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Does IISER provide a 2-year MSc? If yes, how can I apply?
Yes, IISER Kolkata offers a 2 year-long MS program in Space Science. The application for the program is open now. Here are the application details.
| Enquiries | cessi@iiserkol.ac.in |
| Application portal opened | 20th April 2022 |
| Application Portal closes | 20th May 2022 |
| Publication of shortlist for interview | 25th May 2022 |
| Selection process ends | June 2022 |
To apply you need to have a recent bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering with first class or equivalent and qualification in either GATE or other national eligibility test such as JEST.
What is the standard of questions that are set in IISER aptitude tests?
A few of my friends have taken the IISER aptitude test and according to them, the difficulty level of the questions asked is equal to or less than JEE Mains level. They are mostly conceptual and there will be very few numerical questions.
IISER aims to test your conceptual understanding rather than your problem-solving skills.
- Maths - If you are preparing for JEE Advanced, then the questions usually asked in the maths section for the IISER aptitude test will be quite easy for you.
- Physics - You can easily solve most of the questions if your basics are clear. The question also won’t require you to do lengthy calculations. Physics questions are usually at the JEE Mains level.
- Chemistry - For Chemistry too, the questions will test your conceptual clarity.
- Biology - Reading NCERT textbooks will be sufficient to score well in Biology.
So, to score well in the IISER aptitude test, thoroughly read your 11th and 12th textbooks.
What should be the range of rank in the KVPY to secure admission in IISER?
It’s not possible to answer this definitively as IISERs don’t make information regarding cut-off public. But entry to IISER through KVPY is easier compared to other gateways like the IISER Aptitude Test.
One of my friends was selected for KVPY SX in 2017. At the time of college choices, his options were Pune, Kolkata, TVM, Tirupati. He finally got IISER Kolkata.
According to him, if you get a KVPY fellowship, there is a good chance that you will get into an IISER. But going by the trends of the last few years, you will need a rank below 600, in order to get IISER Pune.
Am I making a mistake by preferring IISER Kolkata over IIT Kharagpur MSc Integrated Physics?
No, it is not a mistake to prefer IISER Kolkata over IIT KGP for an MSc integrated course in Physics. You are going to get a pure science degree so it makes more sense to get the degree from an institute that focuses on that degree. IIT KGP is popular for its engineering degrees. So, you will be mostly surrounded by people who are pursuing engineering degrees. You won’t get to meet many like-minded students. The course structure of integrated MSc at IITs is also outdated.
At IISER Kolkata, you will get a decent course structure and better faculties for an integrated MSc.
How is IISER Kolkata in terms of academics, research and student life?
In terms of academics, research, and student life, IISER Kolkata is great. Reputed universities across the world such as Caltech, Cambridge, Oxford, Columbia, Cornell, UC, etc. have a few IISER Kolkata alumni in each batch.
The institute has an active research culture. The institute publishes many cited research papers. IISER Kolkata hosts Vijyoshi. The aim of this camp is to provide a forum for aspiring researchers to interact and share ideas.
The campus life offered is good. Although there had been some political problems in the past, the campus environment has improved a lot in recent years.
How is IISER Pune better than IISER Kolkata?
There is no clear winner between IISER Pune and IISER Kolkata. IISER Pune and Kolkata are quite old and equally reputed. IISER Kolkata is more known for its Physics degree. While IISER Pune is reputed for Biology.
Comparably IISER Pune has a better location. So, students receive better employment opportunities.
Which is better, CUSAT or IISER?
If you are a true science lover, then IISERs are the best option for you. Although institutes like IISc, NISER, CEBS, IACS, and a few IITs, also offer similar science-oriented degrees IISERs resources, exposure, and research culture are second to none.
IISERs offer a 5 year integrated BS-MS degree which helps avoid the hassle of applying for a Bachelor’s and a Master’s separately.
So, if you are a research enthusiast and want to pursue a long-term educational program to fuel your passion, then IISERs will serve you best. However, CUSAT can be considered if you are looking for a course or opportunity that is unique to CUSAT only.
What are the minimum marks to get into IISER Kolkata?
You will need a score of around 95 or above to join IISER Kolkata if you are general category. The required cutoff for the OBC category is around 80-90, and for SC, ST category, it’s 70-80. You should note that these cutoff marks are approximate and vary every year according to the number of candidates that are applying that year.
How is the hostel facility at IISER Kolkata?
IISER Kolkata has three hostels. The hostel accommodations are quite good.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Hall (ICVS): It is an all-boys hostel for BS-MS students. This hostel is closest to the lecture halls and research labs. You can get to the lecture halls within 2 minutes from this hostel.
ICVS has great facilities including high-speed internet, wash-rooms with geysers, washing machines on each floor. The hostel is under CCTV surveillance. However, there are no strict entering and exiting times specified.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (NSCB): NSCB has the same facilities as ICVS. It was also built at the same time. There are 2 wings for girls and 1 wing for boys. The boy’s and girl’s wings are separated by doors.
The main canteen is situated between NSCB and ICVS. The canteen is run by students. Below the main canteen, there are two stationary shops, xerox shops, saloons, and two refreshment shops.
Nivedita Hall: This hostel was built most recently. It is for the junior year BS-MS students. It has 2 wings for boys and 1 wing for girls. The wings are well-separated. It has all the facilities as the other two hostels. But there is poor ventilation.
It is close to the cricket ground, gym, badminton court, volleyball court. This hostel has its own canteen.
In the hostel, there are separate wings for Ph.D. and BS-MS students. Ph.D. students are allotted single rooms and BS-MS students are allotted double sharing accommodation. There are no hostel facilities for post-doctoral students.
How is IISER Kolkata better than IISER Pune?
Here are some of the things that make IISER Kolkata stand out.
Course Choice: You can choose your course from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, even from Earth Sciences.
Peaceful Campus: The campus is secluded and hence ideal for studies.
Faculties: The faculties of IISER Kolkata are well-known worldwide for their research work.
Friendly Environment: The professors and the seniors are quite friendly. You can discuss any problem you may have with your faculties openly.
Alumni Network: IISER Kolkata has a vast alumni network. The alumni base of IISER K is better than that of IISER Pune.
All IISER have their own pros and cons, so there is no use in comparing one IISER to another. IISER Pune has better infrastructure and outreach but that doesn’t make it better than all the other IISER. All these IISERs are great options for pursuing your studies.
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