IISER Vs NEST Vs JEE Advanced: Which Exam is Best for Research Careers?

If you are a student of Science stream aiming to pursue a career in research, then you must be in the process of selecting the right entrance exams. Some of the top entrance exams opted by students include IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced. In this article, we will explore the differences between all three exams.

IISER Vs NEST Vs JEE Advanced: Which Exam is Best for Research Careers?

If you are a student of the Science stream aiming to pursue a career in research, then you must be in the process of selecting the right entrance exams. Some of the top entrance exams opted by students include IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced. Even though JEE Advanced is an Engineering entrance exam, conducted specifically for admission to IITs, IISER Entrance Exam and NEST are conducted for admission to Integrated Science programmes.

If you are planning to appear for these entrance exams, namely IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced, or are yet to decide which one to take, then this article by Shiksha is must read for you. In this article, we will explore the differences between all three exams, as well as, which of these is best for research careers.

IISER Vs NEST Vs JEE Advanced

The table below provides the differences between the top entrance exams, IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced.

Participating Institutes and Programmes for IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced

Let us now take a look at the institutes accepting scores of these three top entrance exams in India, namely, IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced, along with the programmes offered for the undergraduate level.

List of Colleges and Courses Accepting IISER Entrance Exam Scores

The following table brings the list of Institutes of Science, Education and Research (IISERs) across India, along with the courses offered.

Also Read: IISER Institutes in India

List of Colleges and Courses Accepting NEST Scores

NEST scores are accepted by two institutes, the National Institute of Science, Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and the University of Mumbai, Department of Atomic Energy, Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM DAE CEBS). The institute-wise course details are given below.

List of Colleges and Courses Accepting JEE Advanced Scores

The table below brings the list of IITs and courses offered through JEE Advanced scores.

Also Read: JEE Advanced 2026: List of Courses Offered by IITs

IISER Entrance Exam Vs NEST Vs JEE Advanced – Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the entrance exams, you must fulfil the eligibility criteria. While IISER Entrance Exam and NEST have similar eligibility factors, the criteria to appear for the JEE Advanced exam are a bit different. Let us check the eligibility factors for the IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced.

IISER Entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the IISER Aptitude Test or entrance exam are as follows:

• The candidates must have passed the Class 12 Board exam or equivalent level examination in 2025 or 2026 from any board recognised by the Council of Boards of School Education in India.
• They should have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during their Class 12 or equivalent examination.
• Candidates belonging to the Reserved Category, or SC, ST, PWD are required to score a minimum of 55 per cent marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class 12 or equivalent examination. Candidates belonging to unreserved categories should score at least 60 per cent marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class 12 or equivalent examination.
• There is no upper age limit.

NEST Eligibility Criteria

The NEST eligibility criteria are listed below:

• Candidates should have cleared the Class 12 Board exam or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or those who will be appearing for the school final exam in 2026.
• They should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology as core subjects in Class 11 and Class 12,
• Applicants must secure at least 60 per cent marks in aggregate in the Class 12 Board exam from a recognised Board in India. Reserved category candidates should score at least 55 per cent.

JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the JEE Advanced exam are different from those of the other two exams. Take a look at the factors of eligibility for JEE Advanced.

• Candidates should be among the top 2,50,000 qualifying test-takers of JEE Main
• Their date of birth should be or after October 1, 2001. Five years of age relaxation is given to SC, ST, and PwD candidates, i.e. these candidates should have been born on or after October 1, 1996.
• Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2025 or will qualify in 2026 are eligible for JEE Advanced 2026.
• A candidate should NOT have been admitted to an IIT.

Which Entrance Exam is Best for Research Career?

Now comes the most important question, which entrance exam is best for a research career, among the IISER Entrance Exam, NEST and JEE Advanced. According to students and experts, IISER or NEST would be the better choice than IITs. Since JEE Advanced is an engineering entrance exam, the scores are more applicable for BTech or integrated BTech-MTech degrees.

Even though certain IITs offer Bachelor of Science (BS) or Dual Degree in Science in subjects like Geology and Economics, the pedagogy may not be conducive to research. Although you can go for a research career after completing IIT courses, IITs are well known for placements or establishing a career other than research.

Comparing between IISER and NISER, the popular opinion is that IISER is a better institute than NISER for a research career. The pedagogy is more flexible at IISERs, has an inter-disciplinary approach, and provides a better scope for research.  However, NISER are UM-DAE CEBS are also worthy of admission. The final decision will be yours, based on your judgment and analysis.  

Read More:

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