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.

For pure science, IISc is the obvious choice among these. It is the best in India, in terms of research interface, faculties, and alumni base.  If you are particularly interested in Physics, you should definitely choose IISc. It has an excellent Physics department. IISc Bangalore, Department of Physics has a Theoretical Cosmology group. The research interest of the group mostly involves early universe cosmology topics. For pure science courses, the preference order for these institutes is - IISc>>IISER>NISER. 

According to recent statistics, the cutoff or minimum admissible score of NEST exam is fifty percent of the total marks (180). It varies every year depending on various factors such as the following.  The difficulty level of the question paper. Number of candidates appeared for the examination. Number of students who passed the examination. Number of seats.

IISERs and NISER are reputed institutes in the field of Science. If you want to choose among these institutes, do so based on your choice of course. NISER comes under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and has a wonderful Physics faculty. Among IISERs, IISER Kolkata is the best for Physics. IISER Pune is a good option if you are interested in Chemistry.IISER Mohali is pretty good for Algebraic Mathematics. 

Here are some pointers on NISER vs IISER. IISERs are founded by MHRD, whereas NISER is founded by DAE. Before you can specialize in your subject of choice, you will need to study all the subjects at IISER. It is only one year for NISER. Both systems have their corresponding pros and cons. At IISER, admissions are based on KVPY, JEE, State/Central board examination marks. NISER takes admission through NEST.

According to the NEST cutoff trends, the required cutoff remains around 45% of the total marks. However, if you want to get a seat at NISER Bhubaneswar, securing just the cutoff marks won’t be enough. Getting admission will depend on your rank. A rank of around 700 should get you a seat. You will need to score around 50-55% for that.

NISER Bhubaneswar is best-known for research-oriented education. If you are interested in pursuing research then choosing the institute will be a good option. It will give you good exposure to the research fields of basic sciences like Astro Physics, Condensed matter, Particle Physics or something regarding fundamental Physics.  The faculties and facilities available at the institute are brilliant. As it is a research-oriented institute, most faculties are involved in cutting-edge research currently. So, you will get to know what’s happening in research for your respective field currently. The curricular followed by the institute is rigorous and more strict than other such institutes. The institute also offers tons of other sources of learning like seminars, internships, etc. which is an added advantage. 

NEST exam cutoff and minimum admissible score varies each year depending on different factors. According to the 2020 statistics, the minimum admissible score for NISER was 50% of the total marks (180).  Also, they show everything. You will get to know the following. Total marks scored AIR Cutoff for all categories Scanned copy of your OMR sheet

It is difficult to choose when the comparison is question is NISER vs IISER. Choosing one institute over another will not matter much if you stay dedicated to your studies after taking admission. NISER and IISERs offer decent academics and facilities for fundamental sciences. NISER has a great Physics department. If you are choosing an IISER, make sure it is an old one. 

For basic sciences, it’s difficult to choose between NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CBS. Both institutes have their advantages.  NISER has great faculty, laboratories, coursework. The campus of the institute is well-equipped and is spread over 3000 acres.  UM-DAE CBS has most of the visiting faculties from TIFR, Mumbai. Also, as it is located at the heart of Mumbai you will have better exposure. You can do your project from places like TIFR, BARC, IIT Bombay, etc.