National Entrance Screening Test - NEST Complete Details

 The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a national-level entrance exam conducted jointly by 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). It is a gateway for admission into the 5-year Integrated MSc program in Basic Sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics at these premier institutes.

Key Details About NEST

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or appeared for the 10+2 exam (higher secondary examination) from a recognized board in Science stream in the current year or the previous year.
• Subjects: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology in their 10+2 exams.
• Minimum Marks:
  • General/OBC category: At least 60% marks in aggregate in 10+2 or equivalent.
  • SC/ST/PwD candidates: At least 55% marks.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be born on or after August 1, 2004 (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates).

2. Participating Institutes

The NEST score is accepted by the following institutes:

• NISER Bhubaneswar: Offers around 200 seats for the 5-year Integrated MSc program.
• UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai: Offers around 57 seats for the same program.

3. Courses Offered

Both institutes offer a 5-year integrated MSc program in the following areas:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics

4. Application Process

• The application form is available online on the official NEST website.
• Candidates need to fill in the required details, upload necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
  • Application Fee: ₹1,200 for General/OBC male candidates, ₹600 for SC/ST/PwD/female candidates.
• The fee can be paid through online modes (debit card/credit card/net banking).

5. Exam Pattern

NEST consists of five sections, with four of them being mandatory for scoring. The pattern is as follows:

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes)
• Language: The exam is conducted in English only.
• Total Marks: 230 marks.

Sections:

1. Section 1 (General Section):

   • Compulsory for all candidates.
   • Tests general knowledge, current affairs, scientific knowledge, quantitative reasoning, and logical thinking.
   • No negative marking.

2. Section 2 to Section 5 (Subject Sections):

   • Each section is focused on one subject: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
   • Candidates need to attempt any three of these four sections.
   • Questions will be based on 10+2 level science curriculum.
   • Negative marking exists in subject sections for incorrect answers.

6. Syllabus

The NEST syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of Classes 11 and 12. Here's a brief overview of the subject-wise syllabus:

• Physics:

  • Classical mechanics, Electricity and magnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern physics, Semiconductor devices, and Electronics.

• Chemistry:

  • Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Organic chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Surface chemistry.

• Biology:

  • Genetics and evolution, Cell structure and function, Human physiology, Ecology, Biotechnology, and Plant biology.

• Mathematics:

  • Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate geometry, Probability, Statistics, and Mathematical reasoning.

7. Marking Scheme

• General Section: No negative marking.
• Subject Sections: Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers. Correct answers award positive marks as per the question.

8. Admit Card

• Admit cards are available for download from the NEST official website a few weeks before the exam date.
• The admit card includes details such as the exam center, date, time, and other relevant instructions.

9. Results and Merit List

• NEST results are typically declared in June or July.
• A separate merit list is prepared for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
• The merit list is based on best three subject scores along with the general section score.

10. Counseling and Admission

Each participating institute conducts its own counseling and admission process based on the NEST merit list:

• NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai will invite candidates for counseling based on their rank in the NEST exam.
• Shortlisted candidates are then required to participate in the counseling process, where seats are allocated based on merit and preferences.

11. Important Dates

• Application Process Start: Usually begins in February/March.
• Exam Date: The NEST exam is typically held in June.
• Result Declaration: Usually in June/July.
• Counseling: Takes place in July/August.

12. Preparation Tips

• Understand the Syllabus: The NEST syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum. Ensure you cover all the topics mentioned in the syllabus.
• Mock Tests: Practice mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
• Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years' question papers helps familiarize with the types of questions and difficulty level.
• General Section: Stay updated on current affairs, science news, and improve your logical reasoning skills for this section.

13. Contact Information

• For more information and updates, visit the official NEST website: www.nestexam.in.

This exam is a crucial opportunity for students aiming to pursue research-oriented careers in basic sciences, offering entry to some of the top research institutes in India.