Ishita ChauhanRetainer
NEST 2025 Syllabus is the foundation to prepare for this exam for candidates who wish to get admission to UM-DAE CEBS and NISER for different programmes like Integrated 5-year MSc Programme, MSc Programme in Medical & Radiological Physics, Integrated MSc+PhD Programme, and PhD Programme.
It is suggested that candidates should focus on revising the NEST Syllabus to qualify for the NEST 2025 Exam. Most of the topics asked in the NEST Exam come from the Class 11 and 12 NCERT/CBSE books. The exam conducting authority will release the NEST 2025 Syllabus via an official notification on their site. The syllabus consists of important topics and sub-topics from which questions will be framed in the paper. Students are advised to fill out NEST Application Form 2025 before the end date.
The registration is tentative to start in the third week of March 2025. Candidates must check out the NEST 2025 Exam Pattern as well to thoroughly prepare for the exam. The NEST 2025 question paper consists of questions that come from all four sections - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. To prepare well for the exam candidates must review the complete NEST 2025 syllabus as the questions asked will explain the candidate's domain-specific knowledge.
Latest: To download NEST Syllabus -Download Here
Q: Is the NEST syllabus similar to the NEET exam?
No, the syllabus of NEST exam is different from the NEET exam. Though there may be some topics or sub topics which can be considered in both these exams but it is not identical syllabus to one another.
The NEET syllabus comprises three sections which are Physics, Chemistry and Biology whereas in NEST exam along with these three the Mathematics topic is also there.
Applicants are advised to check the detailed description about both these subjects in detailed and accordingly prepare for the exam.
Upvote 
Q: What are the subjects in NEST exam?
The NEST exam syllabus comprises mainly four subjects. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. The questions in the NEST exam will be asked from all these four sections hence applicants are advised to complete the syllabus from all four subjects.
Each section will have 17 questions in the exam and collectively there will be 68 questions for which the maximum marks allocation will be 200. Applicants are advised to prepare for all four subjects to qualify for the exam.
The merit list is prepared by considering the maximum score from any of the top 3 subjects in the exam.
Upvote Q: Where can I find NEST 2024 syllabus?
Applicants who want to appear in NEST exam must check the syllabus as well as exam pattern before appearing in the exam. The NEST exam syllabus 2024 has been released by the exam conducting authorities along with the release of the official notification. Applicants are advised to check the NEST previous year syllabus to get an idea about the syllabus.
Along with this the authorities also mention that 70 to 80% of questions in the NEST exam will be from the syllabus of class 11th and 12th NCERT books.
Upvote NEST Syllabus 2025
Applicants who want to prepare for the NEST exam must know the syllabus of NEST 2025 mentioned in the official notification. By knowing and preparing the NEST exam syllabus 2025 applicants can increase their chances of qualifying for the exam with flying colors.
The level of questions of NEST 2025 will be similar to that of Class 11-12. Hence, NCERT books will be useful to an extent to cover the NEST 2025 syllabus. However, to get a high score, candidates may refer to other NEST preparation books along with NCERT books.
The NEST syllabus is further divided into four subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The detailed description of sub-topics for all these four sections is mentioned below.
Q: Who sets the NEST 2024 exam syllabus?
The NEST exam syllabus is set by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the University of Mumbai Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS). These two institutes are the only two institutes that use NEST as a sole criterion for admission to their undergraduate programs.
The NEST exam syllabus is designed to test candidates' conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in the four core Science subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of each subject to more advanced concepts.
The NEST exam syllabus is updated regularly to reflect the latest developments in the field of science. Candidates are advised to check the official NEST website regularly for the latest information on the syllabus.
Upvote NEST Syllabus 2025 PDF Link
The syllabus of the NEST exam is important for the applicants to prepare for the exam. The authorities will release the NEST 2025 syllabus in PDF file on their official site, till then candidates must go through the previous year's NEST syllabus pdf link mentioned in the below table.
NEST Subject Wise Syllabus PDF
| Subject | PDF File |
|---|---|
| Physics | Download Here |
| Chemistry | Download Here |
| Mathematics | Download Here |
| Biology | Download Here |
Students can refer to the books to complete their syllabus for the NEST 2025 exam.
Class 6 to 12 NCERT PDF
| Class | NCERT Book Link |
|---|---|
| Class 6 | Download Here |
| Class 7 | Download Here |
| Class 8 | Download Here |
| Class 9 | Download Here |
| Class 10 | Download Here |
| Class 11 | Download Here |
| Class 12 | Download Here |
NEST Syllabus 2025 for Biology
Candidates can go through important topics that they should consider studying to score well in the NEST Biology paper as mentioned in the table below:
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Biology | |
|---|---|
| Cell Biology | Genetics and Evolution |
| Ecology | Humans and Environment |
| Biotechnology | Biology of Animal Systems |
| Biology of Plant Systems | Systematics |
| Digestive System | Circulatory System |
| Nervous System | Reproductive System |
| Developmental Biology | Immunology |
| Biology of Plant Systems | Excretory System |
These are topics of the Biology section of the NEST 2025 syllabus from which questions will be asked in the exam. The detailed description of the topics can be checked in the NEST syllabus PDF mentioned above.
Q: Is there any negative marking in NEST 2024?
Yes, according to the NEST previous year exam pattern, there will be differential marking scheme for MCQs and MSQs.
Candidates can expect a negative marking in the MCQ-type questions. For each wrong answer, there will be a negative marking of one mark. For each correct answer 2.5 marks will be awarded.
No marks will be deducted for wrong or unattempted MSQ questions, though 4 marks will be awarded for each correct answer. The latest update on the negative marking will be updated soon after the release of the NEST 2024 notification.
Upvote Q: Is Biology compulsory for NEST exam?
For entrance exam since marks from three section are considered hence it can be said that it not compulsory. In the NEST exam your marks will be considered from any of 3 subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. but if you know basics it will help you to secure marks and for further study during campus classes.
In first year after joining NISER you would be taught basic biology. In fact many students who did not have biology in class 12 and did fairly well in the biology exams during first year.
Upvote NEST Syllabus 2025 for Chemistry
The NEST Chemistry syllabus is further divided into four sections which are Physical, Surface, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. The description of the topics is mentioned in below given table. Candidates can go through important topics that they should consider studying to score well in the NEST Chemistry paper as mentioned in the table below:
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Physical Chemistry | |
|---|---|
| Measurements in chemistry | Mole concept |
| Gaseous and liquid states | Atomic structure and chemical bonding |
| Thermodynamics | Chemical equilibrium |
| Solid state | Solutions |
| Electrochemistry | Chemical kinetics |
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Surface Chemistry | |
| Absorption | Colloidal state |
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Inorganic Chemistry | |
| Classification of elements and periodicity in properties | S-Block elements |
| P-Block elements | Coordination compound |
| D- Block elements | F- Block elements |
| Metals and metallurgy | -- |
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Organic Chemistry | |
| Basic concepts | Nomenclature |
| Reactive intermediates | Aromatic compounds |
| Alkenes and Alkynes | Phenols |
| Haloalkanes (Alkyl halides) | Aldehydes and Ketones |
| Ethers | Carbohydrate |
| Amines | Polymers |
| Amino acids and proteins | Isomerism |
| Alkenes | Carboxylic acids |
Q: is there any sectional weightage to any section in NEST 2024 exam?
Applicants who are planning to appear in NEST exam must note that there is no sectional weightage to any perticular section in the exam. All the sections carry same marks 50-50 each.
The total marks for which exam will be conducted is 200 marks and total there will 17-17 questions in each four section.
Applicants must note that the authorities will consider the marks secured in 3 best section to prepare the merit list and for the section which have less marks will be ommitted and will not be taken into consideration.
Upvote NEST Syllabus 2025 for Physics
Candidates can go through important topics that they should consider to study to score well in the NEST Physics paper. The details of the NEST Physics syllabus topics are mentioned in the table below:
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Physics | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Mechanics | --- |
Q: What is the minimum score to qualify for each section of the NEST exam?
The exam authority has not mentioned any section-wise cut off marks for the NEST exam. Hence there is no minimum qualifying or passing marks in the exam.
However, out of the four sections - the best three scores of the subject section i.e. Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry will be taken for preparation of the merit list.
Hence applicants need to try to solve the questions from all four sections as the section from which applicants will score less will be ommiited and will not be consideration for preparing the merit list.
Upvote NEST Syllabus 2025 for Mathematics
Candidates can go through important topics that they should consider studying to score well in the Mathematics subject of the NEST Exam. The description is mentioned in the table below:
| NEST 2025 Important Topics for Mathematics |
|
|---|---|
| Logarithms and their properties. | Permutations and combinations |
Q: Can I skip math section in NEST exam?
Ideally applicants should not skip any pericular section before appearing in the NEST exam. As authority will consider the marks from top 3 sections to prepare the merit list. Hence even if one paper from any section except math if don't go well then by securing good marks in math section you can increase your chances of qualifying the exam. Along with this if there are easy questions in math section then there is high probability to secure good marks in it.
Hence it is advised not to skip any section while preparing for the NEST exam.
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NEST 2025 FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about NEST 2025 Exam
Q: Does NEST exam syllabus change every year?
The NEST exam syllabus is updated regularly, but it does not change drastically every year. The syllabus is designed to cover the core concepts in the four Science subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The NEST syllabus committee, which is composed of experts from NISER and UM-DAE CEBS, reviews the syllabus every year and makes changes as needed. These changes are typically minor, and the overall structure of the syllabus remains the same.
Candidates are advised to check the official NEST website regularly for the latest information on the syllabus. The syllabus is typically released in May or June, and the deadline for submitting the application form is usually in June or July.
Upvote Q: Which fields of study are covered by the NEST examination?
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) examination primarily covers the following fields of study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- 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.
Upvote Q: What is the format of the NEST exam, and what types of questions can candidates expect?
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.
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NEST Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
To apply for the LPUNEST exam, follow these key steps:
Online Registration: Start by registering online through LPU's official admission portal. The process usually begins several months before the exam date.
Application Form: Fill out the application form and submit it online. Ensure you provide accu
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Beginner-Level 5
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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%.
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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
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
It is most probably going to happen in June 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 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).
- Minimum Marks: At least 60% aggregate
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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
I
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
I
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
I
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
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
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
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Contributor-Level 9
3 Institutes accepting NEST
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- Total Fees: ₹ 7,500
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- 5 years
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- Full Time
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- Total Fees: ₹ 88,250
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- 5 years
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- 5 years
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How do I apply for NEST exam?