NEST Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme, Mode of Exam, Subjects & Scores

NEST Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme, Mode of Exam, Subjects & Scores

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 21, 2025 09:03 AM IST | #NEST
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NEST  Result Date : 10 Jul' 2025 - 10 Jul' 2025

NEST Exam Pattern 2025: Students who are getting prepared to apply to different M.Sc. programs at UM-DAE CEBS and NISER Bhubaneswar required to know about the NEST 2025 exam pattern. The NEST exam is divided into four sections, each carrying marks: mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry. For NEST entrance 2025, each section consists of 20 questions. Additionally, students need to be informed that the NEST 2025 entrance has negative marking. For every incorrect answer, a deduction of 1 mark is applicable, however, there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. Only the best three scored sections are considered for the NEST result 2025. It is suggested that students study the entire article in order to gain additional knowledge regarding the marking system, exam format, and other crucial information.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is the NEST Exam Pattern 2025?
  2. NEST Marking Scheme 2025
  3. NEST Negative Marking 2025
  4. Section -Wise Division of NEST Exam pattern 2025
  5. NEST 2025 Exam Pattern - Important Points
  6. NEST Syllabus 2025
  7. Exam Day Instructions for NEST 2025
NEST Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme, Mode of Exam, Subjects & Scores
NEST Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme, Mode of Exam, Subjects & Scores

What is the NEST Exam Pattern 2025?

Aspirants preparing for NEST 2025 exam are advised to check all the necessary details below:

NEST 2025 Exam Pattern

Types of questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Total sections

4

NEST exam total marks

240

NEST exam duration

3 hours and 30 minutes

Marks for each section

60

NEST 2025 marking scheme

  • +3 for every correct answer

  • -1 for every incorrect answer

  • 0 for not attempting a question

NEST Marking Scheme 2025

Candidates who are getting prepared for the NEST entrance 2025 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; in order to get marks, all correct answers must be marked with no incorrect responses. The number of questions for the NEST 2025 exam changes each year.

NEST Negative Marking 2025

Negative marks are awarded for incorrect answers in NEST 2025. Candidates who plan to take the NEST entrance exam 2025 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 2025 exam, students will lose one mark.

NEST Sectional Weightage with table

Sections

Subjects

Maximum marks

Section 1

Physics

60

Section 2

Chemistry

60

Section 3

Biology

60

Section 4

Mathematics

60

NEST Total Marks


240


Note: Please be advised that when the NEST 2025 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.

NEST Exam Pattern 2025

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Section -Wise Division of NEST Exam pattern 2025

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

Section

Subject

Marks

I - Biology

20 questions

60 marks

II - Chemistry

20 questions

60 marks

III - Mathematics

20 questions

60 marks

IV - Physics

20 questions

60 marks

Total

80 questions

240 marks

NEST 2025 Exam Pattern - Important Points

It is necessary for applicants to attempt multiple choice questions on the NEST exam 2025. Applicants have to select one response from a list of four.

  • There are questions in Section II that have one or more right answers. Every applicant must mark all of the right responses.

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

  • The top three subjects' grades will be taken into account for determining the NEST 2025 result.

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

NEST Syllabus 2025

In order to familiarise themselves with the subjects from which the questions in the exam come from, students planning to take the NEST exam 2025 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 2025. The five subject areas included in the NEST 2025 syllabus are mathematics, general, chemistry, physics, and biology. Candidates can create an effective NEST 2025 preparation plan by familiarising themselves with the syllabus.

Exam Day Instructions for NEST 2025

  • Candidates must bring their NEST admit card 2025, 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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total duration of the NEST 2025 exam?

The NEST 2025 exam lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.

2. How many sections are there in the NEST 2025 exam?

There are four sections in the NEST 2025 exam: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

3. What is the marking scheme for the NEST 2025 exam?

The marking scheme awards +3 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect answer, and 0 for not attempting a question.

4. How are the final marks calculated for the NEST 2025 merit list?

Only the scores from the best three sections are considered, leading to a total of 180 marks for the merit list.

5. Are there any specific instructions for exam day for NEST 2025 candidates?

Candidates must bring their valid NEST admit card, avoid any electronic devices, and adhere to the scheduled reporting time without leaving the exam centre early.

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Questions related to NEST

Have a question related to NEST ?

Yes, with a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) background, you can pursue a B.Tech in Biotechnology, especially if you've taken relevant entrance exams like NEST, CUET, or have appeared for NEET. While some B.Tech programs may require Mathematics as a core subject, many universities offer programs that accommodate PCB students, either through specific tracks or by providing bridging courses in Mathematics during the first year.

Hello Aspirant,

For NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) preparation, focusing on important chapters can boost your score. Based on previous years’ trends, here’s a subject-wise list of important chapters:

Physics

  • Motion & Laws of Motion

  • Work, Energy, Power

  • Heat & Thermodynamics

  • Current Electricity

  • Optics

  • Modern Physics (Atoms & Nuclei)

Chemistry

  • Atomic Structure

  • Chemical Bonding

  • Equilibrium

  • Thermodynamics

  • Organic Chemistry (Basics, GOC, Hydrocarbons)

  • Coordination Compounds Mathematics

  • Sets, Relations & Functions

  • Permutations & Combinations

  • Probability

  • Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integration)

  • Matrices & Determinants

  • Complex Numbers

Biology

  • Cell: Structure & Function

  • Genetics & Evolution

  • Human Physiology

  • Plant Physiology

  • Ecology & Environment

  • Biotechnology

General Section

  • Logical Reasoning

  • Analytical Ability

  • General Science (basic)

  • Data Interpretation

Focus on NCERTs (Class 11 & 12) for all subjects, especially Biology and Chemistry.

All the best for your NEST exam.

Hello!

Yes, you are eligible to appear for NEET .

As per NEET eligibility criteria:

  • You need a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for General category,

  • 40% for SC/ST/OBC categories,

  • And 45% for PWD (General-PH) candidates.

Since you scored 58.6% in PCB , you meet the required subject criteria. Your overall percentage (69.33%) is also acceptable.

So yes, you can apply and appear for the NEET exam.

Hope this helps!

Here's the syllabus for
LPUNEST:

  • Physics : Topics include laws of motion, work, energy, and power, dynamics of uniform circular motion, and more.
  • Chemistry : Includes matter and its nature, laws of chemical combination, atomic and molecular masses, and chemical equations and stoichiometry.
  • Mathematics : Covers various topics from algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Biology : Includes topics from both botany and zoology, focusing on the 10+2 curriculum.
  • English: Focuses on general aptitude and language proficiency

    For AEEE is :

  • Physics : Similar to LPUNEST, covering mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
  • Chemistry : Topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and organic chemistry.
  • Mathematics : Includes algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry.

Hello,

Since you are currently in class 10 and plan ahead for higher education after completing your school years, it's a great idea to consider colleges that match your career aspirations. The best college for you depends on what field of study or course you are interested in pursuing.

Here are a few top recommendations based on common areas of interest:

Engineering: Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and BITS Pilani.

Medical: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, and Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC).

Commerce and Management: Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for integrated programs.

Science (B.Sc. Programs): Indian Institute of Science (IISc), St. Stephen’s College Delhi, and Miranda House Delhi.

Arts and Humanities: Lady Shri Ram College, St. Xavier's Mumbai, and Christ University.

Pharmacy: Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER).

If you have a preferred field of study, I can give you more tailored suggestions for colleges that fit your goals.

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