NEST

Eligibility Criteria for National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics) from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: Generally, there is no strict age limit for NEST. Candidates must verify the specific year’s guidelines as notified by NCERT.
• Nationality: Only Indian nationals are eligible to appear for NEST.

Exam Pattern of NEST

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer Based Test)
• Number of Questions: Approximately 150 multiple-choice questions
• Marking Scheme:
  • Correct answer: +2 marks
  • Incorrect answer: Negative marking of -0.5 marks
  • Unattempted questions: 0 marks
• Subjects Covered:
  • General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
  • Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning
  • General Awareness and Analytical Skills
• Exam Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Exam Frequency: Annually
• Notification Release: Usually in January or February each year
• Exam Month: May or June

Syllabus of NEST

• General Science:
  • Physics: Units and measurements, motion, gravitation, work, energy and power, properties of matter, light, heat, electricity and magnetism, modern physics basics.
  • Chemistry: Atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, basics of organic and inorganic chemistry, environmental chemistry.
  • Mathematics: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, calculus basics, coordinate geometry, number systems.
  • Biology: Cell biology, human physiology, plant physiology, genetics and evolution, ecology, diversity of living organisms.
• Logical and Quantitative Reasoning:
  • Number series, coding-decoding, analogies, puzzles, syllogisms, logical sequences, quantitative comparisons.
• General Awareness and Analytical Skills:
  • Current events, basic general knowledge, data interpretation, and pattern recognition.

Application Process

1. Visit the official NEST website.
2. Register yourself by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
4. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates as per specifications.
5. Pay the application fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
6. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
7. Offline applications are generally not accepted; refer to the official notification each year for updates.

Courses Offered

• Integrated MSc in Basic Sciences in fields like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology at participating NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.

Facts about NEST

• Conducted by NCERT for admission to premier science institutes.
• Highly competitive national level entrance exam.
• Focuses on aptitude and science knowledge of higher secondary level students.

Admit Card

• Available online usually 2-3 weeks before the exam on the official site.
• Download by logging in to your registered account with application details.
• Carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID proof on exam day.
• Check and follow instructions on the admit card carefully.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results declared online on the official NEST examination website.
• Qualifying marks/cut-offs vary each year based on difficulty and number of candidates.
• Only candidates scoring above the cut-off will be considered for further admission process.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the detailed syllabus thoroughly and focus on conceptual clarity.
• Practice previous years' NEST question papers and sample papers.
• Refer to NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology for strong fundamentals.
• Develop logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude through dedicated practice.
• Utilize online resources and mock tests for time management and exam pattern familiarity.

FAQs

• Q: What is the purpose of NEST?
  A: NEST is conducted for admission to integrated MSc programs in basic sciences at top institutes.
• Q: Can a student from non-science stream apply?
  A: No, candidates must have studied science subjects in Class 12.
• Q: Is there any negative marking?
  A: Yes, 0.5 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
• Q: How to prepare for logical reasoning section?
  A: Practice a variety of puzzles, coding-decoding, and reasoning questions available in preparation books and online.
• Q: When is the NEST exam conducted?
  A: Usually in May or June every year.
• Q: How to get the admit card?
  A: Download admit card online from the official website by logging into your candidate account.