The BS-MS dual degree is the flagship program of all seven IISERs, which is a fully residential program. At IISER Mohali, the program has been structured to promote interdisciplinarity and a significant research component. The core part of the program provides comprehensive knowledge in all basic sciences through theory and lab courses during the first year. Following this, the students can choose any two of the five core subjects (Physical, Chemical, Biological, Mathematical, and Earth and Environmental Sciences) as pre-majors in the second core year. Eventually, the students are expected to choose one among the two pre-major subjects to earn a major degree by crediting appropriate courses in the remaining three years. At IISER, the curriculum allows various courses to be divided into mandatory courses, subject, interdisciplinary, and open elective courses. The option of open electives allows the student to credit courses from any subject. Apart from courses in specific subjects, some interdisciplinary courses are also offered regularly. These courses are in areas that are useful to multiple branches of science or specialized branches that include Astronomy, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Data Science, Science and Societal Studies, etc. By choosing a set of courses from a basket of such specialized areas, the students can even earn a “Minor” in that branch. Courses in humanities & social sciences are also offered. Students have no dearth of choice as several elective courses are being offered. The Senate has also enabled the students to take NPTEL courses, suitable BS Exit after 3 rd year or 4 th year. The curriculum and structure are in concurrence with most of the recommendations of NEP2020.
One of the salient features of studying at IISER Mohali is the possibilities of research internships and a one-year MS thesis during their final year of the flagship BSMS dual degree program. The students are expected to work on research projects at IISER Mohali or research laboratories and institutes elsewhere during the three-month-long summer vacations. Several students use scholarships each year to do summer research within India and other countries. The institute also has a student exchange program with some universities and research institutes in different parts of the world to facilitate visits by bright students. The research work carried out by students has already led to several publications and patents, which were authored/co-authored by students, independently or with other group members. The students spend much of their time during their final year on a research project, either in-house or elsewhere. The project culminates in a thesis and is expected to contain some original work. Some of the thesis work was also published in peer-reviewed journals, giving our students exposure to all stages of research work early in their careers.
There are nearly 1300 students in the BS-MS program at IISER Mohali. The eligible students receive the INSPIRE fellowship as long as they perform well. The BS-MS graduates of IISER Mohali are expected to take up science as a career. However, the diverse skills gained will equip them to pursue high-profile careers in any field, including industrial and government jobs.
Thirteen batches of BS-MS students have graduated, and most of them were enrolled in research programs at some of the finest research institutes in India and worldwide. The admission process to the BS-MS dual degree program takes place from June to July each year, mainly through a national-level exam, the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). You are requested to consult the IISER admissions website for details.
Admission
BS-MS students are admitted through a national-level IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Admission to the BS-MS program at IISER Mohali is coordinated through a pan-IISER Joint Admissions Committee for all IISERs across India, which is coordinated centrally through this portal.
Candidates who have passed 10+2 or equivalent level exams with the science stream in the current year of application or the year before are eligible to apply for admissions.
Visit the central portal http://www.iiseradmission.in/ for details, including relevant dates, eligibility criteria, and more.