IISERs Plan Olympiad-Based Admissions and Explore Sports Quota

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are considering new undergraduate admission pathways based on international Science and Mathematics Olympiad performance and sports achievements. The proposed routes would continue through the centralised IAT counselling process, while IISERs also plan AI integration, NAAC accreditation, Centres of Excellence and PhD reforms.

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) are preparing special means of admission to undergraduate courses, such as admission through performance in International Science and Mathematics Olympiads and through Sports. The proposals are in the context of a larger package of proposals for strengthening admissions, research, teaching and academic quality in the IISER system.

The Standing Committee of IISERs discussed the issue after its recommendation by IISER Pune director. Proposed system: Students with outstanding performance at international Olympiads may be given a pathway to the IISER programmes. The committee is also mulling over the introduction of recognising outstanding sporting achievements, similar to that of the IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur.

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Even after the changes, the counselling process for admissions will remain as is – IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). The centralised process is meant to ensure transparency and fairness and to ensure that candidates from different sources are dealt with in a similar counselling process. Currently, IAT is the main pathway to the admission for undergraduate courses in IISERs.

The committee has also called for enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence in teaching and research. Several IISERs have been advised to collaborate with computer science departments of the IITs and consider AI projects by other institutes like IISc Bengaluru and IIT Delhi. The suggested methods involve integrating AI into education curricula and pedagogies and evaluating the effects on students and research.

The next big one is to go all the way for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation for all IISERs. Each institute will also have a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a particular field of research to enhance the scientific research and innovation. The committee has also provided assistance for the development of Section 8 companies to promote research commercialisation and Industry collaboration and innovation.

The IISERs are also in the process of restructuring their PhD courses with more focus on research in areas of national missions and strategic priorities. The new changes are slated to go into effect within 12 months.

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The combined effect of the proposed admission changes and academic reforms indicate a broader attempt to bring improvements in IISERs in terms of being more flexible, research oriented and responsive to the new and emerging technologies. The new pathways would increase opportunities for students who have exceptional interests in the areas of science, mathematics, and sports, and help further enhance the institutions' emphasis on AI, research innovation, and industry engagement, if adopted.