The NEST Exam, or the National Entrance Screening Test, is an eagerly anticipated annual examination in India. It holds great importance for aspiring students seeking admission to top-tier institutions for their undergraduate studies in the fields of science and technology. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious entrance exams in the country. NEST Exam is famous for its rigorous selection process and the opportunities it provides for bright minds to embark on their academic journey.
The NEST Exam 2024 is ready to be scheduled on 30th June 2024. The Department of Atomic Energy’s Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences at the University of Mumbai (UM-DAE CBS) and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), both located in Bhubaneswar, jointly administer the NEST Exam. The exam is designed to identify talented students with a passion for scientific pursuits and a desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Successfully clearing the NEST exam opens doors to prestigious institutions, such as NISER, UM-DAE CBS, and other participating institutes.
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What is the NEST exam?
The NEST exam is an entrance examination conducted annually in India. It serves as a gateway for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies in science and technology at prestigious institutions like NISER and UM-DAE CBS. The exam evaluates students’ knowledge in subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and assesses their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
NEST Exam Highlights
It is always advised for students to know about the exam prior to preparing for the exam. In this section, we will be showing you a general overview of the NEST exam.
| Exam Name | NEST – National Entrance Screening Test |
| Conducting Body | NISER and UM-DAE CEBS |
| Examination Mode | Online |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Medium of the Exam | English |
Students, do you know that the important dates regarding the NEST exam 2024 are out? Let’s recheck some important dates so you do not miss out on something important.
NEST Exam 2024: Important Dates
The important dates regarding the NEST 2024 exam are mentioned below:
| Events | Dates |
| Online Application Opens | 03rd April 2024 |
| Online Application Closes | 31st May 2024 |
| Correction & Update Window | TBA |
| Download of Admit Card | 15th June 2024 |
| Date of NEST 2024 Exam | 30th June 2024 |
| Answer Keys Challenge | TBA |
| NEST 2024 Result Date | 10th July 2024 |
Exam dates are out! Read out How to Prepare for Exams for interesting tips and tricks!
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NEST Exam Eligibility Criteria
All candidates must meet the NEST Eligibility Criteria before submitting an application for the entrance test. The following are some of the NEST exam eligibility requirements:
- The candidate’s birthdate must not be before August 2000.
- The candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board or a university along with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Life Sciences as mandatory subjects.
- The candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 60% in 10+2.
Note: The eligibility criteria can vary depending on the various factors. Students are advised to kindly be updated from the official websites.
NEST Exam Courses
The NEST exam is primarily conducted for admissions to undergraduate courses in the fields of science and technology. It serves as a common entrance test for programs such as:
| Courses Offered | BSc + MSc in Physics (Integrated) BSc + MSc in Chemistry (Integrated) BSc + MSc in Biology (Integrated) BSc + MSc in Mathematics (Integrated) |
| Courses Duration | 05 Years |
The exam is specifically designed to identify talented students who have a keen interest in scientific research and wish to pursue their higher education in these areas.
Nest Exam Colleges
The NEST exam is conducted for admissions to the integrated M.Sc. programs in basic sciences at two top-tier institutions in India:
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneshwar
- University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CBS
These institutions are renowned for their world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.
NEST Exam 2024 Results
The NEST Exam 2024 results will be announced tentatively in the month of June. The result will be released online. The result will be displayed on the official website under a tab labeled “Result 2024.” Candidates must follow these steps to check their results:
- Login to the official websites with the credentials.
- Click ‘NEST 2024 Results’.
- Download the scorecard and the answer key.
- Verify your scores with the cut-off scores.
Do not forget to take a printout of the scorecard. It will be used in further admission processes.
Must Know: NEST Exam Syllabus and Pattern for a Better Understanding of the Exam
NEST Exam: Previous Year Cut-Offs
Analyzing the previous year’s cut-offs can give you an idea of the expected cut-off for the current year. However, you must keep in mind that there are several factors that drive the cut-offs for each year, such as:
- Total number of candidates
- Total number of seats available
- Difficulty level of the examination
Let’s now try to analyze the different cut-offs for a better understanding of the trend followed by the NEST conducting body.
As the NEST exam is an online exam, we would highly recommend you go through our guide on Important Tips for Online Exams.
NEST 2022 Cut-Off for NISER Bhubaneshwar
The cut-offs for the NEST exam for NISER Bhubaneshwar are mentioned below:
| Category | Biology | Chemistry | Mathematics |
| General | 3.4599 | 3.3875 | 2.7815 |
| OBC | 3.1140 | 3.0488 | 2.5034 |
| SC/ST/PD/JK | 1.7300 | 1.6398 | 1.3908 |
NEST 2022 Cut-Off for CEBS Mumbai
The cut-offs for the NEST exam for CEBS Mumbai are mentioned below:
| Category | Biology | Chemistry | Mathematics |
| General | 6.92 | 6.78 | 5.56 |
| OBC | 6.23 | 6.10 | 5.01 |
| SC/ST/PD/JK | 3.46 | 3.39 | 2.78 |
Note: The above-mentioned cut-off is obtained from the session 2 cutoffs.
NEST Exam Application Process
Now that you have an overview of the NEST exam and its other relevant details, it is high time you know about the admission process involved in the NEST exam. The application process is quite general and can easily be understood. The application process for the NEST Exam generally involves the following steps:
Online Registration
Candidates need to visit the official website of the NEST Exam and register themselves by providing the required information such as personal details, contact information, and educational qualifications. A unique registration ID or number may be generated during this process.
Filling out the Application Form
After registration, students are required to fill out the application form with correct information. This includes providing details like academic qualifications, choice of examination centers, and uploading scanned copies of necessary documents such as photographs and signatures.
Payment of Fee
Candidates need to pay the application fee as per the prescribed mode of payment. The fee amount and payment options will be specified in the official notification. Payment can generally be made through online modes like credit/debit cards, net banking, or offline modes like bank challan.
Admit Card Download
Once the application form and fee payment are successfully completed, candidates can download their admit cards from the official website. Important data about the exam, including the date, time, location, and candidate information, are included on the admit card.
Appearing for the Exam
Candidates must appear for the NEST Exam on the scheduled date and time at the designated examination center. It is advisable to reach the exam center prior with all the necessary documents to avoid the rush.
It’s important to note that the specific details and requirements of the application process may vary each year, so it is recommended to refer to the official NEST Exam website or information brochure for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process.
Epilogue
Lastly, the NEST exam is a key entry point for hopeful students looking to enroll in prestigious universities for their undergraduate courses in science and technology. It provides a platform for talented individuals to showcase their scientific aptitude, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Successfully clearing the NEST exam opens doors to prestigious colleges, offering students a chance to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen fields of study.
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NEST Exam: FAQs
The NEST exam, short for National Entrance Screening Test, is an annual examination conducted in India for admissions to undergraduate programs in science and technology.
The University of Mumbai’s Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CBS), Mumbai, and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, jointly conduct the NEST exam.
Candidates must register online on the official website, complete the application form, pay the necessary cost, and download the admit card in order to take the NEST exam.
Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent with science subjects. Specific eligibility criteria may vary, so it is advisable to refer to the official notification for detailed information.
The NEST exam scores are accepted by top colleges like 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 CBS), known for their excellence in science education and research.
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Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
