IISER Kolkata: Courses, Fees, Placements, Entrance Exam & Summer Internship 2026
Quick Answer
What is IISER Kolkata and how do you get admission in 2026?
IISER Kolkata (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata) is an Institute of National Importance established in 2006 in Mohanpur, West Bengal. It offers a 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree, PhD, and integrated PhD programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Earth Sciences, and Computational Data Sciences. Admission to BS-MS programmes is through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT 2026), conducted on June 7, 2026. The total UG fee is ₹5.12 Lakhs (General category). The NIRF 2025 median placement package for BS-MS graduates is ₹10 LPA, with most students opting for higher studies at top global universities.
Need Help with IISER Kolkata Admission 2026?
Get free one-on-one counselling from our education advisors — IAT strategy, college shortlisting, and application support.
Book Free Counselling Session
Table of Contents
- IISER Kolkata – Overview & Key Facts 2026
- Courses Offered at IISER Kolkata
- Fee Structure 2026-27 (UG, PG, PhD)
- Entrance Exam: IAT 2026 – Dates, Syllabus & Cutoff
- Admission Process Step by Step
- Placements 2024-25 – Salary, Recruiters & Higher Studies
- Summer Internship Programme 2026
- Rankings & Reputation
- People Also Ask (FAQs)
1. IISER Kolkata – Overview & Key Facts 2026
IISER Kolkata was set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the National Education Policy to create world-class science research institutions in India. The campus is located in Mohanpur, Nadia district, West Bengal — about 60 km from Kolkata city.
Unlike Engineering Colleges, IISER Kolkata focuses entirely on basic and applied science research. The curriculum integrates undergraduate teaching with active laboratory research from Year 1 itself. Students are encouraged to publish papers, attend international conferences, and pursue PhD programmes at top institutions globally after graduation.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Full Name |
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata |
| Established |
2006 |
| Type |
Institute of National Importance (Autonomous) |
| Location |
Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal – 741246 |
| NIRF Overall Rank 2025 |
#61 (Overall), #46 (Research Institutions) |
| UG Entrance Exam |
IAT 2026 (June 7, 2026) |
| Official Website |
iiserkol.ac.in |
| Admission Portal |
iiseradmission.in |
2. Courses Offered at IISER Kolkata
IISER Kolkata offers programmes at three levels — UG (integrated), PG, and Doctoral. The flagship programme is the 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree, which combines a Bachelor of Science with a Master of Science. Students choose their major discipline at the end of the first year based on performance and interest.
UG Programme — BS-MS Dual Degree (5 Years)
| Subject / Department |
Duration |
Admission Channel |
| Physics |
5 Years |
IAT / JEE Advanced |
| Chemistry |
5 Years |
IAT / JEE Advanced |
| Mathematics & Statistics |
5 Years |
IAT / JEE Advanced |
| Biological Sciences |
5 Years |
IAT / JEE Advanced |
| Earth Sciences |
5 Years |
IAT / JEE Advanced |
| Computational & Data Sciences (CDS) |
5 Years |
IAT / JEE Advanced |
PG & Doctoral Programmes
| Programme |
Duration |
Entrance |
| M.Sc. (2 Year) |
2 Years |
JAM / IIT-JAM |
| Integrated PhD (M.Sc + PhD) |
5–6 Years |
JGEEBILS / Interview |
| PhD (Full-Time) |
4–6 Years |
UGC NET / GATE / Interview |
| Part-Time PhD (6 Specialisations) |
4–7 Years |
UGC NET / Interview |
Note: The BS+MS in Computational & Data Sciences (CDS) is the most competitive programme at IISER Kolkata. In 2025, its closing IAT rank for General category was 2,745 in Round 1 — making it the most sought-after
Course on campus.
3. IISER Kolkata Fee Structure 2026-27
The fee structure at IISER Kolkata covers tuition, hostel, mess, and one-time security deposits. Fees vary by programme and category. The UG fee structure for 2026-27 has been officially released.
BS-MS Total Fee (5 Years) – 2026-27
| Category |
Total Academic Fee (5 Years) |
Application Fee |
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS |
₹5.12 Lakhs |
₹2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD |
₹1.21 Lakhs |
₹1,000 |
Programme-wise Fee Comparison
| Programme |
Total Fee (Approx.) |
| BS+MS (General) |
₹5.12 Lakhs |
| BS+MS in CDS (General) |
₹5.08 Lakhs |
| M.Sc. (PG – 2 Year) |
₹1.91 Lakhs |
| Integrated PhD |
₹1.91–₹5.12 Lakhs |
| Part-Time PhD |
₹1.19–₹3.69 Lakhs |
Scholarship Alert: IISER Kolkata BS-MS students from General/OBC category are eligible for the
KVPY / DST-INSPIRE Fellowship worth ₹5,000–₹7,000 per month during the first four years. SC/ST students get near-full fee waivers. Check the official site for the
Latest Scholarship notifications.
Confused About Which IISER Is Right for You?
Our experts compare all 7 IISERs on rank cutoffs, subjects, fees, and research output — so you choose with full clarity.
Get Free IISER Comparison Report
4. IAT 2026 – Entrance Exam Dates, Pattern & Cutoff
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is a national-level computer-based exam held jointly for all 7 IISERs and IISc Bangalore. It tests Class 12 level knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
IAT 2026 Key Dates
| Event |
Date / Status |
| Application Form Release |
March 5, 2026 |
| Application Window Closed |
Closed (2026 cycle) |
| Admit Card Released |
Released at iiseradmission.in |
| IAT 2026 Exam Date |
June 7, 2026 (9:00 AM onwards) |
| Result Declaration |
Last week of June 2026 (expected) |
| Counselling Rounds |
July–August 2026 (Online, 8–9 rounds) |
IAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Detail |
Specification |
| Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Marks |
240 Marks |
| Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (60 marks each) |
| Questions |
60 MCQs (15 per subject) |
| Duration |
3 Hours |
| Eligibility (Class 12) |
Min. 60% (Gen/OBC/EWS) | 55% (SC/ST/PwD) |
IISER Kolkata IAT Cutoff 2025 (Actual – Round-wise)
These are actual closing ranks from IAT 2025 counselling for IISER Kolkata BS-MS programme. Use these as your 2026 benchmark:
| Category |
Round 1 |
Round 3 |
Round 6 (Final) |
| General / OBC |
935 |
2,904 |
4,758 |
| OBC-NCL |
— |
1,946 |
3,516 |
| EWS |
— |
— |
1,005 |
| SC |
— |
— |
1,129 |
| ST |
— |
— |
675 |
Source: Careers360 | IISER Kolkata IAT Cutoff data from 2025 official counselling rounds
Score Target for 2026: Aim for 184+ out of 240 in IAT 2026 to land within Rank 500, which gives you a strong shot at IISER Kolkata Round 1. For IISc Bangalore, you need 240+. The safe score across all IISERs is 200+.
5. Admission Process 2026 – Step by Step
There are three admission channels for the BS-MS programme at IISER Kolkata:
SCB Channel (50% Seats)
Clear IAT 2026. Open to all Class 12 Science students meeting minimum marks criteria.
JEE Advanced Channel
Reserved for top
JEE Advanced rankers. Separate seat quota. Apply via IISER admission portal after JEE results.
KVPY Channel
Valid KVPY SX / SA stream fellowship holders (now replaced by INSPIRE) are eligible for a few reserved seats.
Step-by-Step Admission via IAT 2026
- Check Eligibility: Class 12 in Science with min. 60% marks (General) or 55% (SC/ST/PwD). Must have Physics, Chemistry + Maths or Biology.
- Register on iiseradmission.in: The 2026 application window has already closed. For 2027, registrations typically open in March.
- Download Admit Card: Available at iiseradmission.in with login credentials.
- Appear for IAT 2026: Exam on June 7, 2026 in CBT mode.
- Check Result & Rank: Results expected in the last week of June 2026.
- Fill Seat Acceptance Form (SAF): Rank holders register preferences online for institute and programme.
- Counselling Rounds (8–9 Rounds): Seat allotment based on rank and preferences. Options — Freeze, Float, or Reject seat.
- Pay Seat Acceptance Fee: ₹25,000 (General/OBC-NCL) or ₹12,500 (SC/ST/EWS/PwD) after each allotment.
- Report to Campus: Complete document verification and fee payment at IISER Kolkata.
6. IISER Kolkata Placements 2024-25
Honest Reality Check on Placements
IISER Kolkata is primarily a research institution, not a placement-driven College. The majority of graduates — roughly 56–65% each year — choose to pursue higher studies (PhD, postdoctoral work) at top universities in India and abroad (IITs, IISc, MIT, Stanford, Oxford). Campus placements are limited, and students who do sit for placements are typically those opting for industry roles in pharma, data science, consulting, or finance.
BS-MS Placement Report 2024 (NIRF 2025 Data)
| Particulars |
BS-MS (5-Year) |
MS (2-Year PG) |
| Total Graduates |
161 |
14 |
| Students Placed |
12 |
2 |
| Median Salary (Placed) |
₹10 LPA |
₹15 LPA |
| Students Opted for Higher Studies |
91 |
— |
Top Recruiters at IISER Kolkata
Deloitte Google Research TCS Research HSBC Intel JP Morgan BCG American Express Dr. Reddy's 3M Cars24
Key Insight: If you are joining IISER Kolkata, your primary goal should be to pursue a PhD at a top institution or a research role in industry. Those who do land jobs through placements earn competitive salaries — ₹10–15 LPA for BS-MS graduates. The highest reported package across IISER placements in 2024–25 has touched ₹42 LPA in select tech and data science roles.
7. IISER Kolkata Summer Internship 2026
IISER Kolkata runs a Summer Research Programme (SRP) that allows undergraduate and master's students from other institutions to work with IISER faculty on live research projects. The programme typically runs from May to July each year.
Important 2026 Update
As officially announced on the IISER Kolkata Summer Research portal (iiserkol.ac.in/~summer.research), the IISER-K Summer Research Programme will NOT be conducted in Summer 2026. The last programme was held in 2025 (May 19 onwards). Students looking for summer research opportunities in 2026 should explore the IAS-SRFP (Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Research Fellowship), JNCASR fellowships, or individual department-level internships at IISER Kolkata by directly contacting faculty.
How to Apply for Research Internships at IISER Kolkata (Alternate Routes)
| Programme |
Who Can Apply |
When to Apply |
| IAS-SRFP (Indian Academy of Sciences) |
BSc 2nd/3rd year, MSc |
November–January |
| JNCASR Summer Research Fellowship |
BSc 2nd/3rd year, MSc |
February |
| Direct Faculty Email |
Any year, any stream |
January–March |
| SERB-SSR Project Positions |
BSc/MSc with strong academics |
Year-round (check IISER Kolkata vacancies page) |
For the 2025 programme, applications opened February 28 and closed April 9 with 60-day internships starting May 19. Successful applicants received a stipend of up to ₹5,000/month for SERB-funded positions.
8. IISER Kolkata Rankings & Reputation
| Ranking Agency |
Category |
Rank 2025 |
| NIRF 2025 |
Overall |
#61 |
| NIRF 2025 |
Research Institutions |
#46 |
| Among all IISERs |
Overall |
2nd (after IISER Pune) |
Planning to Apply to IISER Kolkata in 2027?
Start your preparation now. Our experts help you build an IAT study plan, evaluate your profile, and guide you through the counselling process.
Talk to an Expert Compare All 7 IISERs
9. People Also Ask – FAQs About IISER Kolkata 2026
Q1. Is IISER Kolkata better than IIT for science students?
It depends entirely on your goal. If you want a career in pure science research, IISER Kolkata is a better choice than most IITs — it is among India's top research institutions with world-class labs and faculty focused exclusively on science. IITs are better suited for engineering, technology, and industry placements. For research-oriented students aiming at international PhD programmes, IISER Kolkata (NIRF #46 in Research) has a strong track record of placing graduates at MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and top Indian research institutes.
Q2. What is the total fee at IISER Kolkata for a 5-year BS-MS programme?
As per the 2026-27 fee release, the total academic fee for the 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree is
₹5.12 Lakhs for General / OBC / EWS category students and
₹1.21 Lakhs for SC/ST/PwD students. This covers tuition only. Additional costs include hostel fee (approximately ₹44,000–₹90,000 per year), mess charges, and a one-time security deposit. KVPY/DST-
INSPIRE Scholarship holders receive monthly stipends that can partially offset living costs.
Q3. What is the IAT 2026 exam date and how do I prepare?
The IAT 2026 exam was scheduled for June 7, 2026 in computer-based mode. The exam is 3 hours long, covers 60 MCQs across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (15 questions each, 4 marks each, total 240). For preparation, focus on NCERT Class 11–12 concepts deeply, practice previous IAT papers, and solve problems from HC Verma (Physics), NCERT Chemistry, and SL Loney or ML Khanna for Mathematics. Target a score above 184 for a reasonable shot at IISER Kolkata.
Q4. Are placements good at IISER Kolkata?
Campus placements at IISER Kolkata are limited because the institute is research-focused. As per NIRF 2025, only 12 out of 161 BS-MS graduates were placed in 2024, with a median salary of ₹10 LPA. The majority (91 students) chose higher studies. Students who do get placed go into data science, pharma R&D, consulting, and finance roles with companies like Google Research, Deloitte, JP Morgan, and HSBC. If your primary goal is a high-paying job right after graduation, IITs or BITS are better choices. If your goal is research, IISER Kolkata has exceptional value.
Q5. Is the IISER Kolkata Summer Internship available in 2026?
No. IISER Kolkata has officially announced that its Summer Research Programme will not be conducted in Summer 2026. Students interested in research internships can apply through the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS) SRFP, the JNCASR Summer Fellowship, or by directly contacting IISER Kolkata faculty whose research interests match theirs. Department-level and SERB-funded project positions may still be available throughout the year on the institute's vacancies page.
Q6. Which is the best course to study at IISER Kolkata?
The BS+MS in Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) is currently the most competitive and career-versatile programme at IISER Kolkata. It had the lowest closing IAT rank (2,745 in 2025 Round 1), confirming high demand. For students with a deep interest in biology, the Biological Sciences programme connects directly to top international PhD programmes. Mathematics & Statistics and Physics are best suited for those aiming at academia and research institutions. Choose your subject based on genuine interest — research careers require multi-year commitment to a discipline.
Q7. What is the IISER Kolkata IAT 2025 cutoff for General category?
As per official counselling data, the IAT 2025 closing rank for General/OBC category at IISER Kolkata in Round 6 was 4,758. In Round 1, the opening rank was 935. This means candidates with an IAT rank between 935 and 4,758 (General) had a chance of admission depending on the counselling round and programme preference. For CDS specifically, the Round 1 closing rank was 2,745. Competition is expected to be slightly higher in 2026.
Q8. Can a Kolkata student commute daily to IISER Kolkata?
Daily commuting is not practical for most students. IISER Kolkata's Mohanpur campus is approximately 60 km from Kolkata city centre. The campus has its own residential hostels, mess, and all student facilities. The institute strongly encourages on-campus living, especially for research-focused programmes where lab access at flexible hours is essential. Hostel accommodation is available for almost all students.
Q9. What is the IISER Kolkata admission process for PhD in 2026?
PhD admissions at IISER Kolkata happen twice a year (Autumn and Spring). For Autumn 2026,
Applications are open at
apply.iiserkol.ac.in. The selection is based on qualifying a national test (UGC-NET / GATE / JGEEBILS / NBHM), followed by a written test and personal interview conducted by the respective department. Candidates with an MSc or BS-MS degree in the relevant science discipline are eligible. Selected PhD scholars receive a monthly fellowship as per DST norms.
Editorial Note & Disclaimer:
All data in this article is sourced from the IISER Kolkata official website (iiserkol.ac.in), NIRF 2025 report, and the official IISER admissions portal (iiseradmission.in). Fee structures and placement figures are as released for 2026-27. Cutoff ranks are based on actual 2025 counselling data. This article is updated as of June 2026. Students are advised to cross-check all critical dates and fees directly on the official portals before making decisions. MyCollegeGyd does not claim affiliation with IISER Kolkata.
