NEST Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Mode of Exam, Subjects & Scores

What is the NEST Exam Pattern 2026?

The exam pattern of the NEST exam includes details such as time duration, maximum questions, total marks, number of sections and marking scheme. Aspirants preparing for the NEST 2026 exam are advised to check all the necessary details below:

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

NEST Marking Scheme 2026

Candidates who are getting prepared for the NEST entrance exam 2026 need to know how the exam will be graded. Each section of the examination has its own NEST exam marking scheme. There are negative marks in each of the four sections: biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. There may be one or more correct answers to some questions. The number of questions for the NEST 2026 exam changes each year.

NEST Negative Marking 2026

Negative marks are awarded for incorrect answers in NEST 2026. Candidates who plan to take the NEST entrance exam 2026 should be aware of the marking scheme, as it will assist in better exam preparation. All four of NEST's sections have negative marking. It is important to note that questions left unanswered do not result in a penalty point. For each incorrect response on the NEST 2026 exam, students will lose one mark.

NEST Sectional Weightage with table

Note: It must be noted that when the NEST 2026 merit list is being prepared, only the top three sections will be taken into account. 180 marks will be used to calculate the effective marks.

Section -Wise Division of NEST Exam pattern 2026

Aspirants can check the NEST paper pattern according to section-wise from the table below.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern - Important Points

It is necessary for applicants to attempt multiple-choice questions on the NEST exam 2026. Applicants have to select one response from a list of four.

• Every applicant must mark all of the right responses.

• Negative marks do not apply to questions that are not attempted.

• The top three subjects' grades will be taken into account for determining the NEST 2026 result.

• Candidates should avoid answering a question where he or she is unsure, in order to prevent negative marking.

NEST Syllabus 2026

To familiarise themselves with the subjects from which the questions in the exam come, students planning to take the NEST exam 2026 must review the syllabus. All of the units, topics, and themes that will be covered in the entrance exam are included in the NEST syllabus 2026. The five subject areas included in the NEST 2026 syllabus are mathematics, general, chemistry, physics, and biology. Candidates can create an effective NEST 2026 preparation plan by familiarising themselves with the syllabus.

Exam Day Instructions for NEST 2026

• Candidates must bring their NEST admit card, as they are not allowed to enter the examination centre without a valid one.

• It is strictly prohibited for candidates to bring any electronic or communication device into the examination centre.

• It is advised that applicants arrive at the centre according to their scheduled reporting and entry time.

• Without undergoing the required screening using a handheld metal detector (HHMD), no applicant will be allowed to enter the examination centreThere won't be any physical contact during the procedure.

Note: Candidates are not allowed to leave the NEST Exam centre before the exam is over.