What is the Benefit of NEST Exam? Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips

NEST is conducted jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE DEBS), Mumbai. Therefore, the question of the benefit of the NEST exam often clouds the mind of the candidates. Further, National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) invites candidates for a five-year integrated M.Sc program. The M.Sc program is organized for four subjects; mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. 

Moreover, NEST is arranged online (computer-based). The questions are anticipated to be somewhere around moderate to tough. Nevertheless, the questions are available both in English and Hindi versions. Students can check the benefits of NEST exam below.

Table of Contents:

• Top 5 Benefits of NEST Exam 
• Eligibility Criteria for NEST Exam
• NEST Exam Pattern
• NEST Exam Marks Distribution - Section-Wise
• Nest Exam Preparation Tips
• Science Colleges Accepting NEST in India

Top 5 Benefits of NEST Exam 

The bare minimum requirement is passing class 12 with a percentage of 60% in aggregate for aspirants from unreserved categories and 55% for aspirants from reserved categories for applying. Some of the added benefits are as follows:

1. Integrated M.Sc: Often, there is a serious question of what to do after the 12, which stream to choose, and whatnot. Therefore, the option of an integrated M.Sc can solve this problem. Candidates can directly complete their master's along with their bachelor's. Additionally, it reduces the stress of searching for postgraduate colleges. 
2. Preparation for Other Exams: The NEST is a national-level examination; hence, the preparation must be done accordingly. Moreover, the questions are marked between moderately tough to difficult. Therefore, aspiring candidates have to think about this examination and its preparation seriously. Further, this is considered an added benefit of the NEST exam. It also enhances the preparation for JEE Mains and JEE Advanced.
3. Easy Scoring: the NEST exam is divided into sections, each carrying 50 marks. Additionally, the examination is conducted for two different sessions. Of course, the set of questions varies. Moreover, it is assessed among the NEST exam benefits. The Scoring becomes easier for the candidates, and after successfully qualifying for the exam, the candidates are offered seats. 
4. Separate Merit List: As we know, the exam is arranged jointly by NISER and CEBS; candidates often revolve around the ambiguity of the publication of results. For example, to break the common delusion, the merit lists for NISER and CEBS are prepared separately. Furthermore, the best of three scores among the four is taken into account. Hence, the merit list calculation narrows down to 150. 
5. Opportunity to Bag Scholarships: While prepping for NEST and acquiring a seat at any NEST-accredited college, candidates can get an opportunity to receive a scholarship. With an outstanding academic record and proven academic performance, candidates can get scholarships. 

Eligibility Criteria for NEST Exam

For the NEST Exam 2024, we can divide the eligibility criteria into two portions.

• Age Limit: Candidates coming from the Unreserved and OBC category, should have their Date of Birth on or after August 1, 2020. Those coming from SC/ST/PwD will have 5 years of relaxation on the upper limit of age as mentioned.
• Educational Qualifications: Candidates need to pass their 10+2 examination (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (for Unreserved and OBC) or 55% aggregate marks (for SC/ST/PWD) from any recognized board or university. In addition, they should have any three subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in their 10+2 curriculum. 

Also Read: NISER Courses After 12th Through NEST Exam 2023

NEST Exam Pattern

Before appearing for any examination, the primary step is to learn about the exam pattern in detail. The NEST exam benefits are mentioned above. The rest of the details are as follows:

NEST Exam Marks Distribution - Section-Wise

The exam is primarily distributed among five sections, and so is the marking scheme. The elaborate distribution of marks is mentioned below. Further, knowing the marking pattern is measured among the benefits of the NEST exam. Moreover, there is no negative marking for section A; the rest of the sections have negative markings. 

Nest Exam Preparation Tips 

The NEST exam preparation is quite an important factor in achieving a seat. Hence, we have listed below some of the best NEST exam tips that will come to candidates rescue: 

• Schedule a Timetable: The foremost step to crack any exam is creating a timetable as needed. The timetable should have enough time to rest included. Furthermore, each section should be generously covered. No scope of negligence should be there. Additionally, cover all the areas of utmost importance first. However, time to focus on weaker sections should be kept in mind while setting up the timetable. 
• Analyse the Syllabus: Before jumping into any exam preparation, a complete analysis of the exam should be done. For example, learn about the importance of each section and its main topics. In addition, chalking out the new or needs more attention portion of the syllabus is mandatory.
• Apply for Test Papers: While applying for the NEST exam, candidates should practice from test papers. Plenty of options are available in the market. It will broaden the scope for analysis of weaknesses and strengths. Moreover, it will also offer a sense of the exam pattern and the areas of questions. 
• Appear for Mock Test: Make it a habit to appear for mock tests at a regular interval. It helps to estimate the preparation level and provides an in-hand result of the preparation. In addition, mock tests are considered healthy in the long run. An in-depth analysis is essential. 
• Keep Calm and Earn Victory: Successfully clearing the NEST will not be a cakewalk. There will be a lot of hurdles and roadblocks. Nevertheless, overcoming them will be the real challenge. However, taking time for oneself should be given equal priority. Proper rest, and a healthy lifestyle are the common factors to win victory over NEST. Further, it is highly suggested to take this exam only when the candidate has completely made up their mind. 

Science Colleges Accepting NEST in India

India is home to numerous science colleges. There are three Science Colleges that accept NEST scores in India. These three colleges can be divided into two categories: public and government-owned.

1. Visva Bharati University

Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva Bharati University. Visva Bharati is a central research university and national-level institution in West Bengal, India. It is UGC-approved and NAAC-accredited (A). NIRF 2023 has ranked Visva Bharati University as 97th in the University category. Visva Bharati University has eight institutes organized into 40 departments that offer over 150 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and diploma programs. 

2. NISER

National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is a leading higher education institute in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Students can continue their studies at the institute in degree courses such as undergraduate and doctoral programs. These programs are available in full-time mode. 

The institute has an excellent reputation for courses like B.Sc. and Ph.D. The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) offers the opportunity to obtain expertise through its skilled and experienced faculty in the domains of Physics.

3. CEBS Mumbai
The University of Mumbai's Vidyanagari Campus, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Government of India collaborated to create UM DAE CBS as an autonomous center in 2007. The Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences provides undergraduate, graduate, integrated, and PhD programs to students in Science and other fields. The main highlights of CEBS Mumbai are summarized below: