NEST Preparation 2026: Check Best Books, Tips & Strategy
National Entrance Screening Test 2026 ( NEST )
Registration - 5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26
NEST 2026 Preparation - Aspirants who are planning to appear for the NEST exam 2026 must have a preparation strategy to score well. To plan a strategy, you must know the NEST exam syllabus. The syllabus of NEST is based on classes 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Students can plan the NEST 2026 preparation strategy after knowing the exam syllabus.
While preparing for the NEST exam 2026, students must use the best book. Also, solving the previous year NEST question paper will help to understand the exam difficulty level and types of questions asked in the exam. The NEST mock test is another way for self-assessment and to have the feel of a real exam.
National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a computer-based test conducted for admission to the five-year integrated M.Sc program offered at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences. Aspirants can check the article for NEST preparation tips, including a study plan, exam pattern, syllabus, and books.
- How to prepare for NEST?
- What is the marking scheme for the NEST 2026?
- Best Books for NEST 2026 Preparation
- Take NEST 2026 Mock Tests
- NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
- FAQs Regarding NEST 2026 Preparation
How to prepare for NEST?
Since four different subjects are expected in the question paper of NEST 2026, from last year's trend, candidates should go for a section-wise preparation strategy. For this, the candidates should:
- Make a proper study plan.
- Know the exam pattern of NEST.
- Get the books and study material.
- Know the NEST exam syllabus of each section.
- Practice mock test papers/ online mock tests.
- Solve the paper in time bound manner it will give applicants the feel the exam like pressure at home.
Commonly asked questions
Students who want to qualify the NEST exam first they must complete the books of class 11th and 12th.
Applicants can follow the below-mentioned books for the NEST preparation.
For chemistry, Wiley, KL CHUGH & Dinesh publication books are good
For Physics, DC Pandey & HC Verma's books.
For Mathematics, R D Sharma, SN DEY books
For Biology subject, Objective Biology by Dinesh
Along with these books NCERT & NCERT EXEMPLAR is a must for applicants for all individual subjects.
Applicants who want to prepare for the NEST 2026 exam must follow the below mentioned things to increase their chances of qualifying the exam.
- Solve previous year question & Mock test
- Prepare a time table
- Know the NEST exam syllabus & exam pattern
- Prepare notes in advance to revise in last time.
- Study from authentic & good study matterial
- Learn time management skills which will help in real time exam
Students who follow the above mentioned techniques, they can easily qualify the exam with good marks.
What is the marking scheme for the NEST 2026?
The exam authority is expected to release the NEST 2026 exam pattern soon. Students appearing for the entrace test must know the exam pattern for the NEST exam preparation. The exam pattern consists of a marking scheme, mode of exam, types of questions, duration of test and more. The details of the NEST exam are mentioned below.
- Exam mode - The exam will be held in a CBT mode, wherein candidates will be allotted systems to take the exam.
- Test paper language - All the NEST questions will be in the English language only.
- Type of questions - NEST question papers will have multiple choice questions (MCQs). Students have to mark the correct answer.
- Total number of questions - There are 20 multiple-choice questions in each section of the NEST question paper. The paper will consist of four sections of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
- Total marks - The results will be evaluated out of 180 marks for the General section and the 'best three' of the subject sections.
- Marking Scheme: Each question carries 3 marks. For wrong answers, 1 mark is reduced.
These things will work as NEST 2026 preparation tips.
Commonly asked questions
The NEST entrance exam is one of the toughest exams among all the science entrance exams according to the previous years' exam analysis. Candidates should invest a minimum of six months of NEST Preparation to score well in the NEST exam. However, if the candidate preparation strategy is really good then 2 to 3 months would be sufficient.
Read the following points to understand the ways to prepare for the mock test.
Make important points and mark important topics in your revision notes.
Ensure you get some leisure time along with studying to avoid stress.
Make a revision schedule.
Practise previous year's question papers.
Be aware of the marking criteria.
Best Books for NEST 2026 Preparation
Candidates must refer to the best study material to prepare for each section of NEST 2026. Listed below are some books considered best for the NEST exam that cover the entire syllabus and will help prepare for the examination in 3 months:
| Subject |
Books for NEST 2022 preparation |
|---|---|
| Biology by Dinesh | |
| Chemistry |
Chemistry by RPH Editorial |
| Mathematics |
Mathematics by RD Sharma |
| Physics by DC Pandey |
Commonly asked questions
While preparing for the test, books play an important role. NEST exam is based on class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, Math and Biology. Focusing in the Class 11 & 12 textbook will help to cover the majority of the topics. Also, we have mentioned here few best books for the NEST exam.
| Subject | Books and Author Name |
| Physics |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Biology |
|
The NERST question paper is based on Class 11 & 12 subjects. Students referring NCERT textbook to prepare for the exam can score well in the exam. But depending on a single resource for exam preparation may not help to get a top rank; therefore, students must focus on other books and past year question papers for their preparation.
Take NEST 2026 Mock Tests
The exam authority releases the NEST mock test link online several days before the exam. The registered students can use the mock test for NEST 2026 preparation and self-assessment. The NEST mock test is a replica of the exam. Attempting the mock test will make students familiar with the actual test and improve their time management. By attempting mock tests and past years' papers, candidates would be able to know the exact status of their preparation. Therefore, to improve test skills and to score well in each section of the NEST 2026 exam, candidates must practice mock tests.
Commonly asked questions
The NEST mock test is a replica of the computer-based test. The exam authority releases the NEST mock test several days before the exam. Students can attempt the mock test for self-assessment. It will also help in improving time management.
The exam authority releases the NEST mock test several days before the exam. The purpose of the mock tests is to make students familiar with the computer-based test. Also, students get the feel of an actual exam, and they can evaluate their performance.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
The NEST exam pattern 2026 is available online. Students have to check the information brochure for the detailed exam pattern. NEST exam pattern helps to know the marking scheme, mode of exam, types of questions, duration of test and more. The National Entrace Screening Test is conducted as a computer-based test for three hours. The detailed exam pattern is mentioned below.
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I - Biology |
20 |
60 marks |
| II - Chemistry |
20 |
60 marks |
| III - Mathematics |
20 |
60 marks |
| IV - Physics |
20 |
60 marks |
| Total |
80 questions |
240 marks |
Commonly asked questions
The NEST exam has 20 questions from four sections. The total number of questions is 80. Students have to attempt at least three sections or 60 questions.
The total duration of the NEST exam is three hours. The timing of the exam is from 2 PM to 5 PM. Candidates belonging to the PWD category will be given compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour as per the Government of India guidelines. Test takers will not be allowed to leave the centre before 4 PM for medical reasons. Entry will not be allowed after 3 PM. Students have to attempt at least three sections in the exam.
FAQs Regarding NEST 2026 Preparation
Here you can check FAQs related to NEST 2026 preparation.
Commonly asked questions
NISER and UM-DAE CEBS conduct the NEST exam for admission to the integrated MSc programme offered in the institutes. The NEST exam is conducted as a computer-based test. The questions are based on the CBSE curriculum and the NCERT syllabus for Class 11 & 12.
The National Entrance Screening Test is generally tougher than NEET, but some sections in NEET, like Biology, are more challenging due to the vast syllabus coverage and competition. Based on last year's analysis for NEET, the difficulty level was very high. Compared to the NEET, last year NEST was easier.
Ideally applicants should not skip any particular section before appearing in the NEST exam. Exam authorities will consider the marks from the top 3 sections to prepare the merit list. Hence, even if one paper from any section except Mathematics does not go well, then by securing good marks in the Math section, you can increase your chances of qualifying the exam. Along with this, if there are easy questions in the math section, then there is a high probability to secure good marks in it. Hence, it is advised not to skip any section while preparing for the NEST exam. But if you have not studied Mathematics as a subject in Class 11 and Class 12, you can skip the section.
The NEST entrance exam is one of the toughest exams among all the science entrance exams according to the previous years' exam analysis. Candidates should invest a minimum of six months of NEST Preparation to score well in the NEST exam. However, if the candidate preparation strategy is really good then 2 to 3 months would be sufficient.
NEST Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 15 hours ago
NISER and UM-DAE CEBS conduct the NEST exam for admission to the integrated MSc programme offered in the institutes. The NEST exam is conducted as a computer-based test. The questions are based on the CBSE curriculum and the NCERT syllabus for Class 11 & 12.
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
The exam authority releases the NEST mock test several days before the exam. The purpose of the mock tests is to make students familiar with the computer-based test. Also, students get the feel of an actual exam, and they can evaluate their performance.
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
The NEST mock test is a replica of the computer-based test. The exam authority releases the NEST mock test several days before the exam. Students can attempt the mock test for self-assessment. It will also help in improving time management.
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
The NERST question paper is based on Class 11 & 12 subjects. Students referring NCERT textbook to prepare for the exam can score well in the exam. But depending on a single resource for exam preparation may not help to get a top rank; therefore, students must focus on other books and past year ques
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
While preparing for the test, books play an important role. NEST exam is based on class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, Math and Biology. Focusing in the Class 11 & 12 textbook will help to cover the majority of the topics. Also, we have mentioned here few best books for the NEST exam.
| Subject | Books and Author Name |
| Physics |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Biology |
|
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
Nest Academy of Sports Management (NASM) has collaborated with several famous organisations and university. One such collaboration has been done with Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea.
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Some of the come career prospects available for the UG and postgraduate students after completing education from NASM are given below:
- Sports Celebrity Management
- Sports Media & Broadcasting
- Recreation and Sports Club Management
- Sports League & Team Management
- Sports Retail and others
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The basic eligibility criteria for the UG (undergraduate) and PG (postgraduate) programmes at Nest Academy of Sports Management (NASM) is successfully appeared/cleared 12th examinations or equivalent from the recognised Board. For PG course, Graduate in any stream from a recognised University is imp
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Nest Academy of Sports Management (NASM) top recruiters are given below:
Western India Football Association | Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh | Sportz Interactive |
KOOH Sports | Oscar Foundation | Times of India |
Square of Sports | Rishi Narain Sports Marketing (RNSM) | Imperial International Sports Academy |
Red Wine Events | Meraki Sport & Entertainment Pvt Ltd | Mumbai City FC |
Big Tree Entertainment Pvt Ltd | Waveline Sports | United Sportz |
Sports 360 | IPL Mumbai Indians | Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Students who wish to get NASM Mumbai admissions must first visit the college site. NASM Mumbai students must follow the complete application method to apply online. The below is the complete NASM Mumbai application process:
1. Reach the official site of NASM.
2. Select any one NASM Mumbai programme.
3.
I
Contributor-Level 10
3 Institutes accepting NEST
West Bengal - Other • Public
4.6Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in...
Santacruz East, Mumbai • Public
Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates
CUET PG 2026 Application Process 14 Dec '25 - 14 Jan '26
NEST exam is for what purpose?