IISER and NEST are two entrance tests conducted for admission to the integrated programs. Both of them share the same exam syllabus, which makes it easy for students to prepare for them. All they need is a well-planned preparation strategy to study simultaneously. Here we have provided preparation tips, a marking scheme and syllabus for IAT and NEST.
How to prepare for IAT & NEST?
Students appearing for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) often appear for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). IAT is conducted for BS-MS, BS, and B.Tech programs, while NEST is held for 5 year integrated courses in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences. Those appearing for both exams get confused in planning a preparation strategy. A planned preparation strategy will help to score marks. Students who wish to know how to prepare for IAT & NEST can refer to this page.
Also Read: IISER IAT 2026 Live Updates; Steps to download, printed details, important instructions
- How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Key Highlights
- How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Preparation Tips
- How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Marking Scheme
- How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Exam Syllabus
How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details | |
| IAT | NEST | |
| Exam Name | IISER Aptitude Test | National Entrance Screening Test |
| Mode of exam | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Duration | Three hours | Three hours |
| Exam Date | June 7, 2026 | June 6, 2026 |
| Frequency of conduct | Once a year | Once a year |
| Official website | iiseradmission.in | nestexam.in |
Commonly asked questions
220+ marks are a good score in IISER. Students must have a proper strategy to score high. They can plan their preparation according to the IISER exam syllabus. Practising previous year question paper and mock test will help in scoring good marks.
How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Preparation Tips
Preparation plays a major role in scoring good marks in the entrance exam. The competition level for both exams is high. Both are conceptually based exams. In a few year the exam level will become similar to the JEE Advanced. The questions asked in the exam are more conceptual based. So it is important for the students to keep their concepts strong. Here are a few preparation tips for IAT & NEST.
- Know the syllabus: A student needs to know what they have to study. To prepare for IAT and NEST simultaneously, compare the syllabi of both exams. Make a list of similar topics and non-similar topics. Then prepare a study timetable.
- Marking Scheme: It is important to know the marking scheme of both exams. In IAT students have to attempt four sections, while in NEST, they have to attempt any three sections PCB or PCM. Also, IISER is conducted for 240 marks, while NEST total mark is 180. This shows that students have to give a little extra effort to IISER. However, NEST is considered tough compared to IAT.
- Gather resources: It is important to have right study material for exam preparation. Class notes, books, previous year questions and mock test are important in the preparation for the exam. Refer to the books mentioned by the toppers. The NCERT textbook is considered the best for preparation.
- Prepare notes: While studying, make notes of formulas, definitions, and concepts. This note will be useful for quick revision. You can carry this note anywhere and make revision when ever required.
- Clear doubts: Students must clear each and every doubt that they have while studying. Seek the help of faculty, coaching teachers, but get your doubts cleared instantly. Don't move further until the doubt is clear.
- Practice Previous Year Question: After preparation, it is important to test knowledge. For this, solving the past year question paper is important. They are helpful in self-assessment and identifying the weak sections. After solving the paper cross-check the answers and then focus on the weaker sections. Regular practice will help in improving the score.
Also Read: NEST 2026 preparation tips
How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for the IISER and NEST exam is provided here.
| Particulars | IISER Pattern | NEST Pattern |
| Mode of exam | Computer Based Test | Computer Based Test |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Sections | 4 sections
|
4 sections
|
| Number of Sections to Attempt | All sections | Any three (PCB or PCM) |
| Total Questions | 60 questions (15 questions in each section) | 60 Questions (each section 20 questions) |
| Total Marks | 240 | 180 |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks for each question | 3 marks each question |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for wrong answers | -1 mark for wrong answers |
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How to prepare for IAT & NEST: Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for IAT and NEST are similar. There might be a few changes, but the rest are similar. IISER entrance exam and NEST syllabus are available online. Here we have mentioned the topics for exam preparation. The detailed syllabus is available online through the official website of the respective exam.
| Subject | IISER | NEST |
| Biology |
|
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| Chemistry |
|
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| Mathematics |
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| Physics |
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
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