NEST 2026 Syllabus Explained: Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Maths
- kulveersinghcs
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Are you dreaming of a career in pure sciences or exploring the interdisciplinary engineering domain through research? If you are eyeing a seat at the prestigious National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) or UM-DAE CEBS, understanding the NEST 2026 Syllabus Explained is your first step toward success.
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is one of India’s most competitive exams, often compared to JEE Advanced for its conceptual depth. Unlike traditional engineering entrance exams, NEST focuses heavily on fundamental principles and their research applications. Whether you are a PCM or PCB student, this guide prEXovides a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
What is NEST 2026?
NEST is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc Program at NISER, Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS).
For 2026, the exam is scheduled for June 6, 2026, with applications opening in early January. While the core mission is basic sciences, the curriculum at these institutes often overlaps with advanced engineering domain concepts, particularly in disciplines like Material Science, Chemical Engineering, and Biotechnological research.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Before diving into the syllabus, let’s look at how the paper is structured. Understanding the weightage helps you prioritize the NEST 2026 Syllabus Explained below.
Feature | Details |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Total Sections | 4 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics) |
Questions per Section | 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Total Marks | 240 (60 marks per section) |
Merit Calculation | Best 3 scores out of 4 sections (Total: 180 marks) |
Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Pro Tip: Since only your best three section scores are counted, you have the flexibility to focus on your strengths. However, attempting all four can maximize your percentile!
NEST 2026 Syllabus Explained: Subject-Wise Breakdown
The syllabus for NEST 2026 is largely aligned with the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. However, the questions are designed to test analytical skills rather than rote memorization.
1. Physics Syllabus
Physics in NEST requires a deep understanding of mechanics and electrodynamics. This section is crucial for students looking to enter the research or engineering domain in the future.
Mechanics: Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Rotational Motion, and Gravitation.
Properties of Matter: Bulk properties of solids and fluids, Thermal properties, and Thermodynamics.
Electricity & Magnetism: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic effects of current, and Electromagnetic Induction.
Optics: Ray Optics (Reflection, Refraction) and Wave Optics (Interference, Diffraction).
Modern Physics: Dual nature of matter, Atoms, Nuclei, and Semiconductor Electronics.
2. Chemistry Syllabus
The Chemistry section is divided into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic branches. It is often considered the most scoring section if your concepts are clear.
Physical Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics, and Electrochemistry.
Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements, s-block, p-block, d & f-block elements, and Coordination Compounds.
Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, and Biomolecules.
3. Mathematics Syllabus
For many, this is the most challenging part of the NEST 2026 Syllabus Explained. It covers advanced calculus and algebra.
Algebra: Sets, Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, and Permutations & Combinations.
Calculus: Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, Integrals (Definite & Indefinite), and Differential Equations.
Coordinate Geometry: Straight lines, Conic Sections (Circle, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola).
Vectors & 3D Geometry: Scalar and Vector products, lines and planes in space.
Probability & Statistics: Mean, Variance, and Probability Distributions.
4. Biology Syllabus
The Biology section is vital for aspirants interested in Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering.
Cell Biology: Cell structure, function, and cell cycle.
Genetics & Evolution: Mendelian inheritance, DNA, RNA, and the theory of evolution.
Plant & Human Physiology: Photosynthesis, Respiration, Digestion, Circulation, and Nervous system.
Ecology & Environment: Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Environmental issues.
Biotechnology: Principles and processes, and their applications in medicine and agriculture.
Important Dates for NEST 2026
To stay ahead of the competition, keep these tentative dates on your calendar:
Registration Starts: January 5, 2026
Last Date to Apply: April 6, 2026
Admit Card Release: May 15, 2026
Exam Date: June 6, 2026
Result Declaration: July 2026 (Expected)
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To be eligible for the Integrated MSc program through NEST 2026, candidates must:
Have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
Secure at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD) in the Class 12 board exam.
Have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in Classes 11 and 12.
Preparation Tips for NEST 2026
Cracking NEST requires a strategy different from NEET or JEE Main.
Master NCERT: 90% of the syllabus comes from NCERT, but the application is "Advanced" level.
Solve Previous Year Papers: This is the only way to understand the "NEST level" of questions.
Focus on Concepts: Don't just memorize formulas. Understand the "Why" behind the "What."
Time Management: With 3.5 hours for 80 questions (if you attempt all), you have more time per question than other exams—use it to think deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the NEST 2026 Syllabus Explained differently for PCM and PCB students?
A: No, the syllabus is the same for everyone. However, NEST allows you to choose your best three sections for merit. So, a PCB student can skip Math, and a PCM student can skip Biology.
Q2: Can I get into an engineering domain after clearing NEST?
A: While NISER and CEBS focus on "Basic Sciences," many graduates move into high-end engineering domain research, such as Nuclear Engineering, Nanotechnology, or Bio-Engineering, during their PhD or industry roles.
Q3: Is there negative marking in NEST 2026?
A: Yes, there is a penalty of -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ. Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
Q4: Which books are best for NEST 2026 preparation?
A: Apart from NCERT, refer to H.C. Verma for Physics, O.P. Tandon for Chemistry, R.D. Sharma for Math, and Trueman’s Biology.
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