IISER IAT 2026 Low Cutoff Institutes: Round 1 Closing Scores Compared

IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati recorded the lowest Round 1 closing scores in IISER IAT 2025, making them the most accessible options for General category students targeting the IAT channel in 2026.

With IISER IAT 2026 Round 1 seat allotment expected on June 23, 2026, students who scored in the 90–112 range on the 180-mark exam are now evaluating which institutes are within reach. The seven IISERs vary considerably in their Round 1 closing scores, and newer institutes tend to close at significantly lower scores than Pune or Kolkata. Understanding institute-wise cutoff trends helps you build a realistic preference list before the allotment portal opens.

• IISER Berhampur had the lowest General category Round 1 IAT channel closing scores in 2025, expected in the 90–100 range out of 180 marks for IISER IAT 2026, based on 2025 trends.
• IISER Tirupati followed closely, with Round 1 General closing scores around 100–112 based on 2025 trends.
• IISER Pune remained the most competitive, closing above 133 marks in Round 1 for General category.
• Category-wise, SC and ST students can clear Round 1 at most IISERs with scores as low as 55–68 marks.
• Round 1 allotment is expected on June 23, 2026; all cutoff figures here are expected and based on 2025 trends.

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Which IISERs Have the Lowest Round 1 Cutoffs?

Among the seven IISERs, two consistently record the most accessible Round 1 closing scores in the IAT channel: IISER Berhampur and IISER Tirupati. Both were established more recently than the founding IISERs and carry a higher ratio of available seats relative to qualified applicants in early rounds, which keeps their closing scores lower. Students scoring between 90 and 112 marks out of 180 should prioritise these two IISERs in their preference list to maximise Round 1 allotment chances.

At the other end, IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata attract the most competitive scorers and consistently close at the highest Round 1 scores — often 30–45 marks above Berhampur and Tirupati. IISER Mohali, IISER Bhopal, and IISER Thiruvananthapuram occupy the middle range, with Round 1 scores that reward preparation in the 110–130 band.

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Institute-Wise Round 1 IAT Channel Closing Scores

The table below lists expected Round 1 closing scores for General category students in the IAT channel for IISER IAT 2026, based on 2025 trends. IISER IAT is out of 180 marks (60 questions, +3 per correct answer, ?1 per wrong answer). Official figures will be released after seat allotment on June 23, 2026.

All figures are expected and based on 2025 Round 1 closing score trends. No score can exceed the exam total of 180 marks.

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Category-Wise Cutoff Breakdown

Reserved category students benefit from significantly lower closing scores at every IISER. The table below gives expected Round 1 closing score ranges for the three most accessible IISERs across all categories, based on 2025 trends. EWS cutoffs typically align close to General category scores.

All figures are expected and based on 2025 trends. PWD category cutoffs are typically lower than ST in each IISER.

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Factors That Drive Cutoff Variation Across IISERs

Several structural reasons explain why closing scores vary so widely across the seven IISERs:

• Year of establishment and reputation: IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata (both 2006) have the strongest alumni networks, research output, and international collaborations. Their brand recognition draws the highest-scoring applicants, pushing Round 1 closing scores up. IISER Berhampur (2016) and IISER Tirupati (2015) are still building their research profiles and visibility.
• Seat intake relative to qualified applicants: Newer IISERs typically have a higher ratio of available seats to the pool of students who prefer them, which directly lowers the Round 1 closing score.
• Geography and location preference: Student preference for specific cities and geographies affects how quickly seats fill in Round 1. IISERs in well-connected metros or major urban centres attract more first-preference choices, increasing competition.
• Research facilities and faculty strength: Established IISERs with prominent research labs, visiting scientists, and international collaborations see stronger applicant preference, raising competitive pressure at Round 1.
• Multi-round counselling effect: IISER IAT admission runs across three rounds. Round 1 closing scores are the most stable predictors for planning — they can rise or fall in Rounds 2 and 3 as declined seats from higher-preference IISERs cascade down the list.

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How to Use Low-Cutoff IISERs in Your Preference List

If your IAT 2026 score falls in the 90–115 range out of 180, a well-structured preference list lets you secure a Round 1 seat while keeping upgrade options open for Rounds 2 and 3:

• Anchor your list with IISER Berhampur or IISER Tirupati if your score is at or just above their expected closing range. Getting an allotment in Round 1 gives you a confirmed seat and the ability to upgrade later without any risk of losing admission entirely.
• Do not rank solely by cutoff. Before finalising your preference order, compare each IISER on program curriculum, active research groups, hostel and campus infrastructure, and location. All seven IISERs award the same BS-MS dual degree, which carries equal weight for PhD admissions and research fellowships.
• Scores between 115 and 130 open the mid-tier IISERs — Thiruvananthapuram, Bhopal, and Mohali. Place these in the middle of your list and still include a lower-cutoff IISER as a safety option at the bottom.
• Track the Round 1 allotment on June 23, 2026 through the official portal at iiseradmission.in. If you receive a lower-preference allotment, accept the seat to hold it, then monitor Round 2 for upgrade availability to your preferred IISER.
• Avoid leaving lower-preference IISERs off your list entirely. Students who submit a short preference list risk no allotment if their top choices close above their score in Round 1.

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