How can I attempt NEST mock test free?

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.

What is NEST mock test?

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.

Which book is best for NEST Exam?

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 Concepts of Physics by H. C. Verma Problems in Physics by A. A Pinsky Practice Problems in Physics for Engineering and Medical Entrance Examination by S. Mishra Chemistry IIT Chemistry by O. P. Agarwal NCERT Text Book Entrance Chemistry by Bhakta Mathematics Plane Trigonometry by S. L Loney Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight Problems in Calculus of One Variable I. A Maron Biology Objective Biology by S. Biswas and A. Biswas Biology by SC Verma Botany by AC Dutta NCERT textbook

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.

What is the frequency of the NEST exam?

The NEST exam is conducted once a year. Generally, the exam is scheduled for June every year. NEST is a computer-based test conducted for three hours. It is held in a single day and shift. The scores are used for admission to the Integrated MSc courses offered at the participating institutes.

Is NEST exam difficulty level higher than NEET?

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.

NEST exam is for what purpose?

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.

What steps are to be followed for taking NEST Computer-Based Test?

The mode of the NEST exam is computer-based. On the day of the exam, invigilators will sign in the candidates to the assigned computers. They will have to read the instructions before starting the test. The questions will appear on screen. Select the correct option and click on Save. They can also mark questions for review. Here, they can return to the question to recheck it. The test will be deactivated on the screen once the exam timing is over. The total duration of the exam is three hours. There is no sectional timing. No break will be allowed in between. Students can leave the centre only after the exam is over.

What are good books for NEST preparation?

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.

NEST Preparation 2026: Check Best Books, Tips & Strategy

Updated on Aug 8, 2026 14:46 IST

By Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

NEST 2026 Preparation: Candidates can check NEST exam preparation tips on this page. Preparation is a major part in scoring high marks in the entrance test. For NEST exam preparation, candidates must know the exam syllabus and paper pattern. NISER & CEBS release the NEST syllabus online.

NEST exam is conducted for 240 marks.
There will be 80 multiple-choice questions.
NEST questions will be based on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology.
160+ marks is a safe score in NEST.

Table of contents

NEST Preparation: Highligts
Best Books for NEST 2026 Preparation
NEST 2026 Mock Tests & PYQ
FAQs Regarding NEST 2026 Preparation

NEST Preparation: Highligts

Candidates planning for the NEST exam can follow these tips.

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 a time-bound manner; it will give applicants the feel of the exam, like pressure at home.

Best Books for NEST 2026 Preparation

Books are the best resource for building conceptual knowledge. NEST exam questions are concept-based, and those who have a better understanding of the concepts can solve the paper easily. There are many books for NEST, but choosing the right book is important. Candidates must tally the content of the book and the NEST exam syllabus; if they are the same them go for it. Moreover, check the content of the book; it must be easy to understand. Here is the list of the best books for NEST 2026.

Subject	Books for NEST preparation
Biology	Biology by Dinesh
Chemistry	Chemistry by RPH Editorial
Mathematics	Mathematics by RD Sharma
Physics	Physics by DC Pandey

Also Read: NEST 2026 expected cutoff

NEST 2026 Mock Tests & PYQ

The exam authority releases the NEST mock test link online several days before the exam. 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. Similarly, candidates can practice the NEST question paper to get familiar with the exam difficulty level and high-weightage topics.

Also Read: NEST 2026 marking scheme