What is NEST Entrance Exam? - Eligibility, Colleges, Exam Pattern

What is NEST Exam?

NEST Exam (National Entrance Screening Test) is a national-level entrance examination. This exam is mainly conducted for admission to the five-year Integrated MSc program at NISER Bhubaneswar and CEBS Mumbai. It is the only national exam in India that is conducted exclusively for admission to two specific institutions.

This exam is held once every year and is organized by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the University of Mumbai - DAE CEBS.

Features of NEST Exam

Who Can Apply for NEST Exam?

The NEST exam is mainly for students with a strong science background, typically from Class 11 and 12 (Science stream). The NEST syllabus is largely based on the NCERT curriculum of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics from Classes 11 and 12.

NEST Exam Purpose

The NEST exam is conducted to select talented students for admission into research-oriented Integrated MSc courses in Basic Sciences like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. It is the only entrance exam in India meant specifically for admission to just two specialized science institutes.

NEST Exam Summary

NEST Exam Eligibility Criteria

Colleges Accepting NEST Scores

Candidates qualified through the NEST exam (National Entrance Screening Test) are granted admission to two premier autonomous science institutes established by the Government of India, NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) and UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai - DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences).

Both these institutes were established as autonomous science institutes by the Government of India in 2007 and today are counted among the top autonomous science institutes in India.

The word "autonomous" here means self-governed institutes, i.e. institutes that independently decide their academic curriculum, mode of study and evaluation process.

1. NISER

NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar is a premier autonomous educational institute working under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The institute is located near Jatni, Bhubaneswar in Odisha and is known for high quality education and research in the field of science.

The objective of NISER is to inspire students for scientific thinking, research and innovation. The institute offers the following major programs:

2. UM-DAE CEBS

UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences) is a premier autonomous science institute located in Kalina Campus, Santacruz, Mumbai. The institute has been established with the collaboration of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and University of Mumbai.

UM-DAE CEBS is equivalent to NISER Bhubaneswar in terms of structure and objectives, and its main objective is to provide students with excellent education and research opportunities in the field of Science. The institute offers the following major programs:

Available Seats in NISER & UM-DAE CEBS

1. NISER Institute Seats

Total 200 seats are available for admission in NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar. The distribution of seats is done as per reservation norms of Government of India as follows:

2. UM-DAE CEBS Institute Seats

A total of 57 seats are available for admission in UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre of Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai. The category wise distribution of seats is as follows:

Benefits of Appearing for the NEST Exam

NEST exam (National Entrance Screening Test) is a very prestigious competitive exam, which provides many benefits to students interested in higher education and research in the field of science. If you clear the NEST exam, many golden opportunities open up for you.

NEST Exam Pattern

The pattern of NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) exam is completely based on science subjects. It is a computer based test (CBT), which is conducted in English language only. A total of 68 multiple choice questions of MCQ type are asked in the exam.

This entire exam is of 200 marks in total. There are four major sections in this exam. Around 17 questions are asked from each section, whose total value is 50 marks.

NEST Exam Advantages

Here are the advantages given below that explains why NEST exam is a great opportunity for students:

1. 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. These institutes are renowned for their advanced education and excellence in scientific research.

2. Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates through the NEST exam receive a monthly stipend and financial assistance to support their academic and research endeavors.

3. 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.

4. Career Opportunities in Research & Development

Graduates from NISER and UM-DAE CEBS have excellent career prospects in reputed research organizations and national laboratories.

5. High-Quality Faculty

NISER and UM-DAE CEBS have highly qualified and experienced faculty, providing world-class education and mentorship to students.

6. Government Job Prospects

Graduates from these institutes have job opportunities in prestigious government research organizations such as ISRO, BARC and DRDO.

7. 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

While the NEST exam gives students a chance to get admission into top science institutes in India, it also has some disadvantages that students may have to face:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Tough Selection Process

The selection process for NEST is rigorous and demanding, which can create high academic pressure and stress for students.

NEST Exam FAQ