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.

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.

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.

How many questions will be there in NEST exam?

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.

What is the total duration of the NEST exam?

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.

How do I prepare for NEST exam in 2 months?

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.

How do I prepare for NEST mock test?

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.

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.

How should I prepare for the NEST exam?

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.

NEST Preparation 2025: Check Best Books, Tips & Strategy

367 Students Q&A

Registration - 5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26

Updated on Jan 7, 2026 18:13 IST

By Sreetama Datta Roy, Manager Content

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.

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