LPU NEST is conducted from January (Phase 1) to August (Phase 2). Currently, Phase 2 is in progress. Students can take the exams in any of the schedules and get good marks and a scholarship, but if candidates feel they haven’t done well on their first attempt, they can appear in Schedule II. However, there will be an additional fee for retaking the exam in the same year. LPUNEST is an online test (Fully MCQs) with no negative marking for wrong answers. Over 35% of LPUNEST applicants choose to attempt the exam more than once during the same admission cycle. Data collected from over 1,200 students across the 2022 to 2024 cycles shows a consistent pattern of improvement in second-attempt scores. On average, repeat test-takers score 11.6% higher in their second attempt, with some scoring up to 25% better. These numbers reflect a clear advantage for students who use the retake option wisely.
LPUNEST Important Events 2025
LPUNEST has released the current schedule on the official website. The online registration starts on 1st June 2025. Also, results will be displayed within 24 working hours.
Read: LPUNEST Application
LPUNEST Retake Trends
The retake trend has become common in LPUNEST. Also, Second Chance may be considered only after applying to the university Admit Portal with the processing fee of INR 200. The following table presents a year-wise comparison of improvement rates:
Observation:
- The improvement rate has gradually increased year-on-year.
- The percentage of students performing worse has slightly declined.
Common Improvement Areas for Repeat Takers
The following are subjects where second-attempt candidates usually score better. This is based on student-level performance data submitted during LPUNEST analysis surveys.
- English: 10% improvement from better time management and familiarity
- Physics and Chemistry: 8–10% improvement due to targeted revision
- Mathematics: 7% gain when students revise weak areas identified in the first attempt
LPUNEST Score Distribution for First vs Second Attempt 2025
The 2025 exam data are not available yet. The table below compares score ranges for a sample of 330 students who took LPUNEST twice in 2024.
Insight: The number of students scoring below 70 dropped by almost 18%, while top-score segments saw notable increases.
LPUNEST Retake Application Process 2025
A student can appear for the LPUNEST exam twice in a single academic year. LPUNEST is both an entrance and scholarship exam for admission into Lovely Professional University (LPU). To take this exam, candidates must register online through LPU’s official website. After appearing for the test, the results are usually declared within two weeks. If a candidate feels that their performance in the first attempt wasn't satisfactory, they are allowed to take the exam again under Schedule II. However, for the second attempt, an additional examination fee is required. Among the two attempts, only the better score is considered for admission and scholarship calculation. The scholarship is awarded per semester, based on the highest score obtained in either attempt.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official website of the LPUNEST, https://www.lpu.in/nest/.
- Press the ‘Apply Now’ button.
- Verify the mobile number, email ID and select the desired exam city.
- Pay the application fees of INR 200.
- Submit the application form.
Factors That Help Improve Scores
Mostly, score improvement happens when students actively reflect on their first attempt. These are the most cited reasons for better second attempts:
- Focused revision based on previous mistakes
- More practice on the Logical Reasoning and Math sections
- Less anxiety due to familiarity with the pattern
- Better exam-time planning and accuracy
Pros and Cons of Retaking LPUNEST
Many students consider a retake without weighing the actual benefits and risks. Here’s a clearly written breakdown to help the applicants decide.
Pros:
- Better Scores in Second Attempt: Most repeat test-takers show noticeable improvement in scores, with an average increase of 11.6%.
- Less Exam Pressure: During the second attempt, students are more familiar with the pattern and feel less nervous.
- Focused Study Plan: After seeing the first paper, students know exactly which areas to improve.
- Higher Scholarship Chances: A better score directly increases the possibility of getting more financial aid.
- More Mock Practice Time: Students always use the gap between attempts to take more mock tests, which helps sharpen accuracy and time management.
Cons:
- No Guarantee of Better Results: About 1 in 4 students either get the same marks or do worse the second time.
- Overconfidence Risk: Some students retake the exam without much preparation, assuming they’ll automatically do better.
- Mental Stress: Studying again in a short span and under pressure can affect performance.
- Wasted Opportunity: Without a solid revision strategy, a second attempt may not bring any real benefit.
Also check: Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Topics in LPUNEST
Final Analysis
LPUNEST retakes provide a supported path to better scores and scholarship brackets. However, the benefit depends entirely on the quality of preparation. Based on data from three recent cycles, students who revise and focus on weak sections have a 68% chance of improving their LPUNEST score. Those who do not change their strategy often show no improvement or even score lower. The exam pattern remains consistent across various attempts, and it also allows students to plan and improve. Retaking LPUNEST is beneficial for students who have utilised it.
