Getting ready for competitive exam such as the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) can be stressful. Clearing NEST is a prerequisite for admission to esteemed institutions, and success in each subject depends on knowing the important concepts. However, you must work smart because most of the questions in each subject might come from a few specific topics. This blog will help you know the important topics in each subject. In this blog, we will discuss:
- Important Topics in Physics
- Important Topics in Chemistry
- Important Topics in Biology
- Important Topics in Mathematics
Important Topics in Physics:
Concentrating on the most important Physics chapters is necessary as you prepare for the upcoming NEST exam. Your preparation will be based on these five key areas, which will guarantee that you do well in this subject:
Modern Physics-
Cover topics like atomic physics (the Bohr model and the hydrogen spectrum), nuclear physics (radioactivity, nuclear reactions), and quantum mechanics (photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality) thoroughly. Memorise formulae as a few questions are formula-based. Do not miss anything from this section.
Current Electricity and Electrostatics-
Some important topics are:
Electrostatics: Coulomb’s law, electric field and potential, capacitors. Same is applied for gravitation.
Current Electricity: Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, solving circuits (most important).
Magnetism: Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s law, electromagnetic induction, fields around rod and solenoid.
Optics-
Ray optics and wave optics are both important. Learn tricks to solve complicated combinations of lenses and mirrors. Work on wave phenomena and learn their formulae. In wave optics, focus on YDSE and polarisation.
Thermodynamics-
Important topics include:
Laws of Thermodynamics: Zeroth, first, second, and third laws.
Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.
Carnot Cycle: Efficiency of engines.
KTG
Mechanics-
You must become familiar with formula-based concepts to excel in these areas. By thoroughly practising problem-solving, you’ll be well-equipped to solve this physics section of the NEST examination. Important topics are:
- Projectile motion
- Newton’s second law of motion
- Work-Energy-Power
- Rotational Motion
- SHM (time period calculation and superposition)
Important Topics in Chemistry:
The following essential chapters should be your main focus in the Chemistry portion of the NEST exam:
Bonding and the Periodic Table-
Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental ideas behind chemical bonding and the arrangement of the periodic table.
Coordination Chemistry, Isomerism, and Geometrical Chemistry-
Since these subjects are frequently included in questions, learn about coordination complexes, their structures, and the different kinds of isomerism that can happen.
Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Equilibrium-
Dive into the thermodynamic principles that govern chemical reactions, the kinetics of these processes, and the concept of chemical equilibrium, as these areas are crucial for problem-solving in chemistry. Most numerical questions are asked from these chapters.
Organic Chemistry-
Familiarize yourself with these important organic functional groups’ properties, reactions, and applications, as they are frequently tested in the NEST exam. Important topics are:
- Hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
- Functional Groups: Alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
- Reaction Mechanisms: nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition, elimination reactions.
Understanding the underlying mechanisms and principles of reactions and processes is just as important in chemistry as memorizing formulas and concepts. You will be more prepared to take on the chemistry portion of the NEST exam if you concentrate on the conceptual elements as well as problem-solving techniques.
Important Topics in Biology:
Students with a background in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) should focus on the following important chapters for the Biology section:
Ecology-
Gain a thorough understanding of the complex relationships between living things and their surroundings because this is an important subject for the NEST exam. Questions from this portion are very frequent in exams.
Cell biology-
Explore the complex mechanisms, architecture, and range of internal processes of cells through a thorough understanding of cell biology. This is a necessary prerequisite for the NEST exam.
Genetics-
For genetics, cover the following topics-
- Mendelian Genetics: Laws of inheritance.
- Molecular Genetics: DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation.
Human Physiology and Diseases-
Because the exam cover these subjects frequently, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the systems of the human body and the range of diseases that can impact them. Topics that are important:
- Organ Systems: digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory.
- Homeostasis: regulation of body temperature and blood sugar.
Plant Biology-
- Plant Anatomy: Structure of roots, stems, and leaves.
- Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration.
Important Topics in Mathematics:
In the Mathematics section, the following chapters are considered the most important:
Matrices and Determinants-
Develop a strong grasp of the properties and applications of matrices and determinants, as these topics are often tested in the NEST exam.
Vectors-
Understand the fundamental concepts of vectors, their operations, and their applications in various mathematical and physical contexts.
Probability and Statistics-
Familiarize yourself with probability theory and statistical analysis principles, as these areas are frequently tested in the exam.
Coordinate Geometry-
Focus on coordinate geometry, and solve questions on the relationships between points, lines, and curves in the Cartesian plane.
Calculus-
Topics like differential calculus (limits, continuity, and differentiation), integral calculus (definite and indefinite integrals, applications), and differential equations (first and second-order equations) are important.
Trigonometry-
Identities and Equations: Basic identities, sums, and difference formulas.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions: Properties and Applications.
Conclusion:
Remember that effective preparation with proper revision is the key to success as you set out to qualify the NEST exam. Be strategic in your approach and prepare with a laser-like focus. By grasping the essential chapters in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Embrace the challenge, stay dedicated, and let your hard work shine through in the exam. Wishing you all the best!
Refer to the SciAstra app for a deeper analysis of the important topics and study material relevant during the last phase of your NEST preparation.
FAQs:
- How many subjects are there in the NEST exam?
The NEST exam consists of four sections, i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- Is there a negative marking in NEST?
Yes, NEST typically has a negative marking for incorrect answers.
- What are the important topics in physics for NEST?
Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics.
- What are the important topics in chemistry for NEST?
Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry.
- What are the important topics in mathematics for NEST?
Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, and Geometry.
- What are the important topics in biology for NEST?
Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Human Physiology, and Plant Biology.
- How should I prepare for NEST?
Focus on understanding core concepts, practice regularly with previous years’ papers, and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Are there any recommended books for NEST preparation?
Standard NCERT textbooks for classes 11 and 12 are highly recommended, along with additional reference books like the SciAstra book and practice papers specific to NEST can be referred.
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