NEST 2025 Exam Centres: Check City wise List & Exam Day Instructions

National Entrance Screening Test 2024 ( NEST )

Ishita Chauhan
Updated on Jun 12, 2025 10:53 IST

By Ishita Chauhan, Retainer

The NEST Exam Centre list was released on the official website. The NEST 2025 Exam Centres are centres where exams will be conducted. Applicants who want to fill out the NEST application form must check the list thoroughly and fill in the centres which are close to their location. This year, NEST registration commenced on February 17, 2025, and the last date to apply online was May 9, 2025. 

Previously, the exam conducting authorities released a list of about 116 centres (cities and towns of India) for the NEST examination. Candidates must choose five exam centres. The actual NEST 2025 centre will be notified to the students via the admit card. According to the NEST important dates 2025the NEST 2025 exam was conducted in offline mode at multiple centres.   

Depending on the number of applicants opting for a particular test city/town, the NEST exam committee reserves the right to cancel or add any of the test cities without prior notice to applicants. Please note that ultimately, the allotment of an examination centre by the NEST Committee has to be regarded as final, and the request for a change of centre will, in general, not be entertained. The address of the test venue allotted to the applicant will be mentioned on the NEST admit card 2025

Q:   How many exam centres will be to fill NEST Application Form?
A: 

The exact number of NEST exam centres will be released in the official notification. Applicants who want to appear in NEST exam must check the exam cities before filling the application form. 

Last year the authorities have provided a list of 122 exam centres in various cities across India. This year, the number of exam centres may be increased or decreased depending on the availability of centres and total number of applicants who appeared in the exam. 

Q:   How many exam centres need to be filled while filling the NEST 2024 application form?
A: 

Applicants are advised to fill the exam centres while filling the application form of NEST exam. There will be around 120 NEST exam centres mentioned in the official notification. Students who want to apply and participate in the NEST exam must fill the 5 exam centres of their preferred choice from that list. 

The exam conducting authorities will release the admit card atleast 10 days before the exam which will include the allotted NEST exam centre to the applicants.  

Q:   When did NEST application form 2024 release?
A: 

The application form of NEST 2024 was released by exam conducting authorities on the official website on April 3, 2024. Applicants are advised to check the eligibility criteria before filling the form. 

Earlier the NEST 2024 application form was about to be released on March 30, 2024 but later it was postponed. Students must check the details of all other important events such as admit card date, exam date, answer key date and result dates.

Table of content
  • List of NEST 2025 Exam Centres
  • NEST 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • How to Select NEST 2025 Exam Centre
  • NEST 2025 Exam Centre Instructions
  • FAQs for NEST 2025 Exam Centres
NEST Logo

List of NEST 2025 Exam Centres

Candidates will be able to choose their preferred exam centres from the list of exam cities mentioned below as per the information provided on the official website of NEST 2025. 

State/UT City Name
AN Port Blair
AP Guntur
AP Kurnool
AP Rajahmundry
AP Tirupathi
AP Vijayawada
AP Visakhapatnam
AP Vizianagaram
AR
Naharlagun-Itanagar
AS Dibrugarh
AS Guwahati
AS Tezpur
BR Bhagalpur
BR Patna
CG Bhilai Nagar
CG Raipur
DL New Delhi
GA Panaji
GJ Ahmedabad
GJ Bhuj
GJ Rajkot
GJ Surat
HP Bilaspur
HP Hamirpur
HP Mandi
HR Hisar
HR Ambala
JK Jammu
JK Srinagar
JH
Bokaro Steel City
JH Dhanbad
JH Jamshedpur
JH Ranchi
KA Bengaluru
KA Hubballi (Hubli)
KA
Mangaluru (Mangalore)
KA
Mysuru (Mysore)
KL Alappuzha
KL Ernakulam
KL Idukki
KL Kannur
KL Kasaragod
KL Kollam
KL Kottayam
KL Kozhikode
KL Malappuram
KL Palakkad
KL Pathanamthitta
KL
Thiruvananthapuram
KL Thrissur
LA Leh
MP Bhopal
MP Gwalior
MP Indore
MP Jabalpur
MH Aurangabad
MH Jalgaon
MH Kolhapur
MH Mumbai
MH Nagpur
MH Nanded
MH Pune
MH Ratnagiri
MH Solapur
ML Shillong
MN Imphal
MZ Aizawl
NL Dimapur
NL Kohima
OD Angul
OD Balangir
OD Balasore
OD Bargarh
OD Baripada
OD
Brahmapur-Ganjam
OD Bhawanipatna
OD Bhubaneswar
OD Cuttack
OD Dhenkanal
OD Jharsuguda
OD Rayagada
OD Rourkela
OD Sambalpur
PB Bhatinda
PB Jalandhar
PB Mohali
PY Puducherry
RJ Bikaner
RJ Jaipur
RJ Jodhpur
RJ Kota
RJ Udaipur
SK Gangtak
TN Chennai
TN Coimbatore
TN Madurai
TN Salem
TN Tiruchirappalli
TN Tirunelveli
TS Hyderabad
TS Karimnagar
TS Warangal
TR Agartala
UP Agra
UP Aligarh
UP Gorakhpur
UP Kanpur

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Who is the conducting body for NEST examination?
A: 

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) examination in India is conducted by the NEST Governing Body. The NEST Governing Body consists of members from participating institutions, and it oversees the administration and organisation of the NEST examination. The primary participating institutions for NEST are 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 CEBS), Mumbai.

Please note that organizational details and conducting bodies for examinations can change over time, so it is recommended to check the official NEST website or contacting the relevant authorities for the most current information regarding the conducting body of the NEST examination.

Q:   What is the primary purpose of the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)?
A: 

The primary purpose of the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is to evaluate the eligibility of candidates for admission to 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 CEBS), Mumbai. NEST is a competitive examination in India that assesses the knowledge and aptitude of candidates in the field of basic sciences.

NEST is primarily conducted for admission to 5-year integrated M.Sc. programs in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics offered by these two premier institutes. The test aims to identify talented and motivated candidates who have a passion for pursuing a career in scientific research and encourages them to join these institutes for their undergraduate studies.

In summary, the primary purpose of NEST is to select students for admission to integrated M.Sc. programs in basic sciences at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS and foster scientific talent in India.

 

NEST 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NEST 2024 exam

DatesPast Exam Dates
22 Jun ' 25

NEST 2025 Exam Date

04 Jun ' 25

NEST 2025 Admit Card

16 May ' 25

NEST 2025 Mock Test Open

NEST Logo

How to Select NEST 2025 Exam Centre

Candidates will be able to select the NEST 2025 exam centre while filling up the application form. Following are the steps to select the NEST exam centre 2025.

  • Fill out the NEST application form.
  • In the section of the test centre, select five cities in order of preference.
  • The final NEST 2025 exam centre will be allotted by the exam authorities which will be mentioned in the NEST 2025 admit card
  • Once allotted, a request to change the NEST 2025 exam centre will not be entertained.

Applicants are advised to fill out the exam centres of NEST within the time after the application form is released, as most of the time the exam conducting authorities allot the centre on a first come first serve basis. By knowing the NEST 2025 Exam Pattern and marking scheme, students can increase their chances of qualifying for the exam.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How NEST Test Centres are allotted?
A: 

The test centres of NEST exam will be allotted on the basis of number of applicants opting for a particular test city/town. It is to be noted that NEST 2024 committee reserves the right to cancel or add any of the test cities without prior notice to applicants.

The final allocation of NEST Test Centres will be mentioned on the admit card, Applicants can not make any request to change the address or venue in it once it is decided. 

Q:   What is the amount of scholarship a candidate gets through DISHA Program?
A: 

The candidates admitted to the programme are eligible to receive an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA program of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. In addition, the scholarship recipients receive a grant of Rs 20,000 per annum for summer internships. Candidates selected by DST for the INSPIRE-SHE program are endorsed for the INSPIRE scholarship by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. Alumni of the programme are presently pursuing Ph.D. at reputed universities and institutes in India & abroad.

Q:   What are the important points candidates must remember on the day of NEST exam?
A: 

Here are some important points candidates must remember on the day of exam.

  • Candidates must reach the test venue at least 90 minutes before the examination commences. 
  • The examination is 3 hours and 30 minutes in duration.
  • It will start at 9:00 AM for the first session and 2:30 PM for the second session.
  • Candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination hall after 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM for the respective sessions.
  • The earliest a candidate can leave the examination hall is 11 AM and 4:30 PM for the respective sessions unless it becomes necessary to leave earlier on medical grounds.
  • Use of log tables and calculators inside the examination hall is not allowed.
  • Candidates may bring their own pens.
  • Exchange/sharing of these items with other candidates is strictly prohibited.
  • Candidates MUST bring their Admit Card, school photo Identity Card, or any other photo ID issued by Government agencies to the examination hall.
  • Any candidate found adopting unfair means will be expelled from the examination hall without warning. Mobile phones and other similar electronic gadgets are strictly not allowed inside the examination hall. 
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NEST 2025 Exam Centre Instructions

1. Candidates must reach their allotted exam centre at least an hour before the expected exam timings as under: 

NEST exam timings 

Reporting timings 

9 am to 12:30 pm 

8 am  to 9:25 am

2.30 pm to 6:00 pm 

1.30 pm to 2:55 pm

2. Candidates must carry the NEST 2025 admit card along with any one of the following photo ID proof: 

  • Voter ID proof 
  • PAN Card 
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Driver' Licence 
  • College ID or School ID
  • Passport

3. Students should carry their pens for the exam as they will not be provided in the examination hall. Moreover, they should not carry any books, notes or study material inside the exam centre.

4. They must follow the instructions mentioned on the admit card and, as directed by the exam centre officials.

5. They will not be allowed to leave the exam centre of NEST 2025 by 11 am for the morning shift and, by 4 pm for the evening shift only on medical conditions.

6. They will not be allowed to carry any electronic items like mobile phones, calculators or even log tables inside the exam centre.

7. Candidates belonging to the Divyangjan (Physically Challenged) category should bring their scribe to the examination centre with written permission from the exam authority. 

8. Since NEST Question Papers will be held online hence applicants will not be allowed to take the papers with them. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What will be the timing to appear in NEST 2024 exam?
A: 

The NEST 2024 exam will be conducted in to two shifts. The first shift exam will be held in between 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and second shift exam will take place between 2:30 to 6:00 pm. 

Applicnats who want to appear in the exam must ensure that they reach the exam hall before the time and leave once the exam is over and they submit their copy to the authorities. 

NEST Logo

FAQs for NEST 2025 Exam Centres

NEST 2025 Exam Centres Frequently Asked Questions

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I carry my bag inside the exam centre of NEST 2024?
A: 

 No, there are no such facilities to keep bags, electronic gadgets, valuables or study material of candidates inside the examination hall. Applicants are advised to keep all their belongings at home or any place outside and then appear in the service hall. 

If any applicant is found in the examination hall with any of the above-mentioned items in the exam hall which is prohibited then they need to face the consequences and their candidature may be debarred at any period.

Q:   What are the tips for filling up the NEST application form?
A: 

Here are some tips for filling the NEST application form:

  • Start early. The NEST application form is usually released in May or June, and the deadline for submitting the form is usually in June or July. It is important to start filling out the form as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush.
  • Gather all the required documents. Before you start filling out the form, make sure that you have all the required documents, such as your passport-size photograph, signature, and Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
  • Fill out the form carefully and accurately. The NEST application form is a very important document, so it is important to fill it out carefully and accurately. Make sure to read all the instructions carefully and answer all the questions correctly.
  • Proofread your application before submitting it. Once you have filled out the form, take some time to proofread it carefully to make sure that there are no errors. You can also ask a friend or family member to proofread the form for you.
  • Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records. Once you have submitted the form, keep a copy for your records. This will be helpful in case you need to refer to the form at a later date.
Q:   Can I leave the exam centre before the NEST exam is over?
A: 

Yes, if candidates are medically unfit to stay till the examination is over then they will be allowed to leave the exam centre after their test is complete. Except medically unfit applicants, no normal candidate will be allowed to leave the hall before the mentioned time in the admit card.  

The time limit to leave the examination centre is 11 am for the morning shift and, 4 pm for the evening shift. 

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NEST Exam

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Samreen Begum

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Answered 3 weeks ago

hi,

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Vidushi Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

After re-downloading the revised version by visiting the official website of NEST, candidates must ensure that the revised scorecard consists of the correct information related to their qualifying percentile and the issue date, which is July 17, 2025.

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Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

All the selected candidates must know that it is important for them to download the revised NEST 2025 scorecard issued on July 17, 2025. Only the revised NEST Scorecard will be considered valid for all future admission processes and the previous versions will not be valid during verification.

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Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

All the selected candidates are advised to visit the official website to be able to download their revised scorecards. Candidates need to use their login credentials and click on the login link provided on the NEST Official website to ensure the scorecard they download has the issue date of July 17,

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Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For most of the candidates who appeared for the NEST Entrance Exam, the revised scorecard will not affect their total score or All India Rank (AIR). But as per the official notice released by NEST, all candidates are advised to download the revised scorecard to ensure accuracy for future admission s

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Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A small error related to the qualifying percentile was found in the previous NEST 2025 scorecards and the error was resolved later on but now candidates are advised to download the revised NEST Scorecard from the login link available on the official website because only those scorecards with the iss

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Ishita Chauhan

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