Being at IISER is kind of like hiking up a steep hill with some great buddies. It's challenging, but having good friends makes it a bit more enjoyable. The place doesn't guide you on how to climb; instead, it sorts people out. When you finally reach the summit, you're pushed off (that's what they call graduation) and expected to soar. Some folks will have wings, like plans for a PhD or a job, and they'll head off in a new direction. Others might just drift along, unsure of their next move.

I think IISER Pune is an awesome spot for research, and it offers an amazing undergrad education too.

So, I see you've already got some solid advice, but since this is a common dilemma for many students, I thought I'd chime in to boost your confidence a bit.

From what you've shared, it sounds like you have a keen interest in genetics, which is a super exciting field with lots of research happening right now. If research is where your heart lies, IISER Pune might be the better fit for you.

Sure, doctors do conduct research, but in India, the opportunities for research in fields like genetics after an MBBS can be quite limited. You might already have a sense of this, yet the idea of choosing IISER might seem a bit unconventional because of what others say.

Here's the thing: the Indian education system often nudges students towards what are considered "safe" career paths. Decisions are often made by those in authority based on academic performance, not personal interest.

Choosing a career should be a personal decision based on what you enjoy, your skills, and the opportunities out there. It's understandable if making such a big decision feels daunting, especially if you haven't had to make choices like this before.

But remember, this is your future. So take the leap and choose the path that feels right for you. If you follow your passion and put in the effort, success will follow.

And don't worry too much; both options are in the STEM field, which is full of opportunities. You're not picking a path with limited job prospects.

Stay true to yourself and make the choice that's right for you. Best of luck!

I've been at IISc for about a year and a half now, and it's been an amazing journey. The opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the country is incredible. When it comes to IISERs, I've only heard about them from friends. One friend is at IISER Pune and another at IISER Kolkata. They both seem quite happy, but my friend in Pune appears more satisfied. This might be because IISER Kolkata is a bit far from the city, with fewer places to hang out. However, both of them are pleased with their professors and the education they are receiving.

Both IISc and the IISERs are well-equipped and have excellent faculty. IISERs were the pioneers in starting the undergraduate program and have a solid curriculum. Even though IISc is among the top institutes globally, it's still refining its UG program. So, the choice between IISc and IISER depends on what you're looking for in your education.

If you're choosing between IISER Pune and IIT Kanpur for a science research-focused course, IISER Pune is generally the better option. Institutes like IISER and IISC are often the top picks for students aiming to dive deep into research in science. Good luck!

It's really about what you want to do. If you're aiming for a career in science, joining IISER Pune can be a great choice. However, if you're unsure about your career goals or not ready to commit 5-10 years to it, you might want to think carefully before joining any science-focused institute like IISER or IISc. Ultimately, it's your decision that makes a college experience valuable, so no one can definitively say "yes" or "no" for you.

IISER Pune is a fantastic institute. Though I'm not from IISER Pune, I have been at IISER Kolkata and have chatted with friends from other IISERs. All of them have excellent facilities and are highly regarded.

With a degree from IISER, there are many paths you can take. If you wish to stay in the realm of science, pursuing a PhD is a popular route among IISER graduates. You could also aim to become a scientist at research organizations like BARC, ISRO, or DRDO, though it involves tough competition.

Opportunities in private R&D companies are there too. If teaching interests you, becoming a faculty member at a coaching institute or a lecturer at a college after your MS is possible. Alternatively, if you're inclined towards other fields, you can learn coding and work at a software company, or explore careers in marketing, sales, or management—these roles often value skills over specific degrees. While these are viable options, only a small number of students typically go for them.

At present, there are a few reasons why people see IISER Pune as a better choice than IISER Kolkata, and some of these reasons might always make it seem more appealing. Right now, one big issue at IISER Kolkata is that the campus isn't fully finished, which makes life a bit tricky for students. When I visited IISER Pune a couple of years back, I saw that the hostels and classrooms were not affected by ongoing construction. This means students there aren't dealing with dust all the time. Meanwhile, at IISER Kolkata, construction is happening everywhere, slowing down the campus completion and annoying students, except maybe some couples who might find it less bothersome. The former director and deans at IISER Kolkata made life tough for students by bogging down fun activities with too much red tape, which led to less interest in participating. Hopefully, with a new director, things might improve.

On the downside, IISER Kolkata is in a rural area and has a tough climate, which are permanent issues. These factors can't really change, but honestly, after the first year, students tend to stop worrying about them. Sure, there's some complaining about the heat every now and then, but mostly, nobody really bothers with it.

How are the studies and life in IISER Pune for a BS?

If you're into natural sciences, IISERs, including Pune, are top-notch for academics in India. The vibe at each IISER might differ a bit due to their locations, but Pune is known for being vibrant and enjoyable for students. Since it's right in the city, that adds a lot to the college experience. Students get involved in active clubs, enjoy various events, and have friendly interactions with peers and faculty alike. Overall, it's a pretty great place. If you have any specific questions, just ask.

What do they do after completing a BS or an MS?

The paths students take after finishing are quite diverse. Many choose to pursue a PhD, while others might go for another MS or even an MBA. There's also a growing trend of students getting jobs right after. Some decide to become research assistants to work on projects or gain experience before jumping into a PhD. A few might spend time preparing for exams like UPSC or state-level PSCs. Entrepreneurship is also on the rise among graduates. Ultimately, what students do depends on their interests and the skills they've picked up along the way. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out, comment, or send a message.

Is it worth going to IISc, IISER, or NISER? Absolutely, yes.

Alright, let's dive into it, especially if you're dreaming of being a scientist. But if you're just considering this as a backup after JEE/NEET, maybe think twice.

Now, onto why it's worth it. Life here is pretty awesome. The campuses are stunning; just check out any tour video. They rival the best international schools. Sure, things get busy at times, but overall, it's quite flexible. The professors are top-notch and approachable, with 7 to 8 teaching assistants per subject, living right in our dorms. Plus, professors have open office hours for students to drop by.

We celebrate all sorts of festivals here, and they’re a blast. Janmashtami and Onam were recently celebrated, and Ganesh Utsav is happening right now, and it’s a hit.

If you're looking for fun, we hang out in groups, often listening to our talented peers sing until the early morning. If you're more of an introvert and love books, there's a book club offering an amazing collection for just 75 rupees per semester.

There are clubs for every hobby imaginable. We have game coaches to help beginners, and the movie club hosts screenings every Friday and Sunday night.

But let’s talk academics before our folks think we’re just partying all the time. The professors at IISER are excellent. Our physics professors specialize in fields like astrophysics and condensed matter physics. Our chemistry professor was so engaging that he made me love the subject, despite my struggles during JEE prep. They’re always willing to help, but you need to reach out to them, especially in subjects you’re passionate about.

The lab work is incredibly engaging. We make mistakes, learn, and create amazing things. I remember being amazed at the needle-shaped crystals we observed. They were so perfectly formed, it was hard to believe they weren’t alive. Our professors are very wise. Our first assignment was to write about 15 out of 30 pieces of equipment we’d use all year. We spent the first lecture exploring them. It was about getting familiar, and it worked.

That's life at IISER—academic and otherwise. It's a mix of fun and learning. We're looking forward to having you with us. Come join us, and let’s chat about science for hours.