About academics: 

1. What is the overall structure of the BSMS programme at IISER Berhampur? 

The five year programme has four components. (a) First year core courses: Covers all science subjects, and a few courses on Humanities and Social Sciences; (b) Second year Pre-major: Students have to select three science subjects as their pre-majors; (c) Third and fourth year major: In third year, students have to select a subject of specialization. Currently, Major is available in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Geology; (d) Fifth year dissertation: A one-year final year research dissertation. 

2. Do I have to select my subject of specialization at the time of admission? 

No. This happens at the end of second year. See Q1 as well. 

3. What are the Departments at IISER Berhampur? 

There are six Science Departments - Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Computer Sciences. Note that the Department of Computer Sciences offers a minor degree only. 

4. I heard that IISER Berhampur is adopting a new programme structure. What is it? How is this going to benefit me? 

Yes. IISER Berhampur is adopting a four-phase (Core-Premajor-Major-Dissertation) programme from the 2025 batch. The advantage of this is a well-thought out balance between basic cross disciplinary training in all science subjects, Mathematics, and Humanities and Social Science subjects, and depth in the subject of specialization. From second year onwards, students will be able to drop two subjects and focus more on three subjects of their choice. The new programme also allows multiple Exit options - each at the end of a year, in compliance with National Education Policy 2020. 

5. I did not have Biology/Mathematics in my +2. Will I have difficulty in coping with the courses? 

The Core courses in the first year (and also the second year) are designed to be foundational. It is common to have students who either did not have Biology or Mathematics in their higher secondary schooling. If you are such a student, you must remember that specifically because of this, our programme structure should benefit you. In today’s world of science, you need to have a basic understanding of all subjects to excel in your higher education and eventually in professional life. 

6. Does IISER Berhampur, Minor and Major in a subject? 

Yes. At the time of choosing a Major subject (i.e., in third year), you can also register for a Minor. You must maintain a good CPI to be eligible for that. 

7. Does IISER Berhampur offer interdisciplinary courses? 

The entire BSMS programme is designed keeping interdisciplinarity in mind. In addition, all departments offer several interdisciplinary Open Elective courses, which students from other departments can register for, provided they have completed the necessary prerequisite courses.. 

8. I want to study Computer Science. Will the BSMS programme at IISER Berhampur help me achieve my career goals? 

Yes. Apart from the basic courses on fundamentals of Computer Science, students can opt for a Computer Science Minor. In addition, there are courses offered by different Departments that are relevant to Computer Science. Currently, we do not offer a major degree in Computer Science.

9. As a student of IISER Berhampur, do I get an opportunity to carry out research during my BSMS? 

Yes. That is the essence of a BSMS programme at IISER Berhampur. You are free to take part in on-going research in the various labs and groups within the institute. This can be done within a semester - of course, without compromising your coursework. In addition, summer breaks are good opportunities to formally associate with a research group for internships. The 5th year of the programme is dedicated to research work only. 

10. What teaching methodology / philosophy do IISER Berhampur teachers follow? 

Teachers adopt a modern interactive teaching methodology. Students are encouraged to engage in asking questions, discussing doubts etc. with the teachers. The teachers are approachable, sincere, and carry out teaching and evaluation meticulously. Student feedback is taken at the end of a semester. Teachers often tailor their teaching method based on these feedbacks. 

11. Are there options to Exit the programme with a degree without completing the entire 5-year programme? 

Yes. At the end of each academic year, a student is free to opt for an Exit from the programme. Depending on the stage of exit, a student is given a certificate or a degree, along with a transcript. 

12. When will the classes start? 

Tentatively, August 01, 2025 is scheduled to be the first class-day for the batch of 2025. 

13. What are the classrooms and teaching labs like? 

The classrooms at IISER Berhampur are modern, spacious, and designed for effective learning and a vibrant learning atmosphere. Tiered seating in large classrooms ensures clear visibility, while ergonomic desks offer comfort. Equipped with large blackboards, projectors, display screens, and sound systems, these rooms support interactive, technology-enabled teaching. Large windows provide natural light, creating a pleasant environment. Classrooms are also used as venues for seminars, outreach events, and special lectures, fostering academic and cultural engagement.

Teaching labs include state-of-the-art equipment for demonstration of important principles of the major subjects. There are lab technicians and staff who maintain the labs and ensure proper functionality of all equipment. The labs prepare our students for real-world challenges of collecting data, performing data analysis and reporting the results in a rigorous fashion.

14. Do all IISERs follow the same curriculum? Is IISER Berhampur BS-MS programme same as that of the other IISERs? 

No. Each IISER has its own curriculum. There is some degree of similarity in the overall programme structure - after all, they are all offering BS-MS dual degree. However, each IISER prepares its own BS-MS programme structure, offers an array of courses which are independent of what is done in other IISERs. The structures of the BS-MS programme and courses offered in it at IISER Berhampur are unique. There might be partial similarity with one or other IISERs. 

 For more information on the office of Academic Affairs, visit the website. Click here.