What is the difference between IISER and NISER?

If you are considering pursuing science education in India, you might have come across two premier institutions - the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER). Here are some key differences between these institutions that you should know about:

Funding:

• IISERs are funded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), while NISER is funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Curriculum:

• In IISERs, you will study all the subjects for two years before specializing in your area of interest for the remaining two years of your undergraduate program. In contrast, NISER has a one-year foundation program before students can specialize in their chosen field.
• Both systems have their corresponding advantages and disadvantages, and you may prefer one system over the other based on your interests and goals.

Admission:

• To get into NISER, you need to appear for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST), which is exclusively for admission to NISER.
• To get into IISERs, you can apply through multiple channels. You can qualify through Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), or state/central board exam marks. There are certain cut-offs that you can find out about on their respective websites.

While both IISERs and NISER are premier institutions for science education in India, they differ in their funding, curriculum, and admission processes. It is important to consider your interests and goals while making a decision about which institution to choose.