Updated on Feb 04, 2025
Amrita Das
NEST 2025 Exam Pattern: The exam conducting authority NEST, which conducts NEST 2025 Exam publishes the exam pattern of NEST 2025 on their website. The Exam pattern helps in getting information from the question paper regarding the NEST Exam. The releasing of notification would provide the complete information about it on the official website. The NEST Exam Pattern 2025 is divided into four sections. The NEST 2025 admit card will be provided by the authorities on June 02, 2025 in an online mode only.
No dress code has been mentioned by NISER and CEBS while appearing for NEST Entrance Exam 2025. The students can wear anything which they are comfortable with. The National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar is the organizing body of NEST 2025 along with the Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai (UM-DAE CEBS).
The entrance exam will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode during the last week of June 2025. Candidates must be aware of the NEST syllabus 2025 along with the NEST exam pattern 2025 to improve chances of qualifying exams. Candidates can check all about the exam pattern of NEST 2025 including, key features, exam schedule, subject details and marking scheme as mentioned on this page below.
NEST 2025 Exam Pattern Highlights
Here are some of the key features of the NEST question paper for candidates who are preparing for this exam must be aware of.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the exam | NEST 2025 |
| Full Form | National Entrance Screening Test 2025 |
| Conducting Body | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Mode of the exam | Online-proctored and Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Papers | 1 |
| Number of Sections | 4 |
| Name of the Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics |
| Type of Questions and Marks Division | Multiple Choice Questions (objective type) with 60 Marks for each of 4 sections |
| Total Marks | 240 |
| Duration of the exam | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Language of the exam | English |
NEST 2025 Sectional Weightage
The NEST 2025 sectional weightage is crucial for proper preparation. The exam consists of several sections testing diverse skills. As distribution helps in time management and focuses on important scoring areas, the subjects in NEST 2025 are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and General Ability. Each section is followed by a specific number of questions and marks. Knowing how the marks are distributed helps candidates attempt questions strategically. This also enhances time management while attempting questions in the examination. A clear idea of the weightage to the section will ensure better performance and a greater chance of getting admission. Candidates must check out the section-wise allotment of questions and marks as mentioned in the below table.
| Section | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I - Biology | 17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs) | 50 marks |
| II - Chemistry | 17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs) | 50 marks |
| III - Mathematics | 17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs) | 50 marks |
| IV - Physics | 17 questions (12 MCQs + 5 MSQs) | 50 marks |
| Total | 68 questions | 200 marks |
NEST 2025 Marking Scheme
Along with being aware of the NEST Marking Scheme, candidates are also requested to attempt the questions from all the sections. The merit list of NEST 2025 would be prepared with the best three qualifying scores from out of four sections and the section with the minimum or lesser score would be omitted. Therefore, the attempt of all sections would raise the probability of getting qualified in the exam. Students must check out the NEST Marking Scheme before they appear for the exam to understand the difficulty level.
| Question Type | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|
| MCQs | +2.5 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer No negative marking for unattempted questions |
| MSQs | +4 for each correct answer No negative marking scheme |
NEST 2025 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus of NEST 2025 includes the subjects from Class 11 and 12 science streams. The syllabus lists physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and general ability. General Ability is subjected to testing of conceptual understanding and analytical skills. Generally, all topics from logical reasoning, comprehension, and current affairs are part of the General Ability section. Questions are based on NCERT textbooks, and solving problems carries utmost importance. Candidates must focus on core topics and solve numerical problems. A well-designed and structured study plan will help in effective preparation.
NEST 2025 Preparation Tips
Preparing for NEST 2025 is not a cakewalk; it needs proper strategy. The exam tests subject knowledge, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills. Improvement can be made through a well-planned study schedule, proper revision, and practice. Check out the following preparation tips for the NEST 2025 exam.
- Understand the Syllabus: Study the authentic NEST 2025 syllabus and give importance to all the critical topics.
- Follow NCERT Books: Refer to NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- Practice Previous Papers: Practice previous year NEST question papers to know the pattern of the examination.
- Improve Time Management: Practice mock tests to handle the time perfectly for examinations.
- Revising regular: Write down short notes and revise all key formulas, concepts, and theories.
- Concentrate on General Ability: Read newspapers and solve logical reasoning questions.
- Be consistent: Stick to your daily routine, with adequate time for studies and rest.
NEST 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the exam pattern of NEST 2025?
NEST 2025 has five sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and General Ability. The question paper is designed as an online test with the MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) format.
How many questions are there in NEST 2025?
NEST 2025 comprises 200 marks, distributed according to different subjects. Each section has a distinct number of questions with varying weightage.
Are there any negative markings in NEST 2025?
Yes, NEST 2025 has negative marking in some sections. Candidates should read the instructions for the exam before attempting questions.
How long is the NEST 2025?
The duration of the NEST 2025 exam is 3 hours, i.e., 180 minutes. Candidates must manage their time well for all sections.
Is the NEST 2025 exam online or offline?
NEST 2025 is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, which means that the test has to be taken online at the designated test centers.
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