NEST - National Entrance Screening Test
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2025 is a prestigious national-level examination conducted for admission to the five-year integrated M.Sc. programs in basic sciences, offered by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai’s Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. NEST 2025 will be held on June 22, 2025, and aims to evaluate candidates’ knowledge and aptitude in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The exam is open to students who have completed or are appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2023 or 2024. It consists of multiple-choice questions and follows a stringent selection process based on the best three scores across four sections. With its comprehensive syllabus and a challenging exam format, NEST is an ideal pathway for students aspiring to pursue a career in scientific research and higher education in India.
Table of Contents
Joint Entrance Examination (Main)
Highlights of NEST 2025:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | June 22, 2025 |
| Application Period | February 17, 2025 – May 9, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Class 12th pass or appearing students with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Application Fee | ₹1,400 (General/OBC), ₹700 (Female/SC/ST/PwD) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test |
| Sections | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +2.5 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers |
| Admit Card Release | June 2, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | Second week of July 2025 |
Important Dates for NEST 2025:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | February 17, 2025 |
| Application End Date | May 9, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | June 2, 2025 |
| Exam Date | June 22, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | Second week of July 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria for NEST 2025:
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their Class 12 examinations in 2023 or 2024.
- Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics as subjects in Class 12.
Age Limit:
- There is no age limit for appearing in NEST 2025.
Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC candidates: Must have secured at least 60% marks in aggregate in Class 12.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: Must have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate in Class 12.
Category-wise Eligibility:
- General/OBC candidates must meet the 60% minimum mark requirement, while SC/ST/PwD candidates must meet the 55% minimum mark requirement.
These criteria ensure that applicants have the necessary academic background to qualify for the NEST 2025 exam.
Application Process for NEST 2025:
1. Online Registration:
Visit the official NEST 2025 website (nestexam.in).
Click on the “Register” button to create a new account by providing basic information like name, email address, and mobile number.
After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your login credentials.
2. Filling the Application Form:
Log in using your registered credentials.
Complete the application form by entering personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information.
Select the exam center preference (if applicable).
Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and other required documents in the prescribed format.
3. Application Fee Payment:
Pay the application fee online through available modes such as debit card, credit card, or net banking.
General/OBC Male candidates: ₹1,400
SC/ST/PwD and Female candidates: ₹700
4. Review and Submit:
Carefully review all the entered information for accuracy.
After ensuring that all the details are correct, submit the application form.
5. Admit Card:
Once the application is successfully submitted, download and print the admit card when it is released (usually in early June).
The admit card will contain important information such as exam date, venue, and timing.
6. Confirmation:
After submitting the application, you will receive a confirmation email with all the application details.
Make sure to complete the application before the deadline, which is May 9, 2025.
Documents Required for NEST 2025 :
For NEST 2025, the following documents are required during the application process:
1. Photograph:
A recent passport-sized photograph (in JPEG format) with a white background.
The size should typically be between 10 KB to 100 KB.
2. Signature:
A scanned copy of your signature (in JPEG format).
The size should typically be between 5 KB to 50 KB.
3. Class 12 Marksheet (or Equivalent):
A scanned copy of your Class 12th marksheet or certificate (if already available).
If you are appearing for Class 12 exams in 2024, you may need to provide the provisional certificate or mark sheet after the exam.
4. Category Certificate (if applicable):
Candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, PwD) must upload a valid caste certificate or disability certificate as per government norms.
The certificate must be issued by a competent authority in the prescribed format.
5. Proof of Age (if applicable):
If there are any special age-related exemptions, a document proving the candidate’s age (such as a birth certificate or Class 10th certificate) may be required.
6. Other Documents (if applicable):
Any other documents required as per the specific instructions provided on the NEST website or by the authorities for special cases (e.g., for candidates with special needs).
Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the specified format and size as mentioned in the official instructions to avoid any issues during the application process.
Exam Centers for NEST 2025:
NEST 2025 will be conducted at various exam centers across India. The exact list of centers will be made available during the application process, but typically, NEST exam centers are spread across multiple cities to ensure easy accessibility for candidates.
General Process for Choosing an Exam Center:
City Selection:
During the application process, you will be asked to select your preferred exam city. You can choose from the list of available cities provided on the NEST 2025 application portal.Exam Center Assignment:
The exam center will be allocated based on the availability of slots in your chosen city. While you can choose a city, the exact exam center and venue will be specified in the admit card.Multiple Centers in Major Cities:
Larger cities may have multiple exam centers. The admit card will provide the exact center name and address once the assignment is completed.Centers in Remote Areas:
NEST aims to make the exam accessible to candidates across the country. Smaller or remote areas may have limited centers, so it’s advisable to select a center near your location.
Typical Cities (Previous Years Example):
Delhi
Mumbai
Bangalore
Kolkata
Chennai
Hyderabad
Pune
Chandigarh
Ahmedabad
Jaipur
Lucknow
Bhopal
Patna
Final Confirmation:
The final exam center details, including the exact venue, will be shared through the admit card, which can be downloaded after the application process is completed.
Exam Pattern for NEST 2025:
The NEST 2025 exam pattern is designed to assess the candidates’ knowledge and understanding of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern for NEST 2025:
1. Mode of Examination:
Computer-Based Test (CBT): The exam will be conducted online.
2. Duration:
3 hours and 30 minutes.
3. Sections:
The exam consists of 4 sections:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biology
Each section contains 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), except for the Biology section, which consists of 20 MCQs.
4. Marking Scheme:
+2.5 marks for each correct answer.
-1 mark for each incorrect answer.
0 marks for unanswered questions.
Candidates need to answer a maximum of 3 sections out of the 4, and the best three scores will be considered for the final result.
5. Total Marks:
200 marks in total.
6. Difficulty Level:
The questions will be of a higher difficulty level compared to Class 12 board exams, focusing on the application of concepts.
7. Sectional Details:
Physics: Tests understanding of concepts related to mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
Chemistry: Focuses on topics such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and chemical reactions.
Mathematics: Includes algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.
Biology: Includes topics related to genetics, biotechnology, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry.
8. Negative Marking:
A penalty of -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
9. Best of Three Sections:
Candidates can choose to attempt any 3 sections (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology). Only the best three scores will be considered for the final ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for NEST 2025:
1. What is NEST?
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the 5-year integrated M.Sc. programs in basic sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics) at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai’s Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS).
2. Who is eligible to appear for NEST 2025?
- Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2023 or 2024 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology as subjects.
- General candidates must have at least 60% marks in Class 12, while SC/ST/PwD candidates need 55%.
3. What is the age limit for NEST 2025?
There is no age limit for appearing in NEST 2025.
4. How can I apply for NEST 2025?
You can apply online by visiting the official NEST 2025 website (nestexam.in). The application process includes registration, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee.
5. What is the application fee for NEST 2025?
- For General/OBC male candidates: ₹1,400
- For SC/ST/PwD and female candidates: ₹700