The NEST 2027 exam pattern is expected to be released along with the official notification in the first week of January 2027 on the official NEST website, nestexam.in. Based on the previous year's pattern, the NEST 2027 question paper is expected to consist of 80 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, with 20 questions in each section.
The NEST 2027 exam is tentatively scheduled to be conducted in the first week of June 2027 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programmes offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM–DAE CEBS, Mumbai. The duration of the examination will be 3 hours.
Candidates should note that the merit list for both institutes will be prepared using the best three scores out of the four subject sections. The section with the lowest score will not be considered while calculating the merit score. As a result, scores out of 180 marks will be used for preparing the merit list.
Aspirants preparing for NEST 2027 should refer to this SciAstra exam page to understand the complete exam pattern, including the types and number questions, marking scheme, marking criteria, and other important details related to the exam question paper.
Note:
The information provided here is based on the previous year's information brochure of NEST. If there are changes in the NEST exam pattern in 2027, the page content will be updated accordingly.
NEST 2027 Exam Pattern Highlights
Check out the NEST exam pattern 2027 highlights from here:
Feature | Details |
Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test - CBT) |
Exam Level | National level (Undergraduate entrance exam) |
Test Language | English only |
Question Type | Objective-type questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Total Questions | 80 |
Total Marks | 240 |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Exam Shift | 2 PM to 5 PM |
NEST 2027 AIR 1 Secured by a SciAstra Student
A SciAstra student has secured AIR 1 in NEST 2027, showcasing exceptional academic performance. The achievement reflects the student's dedication, consistent preparation, and expert mentorship throughout the examination journey.
Refer to the following to learn how to check NEST 2027 result:
Also Read:
NEST Exam Pattern 2027
Check out the section wise exam pattern and NEST 2027 marking scheme from here:
Subjects | Types of Questions | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
Biology | MCQ | 20 | 60 |
Chemistry | MCQ | 20 | 60 |
Mathematics | MCQ | 20 | 60 |
Physics | MCQ | 20 | 60 |
Is Biology compulsory in NEST?
No, Biology and Mathematics are not compulsory in NEST. There are four sections in the NEST question paper: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
While calculating the scores of candidates, the three subjects in which they scored the highest are considered.
For admission to the 5‑year Integrated MSc in Biological Sciences, candidates must have studied Biology as one of their Class 11 and 12 subjects.
What is the syllabus of the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)?
The syllabus of NEST is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 curricula of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
The official PDF for the syllabus is available below:
Is the NEST syllabus different from the JEE Main syllabus?
In general, the core topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are the same as Class 11–12 NCERT, so they largely overlap with typical JEE/Board‑level syllabi.
However, the emphasis in NEST is more on conceptual understanding and application rather than heavy-level problem-solving, and the pattern includes a General / Biology‑focused section for Integrated MSc candidates.
Where can I get the official NEST syllabus PDF?
The official NEST syllabus PDF is released by the NEST authorities and is hosted on the NEST exam website (nestexam.in). The syllabus for the 2027 session of the exam has not been released yet. Once it is released, the official syllabus PDF will be provided here.
NEST 2027 Negative Marking Scheme
Check out the marking scheme of the exam from below:
Marks Awarded | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Unanswered/Marked for Review |
+3 Marks | +3 marks awarded | Not Awarded | Not awarded |
-1 Marks | Not Awarded | -1 marks awarded | Not awarded |
NEST 2027 Shift Timings
Check out the NEST 2027 shift timings from here:
Parameter | Details |
Shift | Afternoon |
Reporting Time | 1:00 PM |
Exam Duration | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Departure | 5:10 PM |
NEST Analysis 2027
The NEST exam analysis provided important insights into the difficulty level of the exam and types of questions asked. The analysis for NEST 2027 will be provided after the conclusion of the exam. Meanwhile, candidates can check previous year's exam analysis on this page.
NEST 2027 Difficulty Level | |
Section/Subject | Difficulty Level |
Physics | To be updated |
Chemistry | To be updated |
Biology | To be updated |
Mathematics | To be updated |
How can I prepare for the NEST exam?
To prepare for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST), candidates must know the syllabus of the exam. Thereafter, they can use the following preparation tips:
Learn all the topics in the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics syllabi. The NEST syllabus is based on these NCERT syllabi.
Solve NEST PYQs
Use the best books for NEST. Learn concepts and solve practice papers from it.
Solve NEST Mock Test
Are NCERT books enough for NEST preparation?
NCERT books are essential for building a strong foundation, especially in Chemistry and Biology. However, they are not sufficient alone. NEST requires deeper conceptual understanding and application-based practice, so students should supplement NCERT with exam-focused resources like SciAstra books and mock test series.
How many months are sufficient for NEST exam preparation?
Ideally, 6–12 months of dedicated preparation is sufficient for the preparation. However, if your basics are already strong, even 3–4 months of focused study with regular practice can yield good results.
For a quick revision, candidates can take a highly affordable NEST Mock Test (FOCUS Test) by SciAstra.
This test is based on the actual NEST exam pattern and simulates conditions the same as the real exam.
Is coaching necessary to crack the NEST exam?
No, coaching is not mandatory. But preparation can feel overwhelming without guidance from experienced and knowledgeable mentors. That makes the process difficult and lengthy.
At SciAstra, we offer NEST preparation courses where our mentors from NISER Bhubaneswar, IISERs, and IITs help you crack the exam.
These courses come in different price ranges to suit every student's budget.
NEST Analysis 2027
Check out the section-wise difficulty level for NEST 2027 below:
NEST 2027 Difficulty Level | |
Section/Subject | Difficulty Level |
Physics | Moderate to Difficult |
Chemistry | Easy to Moderate |
Biology | Easy to Moderate |
Mathematics | Difficult |
