IAT (IISER Aptitude Test)

Content Writer Papri Dutta
Updated On Date: Sep 29, 2025

IAT 2026 Syllabus

IAT Syllabus 2026 

The IAT 2026 syllabus is meticulously designed to evaluate a candidate’s understanding and problem-solving abilities in core scientific disciplines—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The IAT 2026 syllabus closely aligns with the rationalized NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, ensuring accessibility for students from a standard science background.

Structure and Coverage of the IAT 2026 Syllabus

  • Subjects Tested:Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
  • Question Distribution:15 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from each subject, totaling 60 questions
  • Overall Approach:The syllabus covers conceptual and application-based topics from the higher secondary (Class 11 & 12) level

Physics Syllabus Highlights

Important themes include

  • Units and Measurements, Motion (1D and 2D), Laws of Motion
  • Gravitation, Work, Energy, and Power
  • Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Oscillations, Waves
  • Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Currents
  • Optics, Dual Nature of Matter, Atoms, Nuclei, Electronic Devices

Chemistry Syllabus Highlights

Key topics

  • Basic Concepts and Atomic Structure
  • Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
  • States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Kinetics
  • Classification of Elements, d- and f-block elements
  • Organic Chemistry (Principles, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Nitrogen Compounds)
  • Biomolecules and Environmental Chemistry

Mathematics Syllabus Highlights

Primary concepts

  • Sets, Relations and Functions, Linear Inequalities
  • Calculus (Limits, Differentiation, Integration, Application)
  • Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Conic Sections
  • Sequences and Series, Probability, Statistics
  • Vectors, Matrices and Determinants, Complex Numbers, Permutations and Combinations, Differential Equations

Biology Syllabus Highlights

Core focus areas

  • Diversity in Living World, Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
  • Cell Structure, Cell Division, Biomolecules
  • Genetics and Evolution, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology
  • Ecology, Health and Disease, Reproduction

Preparation Notes

  • Candidates should not restrict preparation to a few chapters.
  • Questions are drawn from the entire syllabus, sometimes from less-expected chapters.
  • Referring to recent NCERT textbooks and practicing from previous IAT papers is strongly recommended.
Click Here For IAT 2026 Counselling

FAQs

Q1. Which syllabus is to be followed for IAT 2026 preparation?

Ans. The IAT syllabus follows the rationalized NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Aspirants are advised to refer to latest NCERT books for all four subjects.

Q2. Are all four subjects compulsory for the IAT 2026 exam?

Ans. All four subjects—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology—are included in the exam, with 15 questions each. However, eligibility requires qualifying in at least three subjects; preparing for all sections increases the chances of achieving a high score.

Q3. Are there any specific chapters to focus on for each subject?

Ans. While all chapters from Class 11 and 12 are important, commonly emphasized topics include Modern Physics and Electromagnetism for Physics, Organic Chemistry for Chemistry, Calculus and Probability for Mathematics, and Genetics and Physiology for Biology. Nevertheless, selective study is not advisable; the test can draw questions from any part of the syllabus.

Q4. Is the difficulty level of IAT 2026 higher than the board exams?

Ans. The IAT exam is generally conceptual, with difficulty at or slightly above the higher secondary level. It assesses application skills more rigorously than most board exams.

Q5. Is there any official syllabus PDF or document available for IAT 2026?

Ans. Yes, the detailed IAT syllabus is uploaded yearly on the official IISER admissions portal, usually aligned with the most recent changes in the NCERT curriculum. Candidates should always consult the latest official brochure.

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