Want to study science at one of India’s top institutes? The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are among the best places for students who love science and research. But what makes IISERs special? How did they start? Which IISER is the best for you?
This guide covers everything—how IISERs began, the admission process for 2025, top campuses, and answers to common questions—all explained in a simple and clear way.
Table of Contents
1. A Brief History of IISER
Who Started and Founded IISER?
Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) were set up in 2006 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education. The idea was born out of the need to boost science education and research in the country. Influential organizations like the National Knowledge Commission and prominent scientists such as Dr. C.N.R. Rao played a key role in bringing this vision to life.
Who Conducts IISER?
Although each IISER functions as an autonomous institute, the Ministry of Education sets overall guidelines. Admissions are managed by the individual institutes following these common standards.
2. IISER Admissions & Eligibility for 2025
Admission Process: Sole Channel via IAT
For admission to IISERs in 2025, there is now a single admission channel:
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT):
All IISERs follow a common application process where admissions are based solely on the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).
Important Update: Previous channels such as JEE Advanced and KVPY are no longer valid for IISER admissions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality:
Applicants must be Indian nationals, OCI/PIO, or Foreign Nationals.- Foreign Nationals: Must upload an equivalence certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities unless they have passed their Class XII (or equivalent) exam in 2023, 2024, or 2025 from a board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India.
- Academic Qualification:
Candidates must have passed the Class XII (or equivalent) examination in 2023, 2024, or 2025 from any board recognized by COBSE, with a science stream. - Subjects Required:
Candidates must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. - Minimum Marks:
- For SC/ST/PwD Candidates: A minimum aggregate of 55% (or equivalent grade) across all subjects.
- For Other Categories: A minimum aggregate of 60% (or equivalent grade) across all subjects.
For More Details About IAT 2025:
For additional information on IISER IAT 2025 admissions, exam dates, Syllabus and fee structures, check out our previous article on IISER Admissions 2025: Exam Date, Fees, Eligibility, and Application Guide.
3. Top IISER Campuses and What They Offer
There are seven IISER campuses across India. Here’s a brief look at each, including their specialties and official website links:
1. IISER Pune
- Location: Maharashtra
- Specialties: Known for strong programs in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with excellent research facilities and international collaborations.
- Website: www.iiserpune.ac.in
2. IISER Kolkata
- Location: West Bengal
- Specialties: Renowned for its work in Chemistry and Mathematics; offers integrated Ph.D. programs.
- Website: www.iiserkol.ac.in
3. IISER Mohali
- Location: Punjab
- Specialties: Noted for interdisciplinary research in Physics and Biology, with modern labs and a strong research focus.
- Website: www.iisermohali.ac.in
4. IISER Bhopal
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Specialties: Focuses on Mathematics, Computer Science, and emerging research areas with a high research output.
- Website: www.iiserb.ac.in
5. IISER Thiruvananthapuram
- Location: Kerala
- Specialties:
Strong in Biology and Environmental Sciences, with a focus on sustainability and green energy research. - Website: www.iisertvm.ac.in
6. IISER Tirupati
- Location: Andhra Pradesh
- Specialties: A growing institute with strengths in Physics and Life Sciences and state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
- Website: www.iisertirupati.ac.in
7. IISER Berhampur
- Location: Odisha
- Specialties: Focuses on Material Science and Chemistry, with expanding faculty and innovative research projects.
- Website: www.iiserbpr.ac.in
4.Top-Ranked IISERs Comparison
| IISER | Strengths | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| IISER Pune | Best overall; strong in Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Top research output, global collaborations, excellent faculty |
| IISER Kolkata | Best for Chemistry & Mathematics | Strong computational sciences, integrated Ph.D. programs |
| IISER Mohali | Best for Interdisciplinary Physics & Biology | Modern research labs, focus on experimental sciences |
5. IISER FAQs
What are the top 7 IISERs?
The top 7 IISERs are:
IISER Pune
IISER Kolkata
IISER Mohali
IISER Bhopal
IISER Thiruvananthapuram
IISER Tirupati
IISER Berhampur
Who is eligible for IAT 2025?
Students who have passed Class XII (or equivalent) in 2023, 2024, or 2025 with a science stream (including at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) are eligible to apply. Foreign Nationals must provide an equivalence certificate unless they have studied in India.
What rank is good in IISER?
For a strong chance of admission at top IISERs:
Aim for a score above 160 out of 24 on the IISER Aptitude Test.
For IISER Pune, a score of around 170-180 is ideal.
For IISER Kolkata, a score of around 160-165 is considered good.
This generally leads to a rank between 201 and 800, although exact cutoffs may vary.
Is IIT better than IISER?
IITs focus on engineering and applied technology, while IISERs specialize in pure sciences and research. Choose IIT if you lean towards engineering; opt for IISER if your passion lies in scientific research.
Which IISER has the biggest campus?
While campus sizes vary, IISER Berhampur is often noted for having one of the largest campuses among the IISERs, offering ample space for research and recreational activities.
What is the future of IISER?
IISERs are continuously expanding their research capabilities, curriculum, and collaborations. The future of IISER looks promising with plans for new institutes and enhanced research infrastructure to keep pace with global standards.
Which is the top 1 IISER in India?
Many consider IISER Pune as the top IISER due to its strong research output, excellent faculty, and international collaborations, although rankings may vary based on individual preferences.
Are there any new IISER institutes?
Yes, new IISERs are being planned and established. For example, IISER Nagaland was announced in the 2015-16 budget, and IISER Gandhinagar is another upcoming institute.
Is IISER private or government?
IISERs are government institutes, established and funded by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education.
Does IISER have reservation?
Yes, as government institutions, IISERs follow reservation policies as per the norms set by the Government of India for SC/ST/PwD and other reserved categories.
Does IISER give a stipend?
Yes, students admitted to IISERs typically receive a stipend during their BS-MS programs to support their research and studies.
Does IISER provide placements?
While IISERs focus on research and academic excellence, they do offer placement support and opportunities. Many students secure jobs in research organizations, academia, and industries based on their skills and research experience.
5. Conclusion
IISERs provide a unique opportunity for students interested in science to receive high-quality education and engage in cutting-edge research. With the updated admission process for 2025 based solely on the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), students can focus their efforts on preparing for one exam. Each IISER campus has its own strengths, so your choice should depend on your area of interest—whether it is Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics.
Your journey into the world of scientific research begins with making an informed choice. Explore each campus, review the eligibility criteria, and decide which IISER aligns best with your passion and career goals.
Which IISER campus do you find most appealing, and which subject are you most excited to study? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on the latest available official guidelines as of now. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, please verify details such as eligibility criteria, exam dates, and admission processes with official IISER sources before making any decisions. This article does not constitute official advice.
What is the one burning question you have about IISERs that hasn’t been answered yet? Let us know in the comments!
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