Dattagupta is being proved correct by students like Mrinal Kanti Bera. “I am currently doing experiments in gold nano clusters and came to IISER for theoretical assistance,’’ he says.

“We are not mere science students, we actively pursue research,” adds Harprit Singh, who turned down a seat at IIT- BHU. This focused attitude is what binds this batch of future Einsteins, Ramans and Curies.

The challenge for the students lies not in just gaining admission to IISER but also in convincing their parents to allow them to spurn engineering or medicine. Some took their parents to meet their teachers. “In fact, the director of an engineering college, to which I had secured admission, asked me to join IISER,” says Prakash Arora, a rank holder in Rajasthan Pre-Entrance Test, who is at IISER Pune.

WHILE the focus on basic science and research will go a long way in assuaging fears of declining interest in these fields, what about job prospects?

“I cannot believe there could be a more exciting career than that of a research scientist,” says R Ramachandran, former head of department, Physics, IIT Kanpur, now with IISER, Pune.

Dattagupta echoes Ramachandran’s views. “Opportunities abound in the field of science research. Students can get into academics or join laboratories and industries. There is no dearth of options,” he says.

But, as the founders will admit, launching the novel institute has thrown up more than its share of challenges. This year, IISER, Pune sent out more than 80 call letters to students; only 46 responded. Also, there are only four girls in the batch of 46 at IISER, Pune.

... contd.