The Aakash iACST 2026 (Instant Admission Cum Scholarship Test) is a 60-minute online computer-based test with 45 to 50 MCQs depending on the stream, conducted by Aakash Institute (AESL). The test offers scholarships of up to 90% on Aakash BYJU’s course fees, and results are declared instantly after submission. With no negative marking and a flexible self-scheduling window of 9 AM to 10 PM on any day, the exam is designed to be accessible for students from Class VI through Class XII pass.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Aakash Institute (AESL – Aakash Educational Services Limited) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 45 – 50 (varies by class and stream) |
| Question Type | MCQ – Single Correct (4 options) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Scholarship Offered | Up to 90% on Aakash BYJU’s course fees |
| Result Declaration | Instant – displayed immediately after submission |
| Eligibility | Class VI to Class XII and Class XII pass (repeaters) |
| Official Website | iacst.aakash.ac.in |
- Aakash iACST 2026 is a 60-minute online CBT with 45 to 50 MCQs based on NCERT concepts of the student’s current class.
- Engineering aspirants attempt Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics; medical aspirants attempt Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Foundation students (Classes VI–IX) attempt all four subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics — for 45 questions total.
- There is no negative marking — a wrong answer earns zero, not a penalty; attempting every question maximises your scholarship percentage.
- Results are instant — your score and scholarship bracket appear on screen the moment you submit the test.
- You choose your own exam slot on any day between 9 AM and 10 PM, making it completely flexible around your schedule.
- Top scorers can earn up to 90% scholarship on Aakash BYJU’s JEE, NEET, and Foundation course fees.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Direct Link to Aakash iACST Official Website 2026 | iacst.aakash.ac.in |
Table of Contents
- Aakash iACST Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- Aakash iACST Exam Pattern 2026: Important Dates
- Aakash iACST 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
- Aakash iACST Marking Scheme 2026
- Aakash iACST Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
- Aakash iACST Question Types 2026
- Aakash iACST Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
- How to Prepare Based on Aakash iACST Exam Pattern
- Aakash iACST Exam Pattern FAQs
Aakash iACST Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The Aakash iACST 2026 is a fully online, computer-based scholarship test that assesses your grasp of NCERT-level science and mathematics. Unlike fixed-date entrance exams, this test runs on a rolling schedule — you register, pick any slot between 9 AM and 10 PM, and take the test that day. Your scholarship percentage is calculated instantly from your score as soon as you submit.
Aakash iACST 2026 is a 60-minute computer-based test with 45 to 50 MCQs, no negative marking, and instant results — offering up to 90% scholarship on Aakash course fees.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Aakash iACST (Instant Admission Cum Scholarship Test) |
| Conducting Body | Aakash Institute – AESL (Aakash Educational Services Limited) |
| Exam Mode | Online / Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 45 – 50 (stream-dependent; see detailed pattern below) |
| Question Type | MCQ – Single Correct (4 options per question) |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Sections | PCM (Engineering) / PCB (Medical) / PCBM (Foundation Classes VI–IX) |
| Syllabus | NCERT curriculum of the student’s current or just-completed class |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Scheduling | On-demand; any day, 9 AM – 10 PM (student-selected slot) |
| Result | Instant – displayed on screen immediately after submission |
| Eligibility | Class VI to Class XII and Class XII pass (repeaters for JEE/NEET) |
| Maximum Scholarship | Up to 90% on Aakash BYJU’s course fees |
Aakash iACST Exam Pattern 2026: Important Dates
The Aakash iACST 2026 does not follow a fixed single exam date. It operates as a rolling-window test — registration stays open throughout the year and you pick your own slot. Once you register on the official website, you select any available date and time between 9 AM and 10 PM, and take the test then. The result and scholarship percentage are displayed on the screen right after you finish.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Open throughout 2026 (online, on-demand at iacst.aakash.ac.in) |
| Slot Selection | Student-selected date and time after registration |
| Test Window (Daily) | Any day, 9 AM – 10 PM |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes from the chosen start time |
| Result Declaration | Instant – score and scholarship percentage shown immediately after submission |
| Scholarship Confirmation | At the time of enrolment at the Aakash centre or online admission |
Source: Aakash iACST Official Website
Aakash iACST 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
The Aakash iACST 2026 question paper is tailored to your class and target stream. Foundation students in Classes VI to IX attempt all four NCERT science and mathematics subjects. Students from Class X onwards are routed into either the Engineering (PCM) track or the Medical (PCB) track based on the course they wish to join. The question count and subjects shift accordingly, but the duration stays fixed at 60 minutes across all streams.
Stream A – Foundation (Classes VI to IX)
Students joining Aakash’s Foundation programme answer all four STEM subjects. Mathematics carries the highest weightage at 15 questions; each of the three science subjects contributes 10 questions.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 10 | 4 | 40 | 60 minutes (shared) |
| Chemistry | 10 | 4 | 40 | |
| Biology | 10 | 4 | 40 | |
| Mathematics | 15 | 4 | 60 | |
| Total | 45 | – | 180 marks | 60 minutes |
Stream B – Class X → Foundation Stream / Two-Year JEE Engineering (PCM)
Students from Class X entering the Foundation Stream or the Two-Year JEE Engineering programme take a PCM paper with 15 questions per subject — a total of 45 questions for 180 marks.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 15 | 4 | 60 | 60 minutes (shared) |
| Chemistry | 15 | 4 | 60 | |
| Mathematics | 15 | 4 | 60 | |
| Total | 45 | – | 180 marks | 60 minutes |
Stream C – Class X → Two-Year Medical / Class XI–XII NEET / Repeater NEET (PCB)
Medical aspirants take a PCB paper. Biology carries the highest weightage with 20 questions, while Physics and Chemistry contribute 15 questions each. The total is 50 questions for 200 marks.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 15 | 4 | 60 | 60 minutes (shared) |
| Chemistry | 15 | 4 | 60 | |
| Biology | 20 | 4 | 80 | |
| Total | 50 | – | 200 marks | 60 minutes |
Aakash iACST Marking Scheme 2026
The Aakash iACST 2026 marking scheme is student-friendly and straightforward. Every correct answer earns +4 marks. Wrong answers and unattempted questions both score zero — there is no negative marking of any kind. Because the scholarship bracket depends on your total score percentage, you should attempt every question rather than leaving any blank.
There is no negative marking in Aakash iACST 2026 — attempt every question to maximise your score and scholarship bracket.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ – Single Correct (All Sections, All Streams) | +4 | 0 | 0 |
No negative marking applies to any question in Aakash iACST 2026 — leaving a question blank scores the same as a wrong answer (zero), so always attempt every question.
The scholarship percentage you receive is calculated directly from your total marks relative to the maximum marks of your stream. Scoring higher places you in a higher scholarship bracket, up to a maximum of 90% scholarship on Aakash BYJU’s course fees. The exact scholarship slab is confirmed at the time of enrolment.
Aakash iACST Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
The Aakash iACST 2026 uses a structured difficulty split within each subject: the majority of questions are easy, a smaller portion are medium, and exactly one question per subject is at the difficult level. This means scoring well on the easy and medium layer alone can secure a strong scholarship percentage, making it accessible even for average NCERT students.
Physics
| Stream | No. of Questions | Easy | Medium | Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation (Classes VI–IX) | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Class X → FS / JEE / NEET (Class X onwards) | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 |
Chemistry
| Stream | No. of Questions | Easy | Medium | Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation (Classes VI–IX) | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Class X → FS / JEE / NEET (Class X onwards) | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 |
Biology (Medical / PCB Track)
| Stream | No. of Questions | Easy | Medium | Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation (Classes VI–IX) | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Two-Year Medical / NEET (Class X onwards) | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 |
Mathematics (Engineering / PCM Track and Foundation)
| Stream | No. of Questions | Easy | Medium | Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation (Classes VI–IX) and Class X → FS / JEE | 15 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
Biology carries the highest single-subject weightage in the NEET / medical track — 20 questions for 80 marks — making it the most impactful subject for your scholarship score.
Aakash iACST Question Types 2026
The Aakash iACST 2026 uses a single question format across all streams and classes: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options and exactly one correct answer. The exam does not include numerical/integer type questions, assertion-reasoning pairs, or passage-based sets — all questions are standard single-correct MCQs drawn from NCERT-level concepts.
| Question Type | Description | Applies To | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ – Single Correct | 4 options; only 1 correct answer | All sections, all streams | None |
| Numerical / Integer Type | Not included | Not applicable | — |
| Assertion–Reasoning | Not included | Not applicable | — |
| Passage-Based (Comprehension) | Not included | Not applicable | — |
| Multiple Select (MSQ) | Not included | Not applicable | — |
Questions are framed to test conceptual understanding and direct application of topics from your NCERT textbooks. The difficulty spread across all subjects is weighted towards easy and medium questions, with only one difficult question per subject per paper. You do not need to prepare for complex reasoning chains or multi-step derivations — clean NCERT revision and practised problem-solving is sufficient.
Aakash iACST Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The Aakash iACST 2026 pattern is largely stable compared to the 2025 cycle. Aakash introduced the stream-differentiated question count and the structured Easy/Medium/Difficult split in earlier cycles; both elements continue unchanged in 2026. The duration, question type, negative-marking policy, and scholarship ceiling also remain the same. Students preparing with 2025 material are working from an accurate framework.
The Aakash iACST 2026 pattern is stable — no structural changes from 2025. Your 2025 preparation material and practice sets remain fully relevant.
| Parameter | iACST 2025 | iACST 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online CBT | Online CBT | No change |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | No change |
| Question Type | MCQ – Single Correct | MCQ – Single Correct | No change |
| Negative Marking | None | None | No change |
| Foundation Questions (Classes VI–IX) | 45 (10P + 10C + 10B + 15M) | 45 (10P + 10C + 10B + 15M) | No change |
| Engineering / FS Questions (PCM) | 45 (15P + 15C + 15M) | 45 (15P + 15C + 15M) | No change |
| Medical / NEET Questions (PCB) | 50 (15P + 15C + 20B) | 50 (15P + 15C + 20B) | No change |
| Difficulty Split | Easy / Medium / Difficult per subject | Easy / Medium / Difficult per subject | No change |
| Scheduling | On-demand, 9 AM – 10 PM any day | On-demand, 9 AM – 10 PM any day | No change |
| Result Declaration | Instant | Instant | No change |
| Maximum Scholarship | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | No change |
How to Prepare Based on Aakash iACST Exam Pattern
The Aakash iACST 2026 pattern directly shapes the most effective preparation strategy. Since every question comes from NCERT, the test rewards students who have finished their textbook chapters thoroughly rather than those who have jumped into advanced material. The 60-minute window for 45–50 questions gives you roughly 72–80 seconds per question, so speed and confident recall matter alongside accuracy.
- Cover your NCERT textbooks completely. Every iACST question is drawn from the NCERT syllabus of your current or just-completed class. Reading each chapter carefully — not skimming — is the single most effective preparation step.
- Attempt every question without hesitation — there is no negative marking. Leaving a question blank and marking it wrong both score the same (zero). Always write an answer, even if you are not fully certain.
- Practise timed 45–50 question sets in 60 minutes. Time management under the iACST window is a skill in itself. Regular timed practice builds the speed you need to move through easy and medium questions quickly and save time for harder ones.
- Score the easy and medium questions first. The difficulty split is weighted heavily towards easy and medium questions (only 1 difficult question per subject). Securing these with minimal time spent per question locks in a high base score before you tackle the harder question.
- Prioritise Biology if you are targeting NEET / medical courses. Biology carries 20 questions (out of 50) in the PCB track — the largest single-subject count in the exam. Getting it right has the largest direct impact on your scholarship percentage.
- Revise key formulae, reactions, and definitions into one-page reference sheets. MCQ exams reward instant recognition. Short revision sheets for Physics formulae and Chemistry reactions help you read a question and identify the answer without working through long derivations.
- Take the official demo test on iacst.aakash.ac.in before your scheduled slot. Aakash provides a practice demo online. Completing it familiarises you with the interface, timer, and question navigation so you do not spend time adjusting to the platform on the actual test day.
Aakash iACST Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques. What is the duration of Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. The Aakash iACST 2026 has a duration of 60 minutes. The timer starts at your scheduled slot time and the paper submits automatically when it ends. There is no per-section time limit — you can move freely between subjects during the 60 minutes.
Ques. How many questions are asked in Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. The question count depends on your stream. Foundation students (Classes VI–IX) get 45 questions (Physics 10 + Chemistry 10 + Biology 10 + Mathematics 15). Engineering / PCM students get 45 questions (15 each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). Medical / NEET students get 50 questions (Physics 15 + Chemistry 15 + Biology 20).
Ques. Is there negative marking in Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. No. The Aakash iACST 2026 has no negative marking at all. A wrong answer scores zero, the same as leaving a question unattempted. You should attempt every single question to maximise your total marks and scholarship percentage.
Ques. What is the marking scheme of Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. Each correct answer earns +4 marks. Wrong and unattempted answers both score 0 marks. There is no partial marking or differential marking — all questions across all subjects carry equal weight of 4 marks each.
Ques. What subjects are covered in Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. The subjects depend on your target stream. Engineering (PCM) students attempt Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Medical (PCB) students attempt Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Foundation students (Classes VI–IX) attempt all four subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics — in a single paper.
Ques. When are Aakash iACST 2026 results declared?
Ans. Results are instant. Your total score and scholarship percentage are displayed on the screen immediately after you submit the test. No separate result date or login is needed — you see your outcome the moment the test ends.
Ques. Can I choose my own exam date for Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. Yes. The Aakash iACST 2026 follows a rolling-window, on-demand format. After registering at iacst.aakash.ac.in, you select any available date and time slot. The test is accessible on any day between 9 AM and 10 PM, so you can plan around your school or college schedule.
Ques. What type of questions appear in Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. All questions in the Aakash iACST 2026 are MCQs with four options and one correct answer. The exam does not include numerical or integer-type questions, assertion-reasoning pairs, or passage-based questions. Every question is a standard single-correct MCQ based on NCERT concepts.
Ques. How much scholarship can I get through Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. You can earn up to 90% scholarship on Aakash BYJU’s course fees based on your test score. The scholarship percentage is calculated directly from your total marks — a higher score places you in a higher scholarship slab. The exact slab and amount are confirmed at the time of course enrolment.
Ques. What is the syllabus for Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. The Aakash iACST 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of your current or just-completed class. The exam tests the same topics you have studied in school — no additional competitive-exam coaching material is required to attempt the test. Thorough NCERT revision is the most effective preparation.
Ques. Who is eligible to appear for Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. Students from Class VI to Class XII and Class XII pass students (repeaters) targeting JEE or NEET are eligible for Aakash iACST 2026. The test is open to students from CBSE, ICSE, and all recognised state boards across India.
Ques. How does the difficulty level split work in Aakash iACST 2026?
Ans. Each subject in the iACST 2026 follows a structured split: most questions are easy, a smaller set are medium, and only one question per subject is at the difficult level. For example, a 15-question Physics paper breaks down as 8 Easy, 6 Medium, and 1 Difficult. Scoring well on the easy and medium questions alone is enough for a high scholarship bracket.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments