The basic eligibility for NEST 2025 is that candidates should be class 12th pass. Candidates can check below full eligibility criteria such as educational qualifications, age limit, etc. The lower age limit for NEST 2025 is 20 years. Applicants must have secured a minimum of 60 % for General category and minimum 55 % for SC, ST, and PD category.

NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is conducted every year by National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CBS), Mumbai University. NEST Application Form will be available online from 3rd week of March 2025.

NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NEST 2025 is stipulated by the exam conducting authority. Candidates can check below the educational qualification, age limit, etc. for NEST 2025.

Educational Qualifications

For General Candidates

Candidates should have passed class 12th Examination or any equivalent examination from any recognized Board in India.

Those who appeared for Class 12th Examination in 2024 are also eligible to apply for NEST 2025

Applicant must have studied Science with the combination of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

Candidates must have secured at least 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in class 12th exam  

For Reserved Category Candidates

Candidates who have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in class XII examination will be eligible for admission to NISER and CBS. But there is no restriction regarding aggregate marks on appearing for NEST exam.

Candidates looking to apply for NEST 2025 should have completed Class 12th Examination or any equivalent examination from any recognised Board in India.

Candidates who appeared for Class 12th Examination in 2024 also meet the Eligibility requirement for NEST.

The subject combination for Class 12th would be the same as that for General candidates.

Age Limit

For General and OBC Candidates

For admission into integrated M.Sc. programme of NISER/CBS, candidates must be born on or after August 1, 1997. For SC/ST/PD Candidates, there is a relaxation of 5 years. There is no upper age limit. Also, there is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for NEST exam.

Check here: NEST Exam Pattern 2025