What is NEST?

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the 5-year integrated MSc programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at two of India’s top science institutes:

NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar
UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai

NEST is designed to identify talented students who are passionate about the basic sciences and research. It evaluates conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Why Should You Take the NEST Exam? Key Benefits

1. Admission to Elite Science Institutes

NEST is the gateway to NISER and CEBS, which are among the best science education and research institutes in India, comparable to IISc and IISERs.

2. Fully Funded Education with Scholarships

Selected students receive financial support, including monthly stipends, making it an affordable option for bright students from all economic backgrounds.

3. Strong Research-Oriented Curriculum

The integrated MSc program focuses on hands-on research, internships, and collaborations with leading scientific organizations like DAE, TIFR, and BARC.

4. Excellent Career & PhD Opportunities

Graduates from NISER and CEBS have gone on to:

Pursue PhDs at top global universities (MIT, Stanford, Oxford, etc.)
Join prestigious research labs (ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, etc.)
Build careers in academia, data science, biotechnology, and more.

5. No JEE-Level Competition

Unlike JEE Advanced, NEST has a relatively lower competition level, making it a great alternative for science enthusiasts.

NEST Exam Pattern & Eligibility

Eligibility: Class 12 (or equivalent) with PCB/PCM (Minimum 60% marks).
Exam Mode: Online (CBT)
Sections:
- General (Compulsory)
- Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics (Any 3 chosen)
Total Marks: 200
Negative Marking: Yes (For wrong answers)

How to Prepare for NEST?

Focus on NCERT (Class 11 & 12) fundamentals.
Practice previous years’ NEST papers.
Strengthen logical and analytical problem-solving skills.
Take mock tests for time management.

Final Thoughts

If you’re passionate about science and research, NEST is an excellent opportunity to join premier institutes with strong industry and academic connections. Start preparing early to secure your seat in NISER or CEBS!

🔗 For more career guidance and exam tips, visit Career Mantra!

National Entrance Screening Test (NEST): Gateway to Premier Science Education