Frequently Asked Questions And their answers

What is the name of the Degree that will be offered under the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
The degree offered is "Bachelor of Science (Research)".

Which are the major disciplines being offered?

Six major disciplines are being offered: (1) Biology (2) Chemistry (3) Earth &
Environmental Science (4) Materials (5) Mathematics (6) Physics. The major
discipline chosen will appear in the degree certificate of each graduate.

What is the duration of the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?

The duration of the programme is four years, organized as eight semesters. The
batch of students joining in 2015 will commence classes from August 1, 2015 and
graduate in June 2019.

What is the structure of the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?

See Chapter 2 of the Information Brochure.

What are the unique features of this Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
The uniqueness of this programme lies in its interdisciplinary approach, strong
flavour of engineering, exposure to disciplines in the social sciences, and a one-year
research project. The graduates of this programme will obtain a Bachelor of Science
(Research) degree in a specialization. Though this programme is designed to offer
specialization in a science stream, the knowledge imparted carries a strong flavour
of engineering and an exposure to social sciences. The students specializing in a
particular discipline are encouraged to take courses from other disciplines, thus
maintaining strong interdisciplinary links. One full year of participation in a research
project identifies the programme as unique and innovative. This research based
interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme is well suited to meet
the present vocational and post graduate demands of a highly technological world.

The Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme is embedded in a mature and

highly sophisticated research culture which has a strong base in both science and
engineering. This research culture has evolved over the last hundred years,
engendered primarily by a highly distinguished faculty and brilliant graduate students
and post doctoral fellows. The academic environment is open, free, pedagogic and
non-hierarchical.

How many students are expected to be admitted in a batch?

The Institute plans to offer admission to about 120 students. Seats will be allotted to
general and special categories as per Government regulations.

Which are the entry channels to get admitted to the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
To save additional burden of an entrance exam on the overtaxed 12th standard
students, the Institute will make use of the merit lists of existing highly competitive
national level entrance exams such as KVPY, IIT-JEE (Main and Advanced) and
NEET. Students desirous of applying to the Bachelor of Science (Research)
Programme must take at least one of the above examinations.

Which are the national examinations considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science (Research)
Programme?
Students who have appeared or are appearing for any of the national examinations
listed below are eligible to apply.

KVPY-SA (appeared in 2016 and selected for the Fellowship)

KVPY-SB (appeared in 2017 and selected as Fellow)
KVPY-SX (appeared in 2017 and selected as Fellow)
KVPY Fellows selected through the Empowerment Initiative for SC/ST
candidates.
IIT-JEE (Main) (appearing in 2018)
IIT-JEE (Advanced) (appearing in 2018)
NEET (appearing in 2018)
What is the minimum qualification for admission through IIT-JEE and NEET?
IIT-JEE (Main): 60% (GN), 54% (OBC-NCL), 30% (SC/ST/PH)

IIT-JEE (Advanced): 60% (GN), 54% (OBC-NCL), 30% (SC/ST/PH)

NEET: 60% (GN), 54% (OBC-NCL), 30% (SC/ST/PH)

How are the students selected for the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
The selection will be based on the performance of the applied candidates in any one
of the national examinations listed above. A separate merit list of candidates who
have applied will be prepared for each of these national examinations and the seats
will be offered based on the performance in the examination and the number of seats
available. A candidate who has qualified in multiple examinations listed above will be
included in all the appropriate merit lists. Separate merit lists will be prepared for
candidates belonging to different reserved categories, as per standard Government
of India regulations.

Will a candidate with outstanding performance in the above national examinations be automatically
considered for admission even if he/she does not apply to the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
No. Only candidates who apply to the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme
will be considered for possible selection.

Which subject groups are mandatory at the II PUC/12th STD level for admission to the Bachelor of
Science (Research) Programme?
The Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme will be open to students of
PUC/12th standard whose main subjects include Physics, Chemistry and
Mathematics (all three). Students who have studied Biology, Economics, Electronics,
Computer Science, Statistics, etc., should also have taken Physics, Chemistry, and
Mathematics.

What are the time-lines for applying to the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
Online applications will be received during 1 February - 30 April 2018. The first set of
admission offers will be made to KVPY candidates in May 2018. Additional offers will
be made in June and July. All the admitted students are required to attend the
counselling sessions to which they are invited. Classes will commence from 1
August 2018.

What are the different ways of applying to the programme?

Candidates must apply on-line. Online application may be prepared and submitted
by accessing the IISc UG website with effect from 01.02.2018. Online application fee
is Rs. 500/- for GN/OBC/KM candidates and Rs. 250/- for SC/ST/PH categories. The
deadline for submitting the online application is 30.04.2018.
While applying, what information needs to be provided in respect of IIT-JEE and NEET roll number?
In the case of IIT-JEE (Main and Advanced), you have to enter the registration
number that is mentioned in your admit card for the examination. Please note that
this number is not the application number. In the case of NEET, the number you
must enter is the roll number given in your admit card for the examination.

I do not have the IIT-JEE and NEET registration number at this point of time. What number do I need to
give while filling in the application?
The above number will be available to you only when you receive the admit card for
the respective examination. You can fill the application form after knowing the
number (the deadline for submitting the application is April 30, 2018). Alternatively,
you can fill the application form now without filling the details of the qualifying
examinations and fill the details later, after receiving the admit card(s).

While applying through KVPY, what information needs to be provided in the application form?
If you received the Fellowship in KVPY-SA 2016, give your Roll Number and rank.
The Roll Number is the letter "A" followed by a 7 digit number. This is the number
that you were provided with when you applied for the fellowship. If you appeared in
KVPY-SB 2017/SX 2017, give your Roll Number and leave the rank column blank.
Update the rank immediately after the declaration of the results. The Roll number is
the letter "B" followed by a 7 digit number for KVPY-SB and the letter "X" followed by
a seven digit number for KVPY-SX. This is the number that you were provided with
when you applied for the Fellowship.

What are the hostel and mess facilities in IISc? Where will UG students be housed?
Nearly 3000 students, including about 500 girls, are housed in various hostels on
campus. Two hostels, each of capacity 600, have been built recently. Girl students
are housed in one of these hostels. UG boys in their first two years will be housed
together in a single hostel. We currently have two messes that cater to the tastes of
a variety of cuisines from different parts of India.

How do I apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?

See:" The Selection Process" (Chapter 3 of the Information Brochure) and "How to
Apply for Admission".

What are the different opportunities available to the graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Research)
Programme?
Academic Opportunities: The Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme graduates
with their solid foundation and multidisciplinary training can either embark on a
career of their choice or pursue advanced degrees such as PhD in their chosen
discipline and allied interdisciplinary areas anywhere in the world. The extensive
course curriculum, in conjunction with a strong laboratory module and exposure to
modern instrumentation and research, will prove to be of immense value to students
in either pursuit. The opportunity to engage in an intense two-semester research
project in an inspiring environment will enable students to make intelligent career
choices, especially pertaining to research.
Industry Opportunities: To meet the growing demand for a broad-based human
resource pool with strong analytical skills, personnel who are competent enough to
specialize quickly in specific fields of expertise are envisaged. Given this emerging
industrial scenario, graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme
with their multidisciplinary training will be ideally suited for recruitment by modern
industry.
What is the medium of instruction of the Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme?
The medium of instruction is English.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General

Q1: I am a class XII science student. To which programmes can I apply in IISERs?

– Any student who has qualified Class XII (or equivalent) examination in science
stream either in the year 2019 or 2020 can apply to the BS (four year) degree / BS-
MS (five year) dual degree programmes in IISERs provided he/she meets the
eligibility criteria (Please click here to read the eligibility criteria). BS degree
programmes are available only at IISER Bhopal. Also, for applying to any of the BS
degree programmes, students must have Mathematics as one of the subjects in class
XII examinations.

Q2: Who awards the BS-MS degree?

– Each IISER is an autonomous institution. Therefore, the degree is awarded by

individual IISERs.

Q3: Who awards the BS degree?

– Currently, only IISER Bhopal is offering and awarding BS degree.

Q4: Do I need to apply separately for different IISERs?

– No. All IISERs admit students through a common application process. One
application form is valid for all the IISERs.

Q5: How many seats are available for the admission to the BS-MS dual degree
programme in 2020?

– The tentative total number of seats available in all IISERs for BS-MS degree
programme will be updated soon.

Q6: How many seats are available for the admission to the BS degree
programme in 2020?

– Currently, only IISER Bhopal is offering BS degree programmes. The tentative total
number of available seats will be updated soon.

Q7: I am an OCI/PIO card holder. Should I apply as a foreign candidate?

– No. You should apply through our regular application portal. Foreign students are
those candidates who are NOT citizens of India by birth or naturalized and do not
belong to PIO/OCI category, and whose parents are not citizens of India and do not
come under PIO/OCI category at the time of applying.
Q8: Are there seats for foreign candidates other than PIO/OCI card holders?

– Yes. Foreign candidates can apply only through the JEE-Advanced channel. The top
10000 rank holders (including the foreigners) in the CRL of IIT JEE (Advanced)
become eligible for admission to BS/BS-MS programme of IISERs. Application of a
foreign candidate through any channel other than JEE-Advanced will be rejected.

Q9: What is the curriculum structure for BS-MS dual degree programme?

– Students are trained in various disciplines of basic sciences as per the designed
curriculum of respective IISERs during the formative year(s). Subsequently, they can
take up specialized subject(s). Please refer to the websites of individual IISERs for a
description of their curriculum structure.

Q10: What is the curriculum structure for BS degree programmes?

– IISER Bhopal offers BS degree programmes in Economics and Engineering Sciences.

Students are trained in various disciplines of basic sciences and introductory courses
in Economics/Engineering during the first year of study.

Subsequently, they take courses toward specialization in Economics/Engineering.

Q11: What are the major courses offered by each IISER?

– Please click here.

Applications

Q11: Who are not eligible to apply for IISER admission from 2021-2022
admission onwards?

– The following candidates will not be eligible for admission to IISERs from 2021-
2022 admission onwards.

i) a candidate admitted earlier in any of the IISERs

ii) a candidate who accepted an IISER seat, but did not join

iii) a candidate whose admission to any of the IISERs was cancelled after joining

Q12: How do I apply?

– Only applications through our online admission portal will be accepted.

Q13: What are the channels available for admission to IISERs?

– There are three channels available for admission into IISERs:

1. KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana),

2. IIT-JEE (Advanced)
3. SCB (State and Central Boards).

Q14: Can I apply through more than one channel?

– Yes

Q15: Do I need to apply separately for each channel?

– Yes. Candidates are required to first do the registration on application portal. Then,
this registration account could be used to fill application form(s) of any of the three
channels. Each channel requires a separate online application and payment of
application fee. The candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for each channel
through which they wish to apply.

Q16: What is the required percentage/cut off marks in class XII or equivalent
for getting admission to IISERs?

The candidates’ Class (10+2) marks should be within the cut-off of various boards
(generally, top 20 percentile). When the cut off for boards are unavailable, cut-
off scores of CBSE board will be applicable. Additionally, for admission to
engineering program through JEE-Advanced channel, candidates with a minimum of
75% marks for GEN/PWD/OBC-NCL and 65% marks for SC/ST/PWD in class XII or
equivalent exam is required. The previous year’s cut-off marks is given at the link for
reference. The link for 2020 will be updated when available.

Q17: Is there an application fee?

– There is a non-refundable application fee of Rs.2,000/- for candidates applying

under General, EWS, and OBC-NCL categories, and Rs.1,000/- for Persons with
Disabilities and candidates under SC/ST category. The fee for foreign nationals is
USD 100.

Q18: Can I pay application fees by Cash/DD/Cheque?

– No. All payments will be accepted only through secure payment gateway on our
application portal.

Q19: What should I do if I have paid the application fees more than once for a
single application?
– You must send your proof of payments to ask-jac2020[AT]iisertvm.ac.in with the
subject line as “Problem with application fee”. All legitimate refund claims will be
processed once the admission process is over.

Q20: What should I do if I have already paid the application fees, but the
payment has been reversed?

– Immediately notify through email to ask-jac2020[AT]iisertvm.ac.in with the subject

line as “Problem with application fee”, else your application may stand cancelled.

Q21: Do I have to write the IISER aptitude test?

– Yes, only if you are applying through the SCB channel.

Q22: Can I apply for IISER aptitude test if my XII exam result is awaited?

– Yes, you can apply and appear for the aptitude test. But, you will be eligible for
admissions only if you satisfy minimum eligibility criteria. Candidates, whose result of
Class 10+2 (or equivalent) exam is awaited at the time of application submission, can
choose Result Awaited option while filling the qualifying exam result. However, they
must upload their marksheet, category certificate and fill subject details and
respective marks on the application portal. In order to complete the application, the
tentative dates for uploading the marksheet are as follows:

KVPY and SCB channel: May 10-22, 2020

IIT-JEE: June 1-10, 2020 (Tentatively; likely to change based upon JEE
(Advanced) result)

Marksheet uploading will not be allowed post deadline, and any incomplete
application will not be considered for counseling/admission. Please keep checking
the timelines here.

Q23: What is the intake through different channels?

– A maximum of 25% of the seats will be allocated through KVPY and JEE-Advanced
channels. Remaining seats will be filled through the SCB channel based on the merit
in the IISER Aptitude Test. Unfilled seats from KVPY and JEE channels will also be
added to the SCB channel for allotment.

Q24: Do all candidates, who are eligible to apply, get offers for admission
toIISERs?

– No. Admission to IISERs, for each channel, is based on merit and the total number
of available seats in respective channels in different IISERs.
Q25:How do I make my choice of IISER?

– You will be asked to give your preferences in the online application form.

Q26: Will I get the IISER of my choice?

– The allotment is based on the availability of seats in respective IISERs, your rank in
the merit list, and your preferences.

Q27: Will I get admission to the stream (BS-MS or BS) of my choice?

– The allotment is based on the availability of seats in each stream, your rank in the
merit list, and your preferences.

Q28: What is ‘Float’ option?

– Float option allows a candidate to be allotted an offer of higher preference (if any)
than the one allotted in the current round, in subsequent rounds (if any). During
counselling, the float option has been enabled for all candidates.

Q29: What is ‘Freeze’ option?

– If you are satisfied with the offer allotted to you in any round and do not wish to
float, you can freeze your offer upon the fee payment. Freeze option once exercised
is final and cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Q30: My percentage marks have changed after scrutiny/revaluation. I have two

sets of marks related documents (instead of only one otherwise). What should I
do?

– You need to upload your original mark sheet in the application portal but the
percentage in the application form should be the revised one. The revised marks
statement from your board confirming the change of marks must be sent to ask-
jac2020[AT]iisertvm.ac.in with a subject line “Revised Marks”. You should also
mention your application number in the subject line. Please check the timelines here.

– Please note if the subject line is not as mentioned above, we may not be able to
help you.

Q31: I have submitted my application. I want to change some information in my

application. What should I do?

– Once you have submitted your application, no information contained in the

application form can be changed.
Q32: I have paid the application fees. Is my application complete?

– Your application is not complete until you can download the application form after
you make the payment (appropriate application fee). In case you experience any
issue in downloading your application form, please write an email to ask-
jac2020[AT]iisertvm.ac.in

The IISER Aptitude Test

Q33: What is the mode of the IISER Aptitude Test 2020?

– The IISER Aptitude Test 2020 will be conducted in the computer-based test mode.
The mock test will be available soon.

Q34: What is the syllabus for the IISER Aptitude Test?

– The syllabus for the aptitude test is available here

Q35: What is the format of the Aptitude Test?

– The format of the aptitude test is as follows:

 Multiple-choice questions (each with only one correct answer) in four subjects –
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics with equal weightage
 15 questions in each subject (total: 60) Duration: 180 minutes
 Evaluation: +3 (for each correct response), 0 (for each no response), -1 (for each
wrong response)

Q36: Can I have model questions for the Aptitude Test?

– The model questions for the aptitude test are available below.

 Model 1 (English)
 Model 2 (English)
 Model 2 (Hindi)

Q37: I have not studied Biology/Mathematics at +2 level, can I take the test?

– You must have at least one of the two subjects Mathematics and Biology in 10+2
level. Note that the questions in the IAT will be from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
and Physics with equal weightage.

Q38: In what languages will the IISER Aptitude Test be conducted?

– The computer-based test will be available in both Hindi and English.

Q39: Where is the IISER Aptitude Test conducted?

– It will be conducted in various cities across India. Choices for five preferred cities
where the candidate wishes to write the aptitude test have to be indicated while
completing the online application form. The hall ticket will have the allotted centre
details printed. If the examination cannot be conducted in any of the centres due to
unforeseen reasons, the candidate would be allotted an alternate centre, and such
information will be communicated in due time.

Q40: Where/When do I get the hall ticket for the IISER Aptitude Test?

– The hall ticket will be available on the website a few days before the IISER aptitude
test. The candidates can download their hall ticket after logging into their account in
the application portal.

Admissions

Q41: Is Mathematics at +2 level mandatory to take admission in IISERs?

– No, it is not mandatory for BS-MS degree programmes. However, for admission to
BS degree programmes in Economics and Engineering sciences at IISER Bhopal,
Mathematics as one of the subjects at +2 level is mandatory.

Q42: Does reservation policy apply for admission?

– Yes. SC — 15%, ST — 7.5%, OBC-NCL — 27%. PwD — 5% (supernumerary), KM —

3 seats per IISER (supernumerary), and EWS — up to 10% (as per Government of
India rules)

Q43: What are the meanings of OBC and OBC-NCL?

– OBC-NCL stands for Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layers). If you belong to
this category, then you must select OBC-NCL as your category. Other OBC
candidates must select ‘General’ as their category.

Q44: What is the meanings of EWS?

– EWS stands for the Economically Weaker Sections. It refers to the reservations for
those persons who are not covered under the reservation scheme for SCs/STs/OBCs
etc and satisfy the criteria of income and assets as laid out by the Government of
India.
Q45: What is the fee structure for BS / BS-MS programme at IISERs?

– The overall fee structures for individual IISERs are different. Please visit the websites
of individual IISERs for information about their fee structure.

Q46: Is there any financial support for students admitted to IISERs?

– Students admitted through the KVPY channel will be eligible for scholarships as per
KVPY norms. Students admitted through IIT-JEE (Advanced) and SCB channels will be
eligible for a limited number of INSPIRE fellowships as per the norms of the
Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Q47: Can I be a day-scholar at IISERs?

– No. IISERs are fully residential campuses and students are required to stay in
campus hostels.

Q48: I have not been offered admission in the current round. Will I be
considered for allocation in a later round?

– Depending on your rank and seats available in a particular channel, you may be
considered for allocation in a later round. The candidates must keep periodically
checking the admission website for updates.

Q49: How will I know if a new round of allotment/float round is opened?

– The candidates must keep periodically checking the admission website for updates.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to check the website for appropriate updates until
it is declared in the website that the admissions for 2020 are over.

Q50: What is Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF)?

– If you have been allotted to one of the IISERs, you need to pay the Seat Acceptance
Fee (within the due date) through the counselling portal in order to accept the offer
and confirm that you intend to join one of the IISERs. The Seat Acceptance Fee
amounts to Rs. 35,000/- (Rs.25000/- + Rs. 10000/- (Non refundable administrative
fee)) for General/EWS/OBC-NCL categories and Rs.22500 (Rs.12,500/- + Rs. 10000/-
(Non refundable administrative fee)) for SC/ST/PwD/KM categories. Failure to deposit
the SAF within the stipulated time will result in the cancellation of the offer.
Furthermore, you will not be considered in any subsequent rounds of seat allotment
during admission 2020. Once you register in your allotted IISER, this amount will be
adjusted against your first semester fee.

Q51: Can I withdraw my application after the payment of Seat Acceptance Fee?
– Yes. Withdrawal is possible ONLY through the counselling portal. You can withdraw
the offer by the stipulated date. There is no cancellation fee if withdrawal is made
within this time. However, bank charges, if any, will apply.

Q52: I have been offered admission to one of the IISERs. However, this is not
my first choice. Will there be a second round in which I would be floated to the
IISER of my first choice?

– You must accept the offer by paying the Seat Acceptance Fees, as mentioned in the
offer letter. Once you have accepted the offer, you would be considered for Float in
subsequent rounds provided you have exercised the Float option. If there are
vacancies, you may be allotted to an IISER, which is higher in your preference list. See
Q28.

Q53: I have paid the Seat Acceptance Fees as mentioned in my offer letter. I
have now been allocated to another IISER. Do I have to pay the Seat Acceptance
Fees again?

– No

Q54: I have paid the Seat Acceptance Fees as mentioned in the offer letter. Do I
have to pay anything else?

– The overall fee structures at various IISERs are different. You may have to pay an
additional amount after joining a particular IISER. Fee details will be provided in the
offer letter. For more details, visit respective IISER’s website.

Q55: Can I transfer my admission from one IISER to another at any time?

– No. Inter-lISER transfer of students is NOT permitted.

Q56: How do I check if my SAF payment has been successful?

– Once you have paid the SAF, download your updated offer letter again from the
counselling portal. Your SAF payment details will appear on the last page of the
updated offer letter.

Q57: What happens if my Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) payment details do not
appear in my offer letter?

– Once your SAF is paid, download your offer letter again from the counselling
portal. The new offer letter should have the SAF payment details on the last page of
the updated offer letter. In case it does not appear, please verify whether your
payment was successful or not. In case of any difficulties, please enquire by sending
an email to ask-jac2020[AT]iisertvm.ac.in with the subject line “SAF payment”.
Q58: My question is not listed above. What should I do?

– You may ask any relevant question related to the admissions that are not answered
in the FAQ, by sending an email to ask-jac2020[AT]iisertvm.ac.in

https://www.edufever.com/iiser-aptitude-test/