IISER Aptitude Test held nationwide as over 1.86 lakh candidates vie for BS-MS admissions in 2026–27

Over 1.86 lakh aspirants nationwide vied for a mere 2,343 coveted seats in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) this past Sunday, June 7, with the crucial IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 held across 736 centers. This year marked a significant shift as IISER Berhampur took the reins for the first time as the organizing institute, overseeing the computer-based examination that serves as the exclusive gateway to BS-MS dual degree and other undergraduate science programs for the 2026-27 academic session. The intense competition underscores India's escalating demand for high-quality science education and research pathways, particularly as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 pushes for interdisciplinary and inquiry-led learning. With the KVPY and JEE Advanced channels now discontinued, the IAT is the sole determinant for admissions to these Institutes of National Importance, which are designed to bridge the gap between foundational science teaching and cutting-edge research. Beyond the seven IISER campuses, scores from the IAT 2026 will also be leveraged by other premier institutions like IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, and the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) for select science programs. With the provisional answer key released on the day of the exam and student response sheets available today, June 9, candidates now have a narrow window until June 13 to raise objections. The highly anticipated results are slated for the fourth week of June 2026, triggering the subsequent multi-round admission counselling process. The outcome will not only shape the academic trajectory for thousands of bright young minds but also significantly influence the pipeline of future scientists and researchers critical to India's burgeoning STEM ecosystem.