How to Prepare for IAT and NEST 2026 Together: Complete 90-Day Strategy Plan

IISER Aptitude Test and NEST exam notifications have been released for the academic session 2026–2027. The NEST 2026 exam will be held to provide admission to the 5-year integrated BSc-MSc degree programme. The IISER 2026 exam will provide admissions to the 5-year BS-MS, 4-year BS/BTech degree courses offered at IISERs, IIT Madras and IISc Bangalore. Both the exams will be conducted in online/CBT mode to test candidates’ domain, conceptual and analytical understanding in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects.

The IAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on June 7, 2026, from 9 am to 12 PM and likewise, NEST 2026 will be conducted on June 6, 2026, at multiple exam centres across the nation. Since both exams are highly competitive and the exams are conducted only 1 day apart, it is very important for candidates appearing for both to prepare strategically.

Since a major portion of the syllabus overlaps, candidates can save time by identifying common topics and preparing them first with strong conceptual clarity. A well-structured IAT/ NEST preparation plan should include syllabus mapping, focused study sessions, regular practice questions, mock tests, and continuous revision.

Students must also analyse IAT/NEST previous year question trends to understand important chapters and exam patterns. With disciplined planning, smart time management, and consistent revision, aspirants can effectively prepare for both exams together and significantly improve their chances of securing admission.

This SciAstra blog will provide complete details on how to prepare for IAT and NEST 2026 together, a complete 90-day study plan, resources available for mock tests, solved previous year question papers, important topics and crash course details.

How to Prepare for IAT and NEST 2026 Together: 90-Day Study Plan 

One of the smart strategies for IAT 2026 and NEST is preparing simultaneously, as both exams test conceptual clarity in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology at the Class 11 and 12 level. The IAT is conducted for admissions into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, while NEST is conducted for admission to the National Institute of Science Education and Research and UM-DAE CEBS. Since a major portion of the syllabus overlaps, a combined preparation plan can maximise efficiency and results.

The following is an overview of a 90-day strategy plan, which is further divided into three structured phases:

• Phase 1: February 20 – March 10, 2026 (Foundation & Syllabus Completion)

• Phase 2: March 10 – May 20, 2026 (Practice, Mocks & Revision – 60 Days)

• Phase 3: May 20 – June 6, 2026 (Final Revision & PYQs Focus)

Phase 1: February 20 – March 10, 2026

The first phase will be a crucial one because it sets the foundation for the entire preparation journey.

Download and Compare Syllabi

During this period, candidates are advised to carefully download the latest official IAT and NEST syllabi and compare them topic by topic. Identify common topics that appear in both exams, as these chapters should be given the highest priority.

The first 20 days should focus on structured syllabus coverage.

Examples of common high-priority areas:

• Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrodynamics

• Chemistry: Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry

• Mathematics: Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry

• Biology: Genetics, Ecology, Cell Biology

Preparation Strategy Based on Candidate Level

Mastering Strategy for all Subjects

Candidates can check out the YouTube videos below by the SciAstra team, which mentions the 60/60 Mastering Strategy for the subjects of NEST and IAT 2026 preparation:

• Physics:

• Mathematics:

  

• Chemistry:

• Biology:

  

Also, study the Year-on-Year IAT & NEST Trend Analysis to understand which chapters are frequently asked. Observing the chronology of important topics helps you prepare strategically instead of randomly.

Goals to Achieve by March 10, 2026

Also Read: How to Prepare for IAT 2026 Biology Section

Phase 2: March 10 – May 20, 2026 (60 Days)

This preparation will be a 60-day period, and also the most important phase of preparation. Success in IAT and NEST 2026 depends heavily on three tools: question practice, mock tests, and revision.

• Students who already have short notes should begin revising from them and attempt as many mock tests as possible. Their aim should be to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.

• Students who do not have short notes should revise from their long notes and highlight important formulas, definitions, and concepts. Gradually, these long notes should be converted into concise revision sheets.

• After revising each chapter, candidates must solve practice questions immediately. This ensures that concepts are applied practically. Once a week, two full-length mock tests should be attempted—one for IAT and one for NEST. This helps students become comfortable with both exam patterns and reduces exam anxiety.

• Many students struggle with switching between exam formats. To overcome this, candidates should mentally prepare themselves by attempting separate mock tests for both exams weekly. One day should be dedicated to an IAT mock test, and another day should be dedicated to a NEST mock test. This improves adaptability and builds confidence.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IAT 2026 Physics Section

Where to Take IAT & NEST Mock Tests?

You can prepare through:

• IAT/NEST All India Mock Test Series (AITS):

Buy Now

• IAT/NEST FOCUS Test Series:

Buy Now

Buy Now

How to Analyse Mock Tests Properly

Mock analysis is more important than mock attempts.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IAT 2026 Physics Section

Phase 3: May 20 – June 6, 2026

This is the final phase of the IAT and NEST 2026 Exam preparation. Here, the candidates who have meticulously focused on preparing according to the above mentioned 2 phases, will now move to the final revision and focus on solving the IAT/ NEST previous year question papers.

Attempt Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

• One day: NEST PYQs

• Next day: IAT PYQs

• Continue alternately

Also Read:

• IAT Previous Year Question Papers

• NEST Previous Year Question Papers

You may refer to the IAT/NEST PYQ & Mock Test Books

IAT/ NEST 2026 Crash Course Option

Students who feel underprepared can enrol in a structured crash course. A crash course typically offers:

• Quick revision of high-weightage topics

• Doubt-solving sessions

• Full-length mock simulations

• Performance tracking

• Strategy sessions for exam temperament

Check out IAT/NEST 2026 Exam Preparation Courses for Class 11 of Sciastra from here:

Check out IAT/NEST 2026 Exam Preparation Courses for Class 12 of Sciastra from here:

Check out IAT/NEST 2026 Exam Preparation Courses for Droppers of Sciastra from here:

Also Read: IAT 2026 Changes Introduced

Complete 90-Day Summary Strategy

Here is the summary of the complete 90-day IAT and NEST examination preparation strategy:

Phase 1: Build Concepts & Complete Syllabus
Phase 2: Practice + Mocks + Analysis
Phase 3: PYQs + Final Revision + Mental Conditioning

Success in IAT and NEST depends on:

• Conceptual clarity

• Smart topic prioritisation

• Consistent mock practice

• Proper mistake analysis

• Strong mental adaptability

If you follow this 90-day structured roadmap with discipline, you can significantly improve your performance in both IAT and NEST 2026.

Conclusion

To crack the IISER Aptitude Test 2026 and NEST 2026 exam, practice consistently, strategise rightly, and choose resources wisely. A candidate can gain immense confidence and performance by understanding the pattern of the examination, covering the complete syllabus, solving high-quality books and PYQs, and attempting mock tests regularly. Disciplined preparation and the right guidance will surely help the candidate secure a seat in one of the prestigious IISERs/ NISER/UM-DAE-CEBS/IISc/IIT Madras.

Read More: SciAstra Diwas 2026