The NEST 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum across Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Since the NEST 2026 exam was held on 6 June 2026, this syllabus serves as a reference for the pattern and for future aspirants. The official syllabus is published at nestexam.in.
NEST 2026 Syllabus
What does the NEST 2026 syllabus cover?
The syllabus covers four science subjects with equal weightage, and questions test conceptual application rather than rote learning. Basically, NCERT Class 11-12 forms the base. Therefore, candidates attempt the best three of four sections, so a strong grip on at least three subjects matters most.
NEST 2026 Official Syllabus – Check the official syllabus and brochure at nestexam.in.
NEST 2026 Section Weightage
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 20 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Physics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 80 | 240 (best 3 = 180 for merit) |
Physics
- Mechanics, gravitation, properties of matter
- Thermodynamics, oscillations and waves
- Electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism
- Optics, modern physics, semiconductors
Chemistry
- Physical: atomic structure, thermodynamics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetics
- Organic: hydrocarbons, functional groups, biomolecules, reaction mechanisms
- Inorganic: periodic table, chemical bonding, coordination compounds
Biology
- Diversity in living world, cell structure and function
- Plant and animal physiology
- Reproduction, genetics, and evolution
- Biotechnology, human welfare, ecology
Mathematics
- Sets, relations, complex numbers, sequences and series
- Trigonometry, conic sections, coordinate geometry
- Calculus: limits, differentiation, integration
- Vectors, 3D geometry, probability, statistics
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Questions: 80 MCQs (20 per section)
- Marking: +3 correct; -1 incorrect; 0 unattempted
- Merit: best three of four sections
Preparation Tips
- Master NCERT Class 11-12 for all four subjects; it is the core resource.
- Focus on your three strongest subjects, since the best three sections count for merit.
- Practise application-based problems and prior NEST / JEE / NEET level questions.
- Solve NEST previous year question papers in 3.5-hour timed CBT mode.
Recommended Books for NEST 2026
Alongside NCERT, the following books help with concept revision and practice. (These are affiliate links.)
- NCERT Physics Class 11, 12
- NCERT Chemistry Class 11, 12
- NCERT Biology Class 11, 12
- MTG Objective NCERT at your FINGERTIPS – Physics
- MTG Objective NCERT at your FINGERTIPS – Chemistry
- MTG Objective NCERT at your FINGERTIPS – Biology
- NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) 2026-27 (Set of 5 Books) for NISER & UM-DAE CEBS
- SciAstra NEST Mock Test Book
NEST 2026
NEST is the National Entrance Screening Test, conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programme. After preparing from the syllabus, candidates download the NEST admit card, and after the exam they check the answer key and result.
NEST Syllabus – An Overview
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | NEST 2026 |
| Conducting Bodies | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Based On | NCERT Class 11 and 12 |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Marking | +3 correct; -1 incorrect |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
| Similar Exams | Science Entrance Exams |
NEST Syllabus FAQs
The NEST 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum across Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
NEST 2026 is a 3 hours 30 minutes CBT with 80 MCQs across four sections of 20 questions each; +3 for correct and -1 for incorrect, with the best three of four sections counted for merit.
Candidates may attempt all four sections, but only the best three of four section scores are used for the merit list, so focusing on three strong subjects is a sound strategy.
NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics are the core resource, supported by MTG Objective NCERT at your Fingertips, NEST-specific guides for NISER and CEBS, and previous year NEST papers.
If you have any questions about the NEST 2026 syllabus, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page useful, then please share it!
Is it mandatory to answer all four subjects in the exam.
NEST 2022 brochure says – It is in the interest of the candidate to attempt all sections. The merit list for both the institutes is prepared using the best 3 scores out of the four sections and the section with the worst score is omitted. Thus attempting all sections will increase their chances of a better total score (for details of merit list preparation see page 11 of information brochure)
Is it mandatory that all four sections have got minimum cut off to qualify the exam
No, the cut off is implemented on overall exam. There is no sectional cut off
Nest exam can give students in medical stream in 10+2 or only Non medical students can give