Are you worried about how you can prepare for biology and mathematics for NEST if you are a PCM or PCB student? It is appreciable that you want to take no chances and try all four of the subject-specific questions. The best three out of the four sections decide your final score. This blog will help you set your targets for your preparation. In this blog, we will discuss:
- What is NEST, and what is the exam pattern?
- How to prepare Biology (PCM student)
- How to prepare Mathematics (PCB student)
- General tips
What is NEST, and what is the exam pattern?
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is an entrance examination in India used for admission into the integrated M.Sc. programs in basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth sciences, Planetary sciences and Physics) at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. The exam has four sections: math, biology, chemistry, and physics. Only three of the four subjects must be attended. Although you can attend all four sections, only the top three will be considered for final grades. There will be 20 MCQs in each of the four sections. Each MCQ will carry 3 marks for each correct answer and a negative mark for each wrong answer. But if you are from a PCB or PCM background and want to attempt all the questions, you should be extra careful regarding the negative marking.
How to prepare Biology (PCM student)
Study material-
You should start with the NCERT book, as it will give you basic knowledge of every topic and will be easy to understand. Some chapters are most important in your preparation, such as genetics and evolution, cell biology, plant physiology, human physiology, ecology and environment, etc. This should always be your first priority when starting your preparation as a PCM student.
Next, you should refer to the SciAstra book for more fundamental concept clarity. Also, refer to the important notes provided along with the course materials in your programs.
PYQs-
The previous year’s questions are an excellent resource if you are unsure about what to read or what is most important. This not only helps you to clear up your questions, but it also helps you recognise your areas of weakness. Complete the practice questions in the allotted three hours, but without seeing the answers. After that, go over it again; this will aid in memorising the material.
Diagram and short notes-
Some processes in plant and human physiology are really difficult to memorise, but questions can be asked from any part. In this case, make diagrams and flow charts by reading books and keep them somewhere on your study table where you can easily notice them. That will help you remember easily.
Online resources-
You can also rely on our online resources, such as crash courses on biology topics. Check out more from here.
How to prepare Mathematics (PCB student):
It’s difficult to prepare for mathematics if you are a PCB student. But you can try, obviously, and here are some tips for you:
Basic concepts-
Try to learn basic concepts through NCERT books and SciAstra books. You can go for our online courses as we provide the finest teachers for mathematics who make topics easy to understand.
Important Chapters-
Like biology, in mathematics also, some chapters are really important, such as Trigonometry, Algebra, Algebra (Polynomials, Progressions), Basic Calculus (Limits, Derivatives), Geometry (Coordinate Geometry), Probability, etc. Try to learn them first.
Rigorous Practice-
Only learning never helps you solve any questions; you must practice the questions, numericals and previous year’s questions and solve a lot. Refer to the materials provided in our classes, which focus on building conceptual clarity. Don’t be frustrated if you can’t solve it in one go; remember, practice makes a man perfect. Practice daily and solve on your own. Then, get help from the internet and other resources.
Formula Sheets-
You can make formula sheets wherever you need. This will help you for easy go. Many concepts like trigonometry, integration, geometry, etc require various formulae to be remembered. Once you remember the formulae, it becomes easy to follow an approach to questions. You will realise that after some days, you don’t even need any formula sheets, and it is automatically remembered.
General tips:
Priority-
You must remember that the score of the best three subjects gets counted in the final score. Hence, you must prioritise your main subjects. If you believe you can score good marks in all four subjects, then only go for the fourth section. You should not do average in three sections because of the divided attention in four subjects.
Time management-
Remember, if you are going for all four subjects, you must manage your time according to your preparation for each subject. Give more time to that particular subject in which you are weak, and the remaining time you can manage according to your schedule for other subjects.
Revision-
Try to revise some topics every day to keep them fresh in your mind.
Healthy Study Routine-
Maintain a balanced study schedule with breaks and relaxation to avoid burnout.
Mock Tests and Past Papers-
Regularly attempt mock tests and previous years’ papers under exam conditions to improve time management and exam strategy.
FAQs:
- How should a PCM student start preparing for Biology for NEST?
PCM students should begin with NCERT Biology textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 to build a strong foundation and focus on key topics like Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, and Ecology.
- What are the important Biology topics for NEST?
Important topics include Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, and Ecology and Environment.
- How can I effectively study diagrams and processes in Biology?
Practice drawing and labelling diagrams regularly and focus on understanding the processes thoroughly.
- What resources can I use to prepare for NEST Biology?
Use NCERT textbooks, resources provided by SciAstra’s courses, lectures, and previous years NEST question papers.
- How should a PCB student prepare for Mathematics for NEST?
PCB students should start with NCERT textbooks and SciAstra book to build a basic understanding and focus on key areas like Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability.
- What is the best way to practice Mathematics for NEST?
Solve various problems, take regular mock tests, and use online resources for difficult topics.
- How important are mock tests for NEST preparation?
Mock tests are crucial for assessing your preparation level, improving speed and accuracy, and familiarising yourself with the exam pattern.
- What is the marking scheme for NEST?
The marking scheme typically includes three positive marks for correct answers and one negative mark for incorrect answers, with no marks deducted for unattempted questions.
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!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store!
