NEST 2025 is an essential national-level exam for students pursuing a 5-year MSc course in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The exam is scheduled for June 22, 2025, and will take place in around 120 cities across India. It is specifically for students seeking admission to top institutes like UM-DAE CEBS and NISER for Integrated MSc, MSc courses, and PhD programs. The last date to complete the application process and submit the fee is May 13, 2025.
NEST Exam 2025 Highlights
Below are the key details for NEST 2025:
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What is NEST?
The National Entrance Screening Test is a computer-based exam for admission to the five-year Integrated MSc programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. This test is conducted to take admission in the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), and the Department of Atomic Energy Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai.
NEST Exam 2025 Important Dates
Here are some key dates for the NEST 2025 exam. Candidates can refer to these dates to plan their preparation and follow the timeline accordingly:
NEST Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for admission to the MSc program:
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NEST Exam 2025 Application Process
To appear for the NEST 2025 examination, candidates must complete the NEST exam registration details through the official website, www.nestexam.in. Unless an extension is announced, the registration window will remain open until May 13, 2025 (12 noon). Make sure to keep track of key dates under the Important Dates section.
Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process:
- Step 1: Register
First, candidates must register by entering basic details like Name, Date of Birth, Email, Mobile Number, and Class X Roll Number. Ensure that the details match the certificates, as they cannot be changed later. After registration, candidates will receive login credentials via email within 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Login & Fill Application
Once you have received your login credentials, log in to the website. After logging in, click "Go to Application" to complete the form.
You can save your progress and complete the application later, but submit it before the deadline.
If you encounter any issues, click on the HELPDESK after logging in. Select the problem type from the dropdown list and describe the issue. You can also upload a screenshot if you face an error or payment issue. Alternatively, you can contact tech support over the phone.
Application Fee
Candidates applying for the NEST 2025 examination must pay the application fee as part of the registration process. The NEST exam 2025 registration fees vary based on the category of the applicant. Below is the category-wise application fee structure:
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NEST Exam 2025 Application Correction Window
Candidates must keep track of the NEST 2025 registration and application correction dates. The correction window will be open on May 16, 2025. Candidates can make necessary changes or updates to their application forms during this time.
Here's how candidates can update their details in the NEST 2025 application form:
- Visit the official NEST 2025 website.
- Log in using your application ID and password.
- Select the details you want to correct or update in the application portal.
- Click on 'Submit' to save the changes.
NEST Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for preparing effectively for any competitive exam, including NEST 2025. Here is an overview of the NEST 2025 Exam pattern:
Section-Wise NEST Exam Pattern
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NEST EXAM 2025 Syllabus
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2025 syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes XI and XII.
Here is the detailed syllabus for the NEST exam 2025 for the following subjects:
The following table outlines the key subjects and their essential topics:
NEST Exam Previous Year Question Papers
Practising previous year question papers is the best way to boost your preparation for the NEST exam. It helps you understand the question format, manage time efficiently, and identify important topics. Below is a subject-wise list of available question papers from recent exam sessions:
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics
NEST Exam 2025 Centres
NISER Bhubaneswar will officially release the list of NEST 2025 exam centres on the exam's official website. Candidates can choose their preferred test city during the application process. These centres are spread across major cities in India to ensure accessibility for students from all regions.
Here are some of the key locations expected to host the exam:
- Delhi
- Chennai
- Mumbai
- Patna
- Chandigarh
- Bhopal
- Guntur
- Tirupati
- Udaipur
- Shimla
- Rajkot
- Surat
- Bhatinda
- Hamirpur
- Gwalior
- Pune
- Jabalpur
- Shillong
- Agra
- Aligarh
NEST Exam 2025 Admit Card
The admit card for NEST 2025 will be available for download starting June 2, 2025. Candidates can access the admit card after completing the application process. Both participating universities will issue it through the official NEST portal.
Your admit card will include essential details such as the exam centre, which is assigned based on your preferences and location selected during registration.
Steps to Download NEST 2025 Admit Card
Follow the instructions below to access and download your hall ticket:
- Visit the official NEST website: nestexam.in
- Click on the "Download Admit Card" link and enter your User ID and Password to sign in.
- After logging in, locate and click on the "Admit Card" section.
- Download the admit card and take a printout.
Keep the hard copy of the Admit card, as the same document will be required during the counselling and seat allotment process.
NEST Exam 2025 Answer Key
The provisional answer key for NEST 2025 will be available in the first week of July 2025 (tentative). Once released, candidates can review their responses and raise objections if they find any discrepancies.
Steps to Download the NEST 2025 Answer Key
To access the answer key, follow these instructions:
- Go to the official NEST 2025 website.
- Open the login page using the appropriate link and enter the User ID and Password.
- Click the link to view the answer key based on your subject and question paper set.
- Download it and compare the answers to calculate your estimated score.
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Challenging NEST 2025 Answer Key
They can object if a candidate notices any error or inconsistency in the provisional answer key, either in the question or the suggested answer. To do this, the candidate must email their challenge to nestkey@niser.ac.in.
A few essential points to remember while submitting objections:
- Only one question should be addressed per email.
- For multiple objections, candidates must send separate emails, each focused on a single question.
- To justify the claim, every objection must be supported by a clear explanation or supporting reference.
- A non-refundable fee of INR 200 must be paid for each question being challenged.
The challenge window is usually open for 2 to 3 days, so students are advised to review the answer key thoroughly and act within the given time frame.
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NEST Exam 2025 Result
Candidates who appear for the NEST 2025 exam can access their results through the official website using their login credentials. The result is expected to be announced in the first week of August 2025, though this is a tentative timeline.
To view the result, students must log in with their registered ID and password. Once the result is available, it can be downloaded in PDF format, and candidates are encouraged to keep a printed copy for future reference.
Following the release of results, each participating institute will conduct its own counselling and admission process independently.
Steps to Download NEST 2025 Result
To access your NEST 2025 result, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official NEST website.
- Locate and click on the link that says "NEST 2025 Result".
- A login page will appear.
- Enter your Application Number/Roll Number and your Date of Birth.
- Click the “Go” or “Submit” button.
- Your result will appear on the screen.
- Download and print a copy of the result for use during counselling and admission procedures.
Tie Break Rules:
In situations where two or more candidates achieve the same overall marks in the NEST 2025 exam, specific tie-breaking rules will be applied to determine ranking:
- General Section Priority:
The first deciding factor will be the score obtained in the General section of the exam. The candidate with the higher score in this section will be given the higher rank.
- Subject Section Comparison:
If the tie remains after considering the General section, the top scores from the subject-specific sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics) will be evaluated. The candidate who has performed better in any one of these sections will be ranked higher.
- Final Tie-Break:
If the tie is still unresolved, both candidates will initially be awarded the same provisional rank. However, during the admission or counselling phase, the tie will be resolved by comparing:
- First, the marks secured in Class 12,
- And if needed, the date of birth, with preference given to the older candidate.
NEST Exam 2025 Merit List
The NEST 2025 Merit List will be compiled based on multiple factors, with candidates' exam scores and their respective categories being key determinants. Only those students whose names appear on the merit list will be eligible to participate in the subsequent counselling process.
The authority will calculate percentile scores using the best performance from the three subject sections to determine the final rankings. These top three section scores will play a pivotal role in establishing the candidates' overall rank for the exam.
Candidates are encouraged to keep track of updates on the official website for more details on the merit list and its release.
NEST Exam 2025 Cut Off
The NEST 2025 cut-off will be announced shortly after the result declaration. This cut-off represents the minimum required marks candidates must achieve to be eligible for admission. The cut-off marks are crucial as they will be used to compile the merit list for further admission processes.
NEST 2025 Cut Off Dates (Tentative)
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Previous Year's NEST Cut Off
The cut-off will be determined for each section, with separate cut-off marks for different categories. Candidates who fail to meet the cut-off will not be eligible to continue with the admission process.
Shift 1 (For 2024)
Shift 2 (For 2024)
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NEST Seat Reservation Criteria
The NEST 2025 Seat Reservation follows the criteria set by the government to ensure equitable opportunities for various categories of candidates. Below are the details of the seat reservation for NEST 2025:
NEST Exam 2025 Counselling Process
The NEST 2025 Counselling process involves several key steps aimed at granting admission to deserving candidates. To participate in the counselling, candidates must first register online on the official NEST website. Only those who complete this registration will be eligible to proceed.
Steps in the NEST 2025 Counselling Process:
- Registration:
Students must register themselves through the official website to begin the counselling process.
- Choice Filling:
After registration, candidates can select their preferred courses and colleges. This step allows students to express their preferences for the institutions they wish to attend.
- Seat Allotment:
Seats will be allocated to candidates based on factors like seat availability and the candidate’s performance in NEST 2025.
Documents Required for NEST Counselling 2025:
Candidates will need to present the following documents during the counselling process:
- Class 10th and 12th Marksheets and Certificates
- NEST 2025 Admit Card
- NEST 2025 Result
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID Proof
- Provisional Call Letter
- Passport-size Photograph
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NEST Participating Colleges and Seat Intake
The NEST 2025 exam offers admission to two prestigious institutes: NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) and UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences).
Below is the seat intake for each category at both institutes:
Scholarship Opportunities at NISER or CEBS
Students admitted to NISER and CEBS can apply for the DISHA Scholarship Program offered by the Department of Atomic Energy. This annual scholarship provides INR 60,000 to deserving candidates.
Moreover, those who maintain exceptional academic performance throughout their program may be eligible for a special opportunity. Candidates who demonstrate outstanding scores can directly qualify for an admission interview at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), opening doors to further research and career opportunities in science and technology.
Discover all available scholarships in India, including eligibility, important dates, and benefits, and apply for the one that suits you best.
Recommendation Books for NEST Exam 2025
Here are some of the best subject-wise books to help you prepare for the NEST 2025 exam:
- Chemistry: Chemistry for Class 11 & 12 by RPH Editorial
- Mathematics: Mathematics for Class 11 & 12 by RD Sharma
- Biology: Biology for Class 11 & 12 by Dinesh
- Physics: Physics for Class 11 & 12 by DC Pandey
Essential Things to Remember for NEST Exam 2025
As you prepare for the NEST 2025 Exam, it's crucial to be aware of the key rules and requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free exam day. Below are the important things you should remember:
- Arrive Early:
Candidates should reach the examination venue at least 60 minutes before the exam starts.
- Late Entry:
Entry will not be permitted after 30 minutes from the start of the exam.
- Exit Policy:
Candidates must remain in the examination hall for at least two hours unless there's a medical emergency.
- Required Documents:
Candidates must bring the NEST Admit Card and a valid photo ID. Without these, entry into the exam centre will be prohibited.
- Prohibited Items:
The use of log tables, calculators, and any electronic devices (including mobile phones, digital watches, and storage devices) is strictly prohibited.
- Exam Essentials:
Bring a blue/black pen. Rough work can be done on the provided blank pages, and a simple on-screen calculator will be available.
The NEST 2025 exam is a critical step for students pursuing a career in science through prestigious institutions like NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. With clear eligibility criteria, a detailed syllabus, and a structured exam pattern, early preparation and a focused approach can make a real difference. Candidates are encouraged to make the most of the available resources, such as mock tests and previous year papers, to boost their chances of success.
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