NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
NEST is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to integrated science programmes.
Integrated Science Programme is a programme that combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies into a single programme.
Example: Instead of studying an undergraduate science degree 3 years and a postgraduate science degree 2 years separately, students can complete both through a single 5-year Integrated M.Sc programme.
Students can use their NEST score to apply for science programmes in various institutions.
Conducted by: NISER Bhubaneswar and CEBS Mumbai.
📌 Quick Facts
Eligibility: 12th Pass or Appearing
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Frequency: Conducted once a year(usually June)
Qualification: Passed or appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board.
Appearing = currently in Class 12 (writing exams this year)
Subjects: Candidates should have studied at least three of the following subjects in Classes 11 and 12:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
Age: No upper age limit.
Minimum Marks:
- 60% aggregate marks for General category
- 55% aggregate marks for SC/ST/PwD categories
(Eligibility requirements may change. Please check the official NEST website for the latest information.)
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam Frequency: Conducted once a year (usually June)
Duration: 3 Hours
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology
Total Questions: 80
Total Marks: 240 Marks
Marking Scheme:
- +3 - for every correct answer
- -1 - for every wrong answer
- 0 - for unattempted questions
- Physics: 20 Questions (60 Marks)
- Chemistry: 20 Questions (60 Marks)
- Mathematics: 20 Questions (60 Marks)
- Biology: 20 Questions (60 Marks)
Total: 80 Questions | 240 Marks
NEST scores are used for admission to Integrated M.Sc programmes offered by participating institutions.
Courses may include:- Integrated M.Sc in Biological Sciences
- Integrated M.Sc in Chemical Sciences
- Integrated M.Sc in Mathematical Sciences
- Integrated M.Sc in Physical Sciences
🌐 Official Websites
Do you want to know the latest eligibility criteria, exam pattern, admission process, or details about participating institutions? Visit the official websites below.