NEST 2025: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

NEST 2025 Notification will be released in February 2025. The NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is administered jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar and the University of Mumbai’s Department of Atomic Energy Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS). This exam is designed to facilitate admission to the 5-year Integrated M.Sc. programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. It is conducted annually on a national level.

Students admitted to the program at NISER or CEBS are entitled to an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA program, sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. Additionally, they receive a Rs 20,000 grant per year for summer internships. Graduates of the program are currently pursuing Ph.D. degrees at prestigious universities and institutes both in India and abroad. Furthermore, outstanding performers at NISER and CEBS, achieving overall grades surpassing a specified threshold upon completion of the program, are eligible to directly participate in interviews for admission to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) training school.

In this article, we’ve covered various aspects of NEST 2025, including information about the application process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and more.

NEST 2025 Highlights

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a prestigious examination conducted jointly by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai, aimed at facilitating admissions into Integrated MSc programs in various disciplines.

NEST 2025 Exam Dates

Here are the Important dates for NEST 2025:

NEST 2025 Application Form

The NEST 2025 Application Form is a crucial step for candidates aspiring to pursue integrated M.Sc. programs in various disciplines. Scheduled to release in the fourth week of February 2025, this application process demands careful consideration of eligibility criteria and accurate submission of personal, academic, and contact details. Accessible online, candidates must upload scanned photographs and signatures within the prescribed specifications. With a submission deadline extending until the third week of May 2025, candidates are advised to meticulously complete and submit their applications to ensure a smooth process.

• The NEST 2025 Application Form is set to be released in the fourth week of February 2025.
• Candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria before proceeding to fill out the application form.
• Ensure to provide accurate personal, academic, and contact details while filling out the application form.
• The application form for NEST 2025 will be accessible exclusively through online mode.
• Following completion of the required details, candidates need to upload scanned photographs and signatures in the specified size and format.
• The deadline for submitting the application form will be extended until the third week of May 2025.
• After filling out the form, it should be submitted online, and candidates are advised to take a printout for future reference.
• Before submission, ensure that all information provided is correct and complete to avoid any discrepancies.
• Any updates or notifications regarding the application process will be communicated through the official website.
• Candidates should stay updated with the latest information and adhere to the guidelines provided during the application process for a smooth experience.

NEST 2025 Application Fee

The payment of the NEST 2025 Application Fee will be facilitated through online channels. Candidates will have the option to make the payment using a Debit card, Credit card, or Net banking method.

How to Apply for the NEST 2025 Application Form?

here are the steps to complete the NEST 2025 application process:

• Step 1: Visit the Official Website – Navigate to the official website provided above.
• Step 2: Access the Online Application Tab – Click on the “Online Application” tab available on the website’s homepage.
• Step 3: Provide Basic Details – Log in and enter basic personal information as required.
• Step 4: Complete Detailed Information – Once logged in, provide detailed personal, address, and educational qualification details.
• Step 5: Upload Documents – Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature, ensuring each file size is less than 200 KB.
• Step 6: Review and Verify – Double-check all entered details in the application form for accuracy and completeness.
• Step 7: Payment of Application Fee – Proceed to submit the application fee through the provided online payment gateway.
• Step 8: Submission Confirmation – After successful payment, a confirmation of fee submission will be displayed.
• Step 9: Print Application Form – Take a printout of the completed application form for future reference and record.

NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NEST 2025 determine the prerequisites for candidates aiming to appear in the exam. These criteria include age specifications, educational qualifications, subject requirements, and minimum marks. Candidates aspiring to take the exam must fulfil these criteria to be considered eligible for NEST 2025.

Age Criteria:

• Candidates must be born on or after 1st August 2005 to be eligible for the exam.
• For SC/ ST Divangjan candidates, the age relaxation is applicable by 5 years.

Other Requirements:

• Qualification: Applicants must have qualified 12th/ intermediate or an equivalent examination from any recognized board in the year 2024 or 2025.
• Subject Requirement: In the qualifying examination, candidates must have passed with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology to be eligible for the exam.
• Minimum Marks: Candidates must score a minimum of 60% marks (55% marks for reserved category candidates) in the qualifying examination.
• Appearing Candidates: Applicants who are appearing in the final year in 2025 will also be eligible to apply for the exam.

NEST 2025 Exam Pattern

The exam pattern for NEST 2025 outlines key aspects such as mode of examination, duration, question types, marking scheme, and section-wise distribution. Understanding this pattern is crucial for candidates preparing for the exam, as it provides insights into the structure and format of the test.

Candidates should review the following exam pattern for NEST 2025:

• Exam Mode: The exam will be conducted online through a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Duration: Candidates will have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the paper.
• Type of Questions: The paper will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Total Marks: The exam will be worth a total of 200 marks.
• Sections: There will be a total of 4 sections in the exam.
• Marking Scheme: For each correct answer, candidates will receive 2.5 marks, while 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

NEST 2025 Syllabus

The NEST syllabus, based on the 11th and 12th class curriculum, will be released for candidates to prepare adequately. It is recommended that candidates focus their preparation on materials aligned with the NCERT and CBSE patterns to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topics included in the exam.

NEST 2025 Preparation Tips

Preparing effectively for the NEST 2025 exam is crucial for achieving success. Here are some essential tips to help candidates streamline their preparation and maximize their performance on exam day.

• Create a Practical Timetable: Develop a structured timetable and adhere to it consistently for effective subject coverage.
• Solve Previous Year’s Papers: Practice solving previous years’ papers to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Regular Revision: Revise topics studied daily to reinforce learning and enhance retention of information.
• Master Multiple Subjects: Gain proficiency in multiple subjects to minimize negative marking and improve overall performance.
• Prepare Short Notes: Create concise notes for quick revision, facilitating better understanding and retention of key concepts.
• Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to alleviate stress and maintain focus during preparation.
• Stay Healthy: Prioritize physical health by maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to sustain energy levels and concentration.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities to overcome challenges and succeed in the exam.

NEST 2025 Admit Card

The NEST Admit Card for the 2025 exam will be available online mode, is anticipated to be released in the second week of June 2025. This essential document will feature critical details including the candidate’s name, exam centre, duration, venue, and reporting time. To download the admit card, candidates will be required to input their application number and date of birth.

Candidates must ensure to carry their admit card along with a valid photo identity proof to the exam hall. Failure to present these documents will result in candidates being prohibited from taking the exam.

NEST 2025 Exam Centres

Candidates will have the option to select their preferred exam centres while filling out the application form. Some of the exam centres available for selection include:

NEST 2025 Answer Key

The NEST 2025 Answer Key is scheduled to be released in the fourth week of June 2025. This key provides the correct answers to all questions asked in the entrance examination. Candidates can access the answer key through online mode.

It will be available in the PDF format. If a candidate will not be satisfied with the answer, then they will be able to object. Candidates will also be able to make objections against the answer key within the given time. After the objection period, the final answer key will be published.

NEST 2025 Result

The NEST Result will be declared in the second week of July 2025 through online mode. Candidates will be able to download their scores by entering login credentials. Additionally, the merit list will be prepared based on candidates’ scores in the entrance exam.

The scorecard will contain the total scores, scaled scores for each section, and percentile ranking. Once the final percentile score is announced, the scores of the candidates will be sent to the institute opted by them in the registration form.

NEST 2025 Counselling

NEST Counselling for admission to 5-year Integrated M.Sc. programs will commence in three rounds through offline mode. No joint counselling will be conducted for the NEST exam. Instead, separate counselling sessions will be held at NISER and UM-DAE-CBS.

The shortlisted candidates will be allotted seats in M.Sc. courses at NISER and UM-DAE-CBS. Upon allocation, candidates must bring the required documents for verification at the allotted centre where they intend to take admission.

Documents Required for Counselling:

• 10th and 12th Marksheet/Certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• NEST 2025 Admit Card
• Valid ID Proof
• NEST 2025 Result
• Provisional Call Letter
• Passport Size Photograph, etc.

NEST 2025 Participating Institutes

These are some renowned institutes participating in various academic and research endeavours, including ITM University and ITM School of Management in Gwalior, and NISER Bhubaneswar, known for its excellence in science education and research.

• ITM University, Gwalior
• ITM School of Management, Gwalior
• NISER Bhubaneswar – National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar

NEST 2025 FAQs

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.