NISER Exam Experience

Backdrop:

I was a student of the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University enrolled in the program of Bachelor of Science (Math Honors) in the session 2020-23. I wanted to go for higher studies in mathematics, but the current state of Indian central Universities in pure science education is deplorable (even the topmost ones, my case, for instance). Therefore, I appeared for various competitive exams to get into some of the premier research institutions in our country National Institute of Science Education and Research(NISER) (https://www.niser.ac.in/) is one of them.

How to apply:

The forms for applying to NISER typically start at the end of April. In my time, the top 1000 rankers were shortlisted for written test cum interview at the institute. NISER offers a lucrative stipend for integrated Ph.D with Rs. 21,000 per month in the first year itself, along with an Rs. 20,000 contingency grant, in the second year the stipend increases to Rs. 31,000 per month, and from the PhD, offers a stipend in parallel to that of CSIR NET JRF.

Exam Experience:

The written test cum interview was to be conducted on the 4th of June 2023. I reached Bhubaneshwar that day early in the morning and went straight to NISER. At 9 o’clock. The faculty there distributed an exam paper which was to be solved in 2 hours, the question paper mainly consisted of IIT JAM level questions which were not that difficult for me. After the exam was over, we were offered lunch in the mess area, I was pretty hungry after a 2-day long train journey, the test results were declared around 2 in the afternoon, and I was elated after I ranked 2 in the test.

My interview was to be held the next day in the morning session. Accordingly, I stayed the night in a Dharmsala, and early morning I left for NISER after having a traditional Odia breakfast. I was asked some basic questions from Riemann integration and some basics of point set topology, which I answered comfortably. After the interview, I was positive about my selection.

Results out:

It came as an utter shock that I was not selected in NISER, even though I performed well in the written test as well as in the interview. Although I would not have taken admission in NISER, as I was already selected for an integrated PhD from IISER Mohali. But it saddened me that such an institution of national importance was taking students based on “connections” ( NISER’s faculty told that to my friend who was there as a summer intern).