Science Research Entrance Exams 2027
If you want a career in research, the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) opens the BS-MS dual degree at the seven IISERs and the BS programme at IISc Bengaluru, while NEST opens the integrated M.Sc at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
Updated
Pure Sciences Exams Compared
| Exam | Exam date | Registration | Questions / Marks | Negative marking | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NESTNational | 5 Jun 2027 | 5 Jan – 8 Apr 2027 | 4 sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) / 180 (best 3 of 4 sections) | Yes, for wrong answers (see the NEST brochure for the exact scheme) | Expected |
| IISER IATNational | 6 Jun 2027 | 5 Mar – 13 Apr 2027 | 60 / 240 | Yes, −1 per wrong answer | Expected |
“Expected” dates are projected from last year's official schedule; “Official” dates come from the conducting body's notice.
How Pure Sciences Admissions Work in 2027
Research-focused science degrees have their own entrance exams, separate from JEE and NEET. IISER IAT fills BS-MS seats at IISER Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirupati, plus IISc's four-year BS. NEST fills the five-year integrated M.Sc at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai, both funded by the Department of Atomic Energy.
The two tests look alike. Both cover Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at Class 11–12 level, both test concepts rather than speed, and both are held in early June — often within a day or two of each other. IAT counts all four subjects equally. NEST counts your best three of four sections. Preparing for one is most of the way to preparing for the other.
These programmes suit students who enjoy the 'why' behind science more than solving tricks quickly. Classes are small, undergraduates do real research projects, and many graduates go on to PhDs in India and abroad. Since KVPY was discontinued, IAT and NEST are the main routes in.
Which Pure Sciences Exams Should I Take?
Want a research career in science
IISER IAT + NEST. Write both — they're days apart in June.
Also preparing for JEE or NEET
Add IAT and NEST. Your PCM/PCB preparation already covers most of the syllabus.
Want a B.Sc at a central university
CUET UG, as a backup alongside IAT and NEST.
Pure Sciences Exam Calendar & Clashes
Upcoming exam days by month, and the ones that collide with other exams.
Watch out for these clashes
- NEST exam (5 Jun 2027) is within two days of IISER IAT exam (6 Jun 2027).
Where an exam offers multiple slots, book one that leaves a gap. Testing windows longer than two weeks (such as CUET UG, NPAT and NATA) aren't listed because you get or choose a single slot within them. Dates marked expected may move when official notices are out.
Track Pure Sciences Exams
Get guidance on pure sciences admissions
Talk to Insiders who've been through these exams — strategy, colleges and more, free on the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a JEE score needed for IISER admission?
No. IISERs admit BS-MS students only through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).
What is the difference between IISER IAT and NEST?
IAT is for the BS-MS at the seven IISERs and the BS at IISc. NEST is for the integrated M.Sc at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Both test Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, but NEST counts only your best three sections.