Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata
About
OfficialPremier research-integrated science education institute established by India's Ministry of Education in 2006.
- Established in 2006 by Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education), Government of India
- Autonomous institution awarding its own degrees in basic sciences
- Ranked among top 10 research institutes in India (NIRF recognition)
- Integrates undergraduate teaching with doctoral and postdoctoral research
- Seven academic departments spanning biological, chemical, computational, earth, physical sciences, mathematics, and humanities
- Hosts Inquivesta, India's largest science festival (started 2011)
Academics
IISER Kolkata offers integrated education and research across seven departments: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Computational and Data Sciences, Earth Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physical Sciences. The institute provides 5-year BS-MS dual degree programmes, Master of Science programmes, Integrated PhD, and PhD admissions. The central theme is integrating education with research to enable undergraduate teaching alongside doctoral and postdoctoral research in basic sciences.
Campus & Infrastructure
The campus provides comprehensive facilities including hostel accommodation, medical services, library, guest house, computing infrastructure, RN Tagore Auditorium, campus school, research laboratories, animal facility, virtual classroom, students' monitored canteen, and Mind Care and Wellness Centre. The institute features a newly prepared athletics ground and supports various student clubs including the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell), Slashdot Coding and Designing Club, and hosts major events like PRATAP 2025 inter-college athletics meet.
Admissions
IISER Kolkata conducts admissions through the IISER Admissions Aptitude Test (scheduled for June 7, 2026). Admission pathways include 5-year BS-MS dual degree programme, Master of Science programme, Integrated PhD, and PhD (Autumn 2026). International students can apply through the Study in India Portal. Admissions are conducted via https://www.iiseradmission.in.
Research & Innovation
The institute maintains strong research output across multiple disciplines, with recent highlights including cancer research, nanomaterial development, climate-resilient crop studies, and earth science investigations. IISER Kolkata operates a Central Instrument Facility and supports research through various centers and collaborative projects. The institute also hosts international symposia and summer schools, including the IISER Kolkata Summer School 2026 (ISKool).
Student Life & Engagement
Campus life is enriched through Inquivesta (India's largest science festival with 1000+ participants from 100+ institutions), E-Cell entrepreneurship initiatives with RISE foundation incubation center, and Slashdot Club for coding and design. The institute maintains a Mind Care and Wellness Centre, supports LGBTQ+ community through IKQRAAR platform, and hosts inter-college athletics and cultural events.