Introduction

As a PhD student, my life often swings between intense work phases and spontaneous breaks born out of sheer exhaustion. It's a rhythm I've come to accept—bursts of productivity followed by much-needed downtime. During one such recent break, I found myself scrolling through r/iiser, a subreddit I've been passively subscribed to for quite a while. To my surprise, the community seemed more active than ever, with prospective students, current undergrads, and alumni all engaging in conversations about life at the IISERs.

Reading through the posts made me realize something: while there's a lot of curiosity around the IISERs, there's still a noticeable gap in easily accessible and consolidated information. So I thought—why not write something myself?

This blog is my attempt to answer some of the most common questions I've seen, in a concise FAQ style. Whether you're a high school student contemplating your future, a parent trying to understand these institutions, or just someone curious about interdisciplinary science in India—I hope this helps.

A bit about me:

I'm currently pursuing a PhD at EPFL in Switzerland, nearing the end of my first year. I graduated in 2024 with a BS-MS dual degree from IISER Kolkata, majoring in Biology and minoring in Computational and Data Sciences. My PhD work lies broadly in the field of molecular bioengineering, with a specific focus on engineering RNA using a mix of computational approaches—ranging from machine learning to physics-based simulations like molecular dynamics. It's a blend of biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science—all disciplines that the IISERs aim to integrate and nurture.

When I first joined IISER Kolkata back in 2019, I was filled with excitement—but also burdened with questions, misconceptions, and uncertainties. One of the most helpful resources I came across was a blog called pi = 3 by Vedanth Sriram, a 17MS senior at the time. Though some parts are a little dated now, it remains a beautiful and insightful snapshot of life at IISER Kolkata.

Now, it's my turn to pass it forward.

Let's dive into some frequently asked questions!

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"At IISER, science should be taught as it is practised and should be done as it is taught." — N Kumar, First Chairman, Board of Governors, IISER Pune (16 August 2006)

FAQ #1: What are IISERs?

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are a group of autonomous institutions established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education. Their mission is to promote high-quality education and cutting-edge research in the natural sciences.

There are currently seven IISERs, located in:

• IISER Kolkata (West Bengal)
• IISER Pune (Maharashtra)
• IISER Mohali (Punjab)
• IISER Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
• IISER Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
• IISER Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
• IISER Berhampur (Odisha)

Think of IISERs as similar to IITs or IIMs, but focused specifically on basic science and research, rather than engineering or management. Their goal is to nurture the next generation of scientists by fostering a research-driven academic environment from the undergraduate level itself.

If you want to read more about the origin of IISERs, there is a very nice book by some of the founding directors: The story of IISERs.

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FAQ #2: What courses are offered at IISERs?

At the undergraduate level, IISERs primarily offer programs that combine rigorous coursework with research opportunities across various disciplines in science. Here's a breakdown:

- Five-Year BS-MS Dual Degree Program

This is the flagship program offered at all IISERs. It is designed for science students and includes foundational courses in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, and Mathematics in the first two years, followed by specialization and research in later years.

- Five-Year BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences

• Offered exclusively at IISER Kolkata
• Tailored for students interested in the intersection of science and computing, this program blends core science with modern data-driven approaches.

- Four-Year Bachelor's Programs (IISER Bhopal & IISER Tirupati)

• B.Tech. in Data Science and Engineering – IISER Bhopal
• BS in Economic Sciences – IISER Bhopal
• BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences – IISER Tirupati

These programs still maintain IISERs' hallmark of research integration but are more focused on applied fields and interdisciplinary training.

Please note that courses provided by IISERs are ever evolving, so the best place to find the latest information would be the official website for admissions in IISERs.

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FAQ #3: How do I prepare for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)?

I gave the IAT back in 2019, so I'm a bit out of touch with the latest exam patterns and strategies. However, I came across a great resource by Arpita Bhat (IISER Tirupati) that serves as a fantastic starting point for anyone preparing for the exam.

It covers everything from the syllabus to preparation tips and recommended materials. You can check it out here.

If you're looking for a community to discuss preparation, share doubts, or just vent during the process, r/IATtards is the place to be. It's a focused forum where aspirants and alumni actively interact.

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FAQ #4: How Do I Select My Preference for IISERs?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer may surprise you:

There's no fixed rule. Unlike JEE ranks for IITs or cutoffs for NITs, IISERs don't follow a strict hierarchy. You'll often hear debates like "Is Pune better than Kolkata?" or "Should I avoid Tirupati?" — and while some of this is rooted in experience, most of it is subjective and nuanced.

So how do you choose?

Let's break it down:

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Age ≠ Quality, But It Affects Maturity

Older IISERs like Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, Bhopal, and Thiruvananthapuram generally have:

• More established departments
• Larger faculties
• Better-developed campuses
• More alumni and networks

But that doesn't mean the newer IISERs — Tirupati and Berhampur — are "bad." Far from it. Many of them are growing rapidly, and being in a newer institute can give you more room for leadership, experimentation, and visibility. Some of the most enthusiastic and proactive students I know are from the newer IISERs.

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Interested in a Particular Subject?

This is where it gets more personal. If you already know you love physics, biology, or earth science, look at the strength of that department in each IISER.

One (imperfect but informative) way to assess this is via Nature Index Rankings, which reflect publication output in top-tier journals.

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IISER Nature Index Rankings 2024

📎 Source: Nature Index

Use this table only to get a rough sense of where more active research is happening in each subject.

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TLDR — How to Decide?

• Do I care about a specific subject already? → Check department size/research output.
• Do I want a larger campus or more extracurriculars? → Older IISERs might offer more.
• Do I plan to stay close to home/family? → Consider geography too!

Ultimately, your success depends more on your own effort and curiosity than the IISER you attend. I've seen incredible students from every IISER — it's what you make of it that matters most.

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FAQ #5: What is the course structure of the BS-MS program?

The BS-MS dual degree program is the core offering at IISERs, and while the broad philosophy is the same across all institutes, the exact course structure can vary between IISERs and may change from year to year. The best way to get the most up-to-date details is to check the official website of each individual IISER.

That said, here's a brief overview of how the structure worked for me at IISER Kolkata:

• 1st Year: Everyone takes common introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, and Mathematics, along with an introductory Computer Science course and a Humanities elective. The idea is to give students a strong foundation across disciplines before they specialize.
• End of 1st Year: You choose three "pre-major" subjects out of the five core sciences to study in more depth in your second year. For me, I chose Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as my pre-majors.
• 2nd Year: You take more intermediate-level courses in your selected pre-major subjects.
• 3rd Year: You officially declare a major (from among your pre-majors) and begin taking advanced, specialized courses in that subject. I chose Biology as my major.
• 4th Year: You continue with higher-level major courses, with opportunities to explore electives and research projects.
• 5th Year: This year is typically dedicated to a Master's thesis, where you carry out a year-long research project in a lab or research group—often with the flexibility to do it outside your home IISER or even abroad.

In addition to your major, you can also opt for a minor in another department by completing a required number of credits. I personally took several courses in Computer and Data Sciences and was able to earn a minor in that area. This interdisciplinary flexibility is one of the biggest strengths of the IISER ecosystem.

More details about courses offered by each department at IISER Kolkata can be found here.

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FAQ #6: How do I choose a major?

One interesting trend I've noticed recently is that many IISER aspirants already have a very specific research interest before even joining the institute. Common buzzwords include astrophysics, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, AI for genetic engineering, cosmology, and similar futuristic fields.

While it's great to see such enthusiasm, my honest advice is: have patience and give yourself the space to explore. The way science is taught in +2 (Class 11–12) is very different from how you'll experience it at IISERs. Once you start taking real university-level courses, your interests may shift—and that's perfectly normal.

I've known people who entered IISERs determined to pursue astrophysics, but eventually fell in love with ecology, geology, or even computational biology. These are not fallback options—they're just equally rich, exciting areas that people discover along the way.

So don't box yourself into one field too early just because it sounds cool or trendy. Instead:

• Engage with all subjects during your first and second years
• Talk to faculty and seniors from different departments
• If possible, do an internship in a field outside your initial comfort zone (more on that later)
• Let your interest grow organically through exposure and experience

You'll get to choose your major at the end of your second year, so use that time to really explore. Keeping an open mind is one of the best decisions you can make early in your scientific journey.

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FAQ #7: What does student life at IISERs look like?

Student life at IISERs can vary a lot depending on your year, your interests, and how you choose to spend your time.

In my experience at IISER Kolkata, the first two years were the most academically packed. There's a fixed common curriculum, lots of coursework, and adjusting to the new system takes time. But as you move forward, things start becoming more flexible—both in terms of academics and time management. For example, by the 4th year, I was mostly focused on research. For some courses, I didn't even attend lectures—I spent my time learning specific skills and working in a lab instead.

One thing to know is that you'll be as busy as you want to be. There's no fixed formula. You can have loads of free time or be swamped all the time—it depends on how many activities, clubs, or research opportunities you choose to take on.

• Academics can get intense, especially around exam time. Some courses require serious effort.
• Outside academics, you'll find a lively mix of sports, cultural fests, music, drama, clubs, and random events on campus.
• Summers are a great time to travel, do internships, or just take a break.
• You'll also meet some brilliant, passionate people—some who study all the time, others who organize festivals, and some who do both!

Everyone's IISER journey is different. The system gives you enough freedom to craft your own experience—whether that means diving deep into research, playing badminton every evening, starting a campus club, or all of the above.

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FAQ #8: How is the campus life and hostel experience at IISERs?

Campus and hostel life at IISERs can vary from one institute to another, but some core themes remain the same—vibrant student communities, a wide range of clubs, and many opportunities to explore interests outside the classroom.

Speaking specifically about IISER Kolkata, here's what my experience looked like:

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Sports and Athletics

IISER Kolkata has several active sports clubs, including athletics, basketball, football, cricket, badminton, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and even indoor games like chess and carrom.

Each club typically has elected office bearers who organize:

• Inter-batch tournaments
• Selection matches for the Inter IISER/IISc/NISER/CEBS Sports Meet (IISM)
• Friendly matches with nearby institutes such as AIIMS Kalyani, IIIT Kalyani, etc.

The Inter IISER Sports Meet (IISM) is held annually, hosted by one of the IISERs. Teams from all IISERs, IISc, NISER, and CEBS compete in a range of sports. Even if you're not on the team, the event is a great way to be involved in something exciting, and many clubs offer coaching in preparation for IISM.

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Cultural Life and Clubs

IISER Kolkata has an active and diverse cultural scene. Some of the notable clubs include:

• Movie Club – screens films every weekend on campus
• Aarshi – the dramatics club, known for stage plays and performances
• Nature Club – organizes treks and nature walks
• Music Club – has instruments and jam sessions open to all
• Literary Club, Arts Club, Dance Club, PIXEL (the photography club)
• SPICMACAY Chapter – promotes Indian classical music and culture

These clubs regularly organize events, workshops, and performances that contribute to a lively campus atmosphere.

Many of these clubs also participate in the Inter IISER Cultural Meet (IICM) — the cultural equivalent of IISM — where students from all IISERs showcase talents in music, theatre, debate, dance, and other performing arts. IICM is another opportunity for travel, collaboration, and friendly competition across campuses.

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Other Student Initiatives and Clubs

• Campus Radio – hosts talk shows and playlists accessible online
• Ek Pehal – a student-run social outreach program that brings science education to local schoolchildren
• Identity – the Mathematics Club
• Singularity – the Astronomy Club
• Slashdot - Coding and Designing Club

Many more clubs exist, and new ones keep emerging depending on student interest. You can explore more on the IISER Kolkata website or by searching for specific club pages online.

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Hostel Life

Hostel facilities at IISER Kolkata are fairly standard and functional.

• In your first year, you'll typically share a room with two others.
• From the second year onward, rooms are usually shared between two students.
• Bathrooms are shared, and washing machines are available in the corridors (though their functionality may vary).
• There are general stores and food joints within the campus that cover basic daily needs and snacks.

While the hostels aren't luxurious, they're comfortable enough and become the backdrop for some of your most memorable experiences—whether that's late-night study sessions, corridor cricket, or spontaneous philosophical discussions over chai.

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FAQ #9: What about summer internships?

Before we begin, if you're an aspirant who hasn't joined IISER yet — take a deep breath and hold your horses. You really don't need to worry about internships just yet. Focus on getting in first, and you'll figure the rest out along the way.

Now, for IISER students, here's how summer internships generally work.

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When do internships happen?

Each summer, you'll get around 2.5 months of vacation, and many students choose to do internships for 1–2 months during this break. These internships can be a great way to explore research, gain skills, and build academic relationships.

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Two main routes to get internships

1. Formal internship programs

Many institutions in India (and abroad) offer structured summer internship programs. These include:

• Other IISERs
• IITs
• TIFR
• Research institutes and universities in India and abroad

You'll usually need:

• A CV
• A letter of motivation
• (Sometimes) a recommendation letter from a professor

While these programs tend to favor more senior students, it's not uncommon for first- or second-year students to get selected — so it's definitely worth a shot.

2. Cold-emailing professors

This is by far the more common route.

If you find a professor whose work you genuinely find interesting, consider writing them a short, personalized email expressing your interest. Here are some tips:

• Don't just copy-paste from their website.
• Actually read their papers or research pages.
• Clearly state what you found interesting and why you'd like to work with them.
• Keep it concise.
• Attach your CV.

This strategy works not only in India but anywhere in the world. Email profs at top institutes abroad — not for the "abroad" tag, but because you find their science fascinating. A foreign internship isn't automatically more valuable than one in India — what matters most is your curiosity and what you learn.

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Can internships lead to long-term opportunities?

Yes — absolutely. Here are two personal examples:

• After my second year, I interned with Prof. Neelanjana Sengupta at IISER Kolkata's mCED group. I continued working with her lab even after summer because I was genuinely interested. Over the next couple of years, I gained valuable research experience and even published a paper.
• After my third year, I wrote to Prof. Matteo Dal Peraro at EPFL because I found his work at the interface of ML and molecular modeling exciting. We applied for the ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship, and I got to work at EPFL for a summer. I liked it so much that I went back for my master's thesis — and I'm now doing my PhD in the same lab.

You don't need to follow this exact path — I just want to show that meaningful internships often come from deep engagement and continuity, not just sending dozens of random emails.

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Internships are not limited to just the summer. You can also get involved with research during the semester. If there’s a professor whose work you find interesting, don’t hesitate to reach out to them even during the academic term. You might be able to work on a small project alongside your coursework. In fact, many students at IISERs start getting involved in labs from their second or third year onwards. These semester-long projects can be less intensive than summer internships but still provide deep insights into scientific research and help you build long-term mentorships. The bottom line: stay curious, keep exploring, and don’t rush. Good things come when you invest sincerely in what you’re learning.

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FAQ #10: What after BS-MS at IISER?

Alright, this is a big one. Many of you aspirants and parents — this is what you've been waiting for. You went to IISER, studied high-level science, did your internships, struggled through your exams... what next?

Well, the answer is more open-ended than you might expect. So let's break it down into smaller questions to make things clearer.

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A general note before we begin:

IISERs are designed to train you in the sciences. They're not meant to guarantee a job or position afterward. That might sound harsh, but it's important to understand: there is no single, clear, full-and-final plan with guaranteed outcomes. That's not a flaw of the system — it's just how science (and life) works. The world of research is full of uncertainties. But that doesn't make it bleak — in fact, it means it's flexible, creative, and full of options.

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The most common path: PhD

How do you apply for PhDs?

PhD applications are like summer internship applications — just more intense. It takes a mix of skill, experience, and a bit of luck. Applications are also region-dependent, so let's start with India.

PhD in India

There are several entrance exams to become eligible for PhD programs in India:

• GATE
• CSIR/UGC-NET
• JEST
• ICMR-JRF, etc.

These exams are quite competitive, and they make you eligible to apply to places like IISERs, IITs, NITs, IISc, and more. Once you apply, you may be shortlisted for interviews — again, highly competitive.

If selected, you'll start your PhD with a stipend of around ₹37,000–₹45,000 per month, depending on the fellowship and year of study. If you're very fortunate, you might even get the prestigious PMRF, which offers ₹80,000/month.

A PhD in India typically lasts 5–6 years.

I know many people doing excellent research during their PhDs in India — the research community here is vibrant and growing.

PhD Abroad

In developed countries, the application processes and benefits vary widely.

• In the US, you typically apply via centralized university portals. If shortlisted, you're called for interviews.
• In Europe, although similar routes exist, it's more common to directly email professors for open funded positions.

How is the pay?

PhD stipends abroad vary a lot, but are usually enough to live comfortably and save.

For example, I'll be transparent — I currently do my PhD at EPFL, Switzerland.

• My annual salary is around 56,000 CHF (~₹58 LPA).
• After taxes, I take home ~3550 CHF/month, plus a 13th salary bonus.
• I save ~1000 CHF/month despite a fairly comfortable lifestyle (eating out, traveling, investing, etc.).

This is on the higher end, but many western PhD programs provide similar quality of life and financial stability.

What does PhD life look like?

It varies greatly based on your lab and field. Since I'm in a computational lab, I have flexible working hours. I usually work 9 to 5, sometimes more, sometimes less. On weekends, I travel around, hang out with friends, go for hikes, etc.

But this isn't universal — some labs can be very demanding, and experiences can range from "amazing" to "exhausting." Most people fall somewhere in between.

How hard is it to get a PhD?

Depends on where you apply. Ivy League or top European schools are obviously very competitive, but not out of reach. If you're committed to research, IISER can place you in a strong position for PhD programs.

What CGPA do I need?

Honestly, CGPA is overrated.

Yes, it can help you clear initial filters. But beyond that, what matters more is:

• Strong fundamentals
• Hands-on research experience
• Projects and internships
• Letters of recommendation

Above a CGPA of ~8, all these other factors matter more.

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What after PhD?

Here are some typical directions:

Postdoc

A temporary (1–3 years) research position to build your scientific independence. Crucial if you're aiming for a faculty role.

Academia

With a strong postdoc and good publications, you can apply to research/teaching roles in IISERs, IITs, or abroad. Competitive, but meaningful if you love science and mentoring.

Industry R&D

Many IISER PhDs work in R&D at companies like TCS Research, AstraZeneca, Siemens, or biotech firms. Particularly true for those in applied/computational domains.

Startups & Entrepreneurship

Several alumni go on to create startups — often at the interface of science, health, and AI.

Non-traditional paths

Many also move to:

• Government and policy roles
• Data science / analytics
• Consulting / Finance / Product roles

Your PhD trains you in problem-solving, and that's valued in many fields.

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What if I don't want to do a PhD?

That's perfectly fine.

Many IISER grads:

• Join MBA programs at IIMs or abroad
• Transition to tech roles (software, data science)
• Work in consulting or finance
• Start their own ventures

The number of such alternate paths is growing every year, and so is the community of alumni supporting each other.

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Where are IISER alumni now?

All around the world!

Some are professors, some are scientists in top labs, some are industry leaders, some work in global policy, some have built companies, — it's a vibrant and growing community.

Here is a (very incomplete) map of IISER Kolkata alumni around the world: map

A bit more updated map of alumni from all IISERs around the world: map

If you're interested in learning more about specific career paths or connecting with alumni in certain fields, feel free to reach out and I can try to point you in the right direction.