time.You should also stay positive and motivated, and seek support from your family, friends, and teachers when needed.
5. Make your theory strong and then practice more and more questions-
To ace the IAT exam, you need to have a clear understanding of the concepts and formulas in maths. You should revise your theory regularly and clear your doubts. You should also practice a variety of questions from different sources and levels of difficulty. This will help you enhance your problem-solving skills and application of knowledge.
To prepare well for the IAT and ace the Mathematics section. Here are some tips to help you:
Mathematics is a logical subject that can enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills. It can also help you in understanding other subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology better. So, don’t be afraid of Maths. Practice, practice, and more practice is the only way to succeed in maths! If you do that, you will surely do well in the Maths subject of IAT and get admission to your dream institute. So stay confident and positive. Believe in yourself and your preparation. Don’t let stress or anxiety affect your performance.
Wanna know best resources and best books to crack the IAT, read our blog: Best Books for IISER preparation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) offers aspiring science enthusiasts the flexibility to choose their subjects, with mathematics not being mandatory. Whether you have a background in PCB or PCM, the doors to these prestigious institutions remain open for you. To excel in the mathematics section of IAT, focus on key concepts, practice with past papers, and manage your time wisely. Remember, math is not just a subject; it’s a tool to enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills, benefiting your overall understanding of science.
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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