Today, institutions like IISER, IISc, and NISER stand out as premier destinations for individuals passionate about pursuing foundational and basic sciences. Typically, students with a background in science opt for engineering or medical studies. However, with the fields of IIT and AIIMS becoming increasingly competitive, there are few options left for these students. This is where Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research comes in, offering a fresh alternative to the traditional paths of engineering and medicine. In this article, we will provide comprehensive details about Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, including its meaning, the programs it offers, life at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research and the opportunities after Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research.
What does IISER stand for?
IISER stands for Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. IISERs were established by the Government of India through the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to promote high-quality science education and research. These institutes were set up to provide an alternative to the traditional engineering or medical education routes, catering especially to students passionate about pursuing a career in basic sciences and research. The first Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER Pune) was established in 2006, and since then, several more have been set up across the country. These institutes have been granted the status of Institute of National Importance.
What are the Undergraduate Courses offered at IISER?
Each of the 7 IISER offers a flagship 5-year-long BS-MS Program. This program is dedicated to integrating classroom learning with research training through labs. For the first four semesters, that is, for the first two years, every student, either from the PCB/PCM or PCMB background, needs to study some standard courses. These courses are core courses, and apart from the courses in science and math, they comprise courses in computer science, language proficiency, and interdisciplinary courses such as Mathematical Methods.
After the end of core courses, that is, after the second year, students are allowed to choose a major. Major years comprise two more years of advanced study in the discipline of your choice. Major years are followed by a year-long research project, at the end of which students need to submit a thesis to obtain the BS-MS degree.
All theIndian Institutes of Science Education and Research provides the option to major in Physical Science, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Earth Science. Other majors are also available, along with options to choose minors that differ in different IISERs. To know more about this program and details about the different courses that are offered, read this article.
What are the Postgraduate Courses offered at IISER?
When it comes to postgraduate courses, each Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research offers a different set of programs that keep on changing. It is advisable to visit the official websites of different IISERs for the latest information on this. A table is given below which lists different post-graduate courses offered by different Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research:
| IISER | MSc Program | Integrated PhD (iPhD) Program | Other Programs |
| IISER Pune | Chemistry, Earth & Climate Science, Mathematics | Biological Sciences, Physics | |
| IISER Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM) | Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics | – | |
| IISER Kolkata | Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics | Biology, Physics | MS by Research in Space Science (CESSI) |
| IISER Bhopal | Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics | Mathematics, Physics | |
| IISER Tirupati | – | Offered | |
| IISER Berhampur | – | Offered | |
| IISER Mohali | – | Offered |
For more details, read this article.
How Is The Student Life At IISER?
IISERs are institutes where students are required to reside on campus for the entirety of their courses. These institutes offer contemporary infrastructure, including several facilities such as hostels, mess facilities, commercial centres, health centres, auditoriums, and sports facilities. The atmosphere here is designed to promote the academic and extracurricular growth of the students. All Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, except IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati, have well-built campuses equipped with modern and top-notch facilities to ensure that students have a comfortable and hassle-free life on campus. Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research also has an atmosphere of recreational activities, which it achieves through Student Clubs, Fests and Sports Meets. Details about these are given below:
Student Clubs and Annual Fests-
Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research have a vibrant student life with various clubs and annual fests enhancing the overall experience. These clubs include science clubs for different disciplines and cultural clubs for activities like dance, music, drama, and debate. Annual fests, such as Karavaan at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Pune and Kyraat at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Berhampur, provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and engage in diverse activities.
Annual Meets-
The Inter IISER Cultural Meet (IICM) and Inter Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Sports Meet (IISM) bring together students from different IISERs, IISc, NISER, and CEBS for cultural and sports events. These annual extravaganzas foster camaraderie and friendly competition among the institutes.
Click here to learn more about student life at different IISERs.
How To Get Into IISER?
For undergraduate studies-
For UG programs, Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research takes admission through IAT. The IAT, or IISER Aptitude Test, is an entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) for admission into its 5-Year Integrated BS-MS program. IAT tests candidates’ proficiency in the sciences and their analytical abilities. The examination typically evaluates candidates in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. IAT tests not only factual knowledge but also problem-solving skills. This is because IAT aims to identify candidates with a strong aptitude for scientific research and a passion for the subject.
Apart from Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras also accept IAT scores for admission into some of their undergraduate programs.
For more details on IAT like exam pattern, syllabus and preparation strategies, click here.
For postgraduate studies-
For postgraduate studies, each IISER has different criteria for admission which also differs for different programs within the same Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research. Usually, exams like GATE and CSIR-NET are helpful. For more details, read this article
Conclusion:
The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are premier institutions established by the Government of India, aimed at promoting high-quality science education and research. Recognized as Institutes of National Importance, they were introduced to offer an alternative to traditional engineering or medical education, catering to students passionate about basic sciences and research. IISERs provide a flagship 5-year BS-MS program integrating classroom learning with research, alongside various postgraduate programs. With campuses across the country, each Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research offers modern infrastructure and a vibrant student life, featuring clubs, fests, and sports meets to foster academic and personal growth.
FAQs:
- What is IISER, and when was it established?
A: The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) was established in 2010 through the Science Education and Research (Amendment) Act. It stands as a leading institution for science education and research in India.
- How do students get admission to IISERs?
To gain admission to Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, students need to appear for the IISER Admission Test (IAT). The test assesses their aptitude for science and research. Preparation tips and information about IAT can be found on our website. SciAstra also offers different courses for preparation of IAT.
- Are IISERs residential institutes?
Yes, all Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research are residential institutes. Students are required to stay on campus for the entire duration of their course. However, in the final year, they have the option to choose another institute for their research project.
- What kind of facilities do IISER campuses offer?
Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research campuses provide comprehensive facilities, including academic buildings, hostels, student-run messes, commercial centers, health centers, auditoriums, guest houses, and sports facilities. The infrastructure is designed to support a holistic learning experience.
- What are IICM and IISM?
IICM refers to the Inter Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Cultural Meet, and IISM stands for the Inter Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Sports Meet. These annual events bring together students from various Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, as well as other institutes like IISc, NISER, and CEBS, for cultural and sports competitions.
- Can you provide examples of annual fests at different IISERs?
Certainly. Karavaan is the annual socio-cultural science fest at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Pune, Inquivesta is organized by Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Kolkata, and INSOMNIA is the highly anticipated fest hosted by Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Mohali. Each of these fests features a range of scientific, social, and cultural events, making them significant highlights of the academic year.
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