IACS Opens Admissions for 2025-26 Academic Year via UPST for Science Stream Class XII Graduates

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Jadavpur, Kolkata, has announced the admission process for the academic year 2025-26 for its prestigious 5-Year Integrated BS-MS Program in Science. Admissions will be conducted through the Undergraduate Pre-interview Screening Test (UPST).

About UPST

• Conducted by: Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), an autonomous institute under the Government of India.
• Purpose: Screening test for admission to the 5-Year Integrated BS-MS program in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biological Sciences, and Computer Science.
• Eligibility: Students who have passed Class 12 with Science (Mathematics is mandatory) and have secured at least 60% marks.

UPST 2025 Exam Details

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Subjects Tested:
  • Compulsory: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
  • Choice of Biology or Computer Science
• Syllabus: Class XI & XII (CBSE/NCERT)
• Exam Duration: 3 hours (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon)
• Paper Pattern:
  • Total Questions: 80
  • Breakdown: 60 Qs (PCM: 20 each) + 20 Qs (Biology/Computer Science)
  • Marking Scheme: 2 marks per correct answer
  • Negative Marking: -0.66 for each incorrect answer
  • Maximum Marks: 160

Selection Process

• A cut-off will be set based on the aggregate PCM score in UPST.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
• The final selection will be based on a weighted score of UPST (PCM + Biology/Computer Science) and the interview.
• A maximum of 80 students will be admitted.

Important Dates (AY 2025-26)

• Application Window: March-April 2025
• Exam Date (UPST): 7th June 2025 (Saturday)
• Result & Interview: TBA (June-July 2025)
• Final Merit List: TBA (July 2025)
• Session Begins: 7th August 2025

Exit Policy (As per NEP Guidelines)

• After 1st Year: Certificate
• After 2nd Year: Diploma
• After 3rd Year: BS (Science)
• After 4th Year: BS (Research)
• After 5th Year: BS-MS

About IACS

• Established: 1876
• Status: Deemed to be University (De novo category under UGC Act, 1956)
• Governance: Autonomous Institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India
• Significance: Oldest institute in India for fundamental research in basic sciences.
• Legacy: Professor C.V. Raman worked at IACS (1907-1933) and discovered the ‘Raman Effect’, winning the Nobel Prize in Physics (1930).

Contact Information

• Website: www.iacs.res.in
• Email: helpdesk@iacs.res.in
• Phone: +91-33 2473 4971
• Address: 2A & B, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata – 700032, India
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube

UPST 2024: Key Statistics

• Total Applications: 1601
• Students Appeared: 769
• Shortlisted for Interview: 234
• Interviewed Candidates: 204
• Students Admitted: 80

For students aspiring to pursue a career in scientific research and innovation, IACS offers a unique opportunity through its rigorous BS-MS program. Don’t miss the application window for UPST 2025!

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