NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern consists of a single 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT) with four subject sections -Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each section has 20 MCQs worth 60 marks. Candidates must attempt at least three sections. The marking scheme is +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect, and 0 for unattempted answers.
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST 2026) is the entrance examination for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc Program (2026-31) at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
Direct Official Notification PDF for NEST 2026: Click Here
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (02:00 PM – 05:00 PM) |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) |
| Questions per Section | 20 MCQs |
| Marks per Section | 60 |
| Total Marks | 240 (Best 3 sections considered) |
Important Dates for NEST 2026
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | January 05, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 06, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Payment | April 12, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | May 15, 2026 onwards |
| NEST 2026 Exam Date | June 06, 2026 (2 PM – 5 PM) |
| Result Announcement | To be announced |
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have studied at least three out of four subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) in Class 11 & 12.
- Passed/appearing in Class 12 in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
- Minimum marks: 60% (UR) / 55% (SC/ST/Divyangjan).
- No age limit.
Detailed NEST 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
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The question paper has four independent sections.
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Candidates can attempt all four sections, but only the best three (after meeting SMAS) are considered for the total score.
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Negative marking applies.
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SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) is applicable.
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Merit list is prepared using percentile and Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP).
NEST 2026 Detailed Syllabus (As per Official Brochure)
The syllabus is based on NCERT/CBSE Classes XI and XII. Below is the complete official syllabus.
BIOLOGY
Class XI
Unit I: Diversity of Living Organisms (The Living World, Biological Classification, Plant Kingdom, Animal Kingdom)
Unit II: Structural Organization in Plants and Animals (Morphology & Anatomy of Flowering Plants, Structural Organisation in Animals – Frog)
Unit III: Cell: Structure and Function (Cell-The Unit of Life, Biomolecules, Cell Cycle and Cell Division)
Unit IV: Plant Physiology (Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant Growth and Development)
Unit V: Human Physiology (Breathing & Exchange of Gases, Body Fluids & Circulation, Digestion & Absorption, Excretory Products, Locomotion & Movement, Neural Control, Chemical Coordination)
Class XII
Unit VI: Reproduction (Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health)
Unit VII: Genetics and Evolution (Principles of Inheritance, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Evolution)
Unit VIII: Biology and Human Welfare (Human Health & Diseases, Microbes in Human Welfare)
Unit IX: Biotechnology and its Applications
Unit X: Ecology and Environment (Organisms & Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity & Conservation)
CHEMISTRY
Class XI
1. Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
2. Structure of Atom
3. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
4. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
5. Chemical Thermodynamics
6. Equilibrium
7. Redox Reactions
8. Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques
9. Hydrocarbons
Class XII
1. Solutions
2. Electrochemistry
3. Chemical Kinetics
4. d- and f-Block Elements
5. Coordination Compounds
6. Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
7. Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
8. Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
9. Amines
10. Biomolecules
MATHEMATICS
Class XI
- Sets and Functions
- Algebra (Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Permutations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences & Series)
- Coordinate Geometry
- Calculus (Limits and Derivatives)
- Statistics and Probability
Class XII
- Relations and Functions
- Algebra (Matrices & Determinants)
- Calculus (Continuity, Derivatives, Integrals, Applications, Differential Equations)
- Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry
- Linear Programming
- Probability
PHYSICS
Class XI
1. Units and Measurements
2. Motion in Straight Line & Plane
3. Laws of Motion
4. Work, Energy and Power
5. System of Particles and Rotational Motion
6. Gravitation
7. Mechanical Properties of Solids & Fluids
8. Thermal Properties of Matter, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory
9. Oscillations and Waves
Class XII
1. Electrostatics (Charges & Fields, Potential & Capacitance)
2. Current Electricity
3. Magnetic Effects & Magnetism
4. Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Current
5. Electromagnetic Waves
6. Optics (Ray & Wave)
7. Dual Nature, Atoms, Nuclei
8. Semiconductor Electronics
How to Prepare for NEST 2026
- Master NCERT books thoroughly.
- Focus on strong performance in at least three subjects.
- Practice previous year NEST papers.
- Understand SMAS and negative marking impact.
