Science Entrance Exams 2027: At a Glance
Key Exam Dates tracks 7 science entrance exams for the 2027 admission season in India. The next application deadline is Christ University Entrance on 25 Nov 2026 (S1).
1 of 7 exams have confirmed 2027 dates so far. The rest show the previous cycle's dates as labelled reference until their official notification is published.
Next Science Deadlines
- Christ University Entrance — applications close 25 Nov 2026 (S1)
All dates verified against official exam-authority notifications. Last updated . How we verify.
Science – Institute Level Entrance Exams 2027
| Exam | Application Start | Application Deadline | Exam Date | Mode | Target Colleges | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IAT (IISER) 2027
Integrated Aptitude Test for IISER
|
To be announced 2026 cycle: 05 Mar 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 13 Apr 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 07 Jun 2026 |
CBT Center | All IISERs + IISc | Official |
|
NEST 2027
National Entrance Screening Test
|
To be announced 2026 cycle: 05 Jan 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 08 Apr 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 06 Jun 2026 |
CBT Center | NISER & UM-DAE CEBS | Official |
|
ISI Admission 2027
Indian Statistical Institute Admission Test
|
To be announced 2026 cycle: 12 Feb 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 26 Mar 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 10 May 2026 |
Offline | ISI (B.Stat / B.Math) | Official |
|
CMI Entrance 2027
Chennai Mathematical Institute Entrance Examination
|
To be announced 2026 cycle: 02 Mar 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 04 Apr 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 02 May 2026 |
Offline | CMI (B.Sc Hons) | Official |
|
MET (Manipal) 2027
Manipal Entrance Test Science
|
To be announced 2026 cycle: 30 Sep 2025 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: Ph 1: 15 Mar 2026 | Ph 2: 25 Apr 2026 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: Ph 1: 13-14 Apr 2026 | Ph 2: 23-24 May 2026 |
CBT Center | B.Sc Programs (MAHE) | Official |
|
Christ University Entrance 2027
Christ University Science Entrance Test
|
05 Oct 2026 | S1: 25 Nov 2026 | S2: TBA | S1: 05 Dec 2026 | S2: TBA | CBT Center | B.Sc Programs | Official |
|
SNUSAT 2027
Shiv Nadar University Scholastic Aptitude Test Science
|
To be announced 2026 cycle: Nov 2025 |
To be announced 2026 cycle: 31 Mar 2026 (Ph 3) |
To be announced 2026 cycle: Ph 1: 11 Jan 2026 | Ph 2: 08 Feb 2026 | Ph 3: 12 Apr 2026 |
Remote Proctored | Shiv Nadar University | Official |
Science Admissions 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
The most direct route is a research-focused undergraduate degree: IISER BS-MS (via IAT), NISER or UM-DAE CEBS (via NEST) or IISc BS (Research) (via JEE Advanced or IAT). The alternative is B.Sc (Hons) at a good university through CUET, with research options open later.
Since 2024, IISERs admit to their BS-MS programmes only through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). The 2026 cycle offered 2,043 seats across seven IISERs. You need at least three of Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics in Class 12 and 60% aggregate (55% for SC, ST and PwD). IAT is a 3-hour paper with 15 questions each from the four subjects. See the IAT page.
Plan for the January–April window. In the 2026 cycle, NEST registration opened in January and IAT in March, with both exams in early June. ISI and CMI applications closed by late March to early April, with tests in May. IISc BS uses JEE Advanced or IAT scores. Apply to all that fit you; live 2027 dates are on the science exams hub.
CUET covers B.Sc admission at central universities such as DU, BHU and the University of Allahabad. Research institutes need separate exams: IAT for IISERs, NEST for NISER and UM-DAE CEBS, JEE Advanced or IAT for IISc, and their own tests for ISI and CMI. Some state universities still admit on Class 12 merit. Apply through more than one route.
PCM options: B.Sc (Maths/Physics/Statistics), Actuarial Science, Data Science, Architecture (NATA), Merchant Navy, Defence (NDA). PCB options: B.Sc (Biology/Microbiology/Genetics), Agriculture, Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Forensic Science. Pure science is a genuine career path, not a fallback.
For a committed researcher, an integrated programme (IISER or NISER BS-MS, 5 years) is usually the stronger choice: you get continuous research exposure and a thesis year without a second entrance exam. B.Sc (Hons) followed by an M.Sc takes about the same time but lets you switch subject or institute after the first degree.
They admit Class 12 students with Maths to specialist undergraduate degrees. ISI offers the 3-year B.Stat (Hons) at Kolkata and B.Math (Hons) at Bengaluru, both with a monthly stipend, plus a 4-year B.SDS (Hons) in statistical data science. CMI (Chennai) offers 4-year B.S. (Hons) in Mathematics, Maths and Computer Science, or Maths and Physics. Both select through their own entrance tests. See the ISI and CMI pages.
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is the computer-based test for the 5-year integrated M.Sc in Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics at NISER Bhubaneswar (200 seats) and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (57 seats), both under the Department of Atomic Energy. You need three of the four basic sciences in Class 12 and 60% aggregate (55% for SC, ST and PwD). See the NEST page.
Yes, many pathways exist. NEST leads to NISER and UM-DAE CEBS, and ISI and CMI suit students strong in Maths. B.Sc (Hons) at a good central or state university through CUET is another solid start. What you learn and the projects you do as an undergraduate matter more for later research than the name of your first institute.
Science institute exams follow a steady annual cycle. NEST (NISER) and IISER IAT registration has opened between January and March, with exams in June, while ISI and CMI applications close around March–April for May tests. Expect similar windows for the 2028 and 2029 cycles. Verified dates are added to the science exams hub soon after each official announcement.