How to prepare for NEST 2020: Get NEST prep tips, guidelines and more here

National Entrance Screening Test 2026 ( NEST )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26

Sreetama Datta
Sreetama Datta Roy
Manager Content
Updated on Sep 1, 2021 19:10 IST
Preparing for NEST? Get all guidelines as to how to prepare for NEST, what is the NEST exam pattern and marking scheme and much more here.
How to prepare for NEST 2020

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2020 will be conducted on June 6 and as the day draws closer, candidates need to start preparing straight away in order to ace the national-level exam. NEST is conducted jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and Mumbai University – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai.

NEST is conducted to offer students admission into five-year integrated Master in Science (MSc) programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Candidates who are able to qualify for the entrance test will be offered admission in NISER or UM-DAE CEBS. However, the entrance test is no child’s play as over thousands of students apply every year and in order to be granted admission in the above mentioned prestigious institutes, candidates need to prepare well, know the guidelines thoroughly, need to understand the NEST exam pattern, marking scheme and syllabus and most importantly, the applicants must put in plenty of time and dedication.

Explore colleges based on NEST

West Bengal - Other
₹7.50 K
Bhubaneswar
₹60.00 K
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

Here are certain step-wise preparation tips for NEST 2020 you could follow to ace the upcoming exam.

Table of contents
  • Stepwise Preparation for NEST 2020
  • NEST 2020 Exam Highlights
  • How to Prepare for NEST 2020?

Stepwise Preparation for NEST 2020

Step 1: Know the NEST exam syllabus thoroughly.

Step 2: Understand the NEST exam pattern and marking scheme so that you can prepare accordingly.

Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number

Step 3: Get all the NEST study material such as prep books and previous years question papers in order to help better understand what to expect in the entrance exam.

Step 4: Create a day to day, weekly and monthly time table on how much material to cover on a daily basis.

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

CGCUET 2026 Registration

1 Nov '25 - 14 Mar '26

SAT India exam (March attempt)

14 Mar '26

ISI Admssion Test 2026 Applica...

26 Mar '26

CUEE 2026 Exam Date

30 Mar '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Regis...

5 Mar '26 - 13 Apr '26

CCSHAU 2026 Personal Interview

5 Mar '26

SHIATS Entrance Exam Applicati...

13 Mar '26

UPCATET 2026 Application Process

17 Mar '26

GBPUAT 2026 Application Form

18 Mar '26

BCECE 2026 Application Process

7 Apr '26 - 15 May '26

Step 5: Solve question papers, sample papers and give mock tests to know one’s strengths and weaknesses.

NEST 2020 Exam Highlights

Exam name

National Entrance Screening Test

Exam frequency

Once a year

Exam mode

Online

Exam duration

3 hours 30 minutes

Test takers

Approx. 60,000

Accepting colleges

1 college

Official website

www.nestexam.in

How to Prepare for NEST 2020?

NEST is a national-level entrance exam which is highly competitive and candidates appearing for the test need to have a strategy and aim in mind in order to score well and qualify. Candidates who have applied can go through the following tips while preparing for NEST.

Know the NEST Exam Pattern

First and foremost, you must be versed with the NEST exam pattern. You should know which about topics the weightage of marks lie, how many questions will be asked in the exam, how long is the NEST exam and the total number of questions asked.

Know the NEST Marking Scheme

The candidate needs to know the NEST marking scheme. Will there be negative marking? How many marks does each section have? Until the candidate is not thorough with the exam pattern and marking scheme, the candidate will have a tough time in the exam hall.

To know the NEST exam pattern and marking scheme, candidates can click here.

Know the NEST Syllabus

To perform well and ace the entrance exam, candidates have to thoroughly go through the syllabus. Aspirants need to strategize their plans on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. There is no success without hard work and in order to qualify for the entrance exam, candidates can prepare better by knowing which topics to cover in-depth and which require superficial knowledge. The candidate can do so as per the below-mentioned pointers:

  • Make a list of topics, subject wise
  • Segregate the subjects and topics into easy and difficult as per personal experience.

Note down topics which carry maximum weightage (as per previous year’s question papers).

To know the NEST syllabus, candidates can click here.

Go through NEST Prep books

Along with the syllabus, candidates should have prep books along with them while preparing for NEST 2020. Candidates are advised to purchase at least two to three prep books to help better understand the test.

Prepare a time table

One of the most important elements while preparing for an entrance exam is time management. Candidates need to work out a time table as to how much material to cover on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. On creating a plan, the candidate can cover all the topics which are to come in the entrance exam. Revise the syllabus and content, attempt as many question papers, mock papers and previous years question papers to better help prepare. Through this, a candidate can have a fair idea of what to expect in the entrance exam.

Refer to Past Years' Question Papers

Candidates are advised to solve last five years question papers to help better understand the exam pattern and format of questions which will be asked in NEST 2020. Through the previous questions, candidates can understand which subjects are given high importance and topics which can help the aspirant score better in the exam.

Candidates can download the NEST previous years question papers by clicking here.

Solve Sample Papers and Mock Tests

The best way for a candidate to know their strengths and weakness is by solving question papers, sample papers and mock tests. Through this, candidates can also figure out the best approach to be followed when they head out to attempt the main NEST question paper. From formulating a time management to understanding the format of the paper, solving sample papers can help candidates prepare better for the entrance exam.

For more details and information on NEST, candidates can go through the following links:

NEST Important Dates

How to fill NEST application form?

How to download NEST admit card?

How to check NEST results?

Read More:

Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Sreetama Datta Roy
Manager Content
Sreetama Datta Roy is a journalist working in the Education beat, with over 15 years of work experience. A postgraduate in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. At Shiksha, s
Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for Science Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

5 Mar '26 -

13 Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Regis...

13 Apr '26 -

15 Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Corre...

Mar '26

IIT JAM 2026 Final Answer Key

20 Mar '26

IIT JAM 2026 Result

Jul '25

ITM NEST 2025 Result Date

Jun '25

ITM NEST 2025 Exam date

1 Aug '26

TIFR GS 2026 Session Starts

Feb '26

TIFR GS 2026 Final Result

28 Jan '26

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Round 4 Cou...

27 Jan '26

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Round 4 Cou...

14 Nov '25 -

22 Apr '26

PU CET (UG) 2026 Application F...

24 Apr '26

PU CET (UG) 2026 Registration ...

21 May '23 -

8 Jun '23

BHU CUET 2023 exam days

18 May '23 -

3 Jun '23

BHU CUET 2023 admit card

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

The LPU NEST counselling process follows several structured steps to ensure smooth admission. First, register online for counselling using your LPUNEST score or merit-based eligibility. Second, pay the counselling fee and choose your preferred programme and specialisation. Third, document verificati

...Read more

V

Vridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

During LPU NEST counselling, you need to carry original documents and a set of photocopies for verification. Key documents include Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates, LPUNEST scorecard, identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID), category certificate if applicable, migratio

...Read more

V

Vridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, it is necessary to have your Class 10 and Class 12 certificates during LPU NEST counselling. These certificates are required for identity verification, eligibility confirmation, and document verification before your admission is finalized. You must carry originals along with self-attested copie

...Read more

V

Vridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

LPU NEST counselling is conducted entirely in online mode through the official LPU admission portal. After LPUNEST results are declared, eligible candidates must register for counselling, fill their course and campus preferences, and submit required documents digitally. Seat allotment is done based

...Read more

V

Vridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, Lovely Professional University does release official LPU NEST counselling dates after the LPUNEST results are declared. For example, in the 2026 cycle, LPUNEST counselling began right after the result announcement on February 8,  2026, with online seat preference filling and seat allotment roun

...Read more

V

Vridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Anyone who is eligible for LPUNEST (Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test) can participate in its counselling. This includes students who have appeared for or qualified LPUNEST, as well as candidates who meet direct merit-based admission criteria for certain courses a

...Read more

V

Vridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week 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

...Read more

N

Neha Pradhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

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.

 

A

Aishwarya Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

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.

V

Vikrant Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks 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.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10