NEST Scores

NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) cutoff scores are determined based on several factors, and the specific calculation process can vary from year to year. The cutoff scores are used by participating institutions like NISER and UM-DAE CEBS as a threshold to shortlist candidates for further stages of the admission process. Here are the key factors that influence the calculation of NEST cutoff scores for different programs and categories of candidates:

1. Number of Available Seats: The number of seats available for each programme is a critical factor. Programs with a limited number of seats tend to have higher cutoff scores as they are more competitive.

2. Level of Difficulty of the Exam: The overall difficulty level of the NEST exam for a particular year can influence the cutoff scores. If the exam is relatively more challenging, cutoff scores may be adjusted accordingly.

3. Performance of Test-Takers: The performance of all the candidates who appeared for the NEST exam in a given year plays a significant role in determining the cutoff scores. Cutoffs are often set based on the distribution of scores and the performance of top candidates.

4. Institution's Admission Policies: Each participating institution may have its own admission policies and criteria. Some institutions might give more weight to NEST scores, while others could consider additional factors like interviews or qualifying examinations.

5. Reservation Categories: Cutoff scores can vary for different categories of candidates, such as general, OBC, SC, ST, and others. Institutions often have specific reservation quotas for different categories, and cutoffs are adjusted accordingly.

6. Historical Cutoff Trends: Institutions may consider historical cutoff trends from previous years as a reference point when determining cutoff scores for the current admission cycle.

7. Program Specifics: The nature and demand for specific programs can also influence cutoff scores. Programs in high demand or those with specialised requirements may have different cutoffs.

8. Overall Admission Process: Cutoff scores are just one part of the admission process. Other factors, such as interview performance, eligibility criteria, and specific programme requirements, may also affect the final selection of candidates.

9. Normalization Process (if applicable): In some cases, when the exam is conducted in multiple shifts or locations, a normalization process may be applied to ensure fairness. This process accounts for variations in the difficulty level of different sets of question papers.