NEST Preparation 2024: Check Best Books, Tips & Strategy

National Entrance Screening Test 2024 ( NEST )

13.4K Views364 Comments
Updated on Dec 11, 2024 18:10 IST

NEST 2025 Preparation: Candidates who wish to appear for the NEST Exam must know that 

All the applicants who are planning to appear in the NEST exam must know How to prepare for NEST 2025. This year NEST 2025 exam was held on June 30, 2025. The exam conducting authority released the NEST Application Form 2025 on April 3, 2025, in online mode. 

There are various things such as knowing the syllabus, exam pattern & marking scheme, solving previous year question papers, and many others that are part of NEST 2025 preparation. 

NEST 2025 Preparation is a major factor for candidates to crack a competitive exam like the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). The exam is expected to be conducted in the third week of June jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and Mumbai University - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai.

NEST 2025 will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and, there will be two sessions on the same day. Candidates appearing for the Integrated MSc entrance exam by NISER and CEBS can check here NEST preparation tips including, study plan, exam pattern, syllabus, and books.

Also, Check how to fill NEST 2025 Application Form

Q:   What are good books for NEST preparation?

A:

Students who want to qualify the NEST exam first they must complete the books of class 11th and 12th. 

Applicants can follow the below-mentioned books for the NEST preparation.

  1. For chemistry, Wiley, KL CHUGH & Dinesh publication books are good

  2. For Physics, DC Pandey & HC Verma's books.

  3. For Mathematics, R D Sharma, SN DEY books

  4. For Biology subject, Objective Biology by Dinesh

Along with these books NCERT & NCERT EXEMPLAR is a must for applicants for all individual subjects. 

 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How should I prepare for the NEST exam?

A:

Applicants who want to prepare for the NEST 2024 exam must follow the below mentioned things to increase their chances of qualifying the exam.

  1. Solve previous year question & Mock test
  2. Prepare a time table
  3. Know the NEST exam syllabus & exam pattern
  4. Prepare notes in advance to revise in last time. 
  5. Study from authentic & good study matterial
  6. Learn time management skills which will help in real time exam

Students who follow the above mentioned techniques, they can easily qualify the exam with good marks.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   When did NEST 2024 notification release?

A:

NISER, Bhubaneshwar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai released the notification on March 27, 2024 on the official website. Along with notification it also released the NEST exam flyer. 

The notification was released in online mode on the official website. Along with release of the notification the exam conducting authorities also released the application form to register for the exam on April 3, 2024

Applicants are advised to keep checking official website or NEST 2024 page to be updated about the events and accordingly prepare for the exam.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

NEST Preparation Strategy 2025

Since four different subjects are expected in the question paper of NEST 2025 from last year's trend, candidates should go for a section-wise preparation strategy. For this, the candidates should: 

  1. Make a proper study plan 
  2. Know the exam pattern of NEST
  3. Get the books and study material 
  4. Know the NEST exam syllabus of each section
  5. Practice mock test papers/ online mock tests 
  6. Solve the paper in time bound manner it will give applicants the feel the exam like pressure at home. 

Q:   Which fields of study are covered by the NEST examination?

A:

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) examination primarily covers the following fields of study:

  1. Biology
  2. Chemistry
  3. Mathematics
  4. Physics

NEST is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and aptitude in these core Science subjects. The examination is conducted to admit students to integrated M.Sc. programs in these disciplines at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. Candidates can choose their preferred subject or subjects based on their interest and career aspirations.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the format of the NEST exam, and what types of questions can candidates expect?

A:

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is an examination conducted in India for admission to the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar and the University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. Please keep in mind that the format and types of questions in the NEST exam may have evolved or changed since then. However, here is a general overview of the format and types of questions you could expect in the NEST exam:

1. Exam Format:

  • The NEST exam is typically conducted in an objective multiple-choice question (MCQ) format.
  • It consists of several sections that assess the candidate's knowledge and aptitude in various subjects.

2. Sections:

  • The NEST exam includes sections on Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

Biology:

  • This section assesses the candidate's knowledge of biology topics, including cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and more.
  • Questions may test both conceptual understanding and factual knowledge.

4. Chemistry:

  • The chemistry section evaluates the candidate's understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts, including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
  • Questions may involve chemical reactions, periodic table trends, stoichiometry, and other chemistry topics.

5. Mathematics:

  • This section assesses the candidate's mathematical skills and knowledge.
  • Questions may cover topics such as algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics, and probability.

6. Physics:

  • The physics section evaluates the candidate's understanding of core physics principles and concepts.
  • Questions may involve classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics.
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Making a Study time-table For NEST 2025

There will be section-wise cut-off mark criteria for the NEST 2025 exam. Candidates should begin the preparation with a section-wise strategy only. Candidates appearing for the NEST 2025 exam should make a proper timetable with equal focus on each section of the question paper. Devoting sufficient time to each subject will be fruitful for the candidates.

While preparing for NEST subjects, candidates should allot two hours on each subject - one hour on clearing the concepts, 30 minutes on making notes, 15 minutes on revising the concepts, and the remaining 15 minutes on attempting questions/ mock tests either online or offline mode.

By following this strategy on regular basis will help the applicants to qualify the exam.

NEST 2025 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

It is essential to know the pattern including test paper structure, type of questions, and marking scheme before appearing for the national-level Integrated MSc exam. The details of the NEST exam are mentioned below. 

  • Exam mode - The exam will be held in a CBT mode wherein candidates will be allotted systems to take the exam.
  • Test paper language - All the NEST questions will be in the English language only.
  • Type of questions - NEST question papers will be of an objective-type nature i.e. carrying multiple choices, and candidates have to darken the correct option in OMR sheets.
  • Total number of questions - The total number of questions to be attempted is 70 divided into five sections.
  • Total marks - The results will be evaluated out of 180 marks for the General section and the 'best three' of the subject sections. 

These things will work as NEST 2025 preparation tips 2025. 

 Candidates should have a look at the sectional weightage of the NEST question paper mentioned below:

Subject 

Questions per section 

Marks per section 

Section A - Biology  

17 questions  50 marks

Section B - Chemistry 

17 questions 

50 marks

Section C - Mathematics 

17 questions  50 marks

Section D - Physics 

17 questions  50 marks

Total 

68 questions  200 marks 

Q:   Where can I get NEST 2024 exam syllabus?

A:

NEST 2024 Examination is expected to be scheduled in the month of June 2024. Now that there is ample time for the NEST 2024 aspirants to preapare for the examination, candidates can go through the detailed NEST 2024 syllabus in order to ace the examination.

As, the examination conducting body has not released the NEST 2024 syllabus, therefore aspirants are left with the option of going through the NEST 2023 syllabus. It is highly expected that NEST syllabus doesn't change year to year, so candidates are suggested to either go to the CUET 2023 official website and search for NEST syllabus there.

For better ease in accessing the NEST 2023 syllabus, candidates can check the NEST 2024 (Expected) syllabus stream wise and then subject wise here on this page for free. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

NEST 2025 Section-wise Syllabus

The question paper will be based on the Class 12 level for all the sections, candidates appearing for the exam can check the Important topics to study from the NEST syllabus for each subject as mentioned below:

Subjects  Topics
Biology section  Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, Humans and Environment, Biotechnology, Biology of Animal Systems, Biology of Plant Systems, and Systematics
Chemistry section  Measurements in chemistry, Mole concept, Gaseous and liquid states, Atomic structure and chemical bonding, Thermodynamics, Chemical equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical kinetics, Ionic equilibrium, Solid-state, Solutions, Surface chemistry, Adsorption, Colloidal State, Classification of elements and periodicity in properties, Hydrogen, s– Block elements, p– Block elements, d–Block elements, f–Block Elements, Coordination compounds, Metals and metallurgy, Basic concepts of organic chemistry, Reactive intermediates, Isomerism, Nomenclature, Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes, Aromatic compounds, Haloalkanes (Alkyl halides), Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic acids, Amines, Carbohydrate, Amino acids and proteins, Polymers
Physics section  Units and dimensions, Design of some simple experiments, Systems of particles, Law of gravitation, Hooke’s law and stress, Conservation of angular momentum, Pressure in a fluid, Sound and mechanical waves, Thermal physics, Electricity and magnetism, Capacitance, Electric current, Biot-Savart’s law and Ampere’s law, Magnetic moment of a current loop, Electromagnetic induction, Optics, Modern physics, Photoelectric effect
Mathematics section  Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical geometry, Differential calculus, Integral calculus, Vectors

 By checking these topics from different subjects and after that making short notes to revise at elventh hour will help applicants to prepare for NEST 2025 exam. 

Best Books for NEST 2025 Preparation

Candidates must refer to the best study material to prepare for each section of NEST 2025. Listed below are some books considered best for NEST 2025 that cover the entire syllabus and, will help prepare for the examination in 3 months:

Subject 

Books for NEST 2022 preparation 

Biology  

Biology by Dinesh

Chemistry 

Chemistry by RPH Editorial 

Mathematics 

Mathematics by RD Sharma

Physics 

Physics by DC Pandey

 

Take NEST 2025 Mock Tests

Along with the books and study material, candidates should also practice the mock test papers in online mode as well as the question papers of NEST from previous years. By attempting mock tests and previous years' papers, candidates would be able to know the exact status of their preparation. The mock tests will give an analysis of the candidate's strengths and weaknesses along with improving the speed and accuracy of taking the exam. Therefore to improve test skills, and to score well in each section of NEST 2025, candidates must practice mock tests. 

Science exams you must check out

Exams which are to be conducted soon

Exam D-day soon
About to start
Registration started
Counselling ongoing
Answer key released
Upcoming registrations
JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applica...

Feb '25 - Mar '25

SAT Registration Deadline for ...

21 Feb '25

PUBDET 2025 Applications

Feb '25 - Mar '25

SNUSAT Slot Booking (Early Rou...

15 Nov '24 - 31 Dec '24

CGC Josh 2025 Registration Stage 1

14 Nov '24 - 31 May '25

CUCET 2025 Phase 1 Application...

May '25

View allScience exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates

Download Important Dates for Science Exams
qna

NEST Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

To apply for the LPUNEST exam, follow these key steps:

  1. Online Registration: Start by registering online through LPU's official admission portal. The process usually begins several months before the exam date.

  2. Application Form: Fill out the application form and submit it online. Ensure you provide accu

...more

C

Charu

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Eligibility Criteria

programme of NISER/CEBS in 2024. At least 60% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade) in Class XII examination from any recognised Board in India. For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and for Divyangjan candidates, the minimum requirement is 55%.

s

sarfaraz anshu

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The Nationwide Education and Scholarship Test is an initiative to provide scholarship grants to Junior and Senior Class students. The senior category comprises students studying engineering and medicine and those pursuing Science courses; here, scholarships in INR are earned based on performance in

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

It is most probably going to happen in June 2025.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed Class 12 in 2023 or 2024, or be appearing in 2025, with a focus on Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and/or Biology).
  2. Minimum Marks: At least 60% aggregate

...more

K

KEN REJI KURUVILLA

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Yes! Mock tests are practised to identify where one stands during the preparation period. If you get fewer marks, you will get to identify the topics that you need to give more time. Once, you start working on the weak subjects and topics and get relevant marks in your mock test then you are ready t

...more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The total seats available for the Integrated MSc programme at NISER and UMDAE CEBS are 200 and 57, respectively.  Other backward classes belonging to the Non–Creamy Layer (OBC–NCL): 27 per cent of seats are reserved for OBC–NCL. The class should have been mentioned in the central list of OBCs. If of

...more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The NEST entrance exam is one of the toughest exams among all the science entrance exams according to the previous years' exam analysis. Candidates should invest a minimum of six months of NEST Preparation to score well in the NEST exam. However, if the candidate preparation strategy is really good

...more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

If a candidate scores average marks in the first attempt in a mock test then it is a good start. However, it's necessary to improve your mock test scores with time, practice and preparation to do your best on the NEST exam day.

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

If a candidate scores average marks in the first attempt in a mock test then it is a good start. However, it's necessary to improve your mock test scores with time, practice and preparation to do your best on the NEST exam day.

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Read the following points to understand the ways to prepare for the mock test.

  • Make important points and mark important topics in your revision notes.

  • Ensure you get some leisure time along with studying to avoid stress.

  • Make a revision schedule. 

  • Practise previous year's question papers. 

  • Be aware of th

...more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

3 Institutes accepting NEST

Integrated B.Sc. + M.Sc.
  • 4.6

    Placements

    4.5

    Infrastructure

    4.5

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.3

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.5

    Value for Money

    5.0

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (4)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 7,500
  • |
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Integrated B.Sc. + M.Sc
  • 4.1

    Placements

    3.1

    Infrastructure

    4.5

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.3

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.0

    Value for Money

    4.7

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (26)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 88,250
  • |
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Integrated M.Sc. in Biology
  • 3.6

    Placements

    3.0

    Infrastructure

    3.0

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    3.0

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.0

    Value for Money

    5.0

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (1)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 20,000
  • |
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

Dec '24 - Dec '24: CUEE 2025 Application Form
Jan '25: JEST 2025 Application Window
Jan '25 - Jan '25: IIT JAM 2025 Admit Card
Jan '25: TIFR GS Final Answer
Dec '24 - Apr '25: RUASAT 2025 Application Process