NEST Syllabus 2026 

The NEST 2026 (National Entrance Screening Test) is a highly competitive national-level exam conducted jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai’s Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. The NEST 2026 serves as the gateway for admission to a 5-year integrated MSc program in the core science subjects of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

NEST 2026 Syllabus Overview

• The syllabus for NEST 2026 is designed to reflect the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 across all four science subjects.
• Candidates are advised to base their preparation primarily on these syllabus topics, as the exam thoroughly tests conceptual understanding and analytical ability in these areas.

NEST 2026 Subjects and Marks Distribution

NEST 2026 consists of four sections, each corresponding to one of the core subjects. Each section carries equal weightage in terms of marks

Subject-wise Syllabus Highlights for NEST 2026

Physics

• Physical world and measurement
• Kinematics
• Laws of motion
• Work, energy, and power
• Gravitation
• Thermodynamics
• Oscillations and waves
• Electrostatics and current electricity
• Magnetic effects of current
• Optics
• Modern physics fundamentals

Chemistry

• Basic concepts of chemistry and mole concept
• Atomic structure and periodicity
• Chemical bonding and molecular structure
• States of matter and thermodynamics
• Chemical kinetics and equilibrium
• Hydrogen, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals
• Organic chemistry basics including hydrocarbons
• Environmental chemistry and biomolecules

Mathematics

• Sets, relations, and functions
• Trigonometry
• Algebra (including quadratic equations, sequences, and series)
• Coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions
• Calculus (differentiation and integration)
• Probability and statistics
• Matrices and determinants

Vectors and complex numbers

Biology

• Diversity of living organisms
• Cell structure and function
• Plant and human physiology
• Genetics and evolution
• Biotechnology and its applications
• Ecology and environment
• Structural organization in animals and plants

Preparation Recommendations for NEST 2026

Candidates are advised to

• Study NCERT textbooks of Classes 11 and 12 thoroughly for all four subjects.
• Practice previous year question papers and sample papers for better understanding of the question pattern.
• Use recommended books specifically tailored for NEST
• Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
• Regularly revise key concepts to build strong fundamentals.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the syllabus for NEST 2026?

Ans. The NEST 2026 syllabus includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 topics. It covers fundamental concepts, laws, formulas, and applications in these subjects.

Q2. How many subjects are tested in NEST 2026?

Ans. There are four subjects – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, each carrying 50 marks, totalling 200 marks.

Q3. Are there any changes in the NEST syllabus for 2026 compared to previous years?

Ans. No significant changes in the NEST 2026 syllabus are expected. Candidates should prepare based on the latest NCERT topics for Classes 11 and 12 as per the standard syllabus.

Q4. Where can candidates find the official NEST 2026 syllabus?

Ans. The official NEST 2026 syllabus can be downloaded from the NEST exam website (nestexam.in) or through credible education portals offering detailed syllabi for NEST.

Q5. Does NEST require preparation beyond NCERT textbooks?

Ans. While NCERT books form the core syllabus, candidates are advised to refer to additional recommended books and previous years’ question papers for comprehensive preparation.