
IISER Syllabus 2026: The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research conduct the IISER Aptitude Test for admission to undergraduate science programmes. Every year, thousands of students appear for this exam with the aim of building a strong foundation in science and research.
For aspirants planning to appear next year, understanding the IISER syllabus 2026 is an important first step. The syllabus gives clarity on topics, subject coverage, and the overall exam approach. It helps students plan their preparation in a structured manner. Here, we’ll explain the syllabus in detail, along with the exam pattern and preparation direction.
Students can also refer to the IISER syllabus 2026 pdf released by the authorities for official confirmation and topic mapping.
Before diving into the topics, you should know the test structure. The exam is a computer-based test (CBT) lasting three hours.
| IISER Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 | ||
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Physics | 15 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 60 |
| Biology | 15 | 60 |
| Total | 60 | 240 |
Marking Scheme:
+4 marks for every correct answer.
-1 mark for every incorrect answer.
0 marks for unattempted questions.
A subject-wise understanding helps students divide time properly. It also supports balanced preparation across all four subjects. The IISER 2026 syllabus subject-wise structure remains similar to previous years.
Each subject carries equal weight in the exam. Students must study all subjects seriously, even if they feel stronger in one area.
The IISER syllabus for Biology 2026 covers broad areas of life sciences.
Diversity in Living World: Taxonomy, biological classification, plant kingdom, animal kingdom.
Structural Organisation In Plants And Animals: Plant morphology and anatomy, animal tissue organization.
Cell: Structure and Functions: Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, biomolecules, cell cycle, and division.
Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, respiration in plants, plant growth, and development.
Human Physiology: Respiration, body fluids, excretion, locomotion, neural control, chemical coordination.
Reproduction: Sexual reproduction in plants, human reproduction, reproductive health.
Biology in Human Welfare: Human health and disease, microbes in human welfare.
Genetics and Evolution: Principles of inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, and evolution.
Biotechnology: Principles and processes, applications.
Ecology: Organisms and populations, ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation.
The IISER syllabus for chemistry 2026 includes both physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry concepts.
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry: Matter, atomic and molecular masses, mole concept, stoichiometry.
Structure of the Atom: Sub-atomic particles, atomic models, quantum mechanical model.
Classification of Elements and Periodicity: Periodic law, electronic configurations, periodic trends.
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure: Ionic and covalent bonds, VSEPR theory, and molecular orbital theory.
d- & f-block elements: Electronic configurations, properties, compounds, lanthanoids, actinoids.
Coordination compounds: Werner's theory, nomenclature, isomerism, bonding, applications.
Thermodynamics: Energy changes, enthalpy, spontaneity, Gibbs energy.
Equilibrium: Physical and chemical equilibrium, ionic equilibrium, acids, and bases.
Redox Reactions: Oxidation, reduction, electron transfer reactions, oxidation numbers.
Solutions: Types, concentration, solubility, colligative properties.
Electrochemistry: Electrochemical cells, Nernst equation, conductance, batteries, corrosion.
Chemical Kinetics: Rate of reaction, factors influencing rate, integrated rate equations, collision theory.
Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles and Techniques: Carbon valence, structural representations, classification, nomenclature, and isomerism.
Hydrocarbons: Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons.
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes: Classification, Preparation, properties, polyhalogen compounds.
Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers: Classification, nomenclature, preparation, properties.
Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids: Nomenclature, preparation, properties, uses.
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen: Amines, diazonium salts, preparation, properties.
Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, nucleic acids, hormones.
The IISER syllabus for mathematics 2026 covers various topics from algebra, calculus, and geometry.
Sets and Logic: Set theory, relations, functions, types of functions.
Basic Counting Techniques: Permutations, combinations, binomial theorem.
Complex Numbers, Linear and Quadratic Equations: Complex numbers algebra, quadratic equation solutions, linear inequalities.
Trigonometric Functions: Angles, functions, identities, inverse trigonometric functions.
Vectors: Vector operations, dot and cross products, projection.
Matrices & Determinants: Matrix operations, types of matrices, determinants, adjoint, inverse.
Coordinate Geometry: Straight lines, conic sections (circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola).
Three-Dimensional Geometry: Coordinates, distance, section formula, lines, and planes in 3D.
Sequences & Series: Arithmetic and geometric progressions, sums of series.
Limit & Continuity: Limits, continuity of functions.
Differentiation: Derivatives, applications (rate of change, maxima/minima).
Integration: Indefinite and definite integrals, applications (area under curves).
Differential Equations: Formation, solutions (separation of variables, homogeneous).
Statistics, Probability & Linear Programming: Measures of dispersion, probability theory, Baye’s theorem.
The IISER syllabus for Physics 2026 focuses on fundamental principles and applications.
Units and Measurements: SI units, significant figures, dimensions, dimensional analysis.
Motion in a Straight Line: Velocity, acceleration, kinematic equations.
Motion in a Plane: Scalars, vectors, projectile motion, uniform circular motion.
Laws of Motion: Newton's laws, conservation of momentum, circular motion.
Work, Energy and Power: Work-energy theorem, potential energy, power, collisions.
System of Particles and Rotational Motion: Centre of mass, torque, angular momentum, moment of inertia.
Gravitation: Kepler’s laws, universal law of gravitation, escape speed, satellites.
Mechanical Properties of Fluids: Pressure, streamline flow, Bernoulli’s principle, viscosity, surface tension.
Mechanical Properties of Solids: Stress, strain, Hooke’s law, elastic moduli.
Thermal Properties of Matter: Temperature, heat transfer, thermal expansion, specific heat capacity.
Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic processes, Carnot engine.
Kinetic Theory: Molecular nature of matter, kinetic theory of gases.
Oscillations: Periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, simple pendulum.
Waves: Transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition, reflection, beats.
Electric Charges and Fields: Electric charge, Coulomb’s law, electric field, Gauss’s law.
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance: Potential, equipotential surfaces, capacitors.
Current Electricity: Electric current, Ohm’s law, resistivity, Kirchhoff’s rules, Wheatstone bridge.
Moving Charges and Magnetism: Magnetic force, Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s law, solenoid.
Magnetism and Matter: Bar magnet, magnetisation, magnetic properties.
Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, motional EMF, inductance.
Alternating Current: AC circuits, LCR circuit, power factor, transformers.
Electromagnetic Waves: Displacement current, electromagnetic spectrum.
Ray Optics and Optical Instruments: Reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, optical instruments.
Wave Optics: Huygens principle, interference, diffraction, polarisation.
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter: Photoelectric effect, wave nature of matter.
Atoms: Rutherford’s model, Bohr model, atomic spectra.
Nuclei: Atomic masses, nuclear binding energy, radioactivity, nuclear energy.
Semiconductor Electronics: Conductors, semiconductors, p-n junction, diodes.
Preparing for the IISER Aptitude Test requires a strategic approach. Consistency and focused effort are key to success.
Understand the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly reviewing the IISER Preparation Syllabus 2026.
Master NCERT: Focus on Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks for all subjects.
Practice Regularly: Solve previous year question papers and mock tests.
Time Management: Allocate study time effectively for each subject.