Indian Institute of Science Education and Research conducts the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) for candidates who apply for IISER admission through SCB channel. In order to make aspirants more conversant with the IAT structure, the conducting body prescribes the IISER exam pattern. Gaining knowledge of the IISER exam pattern empowers the applicants to plan a good preparation strategy for the IISER Aptitude Test.
IISER Aptitude Test paper is divided into the following four sections:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
As per the IISER Aptitude Test pattern, examinees can answer a maximum of 60 multiple-choice questions (15 from each section) in 180 minutes. The examinees are awarded 3 marks for each correct answer while there would be a deduction of 1 mark for every incorrect response. Hence, the performance of a test taker in IAT is assessed on the basis of his/her score out of a total of 180 marks. Read this article to get in-depth details about the IISER exam pattern.
IISER Exam Pattern – Key Highlights
- The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research conducts the IISER Aptitude Test and holds the right to prescribe/modify the IISER exam pattern
- All the four sections of the IISER Aptitude Test have an equal weightage of marks and questions
- IISER Aptitude Test will also have a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect response.
- Every question in the IISER Aptitude Test will have four options. Candidates need to choose the best possible answer as per their knowledge
- IISER test syllabus comprises majorly the topics which candidates have studied in class 11th and 12th
IISER Exam Pattern – In-Depth Analysis of Test Structure
Candidates can check the key aspects of the IISER Aptitude Test pattern in the table below
IISER Aptitude Test Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of the exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Duration of Exam | 180 minutes, i.e. 3 hours |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Number of Questions | 60 |
| Total marks | 180 |
| Number of sections | 4 |
| Marking Scheme | + 3 marks for every correct response |
| – 1 marks for every incorrect response | |
| No marks deducted or awarded for unattempted questions |
IISER Exam Pattern – Section-Wise Weightage
As per the IISER exam pattern, the IISER Aptitude Test comprises four sections. The table below mentions the section-wise questions and marks weightage in the IAT.
Section Wise Questions and Marks in IISER Aptitude Test
| Name of the Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Physics | 15 | 45 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 45 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 45 |
| Biology | 15 | 45 |
| Total | 60 | 180 |
IISER Exam Pattern – Points to Remember
- The questions, as well as marks, have similar weightage in each section of the IISER Aptitude Test.
- There is no sectional time limit as per the IISER exam pattern.
- All the sections are compulsory. However, no sectional cutoff prevails in the IISER Aptitude Test. Hence, candidates can skip the questions they are doubtful about to dodge negative marking.
- The IISER Aptitude Test paper is designed in both Hindi and English languages. Hence, candidates have a choice to answer questions in their desired language.
IISER Aptitude Test Syllabus – Section-Wise Topics
A preparation strategy in sync with the IISER exam pattern and syllabus will help you inch closer towards a promising performance in IAT. As per the IISER syllabus, the section-wise topics for IISER Aptitude Test are as follows.
IISER Syllabus for Mathematics
- Application of Derivatives
- Applications of Integrals
- Binomial Theorem
- Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
- Conic Sections
- Continuity and Differentiability
- Determinants
- Differential Equations
- Integrals
- Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Limits and Derivatives
- Linear Inequalities
- Linear Programming
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Matrices
- Permutations and Combinations
- Principle of Mathematical Induction
- Probability
- Relations and Functions
- Sequences and Series
- Sets
- Statistics
- Straight Lines
- Three-dimensional Geometry
- Trigonometric Functions
- Vectors
IISER Syllabus for Physics
- Work, Energy and Power
- Waves
- Thermodynamics
- Properties of Bulk Matter
- Physical World and Measurement
- Oscillations
- Optics
- Nuclei
- Motion of Systems of Particles and Rigid Body
- Magnetic Effect of Current and Magnetism
- Laws of Motion
- Kinematics
- Gravitation
- Electrostatics
- Electronic Devices
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Current Electricity
- Communication Systems
- Behavior of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Energy
- Atoms
- Alternating Current
IISER Syllabus for Chemistry
- Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
- Biomolecules
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- Chemical Kinetics
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- Coordination Compounds
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Equilibrium
- General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Hydrocarbons
- Hydrogen
- Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques
- Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogens
- Polymers
- Redox Reactions
- Solutions
- Some Basic Concept Of Chemistry
- States of Matter
- Structure of Atom
- Surface Chemistry
- The D– & F-block Elements
- The P-block Elements
- The P-block Elements
- The S-block Elements
- The Solid State
- Thermodynamics
IISER Syllabus for Biology
- Biology and Human Welfare
- Biotechnology and its Application
- Cell Structure and Function
- Diversity in the Living World
- Ecology and Environment
- Genetics and Evolution
- Human Physiology
- Plant Physiology
- Reproduction
- Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
IISER Aptitude Test – Preparation Tips
“Today’s hard work paves way for tomorrow’s success” – keeping such words in mind, one must prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test with complete focus. Some expert preparation tips for cracking IAT are as follows:
- Rely the most on NCERT textbook (class 11th & 12th) to prepare holistically for the different topics (stated-above)
- Figure out your strengths and weak areas to adjust your preparation plan accordingly
- After completing the NCERT text books, access the previous year’s question papers and model test papers of IAT to evaluate how far you have reached in your preparation and what you need to cover
- Practice the official mock test. This helps in improving speed and accuracy along with getting familiar with the user interface of the IISER Aptitude Test
- If you are a PCM student, focus on covering the most important topics of Biology. Genetics, biotechnology, ecology, reproduction and reproductive health are some of the major topics from the Biology section
IISER Aptitude Test – Recommended Books
Apart from the NCERT books, candidates can also refer to the books mentioned below for advanced preparation of the IAT.
Important Books for IISER Aptitude Test
| Section | Name of the Book |
| Biology | 10 Year CBSE Champion by MTG Editorial Board |
| Physics | 41 Years’ Chapterwise Topicwise Solved Papers (JEE) by D.C. Pandey |
| Chemistry | Problems and Solutions in Inorganic Chemistry by Vishal Joshi |
| Mathematics | Mathematics for Class 12th by R.D. Sharma |
IISER Exam Pattern – FAQs
✔️ Will I get a choice to attempt just one out of these two sections - Mathematics or Biology in the IISER Aptitude Test?
As per the IISER Aptitude Test pattern, there shall be no choice and candidates have to answer the questions from both Mathematics and Biology.
✔️ I have neither studied Mathematics nor Biology in class 12th. Can I take the IISER Aptitude Test?
No, you cannot. As per IISER eligibility, candidates must have either studied either Mathematics or Biology in class 12th along with Physics & Chemistry. However, candidates must note that there will be an equal number of questions in the Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics sections of the IISER Aptitude Test. Hence, they need to prepare for all the sections to obtain good scores.
✔️ What is the duration of the test as per the IISER exam pattern?
Candidates can answer as many as 60 questions in 180 minutes (3 hours). Answering all the questions correctly within the stipulated time will fetch full i.e. 180 marks in IAT.
✔️ Is there any negative marking in the IISER Aptitude Test?
Yes, IISER will deduct 1 mark for each incorrect response whereas each correct response will yield 3 marks. It is advised not to answer the questions that you're unsure about.
✔️ Is there any sectional time limit in the IISER Aptitude Test?
No. As per the IISER exam pattern, there shall be no sectional time duration for answering the questions. Candidates will have the freedom to switch across sections and questions while taking this computer-based test.
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