IISERs plan admissions based on Science and Maths Olympiads, explore sports quota

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) are planning to introduce alternative pathways to its undergraduate programmes, including admissions based on performance in international Science Olympiads and sports.

The proposals were discussed during the meeting of the Standing Committee of IISERs, held in January. The minutes of the meeting were published online in July.

The proposal, made by IISER Pune director, suggested introducing admissions through international olympiads and considering sports achievements, similar to the admission models followed by several Indian Institutes of Technology, including IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur.

The committee also proposed routing such admissions through the existing, centralised IAT counselling process to “ensure transparency and fairness”.

Currently, admissions to IISERs are conducted through the entrance exam, IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).

Apart from admission reforms, the committee discussed integrating artificial intelligence into teaching and research, establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs), having the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluate IISERs, promoting research through Section 8 companies and revamping PhD programmes.

AI integration

The committee recommended that IISERs collaborate with computer science departments of the IITs to leverage expertise in artificial intelligence.

It also suggested adopting the AI policy developed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru as a template for integrating AI into curriculum and pedagogy over the next three to four months.

Further, IISERs have been encouraged to develop strategic plans for using AI in scientific research and development while exploring the work undertaken by IIT Delhi on AI integration and its impact on students' well-being.

IISER: NAAC accreditation, research, PhD reforms

The standing committee has opted for NAAC accreditation for all the IISERs.

Each IISER will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in a specific area to strengthen research and innovation. The committee also approved setting up Section 8 companies at IISERs to promote research, innovation and industry engagement.

The committee also discussed revamping PhD programmes across IISERs with a focus on aligning research topics with national missions and priorities.

The proposed reforms are expected to be implemented within 12 months.