National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)

Purpose

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is conducted to provide admissions to the 5-year Integrated MSc programs in basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. The exam aims to assess the academic aptitude and skills of candidates to ensure a fair selection process for admissions1.

Conducting Authority

The exam is conducted by NISER, Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai, both of which are set up by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.

Eligibility Criteria

• Regular Science Stream: Candidates should have studied any combination of three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in Classes XI and XII.
• Class XII Qualification: Candidates should have passed the Class XII qualifying examination in 2023 or 2024.

Exam Schedule/Important Dates

• Application Form Release: 3rd April 2025
• Last Date to Submit Application: 31st May 2025
• Admit Card Release: 15th June 2025
• NEST Exam Date: 30th June 2025
• Release of Answer Key: 1st week of July 2025
• NEST Results: 10th July 2025

Application Process

1. Online Application: Candidates need to fill out the online application form available on the official NEST website.
2. Submission: Submit the filled application form along with the required documents and pay the application fee.
3. Admit Card: Download the admit card after it is released.

Application Fee

The application fee varies based on the category of the candidate. It is typically around INR 600 for SC/ST and PwD candidates and INR 1200 for General & OBC male candidates.

Exam Pattern

• Mode: The exam is conducted online (Computer-Based Test).
• Structure: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each section has 20 questions, and each question carries 3 marks1. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
• Duration: The exam lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Best Scores: Only the best scores from three sections will be considered for evaluation and merit list preparation.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the NEST exam includes topics from the Class XI and XII level for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Specific details can be found in the official prospectus released by NEST.

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Syllabus: Go through the syllabus thoroughly and focus on the important topics.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
3. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation and improve your speed and accuracy.
4. Study Plan: Create a study plan and stick to it. Allocate time for each subject and revise regularly.
5. Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest exam notifications and changes in the exam pattern.