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IISER Pune Admission 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Fees, and Application Process

Aspiring scientists eyeing a spot at one of India's premier research institutions should prepare for the IISER Pune Admission 2026 process, which typically commences in April. Admission to its highly sought-after BS-MS, MS, and PhD programs is competitive, requiring strong academic performance and specific entrance exam scores. This article serves as your complete guide, detailing the key dates, eligibility criteria, fees, and step-by-step application process for IISER Pune Admission 2026.
Table of Contents
IISER Pune Admission 2026: Key Dates, Eligibility, and Fees
Admission to IISER Pune for 2026 is primarily through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), with the exam scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026. Prospective students must meet specific eligibility criteria and be aware of the application and seat acceptance fees to secure their spot for IISER Pune Admission.
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| IAT 2026 Application Form Correction | April 16, 2026, 11:00 am IST - April 18, 2026, 11:55 pm IST |
| Date of IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 | Sunday, June 7, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon IST) |
| JoSAA Registration Starts | Early June 2026 (Approx. June 10) |
| Choice Filling Window | Mid-June 2026 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | Mid-June 2026 |
| Choice Locking Deadline | Late June 2026 |
| Partial Admission Fee (PAF) Payment | Late July 2026 |
| Partial Admission Fee (PAF) | Late July 2026 |
| CSAB Special Rounds (Optional) | Early August 2026 |
| Physical Reporting | Mid-August 2026 |
| Orientation & Classes Begin | Mid-August 2026 |
| Orientation & Commencement of Classes | Late August 2026 |
This table outlines the critical dates for IISER Pune Admission 2026, from the IAT application correction window to the commencement of classes, providing a clear timeline for prospective students.
How to Apply for IISER Pune Admissions 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for IISER Pune Admission 2026 is a fully online process conducted through the official portal iiseradmission.in. This guide outlines the essential steps, key dates, and application fees to ensure a smooth application experience for prospective students.
- Application Portal: iiseradmission.in
- Application Mode: Fully online process
- Step 1: Register: Visit iiseradmission.in, register using email ID and mobile number.
- Step 2: Fill the Application Form: Log in, enter personal details, academic information, exam city preferences.
- Step 3: Upload Documents: Prepare passport-size photograph, scanned signature, Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets.
- Step 4: Pay the Application Fee: Payment accepted via UPI, net banking, debit/credit card.
After completing the initial steps, applicants must review all details carefully before final submission, noting that the registered email ID cannot be changed. The application form releases on March 5, 2026, with a deadline of April 13, 2026, and a correction window from April 13 to April 16, 2026.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, EWS, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹2,000 |
| SC, ST, PwD, Kashmiri Migrants | ₹1,000 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹12,000 |
The application fee for IISER Pune Admission varies significantly based on the applicant's category, with foreign nationals having the highest fee.
IISER Pune BS-MS, MS, and PhD Admission Criteria 2026
IISER Pune Admission for 2026 offers various programs including BS-MS, MS, PhD, and Integrated PhD, each with distinct eligibility criteria and application timelines. Prospective students should review the specific requirements for their desired course of study to ensure a successful application process.
- BS-MS Admission Channel: Only via State and Central Boards Channel, requiring IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).
- BS-MS Eligibility: Passed 10+2 or equivalent with science stream in current or previous year.
- MS Programmes (2026-27): Chemistry, Quantum Technology, and Mathematics and Computing are offered.
- PhD Programmes Offered: Biology, Chemistry, Data Science, Earth and Climate Science, HSS, Mathematics, Physics.
- Integrated PhD Programmes: Biology, Mathematics, and Physics are offered.
- i-PhD Chemistry (August 2026): Not offered for the session commencing from August 2026.
IISER Pune Admission for MS, PhD, and Integrated PhD programs requires specific eligibility, national exam qualifications, and application deadlines. A standard non-refundable application fee applies. Final year students are eligible, with selection subject to degree completion. Relaxation of criteria is provided as per Government of India norms for reserved categories.
| Program | Eligibility Highlights | Key Dates/Details |
|---|---|---|
| MSc in Chemistry (August 2026) | Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC, ST, PwD) in BSc or equivalent with Chemistry; Qualified JAM 2026 (Chemistry) with valid rank. | Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 |
| MS in Mathematics and Computing (August 2026) | Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC, ST, PwD) in aggregate in B.Sc. in any specialisation or B.Tech. | Application Deadline: March 20, 2026, at 05.00 PM; Admission Test Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (IISER Pune campus). |
| MS in Quantum Technology (August 2026) | Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC, ST, PwD) in Bachelor's (Engineering or Sciences); Pathway 1: B.Tech/B.E. + GATE; Pathway 2: B.Sc/M.Sc/integrated BS-MS + JAM. | Application Deadline: April 20, 2026, 05.00 PM. |
| PhD Programme General | Master’s degree in Science/Mathematics or a four-year Bachelor's degree with at least 60% marks (aggregate); Qualified national examination (e.g., CSIR-UGC NET/GATE/JEST/NBHM/JGEEBILS). | – |
| PhD Programme in Biology (August 2026) | Eligibility (A1): Masters' (or B.E., B.Tech., M.Tech., MBBS) or 4-year BS degree (min 60%, 55% for SC, ST, PwD); Eligibility (A2): Qualified National Eligibility exam (various options). | Application Form Availability: March 02, 2026. |
| Integrated PhD (i-PhD) in Biology (August 2026) | Shortlisting based on marks obtained in the Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS) 2026. | Application Deadline: March 9, 2026 (5:00 PM Indian Standard Time). |
| Integrated PhD (i-PhD) in Mathematics (August 2026) | Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC, ST, PwD) in Bachelor’s degree; Appeared for NBHM Master’s scholarship written exam 2026 OR JAM 2026 (MA or MS). | Online Application Deadline: March 22, 2026, 05.00 PM; Written Test Date: April 04, 2026, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM. |
| Integrated PhD (i-PhD) in Physics (August 2026) | Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC, ST, PwD) in BSc/BTech/BE; Rank equal to 500 or better (625 for reserved) in JAM (Physics)-2026 or JEST IPhD (Physics)-2025. | Online Application Link Activation: March 02, 2026. |
The table above details specific eligibility requirements, necessary national examination qualifications, and crucial application deadlines for various MS, PhD, and Integrated PhD programs at IISER Pune for the August 2026 session.
IISER Pune Admission 2026: Cutoff Scores and Selection Process
IISER Pune Admission primarily relies on the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) performance. This section details the expected cutoff scores, selection process, and important dates for IISER Pune Admission, including minimum Class XII marks and alternative admission channels.
| Category | Expected Cut-off Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 159-206 |
| OBC-NCL | 140-160 |
| SC | 115-135 |
| ST | 110-130 |
| EWS | 130-150 |
These expected cutoff marks for IISER Pune IAT 2026 indicate the competitive scores required across different categories for admission.
- Primary Admission Mode: IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
- Admission Basis: Performance in IISER Aptitude Test
- Minimum Class XII Marks (GEN/EWS/OBC-NCL): 60%
- Minimum Class XII Marks (SC/ST/PwD): 55%
- IISER 2026 Exam Notification Release: Anticipated fourth week of January 2026
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026 Date: June 7, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon IST)
Prospective students can also review the expected cutoff ranks from the previous year's IISER Aptitude Test for IISER Pune Admission.
| Category | Expected Cutoff Rank |
|---|---|
| General | 250 - 1050 |
| General-PwD | 15 - 140 |
| OBC-NCL | 250 - 950 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | 40 - 150 |
| SC | 125 - 340 |
| SC-PwD | 80 - 120 |
| ST | 50 - 225 |
| EWS | 60 - 250 |
The IAT 2025 expected cutoff ranks show the range within which candidates from various categories were likely admitted.
In addition to ranks, the expected cutoff marks for IISER Pune IAT 2025 provide further insight into the required scores.
| Category | Expected Cut-off Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 125 - 130 |
| OBC-NCL | 105 - 110 |
| SC/ST | 70 - 75 |
| EWS | 115 - 120 |
These marks reflect the anticipated minimum scores for different categories in the IISER Aptitude Test 2025.
For those considering the alternative admission channel, the expected JEE Mains cutoff for IISER Pune Admission is also available.
| Category | Expected JEE Mains Cutoff |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 98+ |
| OBC-NCL | 95+ |
| SC/ST | 75+ |
| EWS | 96+ |
The JEE Mains 2025 expected cutoffs indicate the percentile required for admission through this alternative route.
Analyzing historical data, the BS MS cutoff trends for IISER Pune reveal an evolving competitive landscape.
| Courses | 2023 Closing Rank | 2022 Closing Rank | 2021 Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS MS | 717 | 534 | 529 |
| BS in Physical Sciences + MS in Physical Sciences | 717 | 534 | 529 |
| BS in Biological Science + MS in Biological Science | 717 | 534 | 529 |
| BS in Mathematical Sciences + MS in Mathematical Sciences | 717 | 534 | 529 |
| BS in Chemical Sciences + MS in Chemical Sciences | 717 | 534 | 529 |
The BS MS cutoff trend from 2021 to 2023 shows an upward movement, with closing ranks increasing significantly, indicating growing competition for IISER Pune Admission.
IISER Pune vs IISER Bhopal vs IISER Kolkata Admission 2026
For IISER Pune Admission and other top IISERs in 2026, 180+ marks offer very high admission chances for top ranks. IISER Kolkata introduces a 5-year BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences, while IAT 2026 will be the BTech admission gateway for IISER Bhopal. This section details expected closing ranks.
| IISER campus | Closing rank 2024 | Expected closing rank 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Pune | ~350 | 300–400 |
| Kolkata | ~500 | 450–550 |
| Bhopal | ~800 | 700–850 |
The table illustrates competitive expected closing ranks for 2026, with IISER Pune maintaining its position among the most sought-after campuses, requiring a rank between 300-400.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for IISER Pune Admission?
Candidates for the BS-MS program must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with science stream in the current or previous year. Admission is coordinated by a pan-IISER Joint Admissions Committee.
How do I apply for IISER Pune Admission?
For BS-MS, apply through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), coordinated by a pan-IISER Joint Admissions Committee. M.Sc admission requires a valid JAM rank.
What is the application timeline for IISER Pune Admission?
The application deadline for IISER Pune MS programs is March 20, 2026, at 05:00 PM. The admission test is scheduled for April 4, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
What is the expected cutoff for IISER Pune Admission?
For General Category, a safe score for IISER Pune 2026 admission is 160+ marks out of 240, with an expected rank range of 600-700.


