What is NEST Entrence Exam (National Entrance Screening Test)? - Eligibility, Colleges & Exam Pattern

NEST Exam Eligibility Criteria

• Class Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (intermediate) exam or an equivalent examination.
• Education Background: Science stream.
• Subjects Requirement: Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB).
• Age Limit: No age limit
• Percentage Requirement: A minimum of 60% marks for general category candidates, while SC/ST/PwD candidates need at least 55% marks.

NEST Exam Benifits

• After qualifying the NEST exam candidates are directly admitted to prestigious institutes like NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) in Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences) in Mumbai.
• Students admitted through the NEST exam receive a scholarship of ₹5,000 per month for five years, totaling ₹6,00,00. Additionally they receive ₹2,00,00 for internships bringing the total scholarship amount to ₹8,00,00 funded by the central government.
• Upon completing the five year integrated M.Sc program through the NEST exam, candidates are eligible for recruitment as Junior Scientists at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), ISRO, & other top government research institutes.
• The NEST exam also opens up opportunities for candidates to pursue Ph.D programs at top institutes in India and abroad.

1. Registration

• Go to the NEST exam official website.
• On the homepage click on the link for "Online Registration".
• An instruction panel will appear, carefully read the instructions & then click on the "I Agree" button.
• Next the registration form will appear, where the candidate needs to enter details such as full name, date of birth (DOB), 10th class roll number, year of passing 10th, mobile number, and email ID. Click on the "Generate OTP" button, then enter the captcha and the OTP received to verify.
• Once the OTP is verified agree to the declaration click the "Reverify" button to check details and then click "Submit".
• After successful registration the registration number and password will be sent to the registered email and mobile via SMS.

2. Application form

Click on the "Go to Application" button to access the application form and follow the steps below to complete application:

• Personal Details: Enter guardians details, both present and permanent addresses accurately and Click "Save & Next" to proceed.
• Qualification Details: enter educational qualifications (10th and 12th grades) details and click the "Save & Next" button to continue.
• Document Upload: Select preferred exam city, and upload the required documents including a recent passport sized photograph and signature & click "Save & Next" to move forward.
• Payment Details: Check the declaration box, enter the captcha, and click "Submit" button. After submission choose one of the available payment methods to pay the application fee.

NEST Exam Advantages

• Admission to Top Science Institutes: By clearing the NEST exam candidates gain entry into prestigious science research institutions in India, such as NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. this institute are renowned for their advanced education and excellence in scientific research.
• Scholarship Benefits: Selected candidates through the NEST exam receive a monthly stipend and financial assistance to support their academic and research endeavors.
• Research Oriented Curriculum: NISER and UM-DAE CEBS institutes offer a research-focused curriculum that equips students with strong scientific research and problem-solving skills, preparing them to meet global research standards.
• Career Opportunities in Research & Development: Graduates from NISER and UM-DAE CEBS have excellent career prospects in reputed research organizations and national laboratories.
• High-Quality Faculty: NISER and UM-DAE CEBS have highly qualified and experienced faculty, providing world-class education and mentorship to students.
• Government Job Prospects: Graduates from these institutes have job opportunities in prestigious government research organizations such as ISRO, BARC, and DRDO.
• Affordable Fees: The fees at NEST institutions are lower compared to many other government and private institutions, making high-quality education more accessible.

NEST Exam Disadvantages

• Limited Seats: NEST is a national-level exam with a high number of applicants, but the seats are very limited across all categories. NISER offers only 200 seats, while UM-DAE CEBS has only 57 seats. This limited availability means that many talented candidates may face difficulties in securing admission to their desired institute.
• High Competition Level: The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is highly competitive, as it is the pathway to prestigious institutes like NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. Due to the limited number of seats, the competition level is extremely high. Each year, approximately 35,000 to 45,000 students apply for this exam, leading to an average of 136 to 175 candidates vying for each of the 257 seats across both institutes. As a result, the success rate remains only between 0.57% and 0.73%, making admission exceptionally challenging.
• Limited Institutes: NEST provides admission to only two institutes, NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. With only these options, students have limited flexibility in choosing their institution.
• Location Constraints: NISER is located in Bhubaneswar, and UM-DAE CEBS is in Mumbai. These specific locations may not be easily accessible for all students, creating potential challenges for those from distant areas.
• Tough Selection Process: The selection process for NEST is rigorous and demanding, which can create high academic pressure and stress for students.