Do you want to become a scientist? Are you eager to pursue a career in basic sciences at top institutes like NISER and UM-DAE CEBS? The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a required test for students seeking admission to 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. So, if you are one such aspirant and preparing for NEST 2024, this blog is a must for you.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Eligibility Criteria
- Important Dates for NEST 2024
- Exam Pattern for NEST 2024
Eligibility Criteria:
Here are a few eligibility criteria for NEST 2024 and admission to NISER and CEBS:
- If you have cleared the class 12th examination or equivalent in 2022, 2023, or if you are appearing for the same in 2024, irrespective of category and age, you will be considered to be eligible to appear for NEST 2024.
- You must have at least 60% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade) in the Class XII examination in the science stream from any recognised Board in India. For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates, and for Divyangjan candidates, the minimum requirement is 55%.
- Last but not least, you should secure a position on the NEST 2024 merit list.
Important Dates for NEST 2024:
Now let us discuss the important dates of this exam. In 2023, the application form started on 17th Feb and ended on 17th May. Keep checking our website SciAstra and YouTube channel ‘Vivek NISER | SciAstra’ for regular and fastest NEST and IAT 2024 updates.
In 2023, NEST was conducted on June 24, so you can expect it to be conducted in the last two weeks of June 2024. It is conducted in two shifts: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (first session) and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM (second session). You will be assigned to one of the two sessions.
Important dates for 2024:
| NEST exam application opens (online) | 20th March 2024 |
| NEST exam application closes (online) | 31st May 2024 |
| Correction and Update Window | The last week of March |
| Download the NESt exam admit card | 15th June 2024 |
| Date of NEST Examination | 30th June 2024 |
| Date of NEST Result Announcement | 10th July 2024 |
Exam Pattern NEST 2024:
There is misleading information across the internet regarding exam patterns like NEST and IAT, which we addressed here. There was a general section in the NEST examination until 2019-20. This section is abolished now. Here are some important features of NEST 2024:
- The NEST 2024 examination will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT/online exam).
- The language of the question paper will be English only.
- The question paper will consist of four sections of objective (MCQ) type questions. Each section is worth 50 marks and will contain subject-specific questions from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
- Each subject section contains 17 (12+5) questions, out of which 12 are single correct answer MCQs and the remaining 5 are multiple correct answer MCQs.
- There will be negative markings for choosing incorrect answers in single correct answer MCQs. One will earn 2.5 marks for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer, and 0 marks for unattempted questions in single correct answer MCQs.
- For multiple correct answer MCQs, one will earn full marks, i.e., 4 marks, by choosing all correct answers and no wrong answers; otherwise, she/he will earn 0 marks.
You must remember that the NEST exam is an entrance test to one of India’s finest research institutes. Hence, you must work hard to score good marks. It is important to attempt all the sections in order to get a very good rank. The merit list for NEST 2024 will be prepared using the best three qualifying scores out of four sections, and the section with the worst score will be omitted. Thus, attempting all sections will increase your chances of a better total score.
To access the previous year’s question papers for FREE, click here.
Conclusion:
NEST 2024 is a good opportunity for research enthusiasts and offers prospective scientists a fantastic chance to start academic careers from NISER and CEBS. If you remain consistent and work hard for the next four months, you will clear this exam with a good rank. You can join our personalised mentorship and courses to excel in your exam and secure top ranks. You can get NEST exam notes, mock tests, and courses at the lowest price. Check out our courses now to get exciting offers!
FAQs:
Ques: What is NISER?
Ans: The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is one of the best research institutes for basic science in India. It is funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is in Bhubaneshwar.
Ques: What are the courses offered in NISER?
Ans: NISER offers various courses in physics, chemistry, maths, planetary and earth science, biology and humanities. Check out this blog to know more about courses offered by NISER.
Ques: Can I get into ISRO through NISER?
Ans: Yes, you can get into ISRO after BSMS from NISER. Check out this blog to more about this.
Ques: What is UM-DAE-CBS?
Ans: University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS) is a university in Mumbai funded by DAE. Check out this blog to learn in-depth about CEBS.
Ques: How should I prepare for NEST 2024?
Ans: A thorough understanding of the NEST syllabus is essential. Regular practice through mock tests and previous years’ question papers helps master time management and improve accuracy. SciAstra offers courses that help you prepare for NEST, IAT and other exams. Click here to know more.
Ques: Does NISER provide any scholarships?
Ans: DISHA and INSPIRE are two scholarship programs provided by DAE and DST, respectively. Check out this blog to learn more about them.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students in their careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI,ISI IISC Bangalore, etc teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
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