IAT & NEST 2025 Preparation: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Cracking IAT or NEST for IISERs, NISER, or CEBS needs more than hard work—it demands strategy, smart time management, and top resources. With tough competition, focused and efficient preparation makes all the difference.

Understanding IAT 2025 and NEST 2025 Exam Pattern

Before diving into preparation, it’s essential to understand the exam structure and syllabus for both exams, as this helps streamline your study strategy and focus on the most important topics effectively.

IAT 2025 Exam Pattern (IISER Aptitude Test)

– Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Duration: 3 Hours – Total Marks: 240 – Subjects & Marking:Physics: 60 marks Chemistry: 60 marks Mathematics: 60 marks Biology: 60 marks – Marking Scheme: (+4) for each correct answer and (-1) for each wrong answer.

NEST 2025 Exam Pattern (National Entrance Screening Test)

– Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Duration: 3.5 Hours – Total Marks:  240 – Subjects & Marking: – Physics: 60 marks – Chemistry:60 marks – Mathematics:60 marks – Biology: 60 marks

Preparation Strategy for IAT & NEST 2025

Understand the IAT syllabus from Class 11 and 12 NCERTs. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology. Learn the 3-hour MCQ format with negative marking to plan your strategy effectively.

Best Books for NEST and IAT 2025-Physics

– Concepts of Physics (Vol 1 & 2) – H.C. Verma: For clarity and strong conceptual understanding. – Fundamentals of Physics – Halliday, Resnick & Walker: For deeper insight and problem-solving. – Problems in General Physics – I.E. Irodov: For advanced questions and conceptual clarity.

Best Books for NEST and IAT 2025-Chemistry

– Physical Chemistry – P. Bahadur (Best for numerical problems) – Organic Chemistry – Morrison & Boyd / Solomon & Fryhle (For in-depth understanding) Inorganic Chemistry – J.D. Lee / NCERT (For building strong fundamentals)

Best Books for NEST and IAT 2025-Mathematics

– IIT Mathematics – M.L. Khanna (For extensive problem-solving) – Cengage Series / Arihant Series (For topic-wise practice) – NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) (For basics and direct questions)

Best Books for NEST and IAT 2025-Biology

– NCERT Biology (Class 11 & 12) (Absolutely essential!) – Trueman’s Biology (For a little extra detail) – Dinesh Objective Biology (For practice questions)

Practice & Mock Tests

Platforms like SciAstra offer structured test series and doubt-clearing sessions. Mock tests simulate real exam scenarios, helping with question trends, time management, strategy building, and improving accuracy—ultimately reducing mistakes and avoiding negative marking confidently.

How SciAstra Can Help You Crack IAT & NEST?

SciAstra offers expert mentoring for IAT, NEST, and more with top-notch guidance, structured materials, mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions—empowering students to excel through personalized support and proven strategies from successful mentors.

Resourses

Boost your IAT prep with SciAstra’s courses: Vikram 2.0 Batch (Hinglish Crash Course for 2025), Kalam Batch (English Crash Course for 2025), and Homi Batch 2026 for Class 11 students targeting IAT & NEST 2026.

Last-Minute Tips for IAT & NEST 2025

– Stay Calm & Confident: Avoid last-minute cramming. – Focus on Strengths: Prioritize high-weightage topics. – Avoid Guesswork: Negative marking can hurt your score. – Stay Updated: Check official websites for any changes.

About us

SciAstra, a team of global scientists and scholars, empowers students to pursue science careers. Offering live classes, study materials, and mock tests, we've mentored 10,000+ students with 1,000+ selections in IISc, IISER, and NISER since 2021.