The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a critical pathway for students aiming to join India’s premier integrated MSc programs at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar and the University of Mumbai’s Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS). For NEST Exam Syllabus 2025, aspirants can benefit from understanding the latest eligibility, cut-offs, syllabus, fee structures, scholarships, and placement opportunities provided by these institutes.
1. Introduction to NEST Exam Syllabus and Institutes:
NEST is an online entrance examination essential for gaining admission to the five-year integrated MSc program in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS in Mumbai. To learn more about this program, click here These institutes were established under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, with the mission of cultivating a pool of scientists ready to address challenges in both fundamental and applied sciences. Students at these institutions benefit from high-quality teaching, research opportunities, and well-facilitated campuses, including fully equipped hostels and libraries.
2. Eligibility Criteria for NEST Exam Syllabus 2025:
To qualify for the NEST 2025, candidates need to satisfy several essential requirements:
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- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed or be appearing in their class XII (or equivalent) examination with a science stream. They need to have secured at least 60% in aggregate for the general category. Reserved categories (SC/ST/Divyangjan) have a relaxed requirement of 55%.
- Year of Passing: Eligible candidates must have completed their class XII exam in 2023 or 2024, or they should appear for it in 2025.
- Mandatory NEST Examination: All aspirants for the integrated MSc programs at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS must take the NEST exam. Achieving a spot in the merit list is essential for admission.
- Reservations: 27% for OBC-NCL, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST and 5% of seats in each category are reserved for Divyangjan (PwD).
Meeting these criteria qualifies students to participate, but securing a high rank in the merit list is crucial for final selection.
3. Cut-Off Trends and Expected Cut-Off for 2025:
The cut-off for NEST has varied over the years due to changing difficulty levels and the number of test-takers. In NEST 2024, the cut-off for general category candidates was set by a combination of section-wise and overall percentile scores. A similar trend is expected for 2025:
- Section-Wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS): This score varies by section and is calculated as 20% of the average of the top 100 scores in each section. For instance, if the average top score in Chemistry is 48 out of 60, the SMAS would be set at 9.6.
- Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP): Candidates need a percentile of 95 or higher for the general category, 90 for OBC, and 75 for SC/ST/Divyangjan.
Achieving these scores guarantees eligibility for ranking, which is key to securing admission. For 2025, aspiring students should aim for higher scores, as rising competition might impact cut-off trends.
4. Detailed NEST Exam Syllabus 2025:
The NEST Exam Syllabus 2025 follows the NCERT/CBSE syllabus for Classes XI and XII in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Some of the topics covered are:
| Subject | Syllabus |
| Physics | Mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, modern physics, and more. |
| Chemistry | Inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry topics, such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties, and reaction mechanisms. |
| Mathematics | Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and statistics. |
| Biology | Genetics, cell biology, human physiology, ecology, and evolution. |
Candidates should cover these topics thoroughly as questions will test both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. They can find the detailed syllabus and topic breakdowns on the official NEST website.
5. Fee Structure:
NISER Bhubaneswar’s fee structure for 2025 is affordable and student-friendly. Students enrolled in the integrated M.Sc. program must pay fees for various aspects like tuition, hostel charges, and miscellaneous expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated fees:
- Tuition Fee: ₹6,000 per semester.
- Admission Fee: ₹3,000 (one-time).
- Hostel Accommodation Charges: ₹7,000 per semester.
- Library and Laboratory Fees: ₹2,000 per semester.
There are additional nominal charges for sports, medical services, and internet. Thus, the total fee per semester is estimated to be around ₹20,000 to ₹25,000, which is quite reasonable compared to other leading institutions. Note that this fee structure was last updated in 2024 and may change in 2025.
6. Scholarships Available for Students:
One of the attractive features of studying at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS is the strong financial support provided through scholarships:
- DISHA Scholarship: Every student admitted to the integrated MSc program is eligible for the DISHA scholarship, funded by the Department of Atomic Energy. This offers an annual stipend of INR 60,000.
- Summer Internship Support: Additionally, students receive an annual grant of INR 20,000 for summer internships, enabling them to gain hands-on research experience.
Furthermore, students who perform exceptionally well throughout their program become eligible to apply for direct admission interviews at BARC Training Schools, a unique opportunity not available to all.
7. Placement Opportunities for Graduates:
Graduates of the integrated MSc programs at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS are highly valued for their in-depth training in science and research. Many students continue their studies by pursuing Ph.D. programs at top universities globally, while others choose to enter various scientific, academic, and industrial sectors. The institutes boast partnerships with reputed organisations in India and abroad, enhancing students’ placement prospects.
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- Research Careers: Graduates can join national research institutions like BARC, ISRO, DRDO, and CSIR labs or pursue international research positions.
- Academic Pathways: Many alumni go on to teach and conduct research at prestigious universities and institutes such as Max Planck Institute, Cornell University, Imperial College London, IISc Bangalore, and more.
- Industry Positions: Alumni also find opportunities in R&D sectors of various industries, especially in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data analysis roles.
- Support from Placement Cells: Students receive support for career paths in both academic and non-academic domains at both institutes.
- NISER placement cell was established in 2021; while no traditional campus placements are conducted, students receive comprehensive guidance and support for employment and further higher education.
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- CEBS graduates can directly apply for an interview at BARC for roles such as Scientific Officer. CEBS alumni have also been placed in leading global universities and organizations such as the University of California (San Diego), Boston University, and TIFR.
The alumni network and industry connections fostered by both institutes give students an edge, facilitating robust placement support.
Conclusion:
The NEST Exam Syllabus 2025 examination provides students with a gateway to top-notch integrated MSc programs in the sciences, with benefits that extend beyond academics to offer financial support, research exposure, and strong career prospects. Aspiring students should focus on meeting eligibility requirements, preparing diligently to exceed expected cut-offs, and making full use of available scholarships. These institutes offer unique platforms for students passionate about science to develop their careers and contribute to innovative research.
FAQs:
What is the eligibility criterion for NEST Exam Syllabus 2025? Candidates must have completed their Class XII examination in the science stream with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) from a recognised board. Additionally, appearing in NEST 2025 is mandatory for all applicants.
What scholarship opportunities are available for NEST qualifiers? Students admitted to the integrated MSc programs at NISER and CEBS are eligible for a DISHA scholarship of INR 60,000 annually plus an internship grant of INR 20,000.
How is the NEST 2025 merit list prepared? The merit list considers the best three scores out of four subject sections, with a Minimum Admissible percentage requirement of 95 for general category candidates, 90 for OBC, and 75 for SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates.
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