IISER Pune (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) admits students to its 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree programme through a single national-level exam — the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) — under the pan-IISER Joint Admissions Committee. Application forms typically open in February–March, the IAT is held in June, and counselling runs from July to September. Separate Master's (MSc/MS) and (Integrated) PhD programmes are offered directly by IISER Pune's departments, each with its own application window, usually for an August intake. Below is a complete, corrected overview of dates, eligibility, and the application process for the 2026 admission cycle.
Table of Contents
IISER Pune Important Dates (2026 Session — BS-MS/IAT)
| Event | Date | Status (as of 20 Jul 2026) |
| IAT 2026 application form | February–April 2026 | Closed |
| IAT 2026 admit card | May 2026 | Released |
| IAT 2026 exam | 7 June 2026 | Conducted |
| IAT 2026 result | 29 June 2026 | Declared |
| Counselling registration & choice-filling | 2–9 July 2026 | Closed |
| Round 1 seat allotment (BS-MS) | Mid-to-late July 2026 (expected) | Awaiting official release |
| Subsequent counselling rounds (up to 8–9 total) | July–September 2026 | Ongoing/Upcoming |
| Campus reporting | September 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
Masters' (MSc/MS) and Integrated PhD programmes run on separate, department-specific timelines (application windows generally open February–April 2026 for an August 2026 intake) — see PG section below.
Source: IISER Pune official admissions page (iiserpune.ac.in/education/admissions) and the central IISER-JAC portal (iiseradmission.in).
IISER Pune UG Admission 2026 (BS-MS Dual Degree)
IISER Pune offers a single undergraduate programme — the 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree, spanning the biological, chemical, mathematical, physical, and earth sciences. The first three semesters cover core science courses; from the third/fourth semester, students choose a major from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Earth Sciences (students who don't pick a major graduate with an unspecified BS-MS in Science). The final two semesters are dedicated entirely to a Master's research project.
| Programme | Duration | Entrance | Eligibility |
| BS-MS Dual Degree | 5 years | IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 | Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with the Science stream, in the current year of application or the year before |
Note: From the 2024 admission cycle onward, IISER admissions run only through IAT under the State & Central Boards Channel. The earlier JEE Advanced and KVPY channels have been discontinued and no longer apply.
IISER Pune PG Admission 2026 (Masters' & PhD Programmes)
Unlike the centrally coordinated BS-MS/IAT process, IISER Pune's postgraduate and doctoral programmes are run department-wise, each with its own entrance route, application window, and eligibility. Current offerings:
| Programme | Duration | Entrance route | Eligibility (indicative) |
| MSc — Chemistry | 2 years | IIT-JAM (Chemistry) rank | BSc with Chemistry as a main subject, min. 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| MS — Mathematics & Computing | 2 years | Institute-conducted written (MCQ) test | BSc (any specialisation) or BTech, min. 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| MS — Quantum Technology (Physics dept.) | 2 years | GATE (specified codes) + BTech, or IIT-JAM (MS/MA/PH) + BSc/integrated BS-MS | Min. 60% aggregate or CGPA 6/10 (55%/PwD relaxation applies) |
| Integrated PhD (all departments) | ~5 years | IIT-JAM / JEST rank + institute written test + interview | BSc/BTech/BE, min. 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/PwD); rank cutoffs vary by department |
| PhD (all departments) | Research-duration (typically 5–6 years) | Written test and/or interview; NET/GATE/JRF as applicable | Master's degree in the relevant discipline |
Application windows differ by department and programme — most open between February and April 2026 for an August 2026 intake. Exact dates, subject-wise seats, and interview schedules are published on each department's admissions page under iiserpune.ac.in/education/admissions. International students (including OCI candidates) can apply to BS-MS and PhD programmes through the Study in India portal.
IISER Pune does not offer an MBA or any management programme — it is a pure sciences and research institute.
IISER Pune Application Process
For BS-MS (Undergraduate):
- Register and apply for IAT 2026 on the central admissions portal, iiseradmission.in.
- Appear for the IAT and check your All-India Rank once results are declared.
- If eligible, complete counselling registration and lock your institute/programme choice preferences.
- Participate in seat allotment rounds; pay the Seat Acceptance Fee and choose Freeze (lock your seat) or Float (try for a better campus) after each round.
- On confirming a seat, report to IISER Pune with original documents for verification.
For Masters'/PhD programmes: Apply directly and separately through the relevant department's page on iiserpune.ac.in — these are not part of the central IAT counselling process.
Documents typically required:
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Class 12 mark sheet (or equivalent qualifying degree mark sheets, for PG/PhD)
- Entrance exam scorecard (IAT / IIT-JAM / GATE / JEST, as applicable)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable, for fee concessions)
- Proof of residence
- Migration certificate
- Character certificate
- Passport-size photographs
IISER Pune FAQs
What is IISER Pune?
IISER Pune (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) is an autonomous, degree-granting institute focused on integrated science education and research. It offers the 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree, Master's (MSc/MS) programmes, and Integrated PhD/PhD programmes across the sciences.
How can one apply for admission to IISER Pune's BS-MS programme?
Only through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). From 2024 onward, this is the sole admission channel — the earlier JEE Advanced and KVPY routes have been discontinued. For PhD programmes, admission is via a department-level written test and interview, typically requiring a valid IIT-JAM, JEST, or GATE rank first.
What are the eligibility criteria for the BS-MS programme?
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in the Science stream, in the current year of application or the year before, and must appear for and qualify IAT. There is no JEE Advanced or NEET requirement.
What is the duration of the BS-MS and PhD programmes?
BS-MS is a 5-year dual degree. PhD duration varies by research area but typically takes about 5–6 years to complete.
Is IISER Pune a residential institute?
Yes. Students live on campus in institute-provided hostels.
What research facilities are available at IISER Pune?
IISER Pune has dedicated departmental laboratories, central research facilities, and access to major scientific equipment, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research from the undergraduate level itself.
Are international students eligible to apply to IISER Pune?
Yes. International students, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), can apply to the BS-MS and PhD programmes through the Study in India portal or direct international admission routes. Full eligibility details are on the official admissions page.
Are there opportunities for internships and research projects?
Yes. Students regularly take up internships and semester-long or year-long research projects, including at national laboratories, other research institutes, and industry partners, both in India and abroad.
Does IISER Pune have a placement cell?
Yes — the Career Development and Placement Cell (CDPC) supports students with career planning, resumes, interview preparation, and connections to research labs, higher-education admissions, and R&D roles, reflecting IISER Pune's research-first (rather than purely industry-placement) focus.
What campus facilities and student activities does IISER Pune offer?
The campus has libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and hostels, along with active student clubs, cultural festivals, and science outreach events.