Choosing between NEST and NEET can be tricky for science students in India. Both exams open doors to prestigious institutions like AIIMS, CMC, JIPMER, NISER, CEBS, etc. But figuring out which one is more challenging can help you make an informed decision. NEST is generally considered to be more difficult than NEET because of the complicated exam pattern of NEST. But the number of candidates appearing for NEET is far more than number of candidates appearing for National Entrance Screening Test (Keep reading to know the estimated figures of candidates in both the exams). The comparison is, hence, not straightforward. Hence, let’s break down their difficulty levels on several levels.
Exam Overview:
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)-
- This exam is your ticket to five-year Integrated MSc programs at NISER (Bhubaneswar) and UM-DAE CEBS (Mumbai)
- It is usually conducted in the month of June
- It is an offline Computer Based Test. You need to go to the centre and use the system provided to you for the exam.
- The exam consists of four sections: Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Each section also contains some questions meant to test the general aptitude.
- Each section is of 50 Marks and contains 17 MCQs. Out of these 17 MCQs, 12 are single correct answers, and the remaining 5 are multiple correct answers.
- In the single correct answer MCQs, you are awarded +2.5 marks for the correct answer and -1 mark for the incorrect answer.
- For the multiple correct answer MCQs, you are awarded +4 marks for choosing all the correct answers and no wrong answer. There is no negative marking for multiple correct answers.
- The total time for the examination is 3 hours and 30 minutes
- You can attempt all four sections, but your final marks will be calculated using the scores of only the best three sections, and the section in which you have scored least will be omitted
- There is a sectional cut-off, and you must achieve equal to or above the sectional cut-off in at least three sections
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)-
NEET is conducted for admissions into private and medical colleges all across India.
- Total Questions: 200
- Mandatory Questions: 180 (90 from Section A and 90 from Section B)
- Maximum Marks: 720
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper based)
- Languages: Available in 13 languages
Section Division-
Section A (Mandatory)-
- 35 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology
- All 35 questions in each subject must be attempted
- Each question carries four marks
- Negative marking: -1 for each incorrect answer
Section B (Choice-Based)-
- 15 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology
- Candidates can attempt 10 out of 15 questions in each subject
- Each question carries four marks
- Negative marking: -1 for each incorrect answer
Subject-wise Distribution-
- Physics: 50 questions (180 marks)
- Chemistry: 50 questions (180 marks)
- Biology (Botany + Zoology): 100 questions (360 marks)
Marking Scheme-
- Each correct answer: +4 marks
- Each incorrect answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered questions: 0 marks
- No sectional cutoffs
What’s in the Syllabus?
Both NEET and NEST are based on the 10+2 Syllabus. But the following points must be considered:
NEST: It covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. All the questions, despite being MCQs, are very conceptual and test your problem-solving skills. One is allowed to attempt any three sections out of the four. Even if you attempt all the four sections, sum of the scores from the best three sections will be taken to calculate your total score.
NEET: It focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, emphasising rote learning and applying concepts to medical scenarios. Mathematics is not part of the syllabus. Attempting questions from all three subjects is necessary. Although the paper contains two sections. All the questions from all the subjects are compulsory in section A but you only need to attempt 10 out 15 questions from all the subjects in section B.
Which Is More Difficult?
Overall Difficulty: NEST is generally considered tougher than NEET.
Why is NEST more difficult than NEET?
- Conceptual: NEST requires a deep understanding of scientific principles, going beyond just memorising formulas.
- Problem-solving: In NEST, questions are multi-step problems that challenge your analytical skills.
- Mathematics: NEST includes a good amount of Math, which NEET doesn’t have, making it a bit more complex.
Exceptions: While NEST is generally tougher, certain sections in NEET, like Biology, can be tough due to intense competition and a vast syllabus. Also, due to the number of questions in NEET, it is more like a race against time, whereas in National Entrance Screening Test, you must have problem-solving skills and conceptual clarity.
How Is The Competition In Both Exams?
NEST-
- Fewer applicants (around 50,000)
- Even though the number of candidates is less, the number of seats in NISER and CEBS is also scarce compared to medical seats.
- As of 2023, NISER had 200 seats, whereas CEBS had 57 seats
NEET-
- As of 2023, around 18 lakh candidates appeared for NEET
- The total number of medical seats in India was around 80,000 last year
Choosing Your Path:
NEST: If you are able to solve complex and multi-step problems and want to choose science and research as career, you should go for NEST.
NEET: Choose NEET if you are competitive enough to stand between lakhs of candidates and have the ability to memorize. NEET is for those who aspire to go into medicine or dentistry.
A Reminder: Difficulty is subjective. Your strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations should guide your choice. Regardless of your decision, dedication, smart preparation, and passion are the keys to success.
Conclusion:
With this comparison, you’re better equipped to choose between NEST and NEET based on your academic goals. Remember, the real challenge lies in pursuing your scientific calling with dedication. Go ahead, conquer your chosen path, and fulfil your scientific dreams!
FAQs:
1. Is NEST tougher than JEE Mains?
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2.How to prepare for NEST?
NEST is a very competitive exam that demands thorough preparation. Do not worry. SciAstra offers courses that helps you ace National Entrance Screening Test. We already have multiple selections in NEST. Click here to know more.
3.What is the main difference between NEST and NEET?
NEST primarily opens doors to five-year Integrated MSc programs in scientific fields at institutions like NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. NEET, on the other hand, is the entrance exam for medical and dental colleges across India.
4.Which exam is generally considered more challenging, NEST or NEET?
NEST is generally considered to be tougher than NEET. It demands a deeper understanding of scientific principles and includes intricate, multi-step problems, making it more challenging overall.
5.What subjects are covered in the NEST and NEET syllabi?
NEST covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and a touch of Biology (10%). In contrast, NEET focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (90%).
6.How do the marking systems differ between NEST and NEET?
NEST has partial marking (-1 for 2.5 marks on MCQs), discouraging guessing and rewarding accuracy. NEET, on the other hand, follows purely positive marking (+4 for correct MCQs), encouraging students to attempt more questions.
7.Is there any exception to NEST being considered tougher overall?
Yes, while National Entrance Screening Test is generally tougher, certain sections in NEET, like Biology, can be notoriously challenging due to fierce competition and vast syllabus coverage.
8.How should students decide between NEST and NEET?
The choice depends on individual strengths and career aspirations. Choose National Entrance Screening Test if you enjoy intellectual challenges, intricate problem-solving, and aspire to in-depth scientific exploration. Opt for NEET if you excel at memorisation, are comfortable with application-based learning, and dream of a career in medicine or dentistry. Remember, difficulty is subjective, and dedication, smart preparation, and passion are key to success in either exam.
9.What are options other than NEET and NEST for PCB Student?
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