NEST Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, No. of Questions, Syllabus and Preparation Tips

NEST Exam Pattern 2026 is released by the organising bodies, NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS (Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai). The exam is conducted for aspirants of the 5-year Integrated MSc Program in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. The NEST 2026 exam date is scheduled for June 6, 2026.

The NEST Exam 2026 covers subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology. For full details on the exam structure, syllabus, and marking system, visit the official website (nestexam.in). Be sure to check for updates as the exam date approaches.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Highlights

The NEST examination for the year 2026 comprises a total of 68 questions that contain the types of questions typically Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQs). The examination is scheduled for June 6, 2026. Candidates must check the key details of the NEST 2026 exam pattern, which is mentioned below the table:

Also Check: NEST Application Process 2026

Detailed Breakdown of NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

The NEST 2026 exam has multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology. Correct answers give positive marks, while wrong ones lose marks. To get more information, candidates can check the points below:

Exam Pattern: The NEST 2025 exam has two types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQs). The NEST exam will be conducted in online mode, as a computer-based test (CBT). The complete exam duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Subjects Covered: The NEST 2025 examination consists of four main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. A certain number of questions for each subject will be included in their final score.

Number of Questions and Total Marks: The NEST 2025 examination consists of 68 questions in total, consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQs). The entire exam will have 200 marks.

Marking Scheme

• MCQs: For every correct answer, candidates will be awarded 2.5 marks, while for incorrect answers, there will be a deduction of 1 mark. Unattempted questions have no marks being deducted or awarded.
• MSQs: Each correct answer in this section earned 4 marks. There will be no negative marking for MSQs, meaning candidates will not be penalised for incorrect answers or unattempted questions.

Exam Frequency: The NEST exam 2026 is organised annually. Applicants have only one chance to give this examination in every year, to be accepted to universities such as NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.

Also Check: NEST Admit Card 2026

NEST Exam Pattern 2026 Detailed Marking Scheme

The NEST 2025 marking scheme varies based on the type of questions and the section. Negative marking is applied to sections like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The detailed information about the NEST exam marking scheme is mentioned below the table:

NEST Exam Pattern 2026: Syllabus

Each section in the NEST exam tests the candidates on different topics related to the respective subjects. Given below is a breakdown of NEST Syllabus 2026 and the topics covered under each section:

NEST Exam 2026 Preparation Tips 

For NEST 2026, time management is key. Practice with mock tests and focus on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math. Understand concepts well, avoid guessing to prevent negative marks, and stay calm. Get enough rest and stay hydrated on exam day. Here are several preparation tips available to students for preparing for the NEST Exam 2026:

Time Management:

• Practice under time limits when solving questions. With a total exam time of 3 hours, mock tests should be taken to sharpen both candidates' speed and accuracy.
• Give equal time to each section, but if candidates find some sections easier or harder, adjust their time accordingly.

Core Concepts:

• NEST will test candidates' knowledge of basic science subjects. It's important to have a strong understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math.

Negative Marking:

• The negative marking can reduce the NEST exam score, so only answer the questions they are sure about.
• If candidates are not sure about an answer, it's better to skip the question instead of guessing, as guessing can lead to losing marks.

Mock Tests:

• NEST Mock Tests help them to understand the exam pattern, improve their time management, and identify areas where they need to do better.
• Use the internet to find NEST mock tests and practice questions to help them prepare.

Regular Revision:

• Success comes from regular revision and keeping practising problems until they are fully understood. The more they practice, the more confident they’ll become in their skills and ability to perform well in the exam.

Stay Calm and Focused:

• Stay calm and focused during the test. If candidates find a difficult question, move on to the next one and come back to it later if they have time.
• Get enough sleep the night before the exam and drink water on the day of the test.

NEST Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs