IAT exam pattern 2026 will be designed by the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) i.e., the test conducting body. The entrance test will be held via online - Computer Based Test (CBT) mode in centres across the country. According to IAT paper pattern 2026, the exam duration will be 180 minutes for a total of 60 MCQs distributed over 4 subjects, namely Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
Aspiring students can refer to this article to gain deeper insights about the IAT exam pattern 2026 and its related features like mode & medium of the test, duration, marking scheme, number of questions, etc.
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is for students seeking admissions in BS + MS dual degree, BS or B.Tech degrees offered by the IISERs and a few other courses offered by IISc Bangalore & IIT Madras. Candidates are recommended to be well versed with the IAT exam pattern 2026 before appearing for IAT exam.
The key details of IISER Aptitude Test exam pattern are tabulated below:
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Particular
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Details
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Exam Mode
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Online - Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Exam Medium / Language
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English and Hindi
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Sections
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4
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Exam Duration
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180 minutes
*Compensatory time of 60 minutes is available for the differently abled candidates.
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Total Marks
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240
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Marking Scheme
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- Correct Answer: 4 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 Mark
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Type of Questions
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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Number of Questions
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60 questions
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Number of Answer Choices
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4
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Note: As stated in the IAT pattern 2026, not every candidate appearing in the test will achieve a rank. Furthermore, receiving a rank does not guarantee admission to an IISER.
IAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Details
As per the IAT exam pattern 2026, the test will consist of 4 sections including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Below listed are the section wise pattern regarding IAT 2026:
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Subject
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Number of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Physics
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15
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60
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Chemistry
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15
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60
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Mathematics
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15
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60
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Biology
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15
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60
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Overall
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60
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240
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*Along with the test pattern, students are suggested to prepare according to the IAT Syllabus 2026 to understand the important topics and achieve the desired scores.
IAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
In accordance with the test format, the IAT marking scheme decided by the conducting authority is mentioned below:
- 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
- 1 mark is deducted for an incorrect answer.
- 0 marks are granted for each unanswered question.
*Aspirants should ensure they align with the IAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 before completing the formalities for IAT Registration 2026.
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) Exam Pattern 2026: Facilities for PwD Candidates
Below-given are the facilities offered for the PwD category students who are appearing for the entrance exam:
Scribe Facility
According to the IAT exam pattern 2026, PwD candidates (severely dyslexic or visually impaired or have lost fingers / hands or have a disability in the upper limbs) can avail the scribe facility. Entitled candidates who need the services should opt for them during the application process.
Compensatory Time
The IAT exam pattern 2026 also specifies that the PwD candidates (with at least 40% disability) will get 1 hour compensatory time in the IISER Aptitude Test.
Note: PwD students who have less than 40% disability but having difficulty in writing can avail the above-listed facilities including scribe and compensatory time as per the Honourable Supreme Court verdict “WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 1018 OF 2022.
*If the non entitled applicants are found using the scribe & compensatory time facility, they will be eliminated from the evaluation, ranking, and admission process. Moreover, if such a candidate has been already enrolled to any IISER, their admission will be cancelled immediately.
