IAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 

The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 eligibility criteria are set to ensure that applicants possess a strong academic foundation in the science stream, equitable opportunity across candidate categories, and compliance with national educational standards. Admission to the BS-MS dual degree, BS, and B. Tech programs at IISER and allied institutes is strictly through performance in the IAT.

Eligibility Criteria for IAT 2026

• Nationality:Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and foreign nationals are eligible to apply. Foreign nationals must present an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities if their qualifying exam was not from a COBSE-recognized board in India.
• Academic Qualification:Applicants must have passed Class XII (or equivalent) examination in the science stream from any recognized board in 2023, 2024, or 2025. Students whose results are awaited may also apply but must satisfy the eligibility at the time of document verification.
• Required Subjects:Candidates must have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in Class XII.

For admission to certain programs (BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences at IISER Kolkata, B. Tech and BS programs at IISER Bhopal, BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences at IISER Tirupati), Mathematics is mandatory in Class XII.

Minimum Marks

• SC/ST/PwD categories: Minimum 55% aggregate marks in Class XII,
• All other categories: Minimum 60% aggregate marks in Class XII.
• Aggregate percentage calculation involves all subjects taken at the Class XII level—not just science subjects.
• Age Limit:Applicants should meet the age criterion as defined. Generally, students must be born on or after October 1, 2000 (for General/OBC categories); special category relaxations may apply.

Specific Provisions

• Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh students who appeared for Class XII in December 2022 are eligible if other criteria are met.
• Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu Families (Non-Migrants) have supernumerary seats with domicile proof required.
• Reservation Policy:Reservations follow Government of India norms—SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (up to 10%), PwD (5%), and supernumerary seats for Kashmiri migrants.
• Scribe/Compensatory Time:PwD candidates may avail a scribe and compensatory time as specified, provided documentary proof and verification by medical board.

Special Notes and Clarifications

• Only marks obtained in Class XII will be considered, even if the board calculates aggregate across Grades XI and XII, or for multi-year diplomas, the final year marks will be considered.
• Candidates who received only grades should obtain an official conversion certificate; otherwise, conversion will be calculated using the prescribed formula:
  percentage marks = (CGPA or CPI obtained × 100) / PS, where PS is the maximum possible CGPA or CPI.
• All IISERs follow a central application process: a single application covers all institutes and programs.
• Droppers (students who retook Class XII) may apply, with the better score of the two attempts considered.

Click Here For IAT 2026 Application Form

FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible to apply for IAT 2026?

Ans. Students who have completed Class XII (or equivalent) in the science stream in 2023, 2024, or 2025 from a recognized board are eligible. Indian nationals, OCI/PIO, and foreign nationals (with equivalence certification) may apply.

Q2. What is the minimum required percentage in Class XII for eligibility?

Ans. General, EWS, and OBC-NCL candidates must have at least 60% aggregate marks, while SC/ST/PwD candidates need a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. The aggregate is calculated for all subjects taken in Class XII.

Q3. Is Mathematics compulsory for all IAT programs?

Ans. Mathematics is mandatory only for select programs (Computational and Data Sciences, B.Tech, Economic Sciences, etc.), but candidates must have at least three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics) for general eligibility.

Q4. Can candidates who are still awaiting their Class XII results apply?

Ans. Yes, candidates may apply if their results are awaited, but they must fulfill all eligibility criteria before counselling, else the application will be rejected.

Q5. Are there age restrictions for IAT 2026 applicants?

Ans. An age criterion is specified; most categories require applicants to be born on or after October 1, 2000, with age relaxations applicable for reserved categories as per Government norms.