Are you a 12th students with PCB or PCM subjects who is looking to get admission into NISER or CEBS? Or are you are dropper preparing for NEST? If yes, you all must be knowing if you are eligible for appearing for NEST in 2024 or not. NISER recently released the eligibility criteria for NEST and today we are going to explain the same in this article.
What Is NISER?
NISER or National Institute of Science Education and Research is an institute of national importance established by Department of Atomic Energy in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This institute provides undergraduate degree program which is 5 Year Integrated BS-MS course and postgraduate programs like Masters and Integrated PhD. There are several perks of being a NISER student. For example, all NISER students get a scholarship and if your grades are good, you are directly eligible for walk-in interview in BARC. More about this is mentioned later in this article. Click here to know about the courses provided by NISER.
NISER is one of the premium research institutes of India and has several features as listed below:
- Educational Programs: Offers a 5-year integrated M.Sc. program in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical, and Physical sciences. Allows students to choose a major subject and a minor in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics.
- Teaching Excellence: Faculty comprises distinguished scientists and teachers dedicated to providing high-quality education. Strong emphasis on a vibrant academic ambience to facilitate optimal learning experiences.
- Campus and Affiliation: Operates from a well-equipped campus with a modern infrastructure. Degrees awarded by the Homi Bhabha National Institute, a deemed-to-be University within the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Admissions and Reservations: Total of 200 seats available, including reserved seats for SC/ST/OBC/Divyangjan candidates in accordance with government norms. Reserves 2 supernumerary seats for eligible candidates from J&K and Ladakh. Requires OBC-NCL category applicants to provide a valid certificate during admission.
Scholarship-
Students enrolled in the NISER or CEBS programs qualify for an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 under the DISHA initiative by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. Additionally, these scholarship recipients are entitled to a yearly grant of Rs 20,000 for their summer internships. Graduates from these programs have gone on to pursue Ph.D. studies at esteemed institutions in India and abroad. Furthermore, high-achieving individuals at NISER and CEBS, attaining grades surpassing a specific threshold upon program completion, gain the opportunity to directly participate in the interview for admission to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) training school.
Click here to know more about the placement opportunities after NISER.
What Is NEST?
NEST or National Entrance Screening Test is an offline Computer Based Test conducted by NISER. The scores of NEST is used for admission into NISER and CEBS. NEST is conducted once a year and is scheduled for
Exam Pattern-
- The question paper is divided into 4 sections, each of 50 marks, featuring objective (MCQ) type questions.
- Sections cover subject-specific questions from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
- Each subject section comprises 17 questions:
- 12 questions are single correct answer MCQs.
- 5 questions are multiple correct answer MCQs.
Scoring System-
- For single correct answer MCQs:
- Earn 2.5 marks for each correct answer.
- Incur a penalty of -1 for each incorrect answer.
- Unattempted questions receive 0 marks.
- For multiple correct answer MCQs:
- Earn full marks (4) by choosing all correct answers and no wrong answers.
- Otherwise, receive 0 marks.
Merit List Preparation-
- The merit list is derived from the best three qualifying scores out of four sections.
- The section with the lowest score is excluded from the calculation.
Examination Details-
- The examination is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Candidates input all required details at the computer terminal.
- Questions are displayed on the monitor, and answers are provided using electronic equipment.
- Negative markings apply for incorrect answers in single correct answer MCQs.
Additional Information-
- Applicants are advised to attempt all sections to enhance their chances of a better total score.
- A mock test link is provided on the NEST 2023 web page for practice before the exam date.
- Practice sessions on the computer-based test are available on the application portal after complete submission of the online application.
- Access to the application portal is granted only with correct login credentials.
What Is Eligibility Criteria For NEST?
Academic Qualification-
- Candidates must have cleared the 12th Standard examination or its equivalent in 2022, 2023, or be appearing for the same in 2024.
- This criterion applies to candidates of all categories and age groups.
Minimum Percentage Requirement-
- A minimum aggregate of 60% marks (or equivalent grade) in the Class XII examination is mandatory for eligibility.
- For candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Divyangjan categories, the minimum requirement is relaxed to 55%.
Note that earlier, there used to be an age limit for NEST. But this criteria is no more applicable for NEST 2024.
How to Prepare For NEST?
Aspirants aiming for success in NEST should consider the following strategies:
- Understanding the Syllabus: A thorough understanding of the NEST 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:
NEST is an offline Computer Based Test conducted by NISER for admission into 5-Year Integrated MSc program at NISER and CEBS. For NEST 2024, Students who qualified 12th standards or equivalent in 2022, 2023 or appearing for the same in 2024 are eligible. Candidates from the general category must have secured (or secure) 60% marks in 12th or equivalent. For candidates from SC/ST and other categories, this threshold has been relaxed to 55%. For more information on NEST, NISER and exam strategies, read the article.
FAQs:
- How to prepare for NEST?
Use SciAstra to help you prepare for NEST. Our courses are designed for NEST, IAT and other competitive exams. We have many selections in NISER, IISER and other top institutes. Click here to know more.
- Who is eligible for NEST 2024?
Students who have passed the 12th standard exam (or equivalent) in 2022, 2023, or are appearing for it in 2024 are eligible. Minimum marks required are 60% for general category and 55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates.
- What is the exam format for NEST 2024?
It’s an offline Computer Based Test (CBT) with 4 sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) of 50 marks each. Each section has 12 single-correct and 5 multi-correct MCQs.
- How is the NEST score calculated?
The best 3 section scores out of 4 are considered. Single-correct MCQs award 2.5 marks for correct answers and deduct 1 mark for wrong answers. Multi-correct MCQs require all correct answers for full marks (4).
- When is the application deadline for NEST 2024?
The official website hasn’t announced the exact date yet. Stay updated on the official website for the latest information.
- What are the key dates for NEST 2024?
The official dates are announced. Please click here for detailed information.
- What are some resources for preparing for NEST 2024?
The official NEST website provides the syllabus and mock tests.
SciAstra app offers mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
Several coaching institutes offer dedicated NEST preparation courses.
- What are the career prospects after NISER or CEBS?
Graduates can pursue Ph.D. studies in esteemed institutions worldwide or participate in the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) training school.
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!
