IISER Kolkata review by student

The course for the first year is easy overall , maybe challenging for biology students because involvement of Maths in the curriculum but they can decrease their load by practicing Maths problems, asking doubts, approaching the instructors or their personal mentors. Otherwise the course is mixed in a good way with theoretical and practical part. Labs are conducted of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and CS in first year. You can choose CS as an minor in higher classes.

The college give us good exposure for PHDs and intership under research scientist. While there is a placement cell but it is not very active due to students opting for higher studies after completion of course. But college send their team to some competitions like iGEM ( a competition for biology enthusiasts). Also IISER is known world-wide in research field so a recommendation letter from your professor works very well for you in finding higher opportunities. You can also apply for internship in the college itself under a professor who's working on a topic you are interested in.

The fees is Semester-wise 68000 rs for 1st sem and 60000 rs for 2nd sem for Caregories like General, EWS, OBC. Per year the total fees expense will be around 135000 rs including hostel. For SC and ST category the Semester fees is around rs 18000 ( ig it is 17500 rs per semester). Their total per year well be around 40000rs. Mess not included in both cases. Scholarships which is provided is INSPIRE scholar which college authorities will take into their hands will submit form and everything. Student can apply for thier state scholarship or any government scholarship by themself and can approve it from acadamic office. You can also apply for any private scholarship you want.

The experience in the IISER Kolkata till now was really good, nice friends , beautiful campus and everything is good. There are 2 major Events called IISM and IICM (Inter INCI Sports/Cultural Meet) respectively. In these two events college like IISc, NISER, CEBS and all 7 IISERs participate. Students represent their college and compete with other colleges. Beside these IISER Kolkata conducts sports events every spring semester and cultural programs are held by the regional community of Students. In cultural events, festivals like Ganeshotsav, Janmashtami and Dahi Handi, Pongal, Onam,etc are celebrated. There are Cult. Clubs with students as OBs (Office Bearers). Clubs like Pixel (photography), Aarshi (drama), Music, Movie, Quiz, Singularity (Space), Dance, Literature, Arts , Gaming clubs are present.

Hostels are good overall. There is no specific rent for the hostel room it is included in Semester fees itself. For Bachelor's and Master's student of Integrated BS-MS dual degree course, Hostel rooms are allotted and they can live outside hostel. Hostel are good and well maintained, hygiene is maintained and there is good WiFi connectivity. But one thing i dislike is there are 3 sharing rooms which should be 2 sharing. Otherwise it is good.

I was a NEET aspirant but couldn't make it their due to high cutoff and latest year scam. I decided to choose BAMS college but got a good rank in IISER Aptitude Test so decided to come here. This was because IISER is always a good option for good exposure in the world of research and IISER Kolkata is one those prestigious institution. For admission in an IISER one has to clear an entrance test called IAT(IISER Aptitude Test). Secure good rank and should clear the cutoff. After clearing the cutoff one can secure a seat in one of the 7 IISERs, IISc Bangalore, IIT-Madras(for one specific course).

The faculty in IISER Kolkata are really knowledgeable, promising in their work and are easily approachable. Exams here are quite challenging for students, scientific thinking is checked. But one can easily answer the question after studying throughout the year. If you will attend lectures than it will be more beneficial because instructor teach us how to think in a better way. So you can score good in exam if you study well.

The nightlife is good. We can hang-out here anytime without restrictions. One Monginis shop open throughout night. There is no closing time of hostel, it open 24hrs for Students because library and computer rooms are accessible 24hrs for study. There is a SAC (student activity centre) where we have Carrom room, TT room, Badminton court, Dance room, Drama room, Yoga room, Music room, Kabaddi mats and gym which can be used from 5 a.m. till 12 midnight. You can hangout in campus 24hrs no restrictions on hanging-out.