The official announcement for NEST 2025 has been made, setting key milestones for students pursuing integrated MSc and PhD programmes. The registration process started on February 17, 2025, with the application deadline now extended to May 13, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to complete the application before the portal closes.
The NEST exam will be held on June 22, 2025, and the hall tickets will be issued on June 2, 2025. After the examination, the provisional answer key is expected in the first week of July, followed by the result announcement tentatively in the second week of July 2025.
NEST Exam Dates 2025 Highlights
Below are the key details for NEST 2025:
Need financial assistance for your PhD? Explore everything you need to know about education loans for PhD, including current interest rates and how to easily apply.
Important NEST Exam Dates 2025
Here are the essential dates for NEST 2025 to help you stay on track with your preparation and registration:
NEST 2025 Exam Schedule
The NEST 2025 exam will be conducted in two sessions.
- Session I: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with candidates required to report by 8:00 AM.
- Session II: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, with candidates required to report by 1:30 PM.
NEST Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for admission to the MSc program:
Get Your Loan Approved With Minimal Documentation. Apply Now.
How do you Fill Out the NEST 2025 Application Form?

The NEST 2025 application form is available online through the official NEST website. It must be filled out and submitted online. The information you provide will be used on official documents such as the admit card and scorecard, so accuracy is critical. Any incorrect or false information could lead to disqualification.
Here is how you can fill out the NEST 2025 application form:
- Step 1: Registration
Go to the official NEST website at www.nestexam.in. Register by entering your basic details such as name, contact information, etc. Confirm your registration through a link sent to your registered email address. Log in using the email ID and password you registered with.
- Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Once logged in, the NEST application form will appear on the screen. Enter valid personal information (name, gender, date of birth, religion, etc.) and academic details (address, email ID, mobile number). After completing the form, save and submit it. Choose a security question and provide your preferred examination centres. Download and print a copy of the application form.
- Step 3: Uploading Documents
Upload your scanned passport-sized photograph and signature according to the specified format and size. Ensure the resolution and file size match the guidelines, as incorrect uploads will be rejected.
- Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Submit the application fee through the online payment options (Debit card/Credit card/Net Banking). The fees are non-refundable, so ensure that all details are correct before payment. After payment, print out the confirmation page for your records.
If you're interested in advancing your nursing career and exploring leadership roles in healthcare, MSc Nursing could be the perfect choice. Discover the admission process, eligibility criteria, course fees, and expected salary packages.
NEST Exam Registration Details in the Application Form
The NEST 2025 application form will require you to provide the following details:
Fast-Tracked Education Loans with Propelld in Just 7 Days! Check Out Now!
NEST 2025 Application Form Correction
Students planning to take the NEST 2025 exam should ensure that the application form is filled out accurately in one attempt. The exam conducting authority takes any incorrect or invalid information seriously, and if any discrepancies are found, they have the right to invalidate the application.
It is crucial to enter correct details as there will be no correction window available for applicants. If any updates or corrections are allowed, they will be officially announced by NEST 2025 on its official website.
To avoid complications, applicants should double-check their information before submission to ensure everything is accurate.
NEST Exam 2025 Registration Fees
Below is the category-wise application fee structure:
Secure your MSc education loan now! Get insights on interest rates and a hassle-free application process to fund your studies with confidence.
Important Details About NEST Exam Application Guidelines
Before you begin your NEST 2025 application, it is essential to thoroughly review all the guidelines and requirements to ensure a smooth registration process. Follow these key steps to complete your application accurately:
- Review NEST 2025 Guidelines:
Carefully read through the application guidelines to avoid any mistakes during the process.
- Check Registration Dates:
Be mindful of the NEST 2025 registration timeline and submit your application before the deadline.
- Complete All Sections:
Fill out every application form section and ensure all required details are provided.
- Verify Information:
Double-check the accuracy of your details to avoid any errors or missing information.
- Confirm Contact Information:
Ensure that your email address, phone number, and mailing address are active and correct for communication purposes.
- Upload Required Documents:
Remember to upload all necessary documents as per the application requirements.
- Confirm Application Submission:
After submitting your application, confirm that it has been successfully received.
- Pay Application Fee:
Ensure you pay the NEST 2025 application fee promptly. Applications without fee payment will be automatically rejected after the registration period.
NEST Exam Dates: 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.
The admit card will provide essential information such as the assigned exam centre, which will be based on the location and preferences chosen 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.
NEST Exam Dates: 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.
If you're curious about how the human mind works and want to turn that passion into a meaningful profession, the MSc in Psychology is worth considering. Learn about the course duration, eligibility requirements, core subjects, and diverse job opportunities available after graduation.
NEST Exam Dates Result 2025
Candidates can check their NEST 2025 result on the official website using their login details. The result is expected in the first week of August 2025, but this could change.
To view your result:
- Visit the official NEST website.
- Click on the "NEST 2025 Result" link.
- Log in with your Application Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Click "Submit" or "Go."
- Your result will appear on the screen. Download and print it for future use.
After the results, each institute will have its own counselling and admission process.
Tie Break Rules:
If two or more candidates have the same score, the following rules will decide their rank:
- General Section Score:
The candidate with the higher score in the General section will rank higher.
- Subject Scores:
If the tie remains, scores in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics will be checked. The candidate with the higher score in any subject will be ranked higher.
- Final Tie-Break:
If the tie is unresolved, the candidate's Class 12 marks or date of birth (older candidates preferred) will be used.
NEST Exam 2025 Cut Off
The cut-off for the NEST 2025 exam will be announced separately by NISER Bhubaneswar and CEBS Mumbai, and will vary based on session, subject, and candidate category. The results will include two key components: the Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) and the Minimum Acceptable Percentile (MAP).
SMAS refers to the minimum score required in each subject section. It is calculated as 20% of the average score of the top 100 candidates in that section, meaning the cut-off score may differ for each subject. Meeting the SMAS in all four sections is essential for qualification.
In addition to the sectional cutoff, candidates must meet the overall MAP to qualify. Based on previous trends:
- General category candidates are expected to secure at least the 95th percentile,
- OBC candidates should aim for the 90th percentile, and
- Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/PwD) must reach a 75th percentile threshold.
NEST Exam Cut Off Dates (Tentative)
Secure Your Education Loan With Just 4 Documents. No Collateral Required—Apply Now!
NEST Exam 2025 Counselling Process
After the declaration of results, qualified candidates will need to take part in the NEST 2025 counselling process to secure admission to the Integrated MSc programs offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The counselling is conducted online, and only those who register on the official website will be considered for seat allocation.
Steps in the NEST 2025 Counselling Process:
The NEST 2025 counselling process consists of several important stages that candidates must follow to secure admission. Below are the key steps involved in the process:
- Online Registration:
The first step requires candidates to register on the official NEST counselling portal. Without registration, students will not be allowed to participate in further rounds.
- Choice Filling:
Once registered, applicants can select their preferred institutions and programs. It’s important to prioritise choices carefully, as allotments are based on these preferences.
- Seat Allotment:
Seats will be assigned based on the candidate's rank, category, preferences, and availability of seats. Multiple rounds of allotment may be conducted if necessary.
Essential Documents for Counselling
During counselling, candidates must present valid and original documents for verification. These include:
- Marksheets and certificates of Class 10th and 12th
- NEST 2025 Admit Card
- NEST 2025 Scorecard/Result
- Category/Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
- Provisional Call Letter issued during counselling
- Recent passport-size photographs
NEST Exam Mock Test
One of the most effective strategies for preparing for the NEST exam is practising with mock test papers. These practice tests, often provided by coaching institutes, offer valuable insight into the types of questions asked in the exam and highlight key topics. By regularly attempting mock tests, candidates can familiarise themselves with the exam format and improve their time management skills.
Additionally, it’s crucial to analyse the results of each mock test to identify strengths and areas that need improvement. This reflective practice helps refine exam strategies.
The NEST 2025 mock tests will be available starting May 16, 2025, according to the official notification on the website.
NEST Previous Year’s Question Paper
To prepare effectively for the NEST exam, getting familiar with the types of questions asked in previous years is essential. Solving past papers helps understand the exam format, boosts confidence, and improves time management skills.
Below are the subject-wise previous year question papers to support your preparation:
NEST Exam Analysis 2025
The NEST 2025 entrance test is scheduled for the last week of June 2025 at multiple national exam centres. This national-level exam is organised in two sessions—one in the morning from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and the other in the afternoon from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Based on the trends observed in the previous year, candidates found the Physics section to be the most challenging, with complex problem-solving and conceptual questions. Mathematics also posed a moderate to high difficulty level for many aspirants. On the other hand, Chemistry and Biology were relatively straightforward and scored higher, offering some relief to test-takers.
A similar pattern may be expected for NEST 2025, though variations in difficulty can occur depending on the paper set.
NEST Participating Colleges and Seat Intake
Candidates who qualify for the NEST 2025 exam will be eligible for admission to the Integrated MSc programs offered by two premier institutes in India—NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. These institutes offer a limited number of seats across various categories.
The seat distribution for both institutes is as follows:
Finance 100% of Your Education Fees with Propelld – Quick Approval and Dedicated Support!
NEST Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for adequate preparation. The NEST 2025 exam will be conducted as a computer-based test to evaluate candidates' understanding of four core science subjects. The exam includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and spans 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the exam format:
Section-Wise NEST Exam Pattern
Looking for quick, hassle-free student loans? Check Your Eligibility Now!
Are you parent of a JEE/NEET aspirant?
Need guidance on funding your MBA College Fees?
NEST Exam Preparation Tips 2025
For students aiming to join the integrated MSc programs at NISER, Bhubaneswar, and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai, the NEST 2025 exam is a key stepping stone. A strong preparation strategy can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Here are some valuable tips to help you get started:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly:
Begin by familiarising yourself with the complete syllabus, which primarily includes topics from Classes 11 and 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Also, review the exam pattern to get a clear idea of the marking scheme, section-wise distribution, and time constraints. Knowing what to expect is the first step toward adequate preparation.
- Practice Previous Years' Question Papers:
Solving past NEST question papers helps you understand the types of questions, the relative importance of different topics, and the overall difficulty level. It also gives insight into the exam's structure and boosts your time management skills.
- Create and Stick to a Study Plan:
A well-structured timetable can make your preparation more efficient. Allocate specific hours daily to each subject and reserve time for revision. Aim to study 2–3 subjects daily and dedicate at least an hour to revisiting earlier topics.
- Be Consistent and Regular with Studies:
Given the extensive syllabus, it is essential to maintain daily study habits. Consistency ensures better retention and keeps the preparation process manageable over time.
- Focus on NCERT Textbooks First:
Start with NCERT books, as they form the core of the NEST syllabus. These books explain concepts clearly and are essential for building strong fundamentals. Once comfortable, refer to advanced materials to deepen your understanding.
- Use Trusted Reference Books Wisely:
After mastering the NCERT content, choose additional reference books that cover basic to advanced-level questions. Selecting the right books will save you time and ensure focused learning.
- Prioritise Regular Revision:
Revision is just as essential as learning new topics. Make it a habit to return to previously studied material to reinforce memory and improve recall during the exam.
- Attempt Mock Tests Frequently:
Practice with chapter-wise mock tests during your preparation and switch to full-length mock exams once you complete the syllabus. This will help you evaluate your preparation level, identify weak areas, and develop speed and accuracy.
The NEST 2025 exam offers an excellent opportunity for students to advance their academic careers in science. By understanding the exam's structure, eligibility criteria, and key dates, candidates can better prepare for the exam and maximise their chances of success. Remember to stay updated with any official notifications, participate in mock tests, and carefully follow the application procedures to secure your seat at NISER Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
Why Propelld?
Propelld is a platform designed to make education more accessible by offering financial solutions like loans. It simplifies applying for loans, making it easier for students to finance their higher education. With flexible repayment options and lower interest rates, Propelld ensures that students can focus on their studies without the financial burden.
The following are the primary benefits of Propelld.
Take the next step in your academic journey - Apply for an education loan today!