National Entrance Screening Test Exam Pattern 2026
National Entrance Screening Test Exam Pattern
NEST 2026 Exam Overview
NEST 2026 (National Entrance Screening Test) is a 3-hour computer-based test conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The exam is held on June 6, 2026, in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The test covers four subject sections — Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics — for a total of 240 marks. Your merit rank is computed on the best three section scores, with a maximum of 180 marks.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) |
| Conducting Bodies | NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT / Online) |
| Exam Date 2026 | June 6, 2026 (Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) |
| Total Questions | 80 (20 per section) |
| Total Marks (Paper) | 240 (60 marks per section) |
| Merit Score Maximum | 180 marks (Best 3 of 4 sections) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (–1 mark per wrong answer) |
| Language of Paper | English |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
NEST 2026 is a 3-hour computer-based test with 80 questions for 240 marks across four subjects. The exam has 4 sections — Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics — each with 20 MCQs carrying 60 marks.
- A correct answer earns +3 marks; a wrong answer deducts 1 mark; leaving a question blank gives 0 marks.
- Merit ranks at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS are based on the best 3 out of 4 section scores — your weakest section is dropped, capping the effective merit score at 180 marks.
- You must attempt at least 3 sections to appear in the merit list; attempting all 4 gives you the flexibility to drop your weakest section automatically.
- The General section has been removed in 2026 and the exam duration is cut from 3.5 hours to 3 hours — the biggest structural change from the 2025 pattern.
- NEST 2026 is a single-shift exam — no second session, no normalisation — so your raw score is your final score.
NEST 2026 Marking Scheme
Each section in NEST 2026 carries 60 marks. Every correct answer gives +3 marks, and every wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
Unanswered questions receive 0 marks. The merit score is calculated from the best 3 of 4 sections, so the maximum possible merit score is 180 marks.
NEST 2026 Changes from Previous Year
The General section has been removed in 2026. The exam duration has been reduced from 3.5 hours to 3 hours.
The exam is now a single-shift test with no normalisation. Your raw score is used directly for merit ranking.
NEST 2026 Official Website
The official website for NEST 2026 is nestexam.in. All exam-related updates and notifications are published there.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online. It is held in a single shift on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The exam is conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The total duration of the test is 3 hours (180 minutes).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT / Online) |
| Exam Date | June 6, 2026 |
| Shift Timing | Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Number of Sessions | 1 (Single Shift) |
| Conducting Bodies | NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Number of Sections | 4 |
| Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Questions per Section | 20 MCQs |
| Total Questions | 80 |
| Marks per Section | 60 marks |
| Total Marks (Paper) | 240 marks |
| Merit Score Basis | Best 3 of 4 sections (maximum 180 marks) |
| Negative Marking | –1 mark per wrong answer |
| Language | English |
| Normalisation | Not applicable (single shift) |
NEST 2026 Important Dates
The table below lists all key NEST 2026 milestones. Upcoming events are shown first in order of occurrence; completed events follow in chronological order.
The exam was conducted on June 6, 2026. The next milestones are the provisional answer key and the final result.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional Answer Key Release | June 10–12, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Answer Key Objection Window | June 10–12, 2026 | Upcoming |
| NEST 2026 Result | June 24, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Scorecard Download | June 25, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Application Form | January 5 – April 8, 2026 | Over |
| Application Correction Window | April 18–19, 2026 | Over |
| Admit Card Release | May 18, 2026 (Re-download: May 24, 2026) | Over |
| NEST 2026 Exam | June 6, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | Conducted |
NEST 2026 Detailed Exam Pattern
The NEST 2026 question paper has four sections, each devoted to one subject. Every section carries 20 MCQ questions worth 3 marks each, adding up to 60 marks per section and 240 marks overall.
Each MCQ has four options with exactly one correct answer. No partial credit is awarded for any section.
Candidates can attempt all four sections, but only the best three section scores count towards the rank at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Biology | 20 | +3 | 60 | – |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 20 | +3 | 60 | – |
| Section 3 | Mathematics | 20 | +3 | 60 | – |
| Section 4 | Physics | 20 | +3 | 60 | – |
| Total | – | 80 | – | 240 marks | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
There is no per-section time limit in NEST 2026. Candidates can navigate freely between all four sections during the 3-hour window and allocate their own time per subject.
The merit list for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is prepared on the basis of the best three scores out of four. The section with the lowest score is automatically excluded. The maximum effective merit score is therefore 180 marks, not 240.
NEST 2026 Marking Scheme
NEST 2026 uses a uniform marking scheme across all four sections. Every question is an MCQ with a single correct answer.
- Correct responses earn +3 marks.
- Wrong responses lose 1 mark.
- Unattempted questions receive 0 marks.
There are no MSQ (multiple select) or numerical-type questions in 2026. The format is entirely objective MCQ, removing the dual marking scheme of 2025.
NEST 2026 Marking Scheme
Every question in NEST 2026 is an MCQ with a single correct answer. The marking scheme is the same for all four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ – Single Correct (All Sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) | +3 | –1 | 0 |
Every wrong MCQ in NEST 2026 carries a negative marking of 1 mark. Avoid guessing randomly, especially in weaker subjects.
Merit is based on the best 3 sections. A net score close to zero in the fourth section still qualifies, as that section can be dropped. Focus on accuracy in the three strongest subjects to avoid penalty-driven losses.
NEST Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
Each of the four NEST 2026 sections draws questions from the Class 11 and 12 syllabus of the respective subject. The syllabus is broadly aligned with NCERT/CBSE standards but extends to higher-order and application-level questions.
Biology (Section 1)
The Biology section tests understanding of life sciences from cell level to ecology. Questions often require applying concepts rather than direct recall, with genetics and molecular biology carrying consistent high weightage in past papers.
| Topic Area | Indicative Questions | Indicative Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology & Biochemistry | ~4–5 | ~12–15 |
| Genetics, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | ~5–6 | ~15–18 |
| Plant Structure & Physiology | ~3–4 | ~9–12 |
| Animal Physiology & Development | ~3–4 | ~9–12 |
| Ecology, Evolution & Diversity of Life | ~3–4 | ~9–12 |
| Total | 20 | 60 |
Chemistry (Section 2)
The Chemistry section covers physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry from the Class 11–12 syllabus. Numerical problems in physical chemistry are common, and organic reaction mechanisms require deep conceptual understanding.
| Topic Area | Indicative Questions | Indicative Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Kinetics) | ~6–8 | ~18–24 |
| Organic Chemistry (Reaction Mechanisms, Named Reactions, Functional Groups) | ~7–8 | ~21–24 |
| Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Trends, Coordination Compounds, d-Block Elements) | ~4–6 | ~12–18 |
| Total | 20 | 60 |
Mathematics (Section 3)
The Mathematics section includes calculus, algebra, coordinate geometry, and probability. Questions are conceptual and often require multi-step reasoning; direct formula application alone is rarely sufficient.
| Topic Area | Indicative Questions | Indicative Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Calculus (Limits, Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations) | ~6–7 | ~18–21 |
| Algebra (Complex Numbers, Matrices, Determinants, Permutation & Combination) | ~5–6 | ~15–18 |
| Coordinate Geometry & Vectors (Lines, Conics, 3D Geometry) | ~4–5 | ~12–15 |
| Probability, Statistics & Trigonometry | ~3–4 | ~9–12 |
| Total | 20 | 60 |
Physics (Section 4)
The Physics section spans mechanics, modern physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Numerical and application-based questions make up the majority; conceptual one-liners and derivation-based MCQs also appear regularly.
| Topic Area | Indicative Questions | Indicative Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Rotational Motion, Gravitation) | ~5–6 | ~15–18 |
| Electricity & Magnetism (Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Electromagnetic Induction) | ~5–6 | ~15–18 |
| Modern Physics & Optics (Photoelectric Effect, Atoms, Nuclei, Ray & Wave Optics) | ~5–6 | ~15–18 |
| Thermal Physics, Waves & Oscillations | ~3–4 | ~9–12 |
| Total | 20 | 60 |
Note: Topic-wise question counts are indicative and based on previous year NEST papers (2007–2025). The exact distribution varies each year. Cover all topics listed in the official NEST syllabus available at nestexam.in.
NEST Question Types 2026
All questions in NEST 2026 are multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a single correct answer. The exam uses the same question format across all four sections.
NEST 2026 Question Type
NEST 2026 uses only one question type across all four sections: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) with a single correct answer. Each MCQ has four options (A, B, C, D), and exactly one option is correct.
| Question Type | Description | Applies To | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ – Single Correct | Four options; exactly one is correct | All 4 sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) | +3 marks | –1 mark |
Key points about the MCQ format in NEST 2026:
- Each question has four answer choices; you must select exactly one option.
- You can mark a question for review and return to it later — the CBT interface supports flagging questions.
- There are no numerical or integer-type questions in NEST 2026 — all 80 questions are MCQ.
- There are no MSQ (multiple select questions) in NEST 2026 — a significant change from the 2025 pattern.
- Questions do not have internal choices — every question must be attempted as presented.
- The CBT interface allows free navigation between sections — you are not locked into one section at a time.
NEST Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
NEST 2026 introduces significant structural changes compared to the 2025 pattern. The General section has been removed, the duration has been reduced by 30 minutes, and the question format has been simplified from MCQ+MSQ to MCQ-only.
The maximum merit score stays at 180 marks, but the way it is calculated is different from 2025. The NEST pattern has changed substantially in 2026: the General section is removed, duration is cut to 3 hours, and MSQs are dropped.
| Parameter | NEST 2025 | NEST 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sections | 5 (General + 4 subjects) | 4 (subjects only) |
| General Section | Present (30 marks, no negative marking) | Removed |
| Total Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours (30 minutes shorter) |
| Questions per Subject Section | 17 (12 MCQ + 5 MSQ) | 20 (MCQ only) |
| Question Types in Subject Sections | MCQ + MSQ | MCQ only |
| MCQ Marks (Correct) | +2.5 | +3 |
| MCQ Negative Marking (Wrong) | –1 | –1 (unchanged) |
| MSQ Marks (Correct) | +4 (no negative marking) | Not applicable — MSQ removed |
| Marks per Subject Section | 50 marks | 60 marks |
| Total Paper Marks | 230 (General 30 + 4×50) | 240 (4×60) |
| Merit Score Basis | General section + Best 3 subjects | Best 3 of 4 subjects (General dropped) |
| Merit Score Maximum | 180 marks | 180 marks (unchanged) |
| Exam Mode | CBT (Online) | CBT (Online) (unchanged) |
| Number of Shifts | Single shift | Single shift (unchanged) |
How to Prepare Based on NEST Exam Pattern
Your preparation strategy for NEST 2026 should directly reflect the 4-section MCQ structure, the best-3-of-4 merit rule, and the –1 negative marking system. Use the pattern to build a targeted plan rather than treating all four subjects equally.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
NEST 2026 has four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The General section from the 2025 pattern has been removed, reducing the total from five sections to four.
Number of Questions
NEST 2026 has 80 questions in total. Each section has 20 questions, and all questions are MCQs with a single correct answer from four options.
Total Marks
The NEST 2026 question paper carries 240 marks (4 sections × 60 marks each). The merit list is prepared on a maximum of 180 marks, as only the best three section scores are counted and the lowest-scoring section is excluded.
Marking Scheme
NEST 2026 deducts 1 mark for every wrong MCQ answer. A correct answer earns +3 marks, and an unattempted question carries 0 marks. All 80 questions follow the same +3/–1 scheme with no exceptions.
Exam Duration
NEST 2026 is a 3-hour (180-minute) exam conducted in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on June 6, 2026. This is 30 minutes shorter than the NEST 2025 duration of 3 hours 30 minutes.
Exam Mode
NEST 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted entirely online at designated test centres. No physical answer sheet or OMR sheet is used.
Merit List Preparation
The NEST 2026 merit list for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is prepared using your best three section scores out of four. The section with the lowest score is automatically dropped. Each section carries 60 marks, so the maximum effective merit score is 180 marks.
Section Attempt Requirements
You must attempt at least three sections to qualify for the merit list. Attempting all four is strongly advisable, because it lets the system drop your weakest section automatically. If you attempt only three sections, you have no safety net if one of those sections goes poorly.
Subjects Covered
NEST 2026 covers four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each subject has a dedicated section with 20 MCQs for 60 marks. The syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum, broadly aligned with NCERT/CBSE standards but tested at a higher conceptual and application level.
Preparation Strategy
Focus on Strong Subjects
Identify your three strongest subjects early and maximise your score in those. Since only the best 3 section scores count for merit, your rank is determined by your top three performances. Students from a PCM background should target Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students from PCB should prioritise Biology, Chemistry, and their third science.
Time Allocation
Attempt all four sections, but allocate time strategically. The 3-hour window has no per-section time limit. Target roughly 40–45 minutes per section and keep 10–15 minutes at the end for review. Attempting all four sections lets the system drop your worst section automatically.
Negative Marking Discipline
Apply strict negative-marking discipline throughout. A wrong answer costs you 1 mark and denies the +3 you could have earned — a 4-mark swing per question. Attempt only when you can eliminate at least two options. Random guessing is a net loss over any significant number of questions.
Previous Year Papers
Solve NEST previous year papers from 2007–2025, available for free at nestexam.in. NEST questions are known for conceptual depth and novel application. Past papers reveal the question style, difficulty level, and which topic areas recur most often within each section.
NCERT Foundation
Build your foundation on NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for all four subjects. NEST does not go beyond the Class 12 scope, but it tests concepts at an application level. A thorough NCERT foundation is essential before moving to advanced reference material.
Timed Sectional Mocks
Practice timed sectional mocks — aim to complete 20 questions in 40 minutes per section. Without per-section limits, students often over-invest time in a favourite subject and rush the rest. Timed drills reveal which topics slow you down and build discipline for exam day.
Biology Priority Areas
For Biology, prioritise genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology above other areas. These topics carry high question density in NEST papers, require both conceptual clarity and mechanistic recall, and are the areas where high-scoring students typically separate themselves.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Changes
NEST 2026 removes the General section from the exam. The exam duration is reduced from 3.5 hours to 3 hours.
Each subject section now has 20 questions instead of 17. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) are dropped entirely from the paper.
Marking Scheme for NEST 2026
The per-question mark for MCQs changes from +2.5 to +3 in NEST 2026. The maximum merit score remains at 180 marks.
The merit score is now calculated from the best 3 of 4 subject sections. In 2025, the score was based on the General section plus the best 3 subjects.
| Particular | NEST 2025 | NEST 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General section | Present | Removed |
| Exam duration | 3.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Questions per subject section | 17 | 20 |
| MSQs | Present | Dropped |
| Marks per correct MCQ | +2.5 | +3 |
| Maximum merit score | 180 | 180 |
Marking Rules for All Questions
NEST 2026 follows a uniform marking scheme for all 80 questions. A correct answer gives +3 marks, a wrong answer gives –1 mark, and an unattempted question gives 0 marks.
All questions are MCQs with a single correct answer. There are no question types with a different marking rule in the 2026 paper.
NEST 2026 Result and Answer Key Dates
The NEST 2026 result is expected on June 24, 2026. It will be published on the official website nestexam.in.
The provisional answer key will be released between June 10 and June 12, 2026. The objection window will remain open until June 12.
Scorecards will be available for download from June 25, 2026.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Provisional answer key release | June 10 to June 12, 2026 |
| Objection window closes | June 12, 2026 |
| Result announcement | June 24, 2026 |
| Scorecard download | June 25, 2026 |
The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
NEST 2026 has four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The General section from the 2025 pattern has been removed, reducing the total from five sections to four.
The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online at designated test centres. No physical answer sheet or OMR sheet is used.
Number of Questions and Total Marks
NEST 2026 has 80 questions in total, with 20 questions per section. All questions are MCQs with a single correct answer from four options.
The question paper carries 240 marks, with each section worth 60 marks. However, the merit list is prepared on a maximum of 180 marks.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 80 (20 per section) |
| Total paper marks | 240 (60 per section) |
| Maximum merit score | 180 (best 3 sections) |
| Question type | MCQ, single correct answer |
Marking Scheme
NEST 2026 deducts 1 mark for every wrong MCQ answer. A correct answer earns +3 marks, and an unattempted question carries 0 marks.
All 80 questions follow the same +3/-1 scheme with no exceptions for any section. There are no question types with a different marking rule in the 2026 paper.
| Answer type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +3 |
| Wrong answer | -1 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
Exam Duration and Schedule
NEST 2026 is a 3-hour (180-minute) exam conducted in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on June 6, 2026. This is 30 minutes shorter than the NEST 2025 duration of 3 hours 30 minutes.
The reduction in duration reflects the removal of the General section and the change in questions per subject section.
Merit List Preparation
The NEST 2026 merit list for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is prepared using your best three section scores out of four. The section with the lowest score is automatically dropped.
Each section carries 60 marks, so the maximum effective merit score is 180 marks. You must attempt at least three sections to qualify for the merit list.
Attempting all four sections is strongly advisable because it lets the system drop your weakest section automatically. If you attempt only three sections, you have no safety net if one of those sections goes poorly on exam day.
Subjects Covered
NEST 2026 covers four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each subject has a dedicated section with 20 MCQs for 60 marks.
The syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum, broadly aligned with NCERT/CBSE standards but tested at a higher conceptual and application level.
Changes from NEST 2025 Pattern
NEST 2026 removes the General section, reduces duration from 3.5 hours to 3 hours, and increases questions per subject section from 17 to 20. MSQs are dropped entirely, and the per-MCQ mark changes from +2.5 to +3.
The maximum merit score stays at 180 marks but is now based on the best 3 of 4 subject sections, rather than the General section plus best 3 subjects as in 2025.
Result and Answer Key Dates
The NEST 2026 result is expected on June 24, 2026, on the official website nestexam.in. Scorecards will be available for download from June 25, 2026.
The provisional answer key will be released between June 10 and June 12, 2026, with an objection window open until June 12.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam date | June 6, 2026 |
| Provisional answer key | June 10-12, 2026 |
| Objection window closes | June 12, 2026 |
| Result announcement | June 24, 2026 |
| Scorecard download | June 25, 2026 |