What is NISER?
NISER, or the National Institute of Science Education and Research, stands as a cornerstone in scientific education and research in India. Established in 2007 by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, NISER is committed to nurturing scientific talent and fostering advanced research across various disciplines. NISER is an institute of national importance and one of the best places for science-lovers. If you are in 12th and you are planning for alternatives of IIT and AIMS, you must consider NISER.
Integrated MSc Program:
Introduction-
NISER offers an Integrated Master’s Program (MSc). This is a five year course combining the BSc and MSc.This program is designed for students who have completed their 12th standard in science. The first 3 years are dedicated to coursework and in the last two years, you need to work on a research project. At the end of the fifth year, you need to submit your thesis work to get your degree.
Admission Process-
Through the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). Click here to know in detail about NEST.
Scholarships-
All the students who secure admission into NEST in the 5-Year integrated MSc course are eligible for an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA program of the Department of Atomic Energy. Additionally, recipients receive a grant of Rs 20,000 per annum for the summer internship.
How to Get into Integrated MSc Program:
Eligibility Criteria-
To be eligible for admission into the Integrated MSc program at NISER, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Cleared the 12th Standard examination or equivalent.
- Minimum 60% marks in Class XII examination (55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates)
- Secure a position in the NEST merit list
- There is no age limit wef 2024
Admission Process-
The admission process involves a compulsory National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). This test is crucial for securing admission to NISER and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai.
What is NEST?
NEST, or the National Entrance Screening Test, is a pivotal examination jointly conducted by NISER and CEBS, Mumbai. It serves as the gateway for admissions into the Integrated MSc program, acting as a standardized assessment for science enthusiasts nationwide.
How to Prepare For NEST?
Aspirants aiming for success in NEST should consider the following strategies:
- Understanding the Syllabus: A thorough understanding of the NEST syllabus is essential. It covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Aptitude.
- Regular Practice: Regular practice through mock tests and previous years’ question papers helps in mastering time management and improving accuracy. Download our SciAstra app to access the mock tests and free PYQs.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identifying and focusing on weaker areas ensures a balanced preparation, increasing overall performance.
- Time Management: Allocating specific time to each section during preparation and adhering to time limits during the exam is crucial.
- Join Our Course: SciAstra offers courses that help you prepare for NEST, IAT and other exams. Click here to know more. Several of our students have cleared NEST in the past.
Postgraduate Programmes:
MS in Medical and Radiological Physics-
This two-year program is tailored for students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics. Admission is through JAM/JEST, followed by a written test and/or interview. The curriculum includes a mandatory one-year internship in collaborating hospitals.
Integrated PhD and PhD-
Admissions to the PhD and Integrated MSc+PhD programs involve multiple steps, including an open call, shortlisting based on eligibility criteria or national examinations, and subsequent written tests and/or interviews conducted by respective schools.
| Program | Duration | Degree Awarded | Admission Test | Eligibility | Description |
| Integrated MSc | 5 years | Integrated MSc (5-year) | NEST | Passed 12th, 60%+, NEST rank | Combines BSc & MSc with research projects in the last 2 years. |
| MS in Medical & Rad. Physics | 2 years | MS in Medical & Rad. Physics | JAM/JEST, Interview | BSc Physics | Focuses on medical applications of radiation & physics. |
| PhD | 3+ years | PhD | Open call, Exam, Interview | Varies by School | Independent research leading to doctoral thesis. |
| Integrated MSc+PhD | 5+ years | MSc + PhD | Open call, Exam, Interview | Varies by School | Combines Integrated MSc with PhD research. |
Conclusion:
NISER is an institute of national importance that serves as an alternative to IIT and AIMS. Students who are science-enthusiasts and want to pursue research should consider NISER for their undergraduate studies. NISER offers a 5 year integrated MSc program in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physical Science. This program is built to develop the student for the research world. The admission to this programme is granted through NEST. Besides the UG programs, NISER also offers Masters, Integrated PhD and PhD programs.
FAQs:
- What is NISER, and how does it contribute to scientific education and research in India?
NISER, or the National Institute of Science Education and Research, is an institute of national importance established by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. It plays a crucial role in nurturing scientific talent and fostering advanced research across various disciplines.
- Can you explain the structure of NISER’s Integrated Master’s Program (MSc)?
NISER offers a five-year Integrated MSc program that combines BSc and MSc. The first three years focus on coursework, followed by two years dedicated to a research project. Successful completion involves submitting a thesis at the end of the fifth year.
- How is admission granted to the Integrated MSc Program at NISER, and what is the role of NEST in this process?
Admission to the Integrated MSc Program is through the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST), a mandatory examination conducted by NISER and CEBS, Mumbai.
- Are there any scholarships available for students enrolled in the 5-year Integrated MSc course at NISER?
Yes, students admitted through NEST are eligible for an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA program of the Department of Atomic Energy. Additionally, they receive a grant of Rs 20,000 per annum for summer internships.
- What are the eligibility criteria for admission to NISER’s Integrated MSc Program?
To be eligible, candidates must have cleared the 12th standard examination, secured a minimum of 60% marks in Class XII (55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates), and must secure a position in the NEST merit list.
- How can aspirants prepare for the NEST examination for admission to NISER?
Aspirants should focus on understanding the NEST syllabus, engage in regular practice through mock tests, identify and work on weaker areas, and manage time effectively during preparation and the actual exam.
- Apart from the Integrated MSc Program, what other postgraduate programs does NISER offer?
NISER offers various postgraduate programs, including an MS in Medical and Radiological Physics and PhD programs. Admission processes for these programs involve different steps, such as national examinations, written tests, and/or interviews.
