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:Â
- 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.Â
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.
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.Â
- 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.
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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  |
Biology by Dinesh |
| Chemistry |
Chemistry by RPH Editorial |
| Mathematics |
Mathematics by RD Sharma |
| Physics by DC Pandey |
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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.Â
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
NASM Mumbai has a state of the art infra with multiple facilities available in the college. The NASM Mumbai campus is has facilities such as virtual private network and high-speed broadband. The college has collaborated with housing service providers for giving good amenities to students. The NASM M
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Contributor-Level 10
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NASM Mumbai has experienced & skilled faculty members. The NASM Mumbai faculty are scholars with various degree & Diploma holders. NASM Mumbai faculty motivates students to work on their knowledge & skills.
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The last date of admission in Nest Academy of Sports Management (NASM) is not visible on the official website. Candidates can reach the Shiksha's official website or click here for last date of admission information.
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Answered 4 days ago
NEST exam is conducted once a year. For academic year 2026-27, National Entrance Screening Test will be conducted on June 6, 2026. Students can apply for the exam online.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
NEST 2026 registration window is open from January 5 to April 6, 2026. The application form link is updated on the website, nestexam.in. Students who wish to get admission to the five-year Integrated MSc programme offered at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS can apply online.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The important dates for NEST exam 2026 are as follows:
| Event | Dates |
| NEST registration | January 5 to April 6, 2026 |
| NEST form correction | April 13 to 14, 2026 |
| NEST admit card 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| NEST exam 2026 date | June 6, 2026 |
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
NEST exam is held once a year. The exam is conducted as computer based test. NEST 2026 is scheduled on June 6, 2026.
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Answered a month ago
Nest Academy of Sports Management offers programmes at UG and PG levels. The minimum eligibility required for UG programmes is passing Class 12 in any stream from a recognised Board of Education while for PG programmes, candidates must pass UG in any stream from a recognised university.
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Find below some important documents required during the admission process at NASM, Mumbai:Â
- 3 passport size photographs
- Photocopy of 10th marksheet and certificates
- Photocopy of 12th marksheet and certificates
- Photocopy of Graduation marksheet and Provisional Certificate / degree (applicable only for PG
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NASM, Mumbai, application process is conducted strictly in the online mode via the official NASM website. Find below the steps of the application process:
- Go to the official NASM website.
- Select 'Apply Now' on the right tab of the website.
- Fill the registration form with the required personal details.
- S
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3 Institutes accepting NEST
West Bengal - Other ⢠Public
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