Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Accepted Entrance Exams 2026

Comprehensive guide to national entrance tests, qualifying cutoffs, and departmental selection criteria for IISc Bangalore admissions.

9 National Tests Accepted

Fact-Checked Against Official IISc Bangalore Admissions Brochure 2026

All entrance tests listed below are authenticated against statutory admissions notifications published by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and conducting national bodies (NTA, IIT JAB, GATE Committee).

JEE Advanced IIT (Zonal Organizing IIT on rotation) Computer Based Test (CBT)

Joint Entrance Examination Advanced

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

B.Tech in Mathematics & Computing, Bachelor of Science (Research) in 6 Major Disciplines

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

All India CRL Rank under 360 (B.Tech Math & Computing) / under 2,200 (B.Sc Research)

Eligibility & Weightage: Class 12 / Higher Secondary (PCM) with minimum 75% aggregate marks and qualifying rank in JEE Advanced. Selection Formula: 100% JEE Advanced Common Rank List (CRL) merit through IISc Admissions Portal

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

GATE IISc Bangalore & 7 IITs Computer Based Test (CBT)

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

M.Tech (18+ Disciplines), M.Des, Ph.D in Engineering, Research M.Tech

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

Scaled Score 700 - 920+ (General), 630+ (OBC-NCL), 480+ (SC/ST)

Eligibility & Weightage: B.E. / B.Tech / M.Sc with valid GATE score in relevant discipline (Minimum 60% aggregate marks). Selection Formula: 70% GATE Score + 30% Written Test / Technical Interview

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

CEED IIT Bombay Computer Based (Part A) + Pen & Paper (Part B)

Common Entrance Examination for Design

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Master of Design (M.Des) at Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing (CPDM)

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

CEED Score 55+ / Rank under 80

Eligibility & Weightage: Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Design with qualifying CEED or GATE score. Selection Formula: 70% CEED Score + Design Aptitude Test (DAT) & Portfolio Interview

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

IIT JAM IITs on rotation (IIT Madras / IIT Delhi) Computer Based Test (CBT)

Joint Admission Test for Masters

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Integrated Ph.D (Int. Ph.D) in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

All India Rank under 50 - 120 (depending on discipline)

Eligibility & Weightage: Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.Sc) / Mathematics with minimum first-class or equivalent GPA. Selection Formula: JAM Score for shortlisting + Comprehensive In-Person Departmental Interview

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

CSIR NET National Testing Agency (NTA) Computer Based Test (CBT)

CSIR UGC NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Chemical, Physical, Earth & Life Sciences

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Awardee in top rank bracket

Eligibility & Weightage: Master’s degree in Sciences (M.Sc) with valid CSIR-JRF or UGC-JRF award letter. Selection Formula: JRF fellowship shortlisting + Rigorous Research Thesis Proposal & Viva Interview

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

JEE Main National Testing Agency (NTA) Computer Based Test (CBT)

Joint Entrance Examination Main

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc Research) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Materials, Earth Sciences

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

99.85 - 99.98 Percentile (AIR under 1,500)

Eligibility & Weightage: Class 12 (PCM) with 60%+ aggregate marks; top percentile in JEE Main Paper 1. Selection Formula: Direct merit allocation based on JEE Main CRL percentile

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

CAT Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs on rotation) Computer Based Test (CBT)

Common Admission Test

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Master of Management (M.Mgt) at Department of Management Studies (DoMS)

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

98.50+ Percentile in CAT with strong quantitative / data aptitude

Eligibility & Weightage: B.E. / B.Tech with first class; valid CAT or GMAT percentile. Selection Formula: CAT Score for shortlisting + Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI)

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

NEET UG National Testing Agency (NTA) Pen and Paper Test (OMR Based)

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc Research) - Biology & Interdisciplinary Biosciences Major

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

All India Rank (AIR) under 250 in NEET UG

Eligibility & Weightage: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Mathematics (60%+ marks). Selection Formula: Direct merit counseling through IISc Admissions Portal

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

IISER IAT Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) Computer Based Test (CBT)

IISER Aptitude Test

2026 Admissions Accepted

Programs Offered via this Exam:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc Research) Four-Year Honours Degree

Expected Cutoff / Qualifying Score:

Top 1% Rank in IISER Aptitude Test

Eligibility & Weightage: Class 12 science stream; valid score in IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Selection Formula: IAT Scorecard merit list

Exam Hub & Schedule PYQ Papers (PDF) Cutoff Trends Free Mock Test

Program-Wise Entrance Exam Acceptance Matrix 2026 Statutory Criteria

Quick reference of degree levels offered at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the corresponding national entrance tests mandated for admissions:

Program Level & Degree	Accepted National Exam(s)	Minimum Academic Eligibility	Selection Weightage
B.Tech (Mathematics & Computing) 4-Year Undergraduate Degree	JEE Advanced	Class 12 (PCM) with 75% aggregate marks	100% JEE Advanced CRL Rank
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc Research) Physics, Chem, Maths, Bio, Materials, Earth Sci	JEE Advanced JEE Main NEET UG IISER IAT	Class 12 (PCM/PCB) with 60% aggregate marks	National Scorecard Merit through IISc Portal
M.Tech / M.Engg 18+ Specialized Technical Disciplines	GATE	B.E. / B.Tech / M.Sc with first class (60%+)	70% GATE Score + 30% Written Test/Interview (or 100% GATE for Course M.Tech)
Master of Design (M.Des) Centre for Product Design & Manufacturing	CEED GATE	Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Design	70% CEED/GATE + 30% Design Aptitude & Portfolio
Master of Management (M.Mgt) Department of Management Studies (DoMS)	CAT GATE GMAT	B.E. / B.Tech degree with first class	CAT/GATE Score Shortlist + GD & PI
Integrated Ph.D (Int. Ph.D) Biological, Chemical, Physical & Mathematical	IIT JAM JEST	B.Sc / Mathematics Bachelor’s degree with first class	JAM Score Shortlist + In-Person Technical Interview
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Engineering, Sciences & Interdisciplinary	CSIR-UGC NET JRF GATE JEST / DBT JRF	Master’s degree in relevant discipline	National Fellowship / Score + Research Proposal Defense

5-Step Admission & Counseling Roadmap 2026

1. Appear in National Exam

2. University Portal Registration

Fill online application on IISc Bangalore admissions portal before the closing deadline.

3. Shortlisting & Cutoff Release

Department releases category-wise cutoff scores and interview call letters.

4. Departmental Test / Interview

Appear for in-person or online technical assessment where prescribed by the department.

5. Seat Allotment & Fee Payment

Download provisional admission letter, submit academic verification documents, and remit semester fees.

Frequently Asked Questions: IISc Bangalore Entrance Tests

Does IISc Bangalore conduct its own separate entrance test?

Most degree programs at IISc Bangalore admit candidates strictly through national centralized examinations such as GATE, JEE Advanced, JEE Main, IIT JAM, CEED, and CAT. However, for certain postgraduate research and Ph.D disciplines, shortlisted applicants must undergo a departmental written test and oral technical interview.

Can I apply for B.Sc Research using both JEE Main and NEET UG?

Yes! Candidates can enter scores for multiple eligible entrance examinations (JEE Advanced, JEE Main, NEET UG, and IISER IAT) in their IISc Bangalore online application form. Merit will be determined based on the stream in which the candidate ranks highest against the category cutoff.

What is the minimum GATE score required for M.Tech admissions?

While qualifying cutoffs vary by discipline, top specializations like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Microelectronics typically require a scaled GATE score of 800 to 920+ for General category candidates, with relaxed cutoffs for OBC-NCL, EWS, and SC/ST categories.