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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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?
Do I need JEE-level preparation for IAT Mathematics and Physics?
Which chapters should I completely skip if I have time constraints?
How many years of previous papers should I solve?
Is there negative marking for numerical type questions?
Can I use a calculator during IAT?
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.