NEST Exam 2025
NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test. It is an entrance exam for students who want to study science at top institutes in India. The exam is conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai, two top science research institutes.
Category of Exam
-
Science Entrance Exam for undergraduate courses
Related Courses or Fields of Study
NEST is for admission into:
-
Integrated M.Sc. programs (5 years) in:
-
Physics
-
Chemistry
-
Biology
-
Mathematics
-
Exam Frequency
-
The exam is held once every year
Eligibility
-
You must have passed Class 12 (science stream) in the current year or the year before
-
Should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology
-
Minimum marks needed: Usually 60% (55% for some reserved categories)
Application Process
-
The application is done online on the official NEST website
-
Fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the exam fee
Mode of Exam
-
The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode
Exam Pattern
-
Type of Questions: All are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
-
Total Sections: 5 sections (General + 4 subject sections)
-
General Section: Compulsory
-
Subject Sections: Choose any 3 out of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math
-
-
Negative Marking: Yes, in some sections
-
Time Duration: 3.5 hours
Syllabus Overview
Subjects covered:
-
Physics
-
Chemistry
-
Biology
-
Mathematics
-
General section may have:
-
Logical reasoning
-
Data interpretation
-
Analytical skills
-
Basic English
-
The syllabus is mostly based on Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT topics.
Important Dates (Tentative)
-
Application Starts: Around March
-
Exam Month: June
-
Result Declared: July
Result and Cutoff Info
-
Results are announced online
-
Each institute (NISER, CEBS) releases its own cutoff marks
-
Cutoff depends on scores, number of seats, and category
Admit Card Release Info
-
Admit cards are released online, about 1–2 weeks before the exam
-
You must download and print the admit card before the exam day
Preparation Tips
-
Focus on Class 11 and 12 science subjects
-
Use NCERT books for basics
-
Solve sample papers and mock tests
-
Practice time management
-
Revise formulas and key concepts regularly
FAQs
1. Who can apply for NEST?
Students who have completed Class 12 with science subjects.
2. Can I apply if I am still in Class 12?
Yes, if you will pass Class 12 in the same year of the exam.
3. Is there negative marking in NEST?
Yes, some sections have negative marking.
4. Can I choose which subjects to answer?
Yes, you must attempt the General section and any 3 of the 4 subject sections.
5. How many times can I give NEST?
There is no fixed limit, but you must meet the age and education requirements.
Top Colleges or Institutions Accepting the Score
-
NISER Bhubaneswar
-
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
These are top institutes for science education and research in India.
Counseling & Admission Process
-
After results, shortlisted students are invited for counseling
-
Seats are allotted based on NEST score, preference, and category
-
Students must verify documents and pay the fee to confirm admission
Latest Updates
-
Always check the official website for the latest news on:
-
Exam pattern changes
-
New exam centers
-
Revised dates
-
COVID or technical guidelines
-