National Eligibility Screening Test (NEST) is an important step for those students who want to get into institutes like the Center of Excellence in Basic Science (CEBS) in Mumbai and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER). However, some mistakes can block your way.
In this blog, we’ll share some Common mistakes people Make. And in this, we shall also provide you with a few useful tips on how to be well-prepared.
Understanding NEST:
National Entrance Screening Test is conducted every year in India for admission into prestigious science research institutes including the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the Central Excellence of Basic Sciences (CEBS) in Mumbai.
What Are Some Common Mistakes Students Make in NEST?
Here are some of the common mistakes students make in NEST preparation:
- No Clear Understanding of the Syllabus: Many students rush through the syllabus without fully grasping it. This leads to missing key topics and concepts. Take time to understand the syllabus structure, including weightage for each section, to focus your preparation effectively.
- Not Practicing Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Skipping mock tests means you miss out on valuable exam experience. Practice with mock tests and previous year’s papers to familiarize yourself with the format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and manage your time better during the actual exam.
- Poor Time Management: Without a solid study plan, it’s easy to spend too much time on one subject while neglecting others. Create a balanced schedule that allocates time for each subject, and stick to it to ensure comprehensive preparation.
- Focusing on Memorizing over Understanding: Relying solely on memorization can backfire, especially in application-based questions. Aim to understand concepts deeply; this will help you tackle complex problems and apply knowledge effectively during the exam.
- Skipping Revisions: Regular revision is crucial for retention. Students often skip this step, which leads to forgetting important material. Schedule weekly revision sessions to reinforce what you’ve learned and ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam.
- Not Reviewing Mistakes: Ignoring errors made in practice tests means missing out on learning opportunities. Take the time to analyze your mistakes, understand where you went wrong, and adjust your study strategies accordingly to avoid repeating those errors.
How to Avoid Those Mistakes in NEST?
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Have a clear picture of what you have to study. Go through the official website of NEST to know the syllabus, and prepare accordingly. Refer books to excel in your preparation. Check this blog to learn about the best books for your preparation.
- Practice Regularly with Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: It is essential to know the pattern of examination. By practicing mock tests and previous year’s papers you can prepare yourself for the real examination, boosting your confidence. Check out SciAstra’s free study material to guide you in your prep.
- Create a Balanced Study Schedule: Develop a study plan that allocates realistic time for all subjects equally. Use a 40-10-40 minutes strategy; Allocate 40 minutes to each subject with a 10-minute gap in between. This way, you can build a healthy study plan that focuses on your preparation while keeping you fresh for the next subject.
- Focus on Understanding Concepts: To truly master NEST concepts, aim to understand the “why” behind the “what” by actively asking questions and solving problems. SciAstra’s courses, like the Vikram 2.0 Batch and Kalam Batch for IAT & NEST 2025, focus on building this deeper understanding. Through interactive learning and proper guidance, these courses help you strengthen core concepts, ensuring you’re well-prepared for challenging, application-based questions.
- Schedule Regular Revision Sessions: Set specific times during weekends to revise what you’ve learned. Write your-own summary notes at the end of every chapter, summarizing all the key points in the chapter. This will be beneficial for quick reviews before the final exam.
- Review Mistakes and Learn from Them: Identify your mistakes after each practice test, and go through your mistakes carefully. Understand the pattern in your errors and focus on not repeating them in the future. Remember, success requires learning from failures – the more you learn from your failures, the closer you’ll reach to success.
Tips for Droppers: What to Avoid in NEST?
Are you a Dropper? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered too! Here are some tips that you should avoid while preparing for NEST in your drop year.
- It’s quite understandable to feel pressured to study non-stop, however, overdoing it can lead to burnout. Take one topic at a time and build the foundation. Stick to a steady, balanced study routine and stay focused and motivated.
- Avoid repeating your past mistakes – instead, learn from your mistakes, to boost your confidence. Keep your focus in the forward direction – be prepared for what’s coming and learn from what you’ve experienced.
- Don’t skip practice tests – these are crucial for droppers, as they focus on areas where you can still improve. Keep a regular track of your progress by practicing mock tests.
Conclusion:
Preparing for the NEST Exam can be challenging, but being aware of common mistakes and knowing how to avoid them can make a significant difference in your performance. By understanding the syllabus, practicing regularly, managing your time effectively, and focusing on conceptual clarity, you can build a strong foundation for success.
Remember, preparation is not just about hard work; it’s about smart strategies. Regular revisions, reviewing mistakes, and maintaining a balanced study schedule will help you stay confident and ready for the exam day.
Stay positive, believe in your abilities, and give it your best effort. With the right approach, you can achieve your goals and secure a place in a prestigious institution. Good luck!
FAQs:
- Why is understanding the NEST syllabus important?
Knowing the syllabus helps you focus on the right topics and prevents wasted time on areas that won’t be covered. A clear understanding of the syllabus gives your preparation direction and makes it more effective. - How can mock tests and previous year papers help with NEST preparation?
Mock tests and past papers familiarize you with the exam format, question types, and time limits. They’re a great way to practice managing exam pressure, identify weak areas, and build confidence. - What’s the best way to avoid mistakes with time management?
Create a balanced study schedule that covers all subjects equally, and stick to it. Also, practice timed mock tests to develop a sense of pacing, so you don’t spend too much time on one section or question. - Why should I review mistakes from practice tests?
Reviewing mistakes helps you understand where you went wrong, so you can avoid repeating those errors. Learning from your mistakes improves your accuracy and strengthens your overall 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 2025, 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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