The campus at JNCASR is smaller when compared to other institutes, but it has a very welcoming ambience.
Students here are hardworking and determined to fulfill their goals. For this the college provides proper guidance and exposure required by them. So, it is recommended that you choose JNCASR if you are confident enough to match with their level.
Both are excellent institutions, but the experience will differ between the two. Whereas IISc is much larger and has a more vibrant student community, the smaller batches in JNCASR allow for more attention and a better chance of getting into at least one of their preferred labs.
IISC is smack dab in the middle of a commercial area (well, actually, the commercial areas grew around IISc, but let's not get into that). JNCASR is less centrally located and more of a sleepy campus. It's a completely different story after the second year when the pressure is intense and lab work can be extremely demanding.
There are no holidays for students (not even Sundays or national holidays like the 15th of August or the 26th of January, but there is a flag hoisting event so you get off work for at least an hour) and most P.I.s do not allow paid leave of more than two weeks per year. This is not to say that there isn't any fun on campus. Most of the rules governing on-campus life are lax, and the guards and staff are laid-back and don't make a fuss when asked to overlook a few things.
A few years back, my brother applied for the MS program in Engineering Mechanics at JNCASR. The written test was conceptual. They aim to test your mathematical skills and fluid mechanics knowledge. Solving the Mathematics portion can be easy if you know the proof of all concepts. There were also questions regarding Heat Transfer.
The Interview will depend on what you have written in the test. They may ask to prove what you have written in the paper. They will ask you to choose a topic of your choice and ask questions about it. They will ask you about your B.Tech project.
My sister applied for the integrated Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences at JNCASR, a few years back. They mostly asked her practical based questions in the interview. She was given problem sets, aptitude questions, and analytical questions. Most of the questions are aimed to judge your analytical skills. Rather than memorizing try to understand the concepts.
Here is how you can apply for the integrated Ph.D. program at JNCASR.
You can also take IIT-JAM. It increases your chances of getting selected at reputed institutes.
The general coursework for M.Sc Chemistry at JNCASR is not the best. But the research interface makes the course worthwhile. All the faculty members of the department are actively involved in research. They regularly publish in well-reputed journals. The research quality and the infrastructural facilities offered are great.
If you want a rigorous core curriculum, then you should first consider state universities followed by IITs. JNCASR is also a decent option for pursuing your M.Sc Chemistry degree. It offers specialization in either Material Chemistry or Chemical Biology. If research is your long-term goal, then choosing JNCASR Bangalore will be the best option.
My brother got selected for the JNCASR SRFP program a few years back, for Chemical Sciences. He had a decent GPA and average research background. He wrote his application in simple language expressing why he want to pursue the program. Based on my brother’s experience, I will say the institute don’t select student based just on their GPA. In your application, state clearly why you want to pursue science. If you want to apply for the summer program, make sure you state your passion for science.
The written test taken for Integrated Ph.D. in Biological Science at JNCASR is mostly conceptual. If you paid attention during your bachelor’s lecture, then you can easily answer a large part of the questions asked. There will be questions from the syllabus of CBSC class 11-12 and a basic B.Sc in any branch of Biology at a central university.