

BS-MS-DUAL-DEGREE in Mathematical Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali


Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar), Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Mathematical Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar)?
This Mathematical Sciences program at IISER Mohali offers a rigorous BS-MS dual degree focusing on fundamental theories and advanced applications. It equips students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning data science, finance, and research sectors. The program emphasizes both theoretical depth and interdisciplinary connections for a holistic scientific education.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for mathematics, seeking a research-oriented career or advanced studies. It also suits those aspiring to roles in quantitative analysis, scientific computing, or academia in India. Prerequisites typically include excellent performance in 10+2 mathematics and science, often through competitive national entrance exams.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including data scientists, quantitative analysts, research scientists, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with significant growth potential in top-tier companies and research institutions. It prepares students for PhD programs globally and offers a strong foundation for professional certifications in analytics or actuarial science.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Mathematical Core- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational mathematics courses like Calculus and Linear Algebra, ensuring conceptual clarity. Supplement classroom learning with problem-solving from textbooks and online resources to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseware, Standard textbooks
Career Connection
A robust mathematical foundation is crucial for all advanced quantitative fields, competitive entrance exams for higher studies, and analytical roles in diverse industries.
Develop Foundational Programming Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Master basic programming concepts introduced in Introduction to Computing (CS101). Practice coding regularly on platforms, as computational skills are increasingly vital for applying mathematical theories and data analysis.
Tools & Resources
CodeChef, HackerRank, GeeksforGeeks, Python/C++ documentation
Career Connection
Essential for roles in data science, quantitative finance, scientific computing, and research assistant positions requiring algorithmic implementation.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in discussions and labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology courses. Understand how mathematical principles underpin these sciences, fostering a broader scientific perspective and appreciation for integrated knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, Departmental seminars, Science popularization events
Career Connection
Prepares for interdisciplinary research, patent analysis, and roles requiring a holistic scientific outlook in R&D, especially in emerging fields like bioinformatics or quantum computing.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Abstract Mathematical Concepts- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on developing rigorous proof-writing skills in courses like Multivariable Calculus and Abstract Algebra. Engage with advanced concepts through dedicated problem sets, faculty consultations, and supplementary readings.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks by standard authors (e.g., Rudin, Dummit & Foote), Online forums like Math StackExchange, Departmental tutoring
Career Connection
Crucial for success in pure mathematics research, advanced theoretical physics, cryptography, and academic careers requiring strong logical reasoning and formal deduction.
Explore Research Project Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out summer research projects (SRPs) or internships with faculty members, even in early years. This provides early exposure to research methodologies, problem formulation, and academic writing within your specialization.
Tools & Resources
IISER Mohali''''s research opportunities page, Faculty profiles, Internal notices for projects
Career Connection
Builds a valuable research portfolio, clarifies career interests, and provides essential experience for PhD applications or R&D roles in India and globally.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3-5)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures regularly. Engage actively with speakers, faculty, and senior students to understand diverse career paths and build professional connections for future opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic conferences (local/national), Departmental events and alumni meet-ups
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and provides insights into current industry and academic trends, crucial for career planning and job searches in India.
Advanced Stage
Engage in Advanced Specialization and Electives- (Semester 6-8)
Strategically choose advanced electives (e.g., in Topology, Probability Theory, PDEs, Measure Theory) that align with your long-term research or career goals. Aim to gain depth and expertise in 1-2 specific areas of mathematics.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogs, Faculty advisors, Research papers in chosen sub-fields
Career Connection
Develops specialized expertise for niche roles in quantitative finance, machine learning research, actuarial science, or specialized scientific computing in India and abroad.
Prepare for Higher Studies or Placements- (Semester 6-8)
For higher studies, rigorously prepare for competitive exams like GATE, CSIR NET, or GRE. For placements, focus on interview preparation, resume building, and participate in mock interviews with the career services cell.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes (if opted), IISER Mohali career services cell, LinkedIn job boards
Career Connection
Directly leads to successful admissions to prestigious PhD programs globally or secures placements in top companies for analytical, research, and development roles in India.
Undertake an In-depth Research Project/Thesis- (Semester 9-10)
Dedicate significant effort to the BS-MS Project/Thesis (MA591/MA592). This capstone experience allows for independent research, complex problem-solving, and contributes substantially to your academic and professional portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Library databases (JSTOR, MathSciNet), Specialized software (Mathematica, MATLAB, R, Python libraries)
Career Connection
Provides a substantial demonstration of research capability, critical for PhD applications, and showcases advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent work skills to potential employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Science stream in 2022, 2023, or 2024, with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD). Admission is based on IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), JEE Advanced, or KVPY channels.
Duration: 10 semesters / 5 years
Credits: 182 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA101 | Introduction to Calculus | Core | 4 | |
| PH101 | Introduction to Physics I | Core | 4 | |
| CH101 | Introduction to Chemistry I | Core | 4 | |
| BT101 | Introduction to Biology I | Core | 4 | |
| HU101 | Introduction to Humanities | Elective | 2 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA102 | Linear Algebra | Core | 4 | |
| PH102 | Introduction to Physics II | Core | 4 | |
| CH102 | Introduction to Chemistry II | Core | 4 | |
| BT102 | Introduction to Biology II | Core | 4 | |
| CS101 | Introduction to Computing | Core | 4 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA201 | Multivariable Calculus | Core | 4 | |
| PH201 | Physics of Motion | Core | 4 | |
| CH201 | Chemistry of Life | Core | 4 | |
| ID201 | Interdisciplinary Course I | Interdisciplinary | 3 | |
| HU201 | Introduction to Social Sciences | Elective | 4 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA202 | Abstract Algebra | Core | 4 | |
| PH202 | Physics of Waves | Core | 4 | |
| CH202 | Materials Science | Core | 4 | |
| ID202 | Interdisciplinary Course II | Interdisciplinary | 3 | |
| HU202 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | Elective | 4 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA301 | Real Analysis | Core | 4 | |
| MA303 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Core | 4 | |
| MA305 | Complex Analysis | Core | 4 | |
| MA E 1 | Math/Other Department Elective 1 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 2 | Math/Other Department Elective 2 | Elective | 2 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA302 | Numerical Methods | Core | 4 | |
| MA304 | Topology | Core | 4 | |
| MA306 | Probability Theory | Core | 4 | |
| MA E 3 | Math/Other Department Elective 3 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 4 | Math/Other Department Elective 4 | Elective | 2 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA401 | Functional Analysis | Core | 4 | |
| MA403 | Partial Differential Equations | Core | 4 | |
| MA E 5 | Math/Other Department Elective 5 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 6 | Math/Other Department Elective 6 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 7 | Math/Other Department Elective 7 | Elective | 2 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA402 | Algebra II | Core | 4 | |
| MA404 | Differential Geometry | Core | 4 | |
| MA E 8 | Math/Other Department Elective 8 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 9 | Math/Other Department Elective 9 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 10 | Math/Other Department Elective 10 | Elective | 2 |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA501 | Measure Theory | Core | 4 | |
| MA591 | Project/Thesis Part I | Project | 6 | |
| MA E 11 | Math/Other Department Elective 11 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 12 | Math/Other Department Elective 12 | Elective | 4 |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA592 | Project/Thesis Part II | Project | 6 | |
| MA E 13 | Math/Other Department Elective 13 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 14 | Math/Other Department Elective 14 | Elective | 4 | |
| MA E 15 | Math/Other Department Elective 15 | Elective | 2 |




