NEST Exam 2025: The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the five-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (DAE CEBS), Mumbai. Here’s everything you need to know about NEST 2025, including important dates, application process, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, results, and counselling details.
NEST Exam 2025 Application Process
The application process for NEST 2025 is conducted online. Candidates must follow the steps below to apply:
Check CUET for admission to all national and state-level colleges.
Steps to Apply for NEST Exam 2025
- Visit the official NEST website (https://www.nestexam.in/).
- Click on ‘Apply Online’ and register with personal details.
- Verify the registration through OTP received on the registered mobile number and email.
- Log in using the credentials and fill out the application form.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹1200 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates | ₹600 |
NEST 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Starts | February 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2025 |
| NEST Exam Date | June 2025 |
| Result Declaration | June 2025 |
| Counselling Begins | July 2025 |
NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for admission to NISER and CEBS.
General Eligibility
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board in 2023 or 2024.
- Must have studied Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry in 10+2.
- Minimum aggregate marks vary by category:
- General/OBC/EWS: 60%
- SC/ST/PwD: 55%
- Candidates must be born on or after August 1, 2005 (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
NEST Exam Pattern 2025
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 200
- Marking Scheme: +3.5 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer (varies by section)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Physics | 50 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 |
| Biology | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
NEST Exam Syllabus
The syllabus is based on NCERT topics from classes 11 and 12.
Subject-wise Topics
- Physics: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, etc.
- Chemistry: Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Atomic Structure, etc.
- Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, Matrices, etc.
- Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Biotechnology, Human Physiology, etc.
NEST 2025 Admit Card
- Admit cards will be released online in May 2025.
- Candidates must download them from the official website using their login credentials.
- Carrying the admit card and a valid identity proof to the exam center is mandatory.
NEST 2025 Result
- The result will be declared in June 2025 on the official website.
- Candidates can check their results by entering their application number and date of birth.
- A merit list will be prepared based on scores.
NEST 2025 Counselling
- Counselling will be conducted online in July 2025.
- Seat allotment will be based on NEST scores, preferences, and availability.
- Candidates must upload required documents for verification.
Documents Required for Verification
- NEST 2025 Admit Card & Scorecard
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets & Certificates
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Passport)
- Passport-size photographs
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Conclusion
NEST 2025 is a crucial exam for students aspiring to join NISER and CEBS for integrated MSc programs. Applicants are advised to keep track of important dates, prepare according to the syllabus, and complete their registration process on time to secure their admission.
