So, You Want to Crack IAT or NEST 2025? If you’ve got your eyes set on India’s top science institutes—think IISERs, NISER, CEBS—then let’s get one thing clear: cracking IAT or NEST isn’t child’s play. These aren’t just another set of MCQs. They’re filters, gateways, and sometimes, battlegrounds of wit and preparation. Sure, hard work matters—but what truly sets the toppers apart?
  • A rock-solid strategy.
  • Ruthless time discipline.
  • And the right kind of resources.
Thousands of bright, ambitious students appear every year, hoping to grab one of those limited golden seats. That’s right—every mark matters, and every minute you waste could cost you your dream.  

First, Know the Battlefield: IAT & NEST 2025

Before you dive into problem-solving marathons, take a moment. Understand what you're preparing for. What’s the format? What’s the weightage? What do these exams even test?

IAT 2025 (IISER Aptitude Test)

  • Mode: Online (Computer-Based)
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Total Marks: 240
  • Subjects: Physics – 60 marks Chemistry – 60 marks Mathematics – 60 marks Biology – 60 marks
  • Marking: +4 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong one

NEST 2025 (For NISER & CEBS)

  • Mode: Computer-Based
  • Duration: 3.5 Hours
  • Total Marks: 240
  • Subjects: Four sections – 60 marks each
  • Merit List Rule: Only your best three subjects are counted. The lowest one? It’s dropped. Your score will be out of 180.
Let that sink in. You’re allowed a weak subject—but only one. So use that wisely.  

IAT/NEST Step-by-Step Strategy:

🔹 Step 1: Syllabus & Self-Reflection

Start with clarity. Pick up the NCERT textbooks for Classes 11 & 12—they're not optional; they’re your bible. Skim through the syllabus. Find your strongholds. Spot the weak zones. Then? Make a plan. A real one. Allocate time based on subject weightage, your comfort level, and yes—your mood swings too.

🔹 Step 2: Lay the Groundwork – Build Concepts

Top scorers aren’t those who memorize facts—they’re the ones who understand why those facts matter. So build your foundation first.

Recommended Books other than SciAstra’s Books:

Physics:
  • Concepts of Physics – H.C. Verma
  • Fundamentals of Physics – Halliday, Resnick & Walker
  • Problems in General Physics – I.E. Irodov (for the brave-hearted)
Chemistry:
  • Physical Chemistry – P. Bahadur
  • Organic Chemistry – Morrison & Boyd / Solomon & Fryhle
  • Inorganic Chemistry – J.D. Lee + NCERT
Mathematics:
  • IIT Mathematics – M.L. Khanna
  • Cengage or Arihant Series
  • NCERT (Always underrated)
Biology:
  • NCERT (Don’t even think of skipping this)
  • Trueman’s Biology
  • Dinesh Objective Biology
These books are tools. Use them wisely.  

🔹 Step 3: Mock Test series

You can study for months, but without mocks, you’re flying blind.

Here’s what mock tests reveal:
  • How questions are distributed across topics
  • Whether your time management actually works
  • What to attempt first—and what to skip
  • How to avoid the dreaded negative marking spiral
Platforms like SciAstra offer realistic mock books and full test series that mimic the actual exam. Whether you pick the IISER Aptitude Test Mock Book 2025 or the NEST Mock Book 2025, just remember: practice isn’t optional. It’s everything.  

🔹 Step 3: Time management and Revisions:

You’ve studied. You’ve practiced. Now comes the critical phase—revision.

  • Make a quick-access formula sheet
  • Revise key diagrams and definitions daily
  • Don’t waste time relearning everything—revise smart, not hard
  • Practice solving questions under timed conditions
And don’t forget to breathe.  

SciAstra – Your Secret Weapon?

Let’s face it—preparing alone can get overwhelming. That’s where SciAstra steps in. Here’s what they bring to the table: ✅ Mentors who’ve actually cracked IISER, NISER, ISI, CMI ✅ Daily doubt-solving ✅ Structured mocks and personalized guidance It’s not just a course—it’s a strategy, a support system, and sometimes, a reality check.  

Before You Enter the Arena – Some Final Advice

  • Stay Calm. Confidence will get you further than panic ever will.
  • Focus on Strengths. Don’t waste time perfecting what you’re worst at right now.
  • Avoid Guesswork. One bad guess can cost four good answers.
  • Stay Updated. Check official websites. Rules do change. Don’t get caught off guard.
  You're not just preparing for an exam. You're preparing for an opportunity—one that could shape your future. So, make it count. And hey, if you’re looking for a mentor or a roadmap, you know where to find us. SciAstra’s got your back.  

About Us:

At SciAstra, we guide students who want to become scientists and pursue research by helping them secure admissions in the top colleges for the same like IISER, NISER, CEBS, ICAR, CMI, etc. Our mentors are from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, 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! To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from Play Store or App Store!