NEST is a key examination conducted by the National Institute of Science Education and Research and the Mumbai University Department of Atomic Energy Centre of Excellence in Basic Sciences. National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is undertaken annually to offer admission to integrated MSc programs in various fields- Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
Given below are the highlights of the NEST examination-
· Exam level- Undergraduate Exam at National Level
· Mode of exam- Online or computer-based test
· Exam frequency- once a year
· Total number of applicants- approximately 60,000
· Courses offered- Integrated MSc
· Total marks- 200
· Total number of questions- 68
· Exam duration- 3 hours 30 minutes
· Language/medium of exam- English
· Total number of seats- 257
· Marking scheme- +2.5 for the correct answer (MCQs), +4 for the correct answer (MSQs), -1 for the incorrect answer (MCQs), and 0 for an incorrect answer in unattempted questions or MSQs
The admission process for the NEST exam involves five steps-
· Filling out the application form
· Downloading the NEST admit card
· Appearing for the NEST exam
· Checking the NEST result
· Appearing for NEST counselling
The eligibility criteria for the NEST exam are as follows-
· Candidate must have passed Class 12 in the science stream from a recognized board in India and must have obtained a minimum of 60 per cent
· Candidate should have completed class 12, and those who are appearing for class 12 in 2022 can also apply for this exam· Candidates must have studied subjects – Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Mathematics in classes 11 and 12
