National Institute of Science Education and Research has released important dates and other details for National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). If you are planning to give NEST, you must know how to apply for NEST online and how to download the admit card. In this article, we will explain you the process to do the same.
What is NEST?
NEST or National Entrance Screening Test is an offline Computer Based Test conducted by NISER. The scores of National Entrance Screening Test are used for admission into NISER and CEBS. National Entrance Screening Test is conducted once a year and is scheduled for 30th June this year.
- The NEST exam includes 4 sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
- Each section has 20 questions with one correct answer, and answering correctly earns 3 marks.
- Choosing an incorrect answer will result in a deduction of 1 mark, and not answering a question will not result in any deduction.
- The merit list will be based on the best three scores out of the four sections, and the lowest score will not be considered.
- The exam is computer-based, and applicants are encouraged to practice using a mock test link before the exam date.
- The language of the question paper will be in Hindi and English, and in case of any confusion, the question paper in English will be considered the standard one.
Click here to check the exam pattern and other details of the National Entrance Screening Test Exam.
How to Apply for NEST?
To register for NEST 2024, applicants need to complete the online form at www.nestexam.in starting March 20, 2024. It’s recommended that candidates review the detailed application instructions available on the website before applying. The application window closes at midnight on May 31, 2024. Submission of applications is exclusively via the National Entrance Screening Test 2024 website, with no alternate submission methods accepted. Upon registering online, applicants will receive login details for accessing the application and fee payment portals.
The application fee is set at 1,400/– for male candidates from the General and OBC categories, and 700/– for SC/ST/Divyangjan categories as well as all female candidates. Payment can be made through credit/debit card or net banking, specifically using Mastercard/Visa/RuPay cards.
There is no requirement for candidates to send any documents to the NEST office throughout the application process. For comprehensive application guidance, refer to the ‘How to Apply Online’ section on www.nestexam.in.
Admit Card Information-
NEST will issue an admit card to all the registered students. This admit card can be downloaded from the official website starting from June 10, 2024. To download the admit card, you will have to log in to the application portal using your log in ID and password.
Note that the admit card will not be mailed to any student. Instead, each candidate must download it from the National Entrance Screening Test website. Admit cards can be downloaded until the examination day.
Admit card is very necessary for the examination. All the students must have their admit card at the examination centre. Students without admit cards will not be allowed inside the examination hall.
What About The Hall Ticket?
Earlier, National Entrance Screening Test used to issue hall tickets. A hall ticket was a document just like an admit card which was necessary for the examination. But NEST has not mentioned any details for the Hall Ticket this year. Instead, it will be issuing Admit Cards.
Important Dates-
- Start of Online application for NEST 2024: March 20, 2024
- Closing of Online application: May 31, 2024 (midnight)
- Download of Admit Card begins: June 15, 2024
- NEST 2024 examination: June 30, 2024. The NEST exam will be conducted in two shifts and each student will be allotted one of two shifts. (Hours of examination: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Announcement of results on National Entrance Screening Test website: July 10, 2024
Other Important Details-
- On the day of the examination, candidates must arrive to the exam center 90 minutes before the exam start time
- Late arrivals not permitted after 30 minutes post-exam start
- Must bring Admit Card and photo ID to enter examination hall
- No log tables, calculators, or electronic gadgets allowed
- Blue/black pen required, blank pages for rough work provided
- Can’t leave exam hall before two hours after start time, except for medical emergencies
Things To Keep In Mind During Online Application-
- Provide correct email address and phone number during application
- Upload a scanned and cropped passport-sized photograph and signature in .JPG or .JPEG format only
- Photograph and signature files should be less than 80 KB each
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted
- Any dispute related to the NEST 2024 examination will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Bombay High Court.
How to Prepare For NEST?
Aspirants aiming for success in NEST should consider the following strategies:
- Understanding the Syllabus: A thorough understanding of the National Entrance Screening Test 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.
Conclusion:
The National Institute of Science Education and Research has announced details for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2024. This offline computer-based test, intended for admissions into NISER and CEBS, is scheduled for June 30, 2024. It consists of four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, each containing 20 questions. The merit list will be based on the best three scores out of the four sections. Candidates can register online from March 20, 2024, until May 31, 2024, with an application fee that varies by category. Admit cards will be available for download from June 10, 2024, and are essential for entry into the examination hall. The examination will be conducted in two shifts, and results are expected to be announced on July 10, 2024. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly by understanding the syllabus and practicing regularly with mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
FAQs:
- What is NISER?
NISER is the National Institute of Science Education and Research, a premier institute offering a 5-year integrated M.Sc. program in various science disciplines. It’s known for its excellent faculty, modern infrastructure, and research opportunities.
- What is NEST?
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is a computer-based entrance exam for admission into NISER and UM-DAE CEBS M.Sc. programs.
- What are the sections in NEST?
NEST has four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
- What is the marking scheme for NEST?
Each section has 20 questions (60 marks). There’s a +3 mark reward for a correct answer and a -1 deduction for an incorrect answer in single answer type questions. Multiple answer type questions might have different marking schemes. The merit list considers the best three scores out of four sections.
- Who can appear for NEST?
Students from the science stream in Class 11 & 12, with at least 60% marks in Class 12 (55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan) can apply. There’s no age limit.
- When will NEST 2024 be conducted?
The exam is scheduled for June 30th, 2024.
- How can I prepare for NEST?
Focus on understanding the NEST syllabus (refer to NISER website or SciAstra app). Practice regularly with mock tests and previous years’ question papers. Identify and improve your weaker areas. Develop good time management skills. You can also explore courses offered by SciAstra to strengthen your preparation.
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 pursue 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!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!