NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is a national level entrance examination conducted annually by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. The exam is conducted for admission into 5-year integrated M.Sc programs in basic sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. The exam is usually held in the month of June and consists of multiple-choice questions from the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and General Aptitude.
The exam is of a duration of 3 hours and is conducted in online mode. Candidates who qualify the exam are further called for counselling rounds and final admission is based on merit and availability of seats.
How to fill NEST Application Form
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is an annual entrance exam for students who want to pursue a five-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) at NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CBS (University of Mumbai-Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai. Here are the steps to fill the NEST application form:
- Registration: Visit the official website of NEST (nestexam.in) and click on the ‘Register’ button. Enter your basic details such as name, email ID, phone number, and create a password. After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration number and password.
- Fill Application Form: Login with your registration number and password, and fill in your personal details, academic qualifications, and other required information in the online application form. You will also need to upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the prescribed format.
- Payment of Application Fee: The application fee for the NEST exam is INR 1200 for male candidates of the General and OBC categories, while it is INR 600 for SC/ST/PwD and female candidates of all categories. The fee can be paid online through net banking, debit/credit card, or through an e-challan at any branch of State Bank of India.
- Submit Application Form: After filling in all the necessary details and making the payment, verify all the information and submit the application form. Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Note: Candidates are advised to keep their registration number and password safe for future reference. Also, ensure that all the information entered in the application form is accurate and valid, as any incorrect information can lead to rejection of the application.
Syllabus NEST Exam
The NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) syllabus is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge in basic sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Here’s a detailed syllabus for NEST:
- Mathematics: • Algebra • Trigonometry • Analytical geometry • Differential calculus • Integral calculus • Vectors
- Physics: • Mechanics • Thermal Physics • Electricity and Magnetism • Optics • Modern Physics
- Chemistry: • Physical Chemistry • Inorganic Chemistry • Organic Chemistry
- Biology: • Cell Biology • Genetics and Evolution • Ecology • Human Physiology • Biotechnology
The questions in the exam will test the candidate’s understanding and knowledge of the above-mentioned topics at the 10+2 level. The questions will be a mix of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions, and will test the candidate’s reasoning, comprehension, and analytical skills.
It is important to note that the NEST syllabus is not based on any specific board or curriculum. Therefore, candidates are advised to refer to the NCERT textbooks of classes XI and XII for preparation, as they cover the basic concepts and topics required for the exam. Additionally, candidates can refer to other relevant books and study materials available in the market.
Exam pattern NEST Exam
The NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is a computer-based test (CBT) that consists of five sections, namely, General Aptitude, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The exam pattern of NEST is as follows:
- Mode of Exam: The exam is conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test).
- Number of Questions: The exam consists of a total of 230 questions.
- Total Marks: The exam is conducted for a total of 230 marks.
- Duration: The duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Marking Scheme: For each correct answer, candidates will be awarded 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect or unanswered questions.
- Sections: The exam consists of five sections, and the number of questions asked in each section is as follows:
a. General Aptitude: 30 questions b. Biology: 50 questions c. Chemistry: 50 questions d. Mathematics: 50 questions e. Physics: 50 questions
- Language of Exam: The exam is conducted in the English language only.
The General Aptitude section is compulsory for all candidates, while the other four sections are based on the candidate’s choice of subject combination. The questions in the exam will test the candidate’s understanding and knowledge of the basic concepts and topics required for pursuing a five-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences at NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CBS (University of Mumbai-Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai.
Eligibility Criteria For NEST Exam
The NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is conducted for admission to the five-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) at NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CBS (University of Mumbai-Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai. Here are the eligibility criteria for NEST:
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the NEST exam.
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed or appeared in the 12th standard examination or an equivalent examination from any recognized board in India in the year of appearing for the exam.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in the 12th standard examination. For SC/ST/PwD candidates, the minimum requirement is 55% marks in aggregate.
- Subject Combination: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in their 10+2 level or equivalent examination.
- Nationality: Candidates who are Indian citizens or OCI/PIO/NRI candidates are eligible to apply.
It is important to note that candidates who have passed the 12th standard examination or equivalent examination in 2019 or earlier are not eligible to apply for the NEST exam. Additionally, candidates who have obtained a diploma or passed in vocational courses are not eligible to apply.
NEST Admission 2023 Accepting Colleges
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is conducted for admission to the five-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences at NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CBS (University of Mumbai-Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai. Both institutions offer integrated MSc programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Here are the details of the two participating institutions:
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar: NISER is a research-oriented institute that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in basic sciences. It was established in 2007 by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and is affiliated to the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI). The institute offers a five-year integrated MSc program in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences.
- University of Mumbai-Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CBS), Mumbai: UM-DAE CBS is a center for excellence in basic sciences, established in 2007 by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The institute offers a five-year integrated MSc program in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences.
Candidates who qualify for the NEST exam can apply for admission to these institutions based on their rank and availability of seats. The admission process includes counseling, seat allotment, and document verification. Candidates are advised to visit the official websites of the institutions for detailed information on the admission process and eligibility criteria.
