The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) is one of India's premier science institutes established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2006. Recognized as an Institute of National Importance, IISER Kolkata is known for integrating high-quality classroom education with cutting-edge scientific research. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated doctoral, and doctoral programmes across disciplines such as Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, Computational & Data Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Space Sciences.

Admissions to IISER Kolkata are conducted through different national-level entrance examinations and institute-specific selection processes depending on the programme. Undergraduate admissions are offered through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) conducted by the Joint Admissions Committee (JAC), while admissions to MSc, Integrated PhD, MS by Research, and PhD programmes are based on national entrance examinations, written tests, interviews, or a combination of these, as prescribed by the respective department.

This article covers the latest IISER Kolkata Admission 2026 process, eligibility criteria, important dates, courses offered, selection process, and application procedure based exclusively on official institute notifications.

IISER Kolkata Admission Highlights 2026

IISER Kolkata Important Dates 2026

The admission schedule differs according to the programme. Undergraduate admissions are coordinated through the IISER Admissions portal, whereas postgraduate and doctoral admissions are managed directly by IISER Kolkata.

Candidates are advised to check the official admission portals regularly, as dates may vary for individual departments.

IISER Kolkata UG Admission 2026

IISER Kolkata offers undergraduate programmes designed to provide a strong foundation in science while integrating research from the early stages of education. The institute follows the National Education Policy (NEP) framework and offers flexible academic pathways.

For the 2026 admission cycle, undergraduate admissions are conducted only through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Candidates seeking admission must register through the IISER Admissions portal and participate in the centralized counselling process after qualifying the entrance examination.

The undergraduate programmes available at IISER Kolkata include:

The institute also provides multiple exit options under NEP guidelines, subject to the academic regulations in force.

IISER Kolkata BS-MS & BS Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for undergraduate admission must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Joint Admissions Committee for IISER Admissions.

The general eligibility requirements include:

• Candidates should have passed Class XII (or equivalent) examination with a science background.
• Applicants should have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics during Class XII.
• Mathematics is compulsory for admission to the BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences programme.
• Candidates must satisfy the minimum aggregate marks prescribed for their category in the official admission brochure.
• Candidates are also required to qualify the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026.

The detailed eligibility criteria, including qualifying examination requirements and category-wise conditions, are released every year through the IISER Admissions brochure.

IISER Kolkata UG Selection Process

Admission to undergraduate programmes is merit-based and follows a centralized admission process.

The selection procedure generally includes:

1. Online registration through the IISER Admissions portal.
2. Submission of the online application form.
3. Payment of the prescribed application fee.
4. Appearance in the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).
5. Declaration of IAT results.
6. Registration for counselling.
7. Seat allotment based on IAT rank, programme preference, category, and seat availability.
8. Document verification and confirmation of admission.

Only candidates who successfully complete all counselling formalities within the stipulated timeline are offered admission.

IISER Kolkata UG Fee Details

The institute publishes semester-wise fee notifications separately for each academic session.

For undergraduate admissions, candidates are required to pay the application fee while submitting the IAT application through the IISER Admissions portal. The institute subsequently releases the fee structure for admitted students before registration.

As the fee structure is revised periodically, applicants should refer to the latest official fee notification available on the institute's website before confirming admission.

IISER Kolkata Admission Process for BS-MS Programmes

Candidates interested in pursuing undergraduate studies at IISER Kolkata should follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the IISER Admissions portal and complete the online registration.

Step 2: Fill in personal, academic, and communication details carefully.

Step 3: Upload the required documents, including photograph, signature, and qualifying examination details.

Step 4: Pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment gateway.

Step 5: Download the confirmation page after successful submission.

Step 6: Appear for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) on the scheduled date.

Step 7: Check the IAT result and participate in the centralized counselling process.

Step 8: Accept the allotted seat, complete document verification, and pay the admission fee within the prescribed timeline to confirm admission.

Candidates should regularly monitor the official admission portals for notifications related to admit cards, answer keys, counselling schedules, seat allotment, and registration instructions.

IISER Kolkata MSc Admission 2026

IISER Kolkata offers two-year Master of Science (MSc) programmes designed to provide advanced training in fundamental and interdisciplinary sciences. The programmes combine coursework, laboratory training, seminars, and research projects to prepare students for careers in research, industry, and higher education. Admissions are conducted directly by IISER Kolkata through its online application portal.

For the Autumn Semester 2026, the institute offers the following MSc programmes:

Note: The programmes offered may vary for different admission sessions. Candidates should refer to the respective programme notification before applying.

IISER Kolkata MSc Eligibility Criteria 2026

The eligibility requirements differ across departments. Applicants are advised to read the department-specific admission notification carefully before submitting the application.

MSc in Chemical Sciences

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree with Chemistry as one of the major subjects. Applicants appearing in the final year examination may also apply, provided they complete all degree requirements before admission. Selection is based on departmental shortlisting followed by an offline interview.

MSc in Chemical Biology

Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, or related disciplines. Final-year students who are awaiting results are also eligible to apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling the admission requirements. Selection is based on shortlisting and an offline interview.

MSc in Mathematical Sciences

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree with Mathematics as a major subject or possess an equivalent qualification from a recognized university. Admission is based on a departmental entrance examination followed by further evaluation as specified by the department.

MSc in Sustainability Science

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Geography, Economics, or other relevant disciplines are eligible to apply. Admission includes an entrance examination followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.

IISER Kolkata MSc Selection Process 2026

The selection procedure varies across programmes; however, the general admission process consists of the following stages:

• Online application through the IISER Kolkata admission portal.
• Verification of eligibility and academic qualifications.
• Shortlisting of eligible candidates.
• Departmental entrance test (where applicable).
• Personal interview for shortlisted candidates.
• Publication of the merit list.
• Online pre-registration and document verification.
• Registration at IISER Kolkata.

Selection is based on academic performance, performance in the entrance test (if applicable), and interview conducted by the respective department.

IISER Kolkata MS by Research Admission 2026

IISER Kolkata also offers MS by Research programmes in selected departments. The programme is intended for students interested in pursuing research-oriented higher education before doctoral studies.

The availability of departments, eligibility criteria, and admission schedules are notified separately by the institute whenever admissions are announced. Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic background and may be required to appear for a written test and/or interview conducted by the concerned department.

IISER Kolkata Integrated PhD Admission 2026

The Integrated PhD programme enables students with a Bachelor's degree to pursue advanced coursework followed by doctoral research. For the Autumn Semester 2026, IISER Kolkata invited applications in the following departments:

• Biological Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Physical Sciences

Admissions are conducted directly through the IISER Kolkata application portal.

Integrated PhD Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria vary by department. In general, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized institution. Departments may additionally require valid scores in national-level examinations such as JAM, JGEEBILS, GATE, JEST, or equivalent examinations, wherever applicable. Final-year students may apply provisionally if they satisfy the degree requirements before registration.

Integrated PhD Selection Process

Admission generally involves the following stages:

1. Online application.
2. Department-wise screening of applications.
3. Shortlisting based on academic credentials and national-level examination scores, where applicable.
4. Written test and/or interview conducted by the department.
5. Preparation of the final merit list.
6. Registration after successful document verification.

The final selection is based on the candidate's overall performance in the admission process and fulfillment of the prescribed eligibility conditions.

IISER Kolkata PhD Admission 2026

IISER Kolkata offers full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes across multiple disciplines. Admissions are generally conducted twice each academic year for the Autumn and Spring semesters.

For the Autumn Semester 2026, applications were invited in the following departments:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• Computational and Data Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physical Sciences
• Space Sciences

Candidates are expected to possess a relevant Master's degree and satisfy the department-specific eligibility criteria. Most departments also require applicants to hold a valid national fellowship or qualification such as CSIR-UGC NET, DBT-JRF, INSPIRE, GATE, or other recognized examinations, depending on departmental requirements. Final admission is based on shortlisting followed by an interview.

IISER Kolkata PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026

IISER Kolkata prescribes department-specific eligibility criteria for admission to its PhD programmes. Applicants must satisfy the minimum educational qualifications and any additional requirements specified by the concerned department before submitting their applications.

The broad eligibility requirements are as follows:

Most departments also require applicants to possess a valid national-level qualification or fellowship such as CSIR-UGC NET, DBT-JRF, INSPIRE, GATE, JEST, NBHM, or equivalent, depending on the department. Candidates should carefully review the department-wise advertisement before applying.

Note: Eligibility requirements vary across departments. Candidates must refer to the respective departmental admission notification for detailed subject combinations, qualifying marks, and accepted entrance examinations.

IISER Kolkata PhD Selection Process 2026

The selection process generally consists of the following stages:

1. Online application submission.
2. Screening of applications based on academic qualifications and eligibility.
3. Department-wise shortlisting.
4. Written test (if applicable).
5. Personal interview.
6. Preparation of the final merit list.
7. Offer of admission.
8. Pre-registration and document verification.
9. Registration at IISER Kolkata.

Selection is based on the candidate's academic background, eligibility, performance in the written test (where applicable), interview performance, and fulfillment of departmental admission requirements.

IISER Kolkata Application Process 2026

Applications for undergraduate, postgraduate, Integrated PhD, and PhD programmes are accepted only through the respective online admission portals.

The application procedure generally includes the following steps:

Step 1: Registration

Visit the appropriate admission portal and register using a valid email address and mobile number.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Enter personal details, academic qualifications, communication details, and programme preferences carefully.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of the required documents in the prescribed format.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Complete the online payment using the available payment gateway.

For Autumn 2026 PhD admissions, the application fee is:

For MSc and undergraduate admissions, candidates should refer to the respective admission notifications for the applicable fee structure.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Verify all details carefully before final submission and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Step 6: Participate in the Admission Process

Appear for the entrance examination, written test, interview, or counselling process, depending on the programme applied for.

Documents Required

Candidates should keep the following documents ready while filling out the application form and during admission:

• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate (for UG admissions)
• Bachelor's degree mark sheets and certificate (for PG admissions)
• Master's degree mark sheets and certificate (for PhD admissions, wherever applicable)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Government-issued photo identity proof
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Valid fellowship or entrance examination scorecard (if required by the department)
• Migration certificate (at the time of admission, if applicable)

Candidates offered admission are required to produce original documents during registration for verification.

Important Instructions

• Candidates should submit only one application for each programme unless otherwise permitted by the institute.
• Applications submitted after the deadline are generally not considered.
• Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting for the written test or interview.
• Admission is provisional until document verification and approval by the institute.
• Candidates should regularly visit the official admission portal for updates regarding interviews, merit lists, registration, and fee payment schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)