NEST Exam Pattern 2026 

The NEST 2026 (National Entrance Screening Test) is an important national-level entrance examination conducted jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. The NEST 2026 exam serves as the gateway for admission into a 5-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

• The NEST 2026 exam is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted online. It spans a total duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• The question paper comprises four equally weighted sections based on core science subjects – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• Each section contains 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), bringing the total number of questions to 80.
• Each question is assigned 3 marks, which means each section carries 60 marks and the entire exam totals 240 marks.
• However, while the maximum possible total marks is 240, only the best three section scores are considered for final ranking, resulting in a maximum effective score of 180.

NEST 2026 Marking Scheme

• Correct answers will fetch 3 marks each.
• A wrong answer incurs a penalty of 1 mark, while unanswered questions do not affect the score.
• This negative marking scheme encourages accuracy and challenges candidates to be careful in their responses.

NEST 2026 Subjects and Sections Breakdown

• Physics: 20 questions, 60 marks
• Chemistry: 20 questions, 60 marks
• Mathematics: 20 questions, 60 marks
• Biology: 20 questions, 60 marks
• Total Questions: 80
• Total Marks: 240 (best of three sections counted for result)

Language and Mode: The NEST 2026 exam is conducted in English and Hindi languages to accommodate a wide range of candidates across India.

NEST 2026 Difficulty Level and Syllabus

• The difficulty level of NEST is on par with competitive exams like JEE Advanced, with a strong emphasis on understanding concepts and analytical aptitude.
• The NEST 2026 syllabus typically aligns with NCERT class 11 and 12 for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

NEST 2026 Results Preparation

• Candidates’ final ranks are computed based on their best three scores across the four sections, and percentiles are used to prepare the merit list. Minimum qualifying cut-offs are also set for categories to ensure fairness.

Click Here For NEST 2026 Application Form

FAQs

Q1. What is the exam pattern of NEST 2026?

Ans. NEST 2026 consists of four sections—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology—with 20 MCQs each. Each question carries 3 marks, and incorrect answers result in a 1-mark deduction. The exam duration is 3 hours 30 minutes, conducted online. The total marks are 240, but only the best three sections are counted for final ranking.

Q2. How is the scoring done in NEST 2026 with respect to the best sections?

Ans. Although the exam totals 240 marks, for merit list preparation, only the best three sections out of the four are considered. Thus, the highest possible score for calculation is 180 marks. This encourages candidates to perform strongly across multiple subjects.

Q3. Is there negative marking in NEST 2026?

Ans. Yes. Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. However, no marks are deducted for unanswered questions. This applies to all sections equally.

Q4. What is the level of difficulty for NEST compared to other exams?

Ans. NEST's level is comparable to JEE Advanced and is conceptually challenging. It tests candidates’ analytical skills in all four science subjects equally. The syllabus matches the NCERT class 11 and 12 curriculum, making it rigorous yet standard for science aspirants.

Q5. In which languages is NEST 2026 conducted?

Ans. NEST 2026 is conducted in both English and Hindi to provide accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds across India.