About IISER

About IISER

About IISER (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research)

Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are esteemed public research institutions in India focusing on high-quality science education and research. Established by the Government of India, these institutes aim to integrate basic science education and research at world-class standards

All about IISER NRI / OCI / PIO Admission

IISERs invite applications from students across India and abroad (NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, foreign nationals). However, there is no separate NRI quota—every candidate competes via the unified merit channel (IAT) like other aspirants.

IISERs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, research internships and in-semester projects, making them particularly attractive to science aspirants worldwide.

Key Highlights:

• Total Institutes: 7 (Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati)

• Established: 2006 (first IISERs)

• Governance: Ministry of Education, Government of India

• Courses Offered: BS-MS Dual Degree, Integrated PhD, PhD

Summary Table

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IISERs aim to enable students to help them shape the nation by inventing & implementing sustainable solutions by providing them with interdisciplinary Science Education & Research. IISERs focus heavily on research internships throughout the year. Hence, students from all over India & abroad (NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, Foreign Nationals) compete to take admissions in IISERs.

Eligibility Criteria for IISERs

Note: For programs like 4-year BS in Economic Sciences (only in Bhopal), or 4-year BS in Economic & Statistical Sciences (Tirupati), or BTech / Engineering Sciences (only in Bhopal), Mathematics may be mandatory

Application & Admission Process (2026 Onwards)

For IISER Admission 2025, candidates who have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2023, 2024, or 2025 are eligible to apply. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The application form will be available on the IISER Admission Portal (iiseradmission.in).
• Applicants upload their academic marks, nationality / OCI / PIO / passport / visa proofs, etc.
• One single application covers all IISERs—candidates specify their preferences.
• The IAT exam will be conducted in computer-based mode across centres in India.
• Offers are made via JAC (Joint Admissions Committee of IISERs) based on IAT rank, seat availability, preferences, and category considerations.
• Admission rounds may allow FLOAT / FREEZE choices by the candidate during seat acceptance.

NRI / OCI / PIO Specifics

• NRI / OCI / PIO / foreign nationals are not given any special quota; they compete via the same merit list (IAT) against all applicants.
• They must meet the same eligibility criteria as Indian students (Class 12 subjects, minimum marks, etc.).

For applicants whose qualifying exam is from a foreign board, they may need to submit an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) (if their board is not recognized by COBSE / Indian boards).

Get Prep help Download ISSER Course Brochure

In the case of NRIs, it will be much more convenient for them to prepare for JEE Main & JEE Advanced without the need of relocating to India for the JEE Preparatory Course.

NRI Students can hence utilize the benefits of Online JEE Resources & JEE Coaching Online to ace the competition & eventually in getting placed for the courses offered by IISERs. 

Not only that, NRI students can now apply in IISERS & other reputed Engineering Colleges of India using theirs through DASA (Direct Admissions of Students Abroad) or CIWG (Children of Workers in Gulf) Quota using their JEE Advanced Scores from 2024 onwards. 

DASA has released an official notification that from 2021 onwards, JEE Scores will be mandatory to be eligible under DASA Scheme in order for NRIs, PIOs, etc to take admission in Top Engineering Colleges of India.

Over the past few years, more students have been recorded to apply for the entrance exams to take admission in Institutes like IISERs. Hence, the Exam Patterns have become more rigorous making students compete more & prepare for those exams thoroughly.

The NRI Students residing abroad can also apply for admissions in IISERs. But they need to go through the same tough screening & competition that is continuing to grow every year.

With limited resources abroad to prepare for IISER Admissions, it becomes even more challenging for the NRI Students. Let us first elaborate on the eligibility criteria for IISERs in context to NRIs as well.

Applications for admission in IISERs are to be submitted online at the admission portal of IISER’s website.

Latest News / Updates (Relevant to IISER 2026)

• IAT is now the only channel: As per multiple sources, starting 2024, IISERs have discontinued JEE Advanced and KVPY as pathways.
• IAT 2025 Result Released: The results for IAT 2025 were declared and counselling is underway.
• Admit Cards Issued: IAT 2025 admit cards were released (May 2025). 
• Tentative 2026 Schedule: According to online projections, notification in late January 2026, application in March–April 2026, IAT exam in fourth week of May 2026, and results in fourth week of June 2026.

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For specific queries on DASA / CIWG - Please share your query here: DASA / CIWG Queries 

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