NEST Exam

NEST Application Form 2025 (Soon): Registration, Fees & How to Apply, Syllabus, Pattern, Admit Card

Latest Updates-NEST Exam,2024

 

November 4, 2024: The window period for filling out the NEST 2024 application is expected to extend until the month of May 2025.

November 3, 2024: Aspiring candidates for NEST 2024 will have approximately two months to complete and submit the application form.

November 3, 2024: The commencement of the NEST 2024 application process for the academic session 2024-2025 is expected in the fourth week of February 2024.

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2025, organised by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS, is a big exam for students who want to join top science colleges in India. The test will happen in the fourth week of June. It helps students get into great schools like NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. 


 

To take the NEST 2025 exam, students must have finished their class 12 with science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. It is important for candidates to check the eligibility rules before they apply. Only those who meet these rules can get into the programs offered by these top colleges.


 

The best colleges in NEST 2025 are NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. These schools are famous for their excellent science education and research. They have great facilities and a strong academic environment, giving students a high-quality education and many research opportunities.


 

The NEST 2025 exam will be held in the fourth week of June. Online registrations will start soon. After the application period ends, there will be an application correction window. This allows candidates to fix any mistakes in their forms, making sure the application process is smooth and accurate.

NEST 2025 Highlights

 

Here are the key points regarding NEST 2025:

 

Particulars

NEST Details 

Exam conducting body

NISER, Bhubaneshwar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai

Mode of exam

Online mode

Duration of exam

3 hours

Paper Language

English

Total marks

230

Number of Sections

5

Courses offered

5 year integrated M.Sc courses

What is NEST 2025?

 

NEST is a mandatory examination for admissions to NISER, Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai. The two institutions were founded by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, in 2007. Its mandate is to train scientific professionals for advanced scientific research. In keeping with that target, each of the two institutions contributes to the Refining and Scientific institutions under the Department of Atomic Energy and additional applied science institutions in the country.

NEST 2025 Exam Date

Here are some important dates related to the NEST 2025 Exam. 


 

NEST 2025 Exam 

Important Dates 

NEST 2025 Exam Date

June 22, 2025 (Sunday)

NEST Online Application Opens

February 17, 2025 

NEST Online Application Closes

May 9, 2025

NEST Correction & Update window

May 10, 2025, to May 14, 2025

NEST Mock Test Opens

May 16, 2025 

NEST Download of Admit Card

June 2, 2025 

 

NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria

 

The Eligibility Criteria to sit for NEST is made up of the various requirements students must fulfil before taking the entrance examination. Here are some concepts in the NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria:

 

Age :

A candidate must not be born before August 2000, i.e., general and OBC candidates.

SC/ST candidates get an age relaxation of five years.

 

Educational Qualification:

 

For the 12th Standard exam in 2022 and  2023, those who are expected to appear for the 12th Standard exam in 2025 can appear in the exam regardless of their category.

However, they must make it into the merit list of NEST 2025.

It is also compulsory for a candidate to have Mathematics as a subject in 10+2 examinations.

Other compulsory subjects include physics, chemistry, biology, and any life science stream.

 

Minimum Marks required :

 

A minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the Class XII exam from any recognised board in India. SC, ST and Divyangjan candidates should have at least 55% for eligibility.

 

State-wise Quota :

 

15% – J & K, and AP, T. ren.

 

Note: The supporting certificates validating the eligibility criteria should be provided only during admission. The offer of admission will be made based on the validation of all certificates at the time of admission/counselling and the availability of seats. Certificates validating eligibility, therefore, are not mandatory to sit for the NEST 2025 examination.

NEST 2025 Result

 Result: July 25.

 The NEST 2025 results will be announced in the second week of July 2025, tentatively. The NEST merit list/results include candidates' roll numbers as well as those who pass the integrated MSc entrance exam. To download their NEST 2025 Scorecards, candidates must first enter their login credentials. The NEST scorecard contains information on sectional and total results, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR). It is recommended that candidates save their scorecards until the NEST 2025 admissions process ends.

 

NEST 2025 Cutoff

 

CEBS Mumbai and NISER Bhubaneswar will announce the NEST 2025 cut-off marks by session, subject, and category. The NEST 2025 cutoff will be published on the official website in two categories: Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS), which refers to the sectional cutoff, and Minimum Acceptable Percentile (MAP), or overall percentage.

 

According to the officials, SMAS will be calculated as 20% of the average of the best 100 scores in each section. SMAS for different parts can have varying numerical values. Candidates must meet both the sectional NEST cutoff and the overall NEST 2025 cutoff percentile. The NEST 2025 cutoff will be 95% for general category candidates, 90% for OBC candidates, and 75% for candidates from reserved categories. However, the figures are based on the NEST cutoff analysis from the prior year.

NEST 2025 Answer Key

 Answer Key: July 25.

 Once the NEST 2025 answer key is available, it will be delivered to the exam takers' registered email addresses, along with their answer scripts. Candidates must review the answer key to confirm the correct answer, compute their anticipated score, and assess their prospects of admission to the NEST participating institutes. Candidates must submit objections to one or more NEST 2025 answer keys. Exam takers are not required to pay any fees or costs for filing objections to provisional answer keys. The NEST 2025 solution key contains the right options for each area, including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, in a single pdf file.

NEST 2025 Exam Analysis

 

The NEST 2025 exam will take place in the fifth week of June 2025, at various exam centers across the country. NEST is a national-level entrance exam administered in two shifts: morning (9:00 AM to 12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 6:00 PM). According to the previous year's exam, Physics was the most difficult section, followed by mathematics. Chemistry and biology were on the simpler tracks.

NEST 2025 Mock Test

 

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the NEST Exam is to practice mock exam papers. Students can acquire mock exam papers supplied by coaching schools to gain experience with NEST question styles and relevant themes. Along with taking the NEST simulated examinations, candidates must assess their performance to identify areas for development. The official website announcement states that the Mock Test will begin on May 16, 2025.

NEST 2025 Admit Card

 

Admit Card: June 02, 25

 

The NEST 2025 Admission Card will be available on June 2, 2025. Candidates who have registered can download the NEST 2025 Hall Ticket by entering their login credentials. The NEST admission card contains vital information such as personal information, exam date and time, exam center address, and exam day rules and instructions. Candidates must bring their NEST invite card to the exam center. The NEST admit card 2025 will be available online at the official website, and candidates must keep it safe till the exam counselling or admission procedure is completed.

NEST 2025 Exam Centres

 

NEST 2025 was performed in 120 cities across India. When filling out the NEST Application Form, students will be able to choose from a minimum of five exam centers across India to take the NEST Exam. The exam conducting board will award the NEST 2025 exam centers.

NEST 2025 Preparation Tips

 

Candidates who want to pursue their integrated MSc studies at NISER, Bhubaneshwar, and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai at the same time should take NEST seriously. So, here are some NEST exam preparation recommendations for those who plan to take the NEST 2025 exam.

 

  1. Understand NEST Syllabus and Pattern: Candidates must understand what needs to be researched.  The NEST 2025 syllabus is extensive, including important Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Math courses in classes 11 and 12. Students must also keep the NEST exam pattern in mind while preparing to understand what types of questions will be given and how much time they will have to complete the examination.
  2. Direct access to prior years' NEST question papers: Previous year's papers are a fantastic place to begin preparing for any exam. They will assist students in understanding the subject-specific weightage of themes and the level of difficulty in tests.

 

  1. Create a study timetable: Studying according to a timetable can help you cover the material in a systematic manner. Students should create a NEST preparation timetable that includes at least two to three hours for each of the three courses, as well as one hour for review.

 

  1. Stay Consistent While Studying: Because the NEST syllabus is extensive, all chapters can only be covered if studied on a daily basis. Regularity is critical in clearing the NEST 2025.

 

  1. Use NCERT textbooks: Students must understand that NCERT textbooks serve as the foundation for the NEST syllabus. NEST aspirants must study the NCERT textbook and lay a firm foundation of concepts and theories. They may also consult additional literature to better understand the concepts.

 

  1. Choosing The Best Reference Books: NEST students must use the greatest reference books that cover topics from beginner to expert level.

 

  1. Revision: Revision is an essential component of preparation. If a candidate does not revise what they have studied, they may be unable to recollect it before examinations.

 

  1. Mock Test Paper: Solve mock test papers on a regular basis. It is recommended that students solve chapter-specific mock papers after completing each chapter and full-length mock exam papers after completing the entire course.

NEST Exam Pattern 2025

 

Candidates must review the following details for the NEST 2025 Exam Pattern:

Mode of examination: The NEST 2025 exam was computer-based (CBT/online).

The question paper had both multiple choice questions (MCQ) and multiple select questions (MSQ).

 

  • Exam Duration: Applicants were given 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the examination.
  • Total Scores: The questions had a total of 200 points.
  • Total Sections: There were four sections, which encompassed disciplines such as physics, chemistry, algebra, and biology.

 

We have shared the whole section-wise pattern for the NEST 2025 Exam.

 

Section

Subject

Marking

1

Biology

50

2

Physics

50

3

Chemistry

50

4

Mathematics

50

Total

200 Marks 

 

NEST 2025 Syllabus

 

Candidates who registered for the NEST Exam should be aware that they will receive the NEST 2025 syllabus by email. The NEST exam questions are based on topics covered in Science books for grades 11 and 12. Physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics are among the courses offered. According to exam administrators, the questions in the NEST exam are primarily based on the science syllabus for Class 11 and 12 as presented in NCERT/ CBSE books. Candidates must review the NEST 2025 syllabus on this page.

NEST 2025 Question Paper

 

The NEST 2025 question paper will be available on the official website when the examination begins in June in online format. To prepare effectively, students should obtain the NEST question paper for the prior year's test.

 

Question paper structure

 

Here is the table with the basic structure of the NEST exam

 

Section

Subject

Marks

I - Biology

17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs)

50 marks 

II - Chemistry

17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs)

50 marks 

III - Mathematics

17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs)

50 marks 

IV - Physics

17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs)

50 marks 

Total 

68 questions 

200 marks 

 

Knowing NEST exam questions will help candidates gain confidence on the day of the exam. NEST 2025 will be conducted in 2 shifts so candidates can expect two different sets of question papers in the examination.

 

The expected exam timings for both sessions of NEST 2025 will be as under:

  • Morning shift - From 9 am to 12:30 pm
  • Evening shift - From 2.30 pm to 6:00 pm.

 

NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria

 

Candidates who desire to take the NEST Exam must first review the NEST Eligibility Criteria before completing the application form. Students must additionally meet the eligibility requirements outlined below:

 

Candidates who passed the class 12 examination or equivalent in 2023 or 2024, or who will take the 12th Standard examination or equivalent in 2025, regardless of category or age, will be eligible for admission to NISER/CEBS's Integrated M.Sc. course in 2025.

 

Applicants must obtain at least 60% aggregate (or equivalent grade) in the Class 12 examination from any recognized Board in India. For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Divyangjan candidates, the minimum criterion is 55%.

 

Note: If any applicants do not meet the eligibility standards listed above, their candidacy may be denied at any stage of the admission process.

NEST 2025 Participating Colleges and Seat Intake

 

NEST 2025 will be held to choose applicants for a five-year integrated MSc program in Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics) provided at both NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. Candidates must review the table below to understand about NEST exam colleges and seat availability.

Here is the information details at both institutes are included below, which are preliminary and may change when the NEST 2025 brochure is released:

 

Category

Seats at NISER

Seats at UM-DAE CEBS

General

101

23

General-EWS

0

6

OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)

54

15

SC

30

9

ST

15

4

Divyangjan/PWD

Five % of seats in each category

Five % of seats in each category

Total

200

57

 

 

NEST 2025 Application Form and Process

 

Registration Period: February 17 - May 9, 25


NEST 2025 Exam dates and application forms have been announced by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. The application form registration began on February 17, 2025. Students must obtain all of the relevant information about the NEST 2025 Exam and its entire process on the official website.

NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria

 

Here is the list of information needed for the eligibility of NEST 2025 exam: 

 

Eligibility CriteriaConditions
Age limitGeneral and OBC category candidates born on or after August 1, 2004, are eligible for admission to the Integrated MSc programme of NISER/CEBS. The age limit is relaxed by five years for SC / ST / Divyangjan candidates. 
12 Class SubjectsApplicants should have Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics as mandatory subjects in class 12.
Minimum aggregate in 12 ClassCandidates must secure at least 60 per cent marks in aggregate or equivalent grade 
For candidates belonging to scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST) and Divyangjan categoriesThe minimum requirement of marks is relaxed to 55 per cent in aggregate or equivalent grade in class 12 examination.

 

NEST Application fee

 

Here is the information related to the expected NEST Fee for submitting the application form for NEST 2025.

 

CategoryFees (in INR)
Male candidates of Unreserved/ EWS/OBC categoryFor Centers in India - 1,200
Female candidates in the Unreserved/EWS/OBC categoryFor Centers in India - 600
SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category candidatesFor Centers in India - 600

 

The NEST 2025 application form will be available online on the official website. Students must register themselves by entering their personal and educational information. After obtaining the NEST 2025 registration credentials via email and SMS, candidates must log in again and complete the NEST application form with additional information such as personal and academic details, exam city preference, course preference, and document upload. After completing the NEST application form, candidates must pay the application fee. Candidates can pay the NEST 2025 application cost online.

 

NEST 2025 Admission Process

 

The NEST 2025 Admission Process consists of five steps, as described in the infographic below. The first step is to apply for the exam, but the most important step is to sit for and pass the NEST 2025 exam. The final step is to participate in the NEST counseling process and accept admission by paying the appropriate cost.

NEST Contact Details 2025

 

Candidates who wish to appear in the NEST exam can go through the contact details mentioned below, which will help the candidates during the admission process.

 

Helpdesk for raising queries/complaints regarding Registration, Application, Payment, etc:

 

Use the grievance portal (click 'Helpdesk') after registration/login.

 

Helpdesk Contact: To be updated soon. [Mon-Sat 09:00-18.00]

 

For queries regarding the information brochure & syllabus and general information about NEST 2025:

 

Email-ID: nest-exam@niser.ac.in

 

Helpdesk Contact: To be updated soon. [Mon-Fri 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-17.00]

NEST Exam 2025 Registration Dates  

 Find out the NEST 2025 application dates from the table given below :

 

Events

Dates

Opening of NEST 2025 Application Portal

February 17, 2025

NEST Exam 2025 Registration Last Date

May 9, 2025

Commencement of Application Correction Window

May 10, 2025

Conclusion of Application Correction

May 14, 2025

Availability of Admit Card

June 2, 2025

NEST Exam 2025 Exam Date

June 22, 2025

NEST Exam Registration Details 2025  

The following table mentions the important highlights of the NEST application form 2025. 

 

Particulars 

Details

Full Form 

National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)

Conducting Body

NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai

Exam Type

Online Test Computer-Based (CBT)

Courses Offered

Integrated M Sc Courses

Mode of Application 

Online

Official Website

https://www.nestexam.in

 

Steps for NEST 2025 Registration Online  

Candidates should follow the steps outlined below to successfully fill out and submit the NEST application form 2025.

 

Step 1: NEST 2025 Registration - The first step in the NEST 2025 application form procedure is to register. Candidates can register for admissions by providing their basic information, as well as their cell phone number and email address for verification purposes. Then they can finish the NEST registration 2025. Follow the steps outlined below to correctly complete and submit the NEST application form 2025.

Visit NEST's official website, www.nestexam.in.

Click 'New Registration'.

Enter all of the requested information.

Enter the secret code and select the 'Register' tab.

Following that, you will receive an SMS containing your User ID and Password.

Then, an email will be sent to the registered email address with a link to the login page and login information.

 

Step 2: Filling out the NEST 2025 Application Form - Once the registration procedure is complete, students must fill out the NEST application form 2025. Students must fill up the NEST 2025 application form with their academic information, employment experience, and extracurricular activities.

Students can log in using the ID and password supplied to them by SMS on their registered cellphone number. Fill out the NEST application form 2025 with the following details: name, gender, date of birth, religion, nationality, parent's name, academic details, mobile number, qualifying marks, year of passing, board, marks, roll number, and percentage of marks.

Address information and so on.

After that, you must select 5 examination centers for the NEST 2025 exam in order of preference.

After selecting the NEST 2025 Examination Centres, click the submit button.

You must choose a security question and answer as well as your selected examination center.

Step 3: Uploading papers - Students must upload scanned copies of their supporting papers, such as mark sheets, certificates, and passport-size pictures, in the format specified in the NEST 2025 application form.

In this phase of the NEST application form 2025, you must provide a scanned copy of your signature and photograph in the specified size and format.

File format: JPEG.

File size: maximum 100 KB.

Note: If the resolution and size are not as specified above, the system will reject the document.

After uploading a scanned copy of the documents, candidates must click on the'review' button to ensure that all of the details are valid and make any necessary modifications.

The following table lists the documents that will be uploaded.

Document TypeFile FormatFile Size
PhotographJPG/JPEG200 KB (Maximum)
Signature200 KB (Maximum)

 

Step 4: Pay Application Fee - In order to finish the NEST application process, students must pay the NEST 2025 application form fees. The NEST application fee for 2025 is INR 1200 for General category applicants and INR 600 for Female/SC/ST/PwD/Divyang category students.

 The NEST application form 2025 fees can be paid online using a credit/debit card or net banking.

It is important to note that the fees paid are nonrefundable.

 

After that, read the declaration and click the white box next to 'I agree', followed by 'Submit'.

 

Category

NEST Application Fee (in INR)

General/ OBC (Only Males)

1,400

SC/ ST/ PwD (Only Males)/ All Females and Divyangjan (specially-abled category)

700

 

Step 5: Confirmation Page - After uploading all of the required papers for the NEST 2025 application form and paying the NEST application cost, students can submit the NEST application form 2025 and wait for confirmation.

 After successfully paying the NEST 2025 application cost, a summary page is generated with all of the information supplied, completing the application form submission process.

 Take a printout of the NEST 2025 application form's summary page for future use in admission rounds.

 

 

Section-wise division of NEST 2025 exam pattern.

 

The table below contains section-by-section facts about the NEST test pattern 2025.
 

Sections

Total Marks

Duration

Physics

50

03:30 hours==

Mathematics

50

Chemistry

50

Biology

50

Total

200

KIIT University | Youngest university in India to receive the Institute of Eminence designation | NAAC A++Apply Now