(IISER Aptitude Test) A Guide to Crack the IAT

Posted on the 26 April 2023 by Sandra @shvong1

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are considered as one of the most prestigious institutions in India that offer excellent opportunities for students who aspire to pursue a career in science and research. To gain admission to one of these institutes, students need to crack the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), which is a highly competitive exam. The IAT is designed to evaluate a student's problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and reasoning ability. In this blog, we will provide you with some essential tips and tricks that can help you crack the IAT with flying colors.

Understanding the IISER Aptitude Test:

Before we delve into the tips and tricks, let's understand the IISER Aptitude Test. The IAT is an online exam that comprises multiple-choice questions covering various subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The exam consists of two sessions, the first session is dedicated to Mathematics, while the second session covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Wise Tips for IISER Aptitude Test Preparation:

Now that we know the exam pattern and syllabus, let's discuss some essential tips and tricks that can help you prepare well for each section.

The Mathematics section in IAT is generally considered the most challenging one. However, with proper planning and dedicated practice, one can easily score good marks in this section.

Here are some tips for Mathematics preparation:

Mathematics Preparation Tips:

The first step towards Mathematics preparation is to revise the basics. Ensure that you have a good understanding of all the concepts covered in your school syllabus.

The key to cracking Mathematics is practice. Solve as many problems as possible to improve your problem-solving skills.

Solving previous year's question papers will help you understand the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty.

Calculus carries a significant weightage in the IAT Mathematics section. Focus on topics such as Limits, Continuity, Derivatives, Integration, and Differential Equations.

Practice solving problems within the stipulated time to improve your speed and accuracy.

Physics:

The Physics section in IAT is considered moderately difficult. The questions in this section are based on conceptual understanding, so it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the concepts.

Here are some tips for Physics preparation:

Physics Preparation Tips

Physics is all about concepts, so ensure that you have a clear understanding of the basics.

Physics problems are often represented in the form of diagrams. Ensure that you are comfortable interpreting and drawing diagrams.

Physics is a subject that requires a lot of practice. Solve as many problems as possible to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills.

Mechanics carries a significant weightage in the IAT Physics section. Focus on topics such as Kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, and Power, etc.

    Use formulas effectively:

Physics is all about using the right formulas at the right time. Practice using formulas effectively to solve problems quickly and accurately.

Chemistry:

The Chemistry section in IAT is generally considered easy to moderate. The questions in this section are mostly based on NCERT textbooks, so ensure that you have a good understanding of the concepts covered in the NCERT syllabus.

Here are some tips for Chemistry preparation:

Chemistry Preparation Tips

The Chemistry section in IAT is mostly based on NCERT textbooks. Ensure that you have a good understanding of all the concepts covered in the NCERT syllabus.

Chemistry problems require a lot of practice. Solve as many problems as possible to improve your problem-solving skills.

Organic Chemistry carries significant weight in the IAT Chemistry section. Focus on topics such as Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry, Isomerism, Reaction Mechanism, and Nomenclature.

Chemistry problems often require the use of the periodic table. Practice using the periodic table effectively to solve problems quickly and accurately.

Biology:

The Biology section in IAT is considered easy to moderate. The questions in this section are mostly based on the NCERT syllabus, so ensure that you have a good understanding of the concepts covered in the NCERT textbooks.

Here are some tips for Biology preparation:

Biology Preparation Tips

The Biology section in IAT is mostly based on the NCERT syllabus. Ensure that you have a good understanding of all the concepts covered in the NCERT textbooks.

Biology problems often require the interpretation of diagrams. Ensure that you are comfortable interpreting and drawing diagrams.

Biology is a subject that requires a lot of practice. Solve as many problems as possible to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills.

Genetics and Evolution carry a significant weightage in the IAT Biology section. Focus on topics such as Mendelian Inheritance, DNA Replication, and Evolutionary Theory.

Biology is a subject that is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest developments in the field by reading newspapers and scientific journals.

General Tips for IISER Aptitude Test Preparation:Apart from section-wise preparation, here are some general tips that can help you crack the IAT:

General Tips

The key to cracking any exam is to start preparing early. Start your preparation at least six months before the exam date to have ample time to cover all the topics and revise them.

Before starting your preparation, it is essential to understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. This will help you to plan your preparation accordingly and focus on the topics that carry more weight.

A study from reliable sources like NCERT textbooks and standard reference books. These books cover the entire syllabus and are trusted by experts.

Regular practice is the key to success in any exam. Solve as many sample papers and previous year's question papers as possible. This will help you to understand the exam pattern, types of questions, and the level of difficulty.

Identify your weak areas and focus on them. Work on improving your problem-solving skills and speed. This will help you to score well on the exam.

Time management is crucial in any competitive exam. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to improve your speed and accuracy.

Taking mock tests is an excellent way to assess your preparation level. It will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them.

On the day of the exam, stay calm and focused. Do not panic if you come across a difficult question. Skip it and move on to the next question. Remember, time is precious, and you cannot afford to waste it on a single question.

Conclusion:

Cracking the IISER Aptitude Test is not an easy task, but with proper planning and dedicated practice, you can score well in the exam. Remember, the key to success in any exam is hard work and a positive attitude. Follow the above tips and tricks to prepare well for the IAT. With the right mindset and approach, you can crack the IAT with flying colors and secure admission to one of the prestigious IISERs. All the best!