Know the subject-wise important topics for the NEST 2026 syllabus that can help you prepare efficiently. The question paper of the NEST 2026 exam will consist of five sections, of which the first section is mandatory, and there is a choice of three among the remaining four.
NEST 2026 Important Topics
Candidates appearing for the NEST exam 2026 can check the important topics on this page. Focusing on the NEST 2026 important topics will help in scoring high marks. These topics are based on the previous year examination. NEST question paper will be based on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. These subjects have equal weightage in the exam. Candidates have to refer to the NEST exam syllabus 2026 to start their preparation. After completing the entire syllabus, practice important topics for NEST 2026 exam.
NEST exam 2026 will be conducted on June 6, 2026. The exam timing is 2 PM to 5 PM.
The joint organisers of the NEST 2026 examination are 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). They conduct the entrance exam annually to shortlist meritorious students for a five-year integrated MSc programme in the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
The key to crack an exam lies in preparing for the same as per the examination pattern and syllabus. NEST examination is no different from others, following smart preparation tips and studying important topics will help the applicants to qualify the examination.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
The question paper of NEST consists of four sections mentioned below. Out of the four sections, authorities will consider only three sections to prepare the merit list. Hence, applicants can either solve all four sections or three sections only and their marks from the sections that have the highest marks will be considered for preparing the merit list.
| Section | Subject | No of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| 2 | Physics | 20 | 60 |
| 3 | Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| 4 | Biology | 20 | 60 |
Also Read: How to Prepare for NEST 2026: Best Books, Preparation Tips & Strategy
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.
NEST exam syllabus 2027 will be updated on the website nestexam.in. Candidates can check the syllabus to know the important topics for exam preparation.
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NEST 2026: Subject-wise Important Topics
Although each topic of all subjects has its significance, some topics are frequently asked in the NEST exam, which are as follows:
Important Topics in Physics
Check out the topic-wise weightage in Physics below:
| List of Topics |
Expected Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Oscillations and Waves |
0-1 |
| Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism |
1-2 |
| 1-2 | |
| Heat and Thermodynamics |
1-2 |
| 0-1 |
|
| Current Electricity |
1-2 |
| Optics and Wave optics |
2-3 |
| 1-2 | |
| Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body |
1-2 |
| 2-3 | |
| Electromagnetic Waves |
1 |
| Properties of Bulk Matter |
1 |
Important Topics in Mathematics
The topics from which questions are asked in the Mathematics section are mentioned below:
| Sets, Relations & Functions | 2-3 |
| Complex number & quadratic equations | 1-2 |
| Matrices & Determinates | 0-1 |
| Integral Calculus | 1-2 |
| Differential equations | 1-2 |
| Permutations & Combination | 1-2 |
| Binomial Theorem | 0-1 |
| Sequence & Series | 1-2 |
| Three-dimensional Geometry | 1 |
| Vector Algebra | 1-2 |
Important Topics in Chemistry
Below is the expected count of questions that can appear in the Chemistry section.
| List of Topics |
Expected Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Chemical Bonding |
1-2 |
| Basic Concepts |
2-3 |
| 1-2 | |
| 1-2 | |
| Coordination Compounds |
2 |
| 2-3 | |
| Reaction Mechanism |
1 |
| d- and f-Block Elements |
2 |
| Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry |
1-2 |
| Chemistry in Everyday Life |
1 |
| 2-3 | |
| Environmental Chemistry |
0-1 |
Important Topics in Biology
| List of Topics |
Expected Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Plant and Animal Systems |
2-3 |
| 1-2 | |
| Micro and Macronutrients |
1-2 |
| Basic concepts in genetics and evolution |
2-3 |
| Humans and environment |
1-2 |
| Principles of Recombinant DNA Technology |
1-2 |
Applicants can check the expected number of questions from all four subjects from the table mentioned above. By checking the trends of the questions, applicants are advised to check NEST question paper and accordingly prepare their strategy to qualify the exam.
News & Updates
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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 |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
100 out of 240 marks is an average score. It can be good depending on your category. However, it is borderline or insufficient mark for the general unreserved category.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
NEST admit card 2027 is expected to be released in the third week of May 2027. Registered candidates can download the admit card online on the website nestexam.in. To download the admit card, candidates need to access the login portal using their credentials and download the admit card.
V
Contributor-Level 10