IISER Eligibility Criteria: Qualification and Age Limit Rules
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To be eligible for IISER admissions via the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in the science stream with at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD) and studied at least three subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. There is no upper age limit for IAT, but candidates must meet the minimum age of 18 years and have passed Class 12 in the last three consecutive years.
Candidates looking to secure a seat across participating institutes can evaluate detailed qualifying criteria, stream eligibility, category-wise percentage relaxation, seat reservation rules, entrance exam channels, and step-by-step registration guidelines below.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Class 12th or equivalent in Science stream from a recognized board (COBSE) |
| Mandatory Subjects | At least 3 subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology |
| Qualifying Marks (IAT Channel) | 60% aggregate for General/OBC/EWS; 55% aggregate for SC/ST/PwD/KM |
| Qualifying Marks (JEE Advanced Channel) | 75% aggregate for GEN/EWS/OBC-NCL; 65% for SC/ST/PwD with min rank 15000 in JEE Advanced CRL |
| Age Limit | Minimum age 18 years; no upper age limit specified |
| Passing Year Eligibility Window | Class 12 passed in the last 3 consecutive years (e.g., 2025, 2026, or 2027) |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals, PIO, OCI, and Foreign Nationals |
BS-MS Dual Degree Eligibility
| Category | IAT Channel Minimum % Marks |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 60% aggregate |
| OBC-NCL | 60% aggregate |
| EWS | 60% aggregate |
| SC / ST | 55% aggregate |
| PwD | 55% aggregate |
| Kashmiri Migrants (KM) | 55% aggregate |
Candidates must pass Class 12 in the science stream from a COBSE-recognized board with at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
BS-MS Dual Degree Entrance Exams
| Category | IAT Channel Minimum % Marks | JEE Advanced Channel Minimum % Marks | JEE Rank Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| EWS | 60% aggregate | 75% aggregate | Within top 15,000 CRL |
| SC / ST | 55% aggregate | 65% aggregate | Within top 15,000 CRL |
| PwD | 55% aggregate | 65% aggregate | Within top 15,000 CRL |
Candidates can gain entry into IISER programs through two distinct channels: the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) and the JEE Advanced channel. To qualify via the JEE Advanced channel, a candidate must secure a Common Rank List (CRL) rank within the top 15,000.
IISER Age Limit Rules and Class 12 Passing Year Window
Candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply for IISER admissions. However, there is no maximum upper age limit to appear for the IISER Aptitude Test. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria within a specified passing year window.
Candidates can appear for the IISER entrance exam three times in consecutive years. Applicants must have completed or be completing Class 12 in the last three consecutive passing years.
IISER Eligibility Rules for Droppers and Re-Appearing Students
- Candidates can appear for the IISER exam three times in consecutive years.
- For candidates reappearing in Class 12 subjects, the better performance between the two attempts is considered.
- If a board awards letter grades without percentage conversion, percentage is calculated as (CGPA obtained x 100) / Point Scale.
For candidates reappearing in Class 12 subjects, the better performance between the two attempts is considered. If a board awards letter grades without percentage conversion, percentage is calculated as (CGPA obtained x 100) / Point Scale.
IISER Seat Reservation Breakdown and Category Rules
IISER institutes implement central reservation policies for admission into all programs. Category certificates for OBC-NCL and EWS candidates must be issued on or after April 01 of the admission year to be accepted during document verification.
| Category | Percentage of Seats Reserved | Type of Reservation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% | Vertical |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% | Vertical |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 27% | Vertical |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% | Vertical (GoI Rules) |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% | Horizontal / Supernumerary |
| Kashmiri Migrants (KM) | 3 seats per IISER campus | Supernumerary |
Documents Required
- Class 12 mark sheet (candidates whose Class 12 results are awaited can apply provisionally)
- Board certificate specifying equivalent marks (if the board awards letter grades without aggregate marks)
- Category Certificate for OBC-NCL and EWS candidates (must be issued on or after April 01 of the admission year)
- Disability and Difficulty in Writing Certificate (for candidates with less than 40% disability opting for a scribe)
- Kashmiri Migrant / Kashmiri Pandit / Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-Migrants) Certificate (for supernumerary seats)
Candidates must ensure all uploaded documents comply with eligibility norms during registration. Certificates for OBC-NCL and EWS categories must be issued on or after April 01 of the admission year.
How to Apply for BS-MS Dual Degree Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Academic Eligibility: Verify that you have passed Class 12 in the science stream within three consecutive years with at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, securing at least 60% aggregate (55% for SC, ST, PwD, and Kashmiri Migrants).
- Choose Admission Channel: Decide whether to apply through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) channel or the JEE Advanced channel, which requires a rank within the top 15,000 CRL and 75% aggregate in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Register Online on Portal: Fill out the online application form on the official portal when registration opens. Candidates whose Class 12 results are awaited can apply provisionally.
- Appear for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT): Take the computer-based test. Eligible PwD candidates (visually impaired, severely dyslexic, or upper limb disability) can opt for a scribe during the online application.
- Participate in Centralized Counselling: Log in to the application portal after results are declared to submit preferences for IISER campuses and programs.
- Accept Seat Allotment & Pay Allocation Fee: Check seat allotment status during counselling rounds. Choose to freeze or accept the allotted seat and pay the seat allocation fee to secure admission.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | BS-MS Dual Degree colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Candidates awaiting Class 12 results can apply provisionally for the IISER Aptitude Test. Category certificates for OBC-NCL and EWS must be issued on or after April 01 of the admission year.
FAQs
How can I join IISER after 12th?
You can join IISER after Class 12 by appearing for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) or through JEE Advanced (top 15000 rank). You must pass Class 12 with at least 60% aggregate in the science stream.
Can I get IISER through NEET?
No, IISER admissions for BS-MS programs are done primarily through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) and JEE Advanced rank.
Can a 2 year dropper give an IISER exam?
Yes, candidates who passed Class 12 in any of the last three consecutive years (for example 2025, 2026, or 2027 for 2027 admissions) are eligible to attempt IAT.
What is the age limit for IISER eligibility?
There is no upper age limit to appear for the IISER Aptitude Test. However, candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply and must satisfy the 3-year passing window for Class 12.
Can PCB students apply for IISER Aptitude Test?
Yes, PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) students are eligible. Candidates need to have taken at least three subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in Class 12.
Is BTech offered at IISER?
Yes, 4-year BS / B.Tech programs in Engineering Sciences (and Economic Sciences) are offered specifically at the IISER Bhopal campus.
