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IAT 2026 PREPARATION

IISER IAT 2026: Complete Syllabus + Chapter-wise Trend Analysis (2017–2025)

Published: June 03, 2026 Last Updated: June 04, 2026 Author: Team PREP4IISER Read Time: 15 min read Views: 70
IISER IAT 2026: Complete Syllabus + Chapter-wise Trend Analysis (2017–2025)

Exam: IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2026

Format: 60 Questions — 15 per subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics)

Data Source: Analysis of IAT papers from 2017 to 2025 (9 years)

Key Insight: Certain chapters appear every single year, others almost never. This guide maps the complete syllabus against that data so you know exactly what to prioritise.

If you are preparing for IISER IAT 2026, studying the entire syllabus without a strategy is the fastest way to waste time. Nine years of paper data (2017–2025) show clear patterns — certain chapters appear every single year, others almost never. This guide maps the complete syllabus against that data so you know exactly what to prioritise.


How to Read This Guide

Each subject section contains:

  • Complete syllabus — every topic officially included in IAT
  • Trend table — average questions per chapter over 9 years with visual indicators
  • Priority matrix — what to focus on first, second, and last

Priority Badge Guide

Badge Priority Level Meaning
CRITICAL PRIORITY Must-Do Appears almost every year. Master these completely.
HIGH PRIORITY High Value Appears frequently. Study thoroughly after critical topics.
MEDIUM PRIORITY Cover Before Exam Appears occasionally. Do one revision pass.
LOW PRIORITY If Time Permits Rare appearance. Skip if short on time.

Subject 1: Biology

BIOLOGY — Complete Syllabus & Trend Analysis

Complete Syllabus

Unit Key Topics Covered
Diversity in the Living World Taxonomic categories, Five Kingdoms, Plant Kingdom (Algae to Angiosperms), Animal Kingdom classification
Structural Organisation Morphology of flowering plants, Anatomy of flowering plants, Structural organisation in animals (Frog)
Cell: Structure and Functions Cell theory, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells, Biomolecules, Enzymes, Cell cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis
Plant Physiology Photosynthesis (Light reactions, C4 pathway, Photorespiration), Respiration (Glycolysis, Krebs cycle), Plant Growth Regulators
Human Physiology Breathing and gas exchange, Blood and circulation, Excretion, Locomotion, Neural control, Endocrine system
Reproduction Sexual reproduction in flowering plants, Human reproduction, Reproductive health
Genetics and Evolution Mendelian inheritance, Molecular basis of inheritance, DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Biology in Human Welfare Immunity, AIDS, Cancer, Microbes in household and industrial use
Biotechnology Recombinant DNA technology, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, Agricultural and medical applications
Ecology Organisms and populations, Ecosystem structure and function, Biodiversity and conservation

Chapter-wise Trend Analysis (2017-2025)

Chapter Avg. Questions/Year Frequency (9 years) Trend Priority
Animal Physiology 2.2 9/9 ↑ Consistent CRITICAL
Plant Physiology 1.8 9/9 ↑ Consistent CRITICAL
Biotechnology 1.3 8/9 → Stable CRITICAL
Ecology 1.3 8/9 → Stable CRITICAL
Cell Biology 1.2 8/9 → Stable HIGH
Genetics 1.1 8/9 → Stable HIGH
Morphology and Anatomy 1.1 7/9 → Stable HIGH
Health and Disease 1.0 7/9 → Stable HIGH
Diversity of Life 1.0 7/9 → Stable MEDIUM
Molecular Biology 0.7 5/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Reproduction 0.7 5/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Biomolecules 0.6 4/9 → Occasional LOW
Evolution 0.6 4/9 → Occasional LOW

Biology Priority Matrix

Critical Priority — Study First (Covering ~9-10 marks out of 15)

  • Animal Physiology — Human digestive, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, respiratory and excretory systems
  • Plant Physiology — Photosynthesis mechanisms (light reactions, Calvin cycle, C4 pathway), xylem/phloem transport, plant growth regulators (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins)
  • Cell Biology — Organelle functions, membrane transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), enzyme kinetics (Michaelis-Menten)
  • Genetics — Mendelian laws, DNA structure and replication, mutations, genetic disorders (Sickle Cell Anaemia, Thalassemia)
  • Ecology — Ecosystems, food chains, carbon and nitrogen cycles, population dynamics (exponential and logistic growth)

High Priority — Study Second (Covering ~3-4 marks out of 15)

  • Molecular Biology — Replication, transcription, translation, lac operon, RNA processing
  • Biotechnology — Recombinant DNA, PCR, gel electrophoresis, transgenic organisms (Bt cotton, Flavr Savr tomato)
  • Health and Disease — Immune response (antibody-mediated and cell-mediated), AIDS, cancer, microbes in human welfare

Medium Priority — Cover Before Exam

  • Diversity of Life, Morphology and Anatomy, Reproduction, Biomolecules, Evolution

Subject 2: Chemistry

CHEMISTRY — Complete Syllabus & Trend Analysis

Complete Syllabus

Unit Key Topics Covered
Basic Concepts Mole concept, stoichiometry, empirical and molecular formulae
Atomic Structure Bohr's model, Quantum mechanical model, Quantum numbers
Periodic Table Periodic trends, electronic configurations, s/p/d/f blocks
Chemical Bonding Lewis structures, VSEPR, hybridisation, MOT, hydrogen bonding
d- and f-Block Elements Transition element properties, KMnO₄ and K₂Cr₂O₇ reactions, lanthanoids
Coordination Compounds Werner's theory, nomenclature, isomerism, Crystal Field Theory, magnetism
Thermodynamics Laws of thermodynamics, enthalpy, Gibbs energy, spontaneity
Equilibrium Equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier's principle, pH, buffer solutions
Redox Reactions Oxidation numbers, electron transfer, electrode processes
Solutions Concentration terms, colligative properties, Raoult's law
Electrochemistry Galvanic cells, Nernst equation, electrolysis, corrosion
Chemical Kinetics Rate laws, Arrhenius equation, integrated rate equations
Organic Chemistry (Basics) IUPAC nomenclature, isomerism, reaction mechanisms, GOC
Hydrocarbons Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes SN1/SN2 mechanisms, elimination reactions
Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers Kolbe's reaction, Williamson synthesis, Reimer-Tiemann reaction
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Aldol condensation, Grignard reagents, acidity comparisons
Amines Basicity, diazotisation, preparation methods
Biomolecules Carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, vitamins

Chapter-wise Trend Analysis (2017-2025)

Chapter Avg. Questions/Year Frequency (9 years) Trend Priority
Coordination Chemistry 1.5 8/9 ↑ Rising CRITICAL
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids 1.5 7/9 → High but volatile CRITICAL
Chemical Bonding 1.3 8/9 ↑ Rising CRITICAL
Thermodynamics 1.1 9/9 ↑ Consistent CRITICAL
Electrochemistry 1.1 9/9 → Consistent CRITICAL
Hydrocarbons 1.1 7/9 → Stable HIGH
Atomic Structure 1.0 7/9 → Stable HIGH
Chemical Kinetics 0.9 6/9 → Stable HIGH
Introduction to Organic and GOC 0.8 6/9 → Stable HIGH
Amines 0.8 5/9 → Stable MEDIUM
Periodic Properties 0.7 5/9 → Moderate MEDIUM
Solutions 0.6 4/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes 0.6 4/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Solid State 0.4 3/9 → Low LOW
d- and f-Block Elements 0.3 2/9 → Low LOW
Metallurgy / Gaseous State / Surface Chemistry 0.1 each 1/9 → Rare LOW

Chemistry Priority Matrix

Critical Priority — Study First (Covering ~7-8 marks out of 15)

  • Coordination Compounds — Crystal Field Theory (CFT) for octahedral and tetrahedral complexes, geometric and optical isomerism, magnetic properties (paramagnetic vs diamagnetic), spectrochemical series
  • Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids — Aldol condensation (cross aldol, intramolecular), Cannizzaro reaction, Grignard reactions, acidity of carboxylic acids (inductive and resonance effects)
  • Chemical Bonding — Molecular Orbital Theory (bond order calculation, paramagnetism of O₂, diamagnetism of N₂), VSEPR theory (shapes of molecules like SF₄, ClF₃, XeF₂), hybridisation in homo/hetero diatomic molecules
  • Thermodynamics — P-V work (reversible and irreversible processes), Hess's law of constant heat summation, Gibbs free energy (ΔG = ΔH - TΔS), spontaneity criteria
  • Electrochemistry — Cell notation and EMF calculation, Nernst equation (temperature dependence), Kohlrausch's law (molar conductivity), electrolysis (Faraday's laws)

High Priority — Study Second (Covering ~4-5 marks out of 15)

  • Hydrocarbons — Wurtz reaction (alkane synthesis), Markovnikov's and anti-Markovnikov addition, alkyne reactions (hydration, hydrogenation), free radical halogenation (selectivity)
  • Atomic Structure — Bohr's model (energy, radius, velocity calculations), quantum numbers (n, l, m, s) and their significance, hydrogen emission spectrum (Lyman, Balmer, Paschen series)
  • Chemical Kinetics — Rate law determination (initial rate method, integrated rate equations), Arrhenius equation (activation energy calculation, temperature dependence), graphical analysis (half-life)

Subject 3: Mathematics

📐 MATHEMATICS — Complete Syllabus & Trend Analysis

Complete Syllabus

Unit Key Topics Covered
Sets and Logic Set operations, Venn diagrams, Cartesian products
Relations and Functions Types of relations, equivalence, types of functions, composition and inverse
Permutations and Combinations Fundamental counting principle, nPr, nCr, applications
Binomial Theorem General term, middle term, Pascal's triangle, series sums
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations Argand plane, polar form, algebra of complex numbers, De Moivre's theorem
Trigonometry Identities, inverse trigonometric functions, graphs, general solutions
Matrices and Determinants Matrix operations, elementary row/column operations, inverse, Cramer's rule
Coordinate Geometry Straight lines, conic sections (circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola)
3D Geometry Direction cosines, equation of line and plane, shortest distance
Vectors Dot and cross products, projection, scalar triple product
Sequences and Series AP, GP, AM-GM inequality, special series (Σn, Σn², Σn³)
Limits and Continuity Algebraic and trigonometric limits, continuity of functions
Differentiation Chain rule, implicit, parametric, logarithmic differentiation, second order derivatives
Application of Derivatives Rate of change, increasing/decreasing functions, tangents and normals, maxima and minima
Integration Substitution, partial fractions, integration by parts, ILATE rule, definite integrals
Application of Integration Area under curves, area between two curves
Differential Equations Formation, separation of variables, linear differential equations (dy/dx + Py = Q)
Probability Conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, total probability theorem
Statistics Mean deviation, variance, standard deviation

Chapter-wise Trend Analysis (2017-2025)

Chapter Avg. Questions/Year Frequency (9 years) Trend Priority
Application of Derivatives 1.8 9/9 ↑ Consistent CRITICAL
Matrices and Determinants 1.3 8/9 ↑ Rising CRITICAL
Functions 1.2 8/9 → Stable CRITICAL
Indefinite and Definite Integrals 1.2 9/9 → Consistent CRITICAL
Coordinate Geometry 1.2 8/9 → Stable CRITICAL
Probability 0.7 5/9 → Stable HIGH
Sequences and Series 0.7 5/9 → Stable HIGH
Complex Numbers 0.6 5/9 → Stable HIGH
Quadratic Equations 0.6 5/9 → Moderate HIGH
Differential Equations 0.6 4/9 → Moderate MEDIUM
Continuity and Differentiability 0.6 4/9 → Fading MEDIUM
Binomial Theorem 0.4 3/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Vectors and 3D Geometry 0.5 4/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Trigonometry 0.2 2/9 → Low LOW
Set Theory / Statistics 0.2 each 1-2/9 → Rare LOW

Mathematics Priority Matrix

Critical Priority — Study First (Covering ~8-9 marks out of 15)

  • Application of Derivatives — Maxima and minima (with applications in geometry, physics, economics), rate of change (related rates problems), tangent and normal equations (angle between curves)
  • Matrices and Determinants — Solving linear equations using Cramer's rule and matrix inversion, properties of determinants (row/column operations), inverse of a matrix (adjoint method, elementary transformations)
  • Indefinite and Definite Integrals — All substitution methods (trigonometric, algebraic, hyperbolic), integration by parts (ILATE rule), all standard integral forms, definite integral properties (King's property, Leibniz rule, symmetry property)
  • Functions — Types of functions (one-one, onto, bijective), domain and range calculation, composite functions (fog, gof), graphs and transformations (shifting, scaling, reflection)
  • Coordinate Geometry — Straight lines (distance from point, angle between lines), standard equations of all conics (circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola), tangent and normal conditions (parametric and slope forms)

High Priority — Study Second (Covering ~3-4 marks out of 15)

  • Complex Numbers — Algebra of complex numbers, polar form (Euler's representation), De Moivre's theorem (nth roots of unity, complex nth roots), geometry in Argand plane
  • Probability — Bayes' theorem (reverse probability), total probability theorem (law of total probability), conditional probability (P(A|B) = P(A∩B)/P(B))
  • Sequences and Series — Arithmetic and Geometric progression sums, AM-GM inequality (applications in maxima-minima), special series sum formulas (Σn, Σn², Σn³)

Subject 4: Physics

PHYSICS — Complete Syllabus & Trend Analysis

Complete Syllabus

Unit Key Topics Covered
Units and Measurements SI units, dimensional analysis, significant figures
Kinematics Uniform acceleration, projectile motion, circular motion
Laws of Motion Newton's laws, conservation of momentum, friction, circular motion dynamics
Work, Power and Energy Work-energy theorem, potential energy, collisions (elastic and inelastic)
System of Particles and Rotational Motion Centre of mass, torque, moment of inertia, angular momentum conservation
Gravitation Kepler's laws, gravitational potential energy, escape velocity, satellites
Mechanical Properties of Solids Stress, strain, Hooke's law, elastic moduli (Young's, Bulk, Shear)
Mechanical Properties of Fluids Pressure, Bernoulli's principle, viscosity, surface tension
Thermal Properties and Thermodynamics Calorimetry, heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), laws of thermodynamics, Carnot engine
Kinetic Theory of Gases Ideal gas behaviour, law of equipartition, mean free path
Oscillations (SHM) Displacement, velocity and acceleration in SHM, energy in SHM, simple pendulum
Waves Transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition, reflection, beats, Doppler effect
Electrostatics Coulomb's law, electric field, Gauss's law, capacitance, energy stored in capacitor
Current Electricity Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, Wheatstone bridge, electrical power
Magnetism Biot-Savart law, Ampere's law, force on charge/current, galvanometer
Electromagnetic Induction Faraday's law, Lenz's law, motional EMF, inductance, AC generator
Alternating Current RMS values, LCR circuits (series and parallel), power factor, transformers
Electromagnetic Waves Displacement current, electromagnetic spectrum (radio to gamma rays)
Ray Optics Reflection, refraction, total internal reflection, lenses, prism, optical instruments
Wave Optics Huygens' principle, interference (Young's double slit experiment), diffraction, polarisation
Modern Physics Photoelectric effect, de Broglie wavelength, Bohr's model, radioactivity, nuclear energy
Semiconductors p-n junction, rectifier (half-wave, full-wave), diodes, logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR)

Chapter-wise Trend Analysis (2017-2025)

Chapter Avg. Questions/Year Frequency (9 years) Trend Priority
Rotation (System of Particles) 1.6 8/9 ↑ Rising strongly CRITICAL
Electrostatics 1.4 9/9 ↑ Consistent CRITICAL
Modern Physics 1.3 9/9 ↑ Rising CRITICAL
Thermodynamics 1.1 9/9 ↑ Consistent CRITICAL
Simple Harmonic Motion 1.0 7/9 → Stable CRITICAL
Magnetism 1.0 7/9 → Stable HIGH
Ray Optics 0.8 6/9 → Stable HIGH
Capacitors 0.8 6/9 → Stable HIGH
Current Electricity 0.8 6/9 → Stable HIGH
System of Particles (Centre of Mass) 0.7 5/9 → Moderate MEDIUM
Kinetic Theory of Gases 0.6 5/9 → Moderate MEDIUM
Electromagnetic Induction 0.6 5/9 → Moderate MEDIUM
Gravitation 0.6 4/9 → Moderate MEDIUM
Waves 0.4 3/9 → Occasional MEDIUM
Kinematics / Laws of Motion 0.3 each 2/9 → Low LOW
Work-Power-Energy / Fluid Mechanics 0.2-0.3 2/9 → Low LOW
Semiconductors / Alternating Current 0.4 3/9 → Occasional LOW

Physics Priority Matrix

Critical Priority — Study First (Covering ~7-8 marks out of 15)

  • Rotational Motion — Moment of inertia calculation (for rod, ring, disc, sphere), torque and angular acceleration relation (τ = Iα), angular momentum conservation (L = Iω), rolling motion (pure rolling condition v = Rω)
  • Electrostatics — Gauss's law applications (field due to infinite line charge, infinite sheet, uniformly charged sphere), electric potential calculation (due to point charge, dipole), capacitor energy storage (U = ½CV²), dielectric effects
  • Modern Physics — Photoelectric effect (Einstein's equation KEmax = hν - φ), de Broglie wavelength (λ = h/p), radioactive decay law (N = N₀e^{-λt}, half-life), Bohr's model (energy levels, spectral series)
  • Thermodynamics — First law of thermodynamics (ΔU = Q - W), second law (Carnot engine efficiency η = 1 - T₂/T₁), P-V diagram analysis (work calculation for isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, isochoric processes)
  • Simple Harmonic Motion — Energy equations (KE = ½k(A² - x²), PE = ½kx²), SHM of spring systems (series and parallel combinations), simple pendulum (T = 2π√(L/g)), compound pendulum

High Priority — Study Second (Covering ~4-5 marks out of 15)

  • Magnetism — Biot-Savart law (magnetic field due to straight wire, circular loop, solenoid), Ampere's circuital law (field inside and outside current-carrying wire), force on current-carrying conductor (F = ILB sinθ), moving coil galvanometer
  • Ray Optics — Mirror formula (1/f = 1/v + 1/u) and magnification, lens formula (1/f = 1/v - 1/u) with sign conventions, total internal reflection (critical angle sin C = 1/n), prism deviation (δ = i + e - A), optical instruments (microscope, telescope)
  • Electromagnetic Induction — Faraday's law (induced EMF = -dφ/dt), Lenz's law (direction of induced current), motional EMF (EMF = Blv), self and mutual inductance (energy stored in inductor U = ½LI²)

Master Priority Summary — All Subjects

Subject Critical Priority Chapters Average Score Contribution (out of 15)
Biology Animal Physiology, Plant Physiology, Ecology, Genetics, Cell Biology 9-10 marks
Chemistry Coordination Compounds, Aldehydes/Ketones, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry 7-8 marks
Mathematics Application of Derivatives, Integration, Matrices, Functions, Coordinate Geometry 8-9 marks
Physics Rotation, Electrostatics, Modern Physics, Thermodynamics, SHM 7-8 marks

Key Takeaway: Mastering just the Critical Priority chapters across all four subjects can help you secure approximately 31-35 marks out of 60 (50-58 percent). Combined with High Priority chapters, you can reach 45-50 marks (75-83 percent), which is well within the AIR 100-200 range based on IAT 2025 trends.


3-Phase Study Plan

1

Phase 1 — Foundation

Duration: First 60% of preparation time

Focus: Entirely on CRITICAL PRIORITY chapters across all four subjects.

Goal: Conceptual mastery. Solve at least 50 quality questions per chapter.

2

Phase 2 — Consolidation

Duration: Next 30% of preparation time

Focus: All HIGH PRIORITY chapters across all subjects.

Goal: Take subject-wise mock tests. Time yourself strictly.

3

Phase 3 — Revision and Full Mocks

Duration: Final 10% of preparation time

Focus: Rapid pass of all MEDIUM PRIORITY chapters.

Goal: Attempt 5+ full-length IAT mocks. Revisit chapters below 60% accuracy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is NCERT sufficient for IAT Biology?
Yes, NCERT is the most important resource for IAT Biology, especially for Class 11 and 12 textbooks. However, for topics like Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, additional reference materials may be helpful for deeper understanding. Approximately 80-85 percent of IAT Biology questions are directly or indirectly based on NCERT.
Do I need JEE-level preparation for IAT Mathematics and Physics?
IAT Mathematics and Physics are generally slightly easier than JEE Advanced but comparable to JEE Main. Students preparing at JEE Main level find IAT comfortable. However, IAT questions are often more analytical and concept-integrated than direct formula-based problems. JEE-level problem-solving practice is highly recommended.
Which chapters should I completely skip if I have time constraints?
Based on 9-year trend data, the following chapters have the lowest appearance frequency (1-2 times in 9 years): Metallurgy, Gaseous State, Surface Chemistry (Chemistry); Set Theory, Statistics (Mathematics); Kinematics basics, Work-Power-Energy basics, Fluid Mechanics basics (Physics); Evolution, Biomolecules (Biology - though these can appear occasionally). However, never skip a chapter entirely without at least a basic overview.
How many years of previous papers should I solve?
Solve at least the last 5 years (2021-2025) of IAT papers. If time permits, solve all available papers from 2017 onwards. Pay special attention to question patterns, repetitive concepts, and the way multiple topics are combined in a single question.
Is there negative marking for numerical type questions?
No. Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions carry +4 marks for correct answer and 0 marks for incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for NAT questions. Therefore, always attempt all NAT questions even if you are unsure.
Can I use a calculator during IAT?
No. Personal calculators are strictly prohibited. However, an on-screen non-programmable calculator is provided on the examination workstation. Familiarise yourself with the on-screen calculator through the official IAT mock test before exam day.

Next Steps: After understanding the syllabus and priority chapters, use the PREP4IISER IAT 2026 Score Calculator and Rank Predictor to track your progress and estimate your rank based on practice test scores.


This analysis is based on IISER IAT papers from 2017 to 2025. Trend data is indicative and not a guarantee of future paper patterns. Always refer to the official IISER IAT 2026 notification for the most current syllabus and exam pattern.

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Written by Team PREP4IISER

Expert educators and researchers helping students crack the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Aptitude Test and NEST exams.