NEST 2026 Exam Live: Exam Day Guidelines, Reporting Time, Dress Code, Analysis, Paper Difficulty & Marks vs Rank

Physics is considered to be a tough section. Many students find this section tough and challenging.

No, there is no dress code for the NEST exam. However, candidates must wear something comfortable for the exam.

Yes, accuracy is more important than the attempts. A wrong answer will reduce the marks.

No, it is not advisable. Negative marking is done for wrong answers in the NEST exam, and this can affect the section–wise’ Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS).

Candidates must attempt the easy section as per their preference. Then they can move to the section that are bit difficult. This will save enough time.

It is important to carry the photo id. Candidate verification will be done using the NEST admit card and a photo ID. 

No, candidates will not be allowed inside the exam centre after the gate is closed. Therefore, reach early to the exam centre.

NEST question paper has 20 questions in each section. Candidates must attempt 10 to 15 questions for safe score in each section. Avoid guesswork and mark the answers you are confident of. 

Candidates must avoid the following details today.

• Skipping breakfast
• Being late for the exam
• Not carrying the NEST admit card and valid photo id.
• Not reading the instructions before starting the test.
• Avoid guesswork. Negative marking is done for wrong answers.
• Ignoring time management.

Candidates must reach the exam centre early. NEST 2026 reporting time is mentioned on the hall ticket. The entrance test will start at 2 PM

Male and female candidates must avoid wearing jewellery or heavy metal items on exam day. Wear some decent dress for NESt exam 2026.

No, candidates must avoid learning new topics. They can take a quick look at important formulas and concepts.

Candidates who are appearing for the NEST 2026 exam must keep their admit card and a valid photo ID. Do not forget these two documents. 

No, candidates can attempt the paper as per their academic preference. PCM students can avoid Biology questions.

NISER will conduct the NEST exam 2026 on June 6, 2026. The test will start at 2 PM and end at 5 PM. The total duration of the exam is three hours. 

Candidates will get to know the NEST 2026 exam difficulty level after the exam is over. Based on past-year analysis, the NEST difficulty level is expected to be moderate to difficult.

There are 80 multiple-choice questions in the NEST question paper. 20 questions in each section. Every section of the NEST question paper 2026 carries 60 marks.

Candidates will have to score 120+ marks. For higher rank in NEST exam 2026 candidates must try to score 150+ marks.

The total marks for the NEST exam 2026 are 240. The total marks for a student will be the sum of the three best section scores. 

Candidates have to attempt only three sections. The scores of these sections will be considered for SMAS and MPS.

NEST question paper has four sections. There are 20 questions in each section. Every question carries 3 marks. Negative marking is done for wrong answers. - 1 mark for a wrong answer.

Candidates will not be allowed inside the exam hall if the entry gate is closed. Therefore, students must ensure they reach the centre as per the reporting time.

• Candidates must carry their NEST admit card and a valid photo ID.
• Reach the exam centre early.
• Do not carry prohibited items.
• Avoid malpractice during the exam.

NISER and CEBS will conduct the NEST exam 2026 on June 6, 2026. The exam will be conducted as a computer-based test for three hours.

There is no specific dress code for the NEST exam. However, students must wear comfortable clothes and avoid jewellery. Do not wear shoes on exam day.

No, candidates will need to carry a printout of the NEST 2026 admit card and their original photo ID to the exam centre.

NEST admit card 2026 is available online. Candidates can download their admit card through the NEST login portal.

The list of items not allowed inside the NEST exam hall is

• Pens, pencils, erasers.
• Mobile phones, digital pads/notebooks, writing or drawing pads, and other electronic gadgets, including Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled wearable devices.

Candidates have to carry the NEST admit card and a valid photo id issued by the government. The list of photo id mentioned below.

• Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID and passport.

NEST 2026 exam will be conducted on June 6, 2026. The exam will be conducted as computer based test.

NEST exam 2026 timing is 2 PM to 5 PM. Candidates must appear for the exam as per the time mentioned on the NEST admit card.