NEST Syllabus 2026 PDF: Download Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology Syllabus

NEST Syllabus 2026 PDF: Download Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology Syllabus

Shankha GhoshUpdated on 24 Jun 2025, 06:32 PM IST

NEST Syllabus 2026: Candidates who are appearing in class 12 and willing to appear for the NEST 2026 must check the syllabus first. The NEST syllabus 2025 will be available on the official website of the NEST at nestexam.in. Students can download the NEST syllabus through the link. Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT syllabi serve as the foundation for the creation of the NEST 2026 syllabus

This Story also Contains

  1. NEST Syllabus 2026 PDF Link
  2. NEST 2026 Syllabus
  3. NEST Best Preparation Books 2026
  4. NEST Previous Year Sample Papers
  5. NEST Exam Pattern 2026
NEST Syllabus 2026 PDF: Download Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & Biology Syllabus
NEST Syllabus

NISER Bhubaneswar and UM DAE CEBS combinedly conduct the NEST examination every year for the admission in integrated MSc courses. Candidates willing to appear in the NEST 2026 must complete their 12 with minimum qualifying marks. To understand more about the NEST syllabus, students are urged to read the complete article.

NEST Syllabus 2026 PDF Link

The first step to a successful NEST exam preparation is to review the syllabus. The NEST 2026 syllabus is divided into four components. It is required of all participating applicants who plan to take this exam to review all four sections, subjects, and topics related to these subjects. The NEST exam's broad syllabus includes a variety of topics and subtopics in every area.

NEST 2026 Syllabus

We have created a list of subjects and their syllabuses for the NEST 2026 exam for the convenience of the students. It is recommended that students review the information in the table below:

NEST Mathematics Syllabus 2026

The mathematics syllabus of the NEST examination is totally based on the NCERT. Candidates are required to follow the whole mathematics NCERT syllabus from class 10 to 12.

NEST Physics Syllabus 2026

General

Units and Dimensions

Dimensional analysis

Least count

Design of some simple experiments

Significant figures

Methods of measurement

current and resistance Graphical representation and interpretation of data

Error in measurements and error analysis.

Mechanics

Kinematics in one and two dimensions

Newton’s laws of motion

Projectile

Uniform linear motion

Relative velocity

Inertial and uniformly accelerated frames of reference

Static and dynamic friction

Linear and circular simple harmonic motion

Systems of particles

Centripetal acceleration and centrifugal force

Rigid body

Moment of inertia

Parallel and perpendicular axes theorems

Hooke’s law and stress – strain relations. Elastic limit

plastic deformation. Young’s modulus

Bulk and shear moduli

Pressure in a fluid

Pascal’s law

Buoyancy

Surface energy and surface tension

Sound and Mechanical Waves

Plane-wave motion

Longitudinal

and transverse waves

Superposition of waves

Progressive and stationary waves

Vibrations of strings and air columns.

Thermal Physics

Thermal expansion of solids

Liquids and gases

Calorimetry

latent heat

Heat conduction in one dimension

First and the second law of thermodynamics and its applications

Elementary concepts of convection and radiation

Newton’s law of cooling

Equivalence of heat and work

Entropy

Black body radiation - absorptive and emissive powers

Kirchhoff’s law.

Electricity and Magnetism

Coulomb’s law

Electric field and potential

Electrical potential energy of a system of point charges and of electrical dipoles in a uniform electrostatic field.


Capacitance

Calculation of capacitance with and without dielectrics. Capacitors in series and parallel. Energy stored in a capacitor.

Electromagnetic Induction

LR and LC circuits with and A.C sources.

Faraday’s law

Lenz’s law

Self and mutual inductance

RC

Optics

Rectilinear propagation of light, Reflection, and refraction at plane and spherical surfaces, Deviation and dispersion of light by a prism


Modern Physics

Atomic nucleus.

Alpha, beta and gamma radiations.

Law of radioactive decay

Photoelectric effect

Bohr’s theory of hydrogen-like atoms

Characteristic and continuous X–rays

Moseley’s law

Fission and fusion processes.

NEST Chemistry Syllabus 2026

Unit Name

Topics

Measurements in Chemistry - SI unit for fundamental quantities

Significant figures in the calculation

Mole Concept -

Root mean square and most probable velocities and their relation with temperature

Avogadro number and the mole concept

Molar masses

Mole fraction

Molarity

Molality

Percentage Composition

Stoichiometry

Equivalent weight and normality

Calculations based on mole concept and stoichiometry

Kinetic theory of gases; average

Gaseous and Liquid States

Law of partial pressures.

Absolute scale of temperature

Gas laws

Ideal gas equation

Real gases and deviation from ideality

Liquefaction of gases

Van der wall equations

Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding


Bohr Model

Spectrum of hydrogen atom

Quantum numbers

Wave-particle duality

Uncertainty principle

Orbitals and quantum numbers

Thermodynamics


Thermodynamics state

First law of thermodynamics

Internal energy

Work and heat

Pressure-volume work

Enthalpy and enthalpy change

Hess’s law

Heat of reaction

Chemical equilibrium


Laws of chemical equilibrium, Law of mass action, Equilibrium constant

factors affecting equilibrium constant.

Electrochemistry


Redox reactions and electrode potential

Electrochemical cells

Galvanic cells and cell reactions

Standard electrode potential

Nernst equation

Electrochemical series

Emf of galvanic cells


Chemical kinetics


Rates of chemical reactions

Order of reaction

Rate constant

Factors affecting the rate of reaction – concentration

Solid state


Classification of solids

Amorphous and crystalline solids

Crystalline state

Crystal lattice and unit cells

Solutions


Solution of solid and gas in liquid

Concentration of solution

Ideal and non ideal solutions

Colligative properties

Vapour pressure of solution


Surface chemistry

Adsorption, Colloidal state

Inorganic Chemistry


Classification of elements and periodicity in properties

Hydrogen

s– Block elements

p– Block elements

d–Block elements

f–Block elements

Coordination compounds

Metals and metallurgy

Organic Chemistry


Basic concepts

Reactive intermediates

Isomerism

Nomenclature

Alkanes

Alkenes and Alkynes

Aromatic compounds

Haloalkanes (Alkyl halides)

Haloarenes

Alcohols

Phenols

Ethers

Aldehydes and Ketones

Carboxylic acids

Amines

Carbohydrate

Amino acids and proteins

Polymers

Mathematics Algebra


Algebra of complex numbers

Quadratic equations with real coefficients

Arithmetic

Permutations and combinations

Binomial theorem for positive integral index

relations between roots and coefficients

Matrices as a rectangular array of real numbers

properties of these matrix operations

Addition and multiplication rules of probability


Trigonometry


Trigonometric functions

Relations between sides and angles of a triangle

General solution of trigonometric equations


Analytical Geometry

Addition of vectors

Two dimensions - Cartesian coordinates

Equation of a straight line in various forms

angle between two lines

Lines through the point of intersection of two given lines

equation of the bisector of the angle between two lines

Equation of a circle in various forms

Parametric equations of a circle

equation of a circle through the points of intersection of two circles and those of a circle and a straight line

Differential Calculus

scalar multiplication

Real valued functions of a real variable

Rational

trigonometric

exponential and logarithmic functions

Limit and continuity of a function

Limit and continuity of the sum

Inverse of a function

Derivative of a function

Derivative of the sum

difference

Product and quotient of two functions

Derivatives of implicit functions

Integral Calculus

dot and cross products

Integration as the inverse process of differentiation

Integration by parts

Integration by the methods of substitution and partial fractions

Formation of ordinary differential equations

Vectors

scalar triple products and their geometrical interpretations.

NEST Biology Syllabus 2026

Unit Name

Topics

Cell Biology

Genetics and Evolution

Ecology

Humans and Environment

Biology of Animal systems

Circulatory System

Digestive System

Excretory System

Nervous System

Reproductive System

Immunology

Developmental Biology

Biology of Plant systems

NEST Best Preparation Books 2026

Picking the best NEST study guide is essential to achieving high exam scores. Without the support of high-quality reference books, your preparation plan is ineffective. Therefore, be sure that the books you use for your NEST study 2026 preparation are the best available.

NEST Recommended Books

Subjects

Books Recommended

Mathematics

  • Plane Trigonometry by S.L. Loney

  • Arihant Series by Dr. SK Goyal

  • IIT Mathematics by R.D Sharma

  • Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight

  • Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 by R.S. Aggarwal

  • Objective Mathematics Part 1 and Part 2 (NCERT difficulty) by RD Sharma

Chemistry

  • IIT Chemistry by O.P Agarwal

  • Organic Chemistry by NCERT

  • Textbook of Chemistry for Class 11th and 12th by NCERT

  • A Textbook of Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE by R.K Gupta

  • Entrance Chemistry by Bhakta

Biology

  • A Class Book of Botany by A.C Dutta

  • Textbook of Biology by S.C Verma

  • Elementary Biology for Class 12 by K.N Bhatia

  • Textbook of Biology by NCERT

  • Biology Guide by Pradeep

Physics

  • Optics and Modern Physics by DC Pandey

  • Concepts of Physics – Volume 1 and Volume 2 by H.C. Verma

  • Practice problems in Physics for Engineering Examinations by S.Mishra

  • Concepts of Physics by HC Verma

  • Objective Physics by Mahesh Jain

  • MCQ Question Bank by D Mukherjee

NEST Previous Year Sample Papers

Without practice, NEST 2026 exam preparation is insufficient. It is important that applicants practice using past year's exam sample papers in order to become familiar with previous year's exam patterns. Exam sample papers for the NEST might provide you with an understanding of the question kinds and paper patterns.

NEST Previous Years Papers

NEST Exam Pattern 2026

Students getting ready for NEST entrance 2026 need to be aware of the exam format. It is crucial to review the NEST 2026 exam pattern from the examination guidelines. NISER and CEBS are the official agencies and these agencies are responsible for releasing the NEST exam pattern every year.

Here is a glimpse of NEST Exam Pattern and with this, you can know more about types of questions, weightage of the subjects, duration of the exam, type of questions, the total number of questions, marking scheme, etc.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

Particulars

Details

Type of Questions

MCQs

Total sections

4

Total Marks

240

Marks for each section

60

Marking Scheme

For all sections except Section II - 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer

Duration

3 hours and 30 minutes

NEST Preparation Tips 2026

  • First, review the entire NEST exam 2026 syllabus covering every topic. The first stage of the candidates' preparation is the NISER entrance syllabus. The NEST 2026 syllabus helps in your understanding of the exam's topics, sections, and disciplines.

  • For better preparation goals, take the NEST mock test 2026.

  • In order to maintain consistency in the studies, follow an appropriate schedule when preparing for NEST 2026.

  • It is important for applicants to take notes every day as they get ready for NEST 2026.

  • For the last-minute revision, candidates must write section- and subject-specific notes.

  • To study the NEST 2026 syllabus, try to concentrate on the top literature. To fully cover all areas, candidates should use the greatest reference books when studying.

NEST Question/Sample Papers
Candidates can download NEST Question/Sample Papers from here.
Download Now

Note- Once you complete the overall syllabus of NEST 2026, then you have to look at the previous year's question papers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the subjects in NEST exam?
A:

There are a total of 4 subjects in NEST exam 2024, which are Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology.

Q: How to download NEST syllabus 2024?
A:

Candidates can download NEST exam syllabus from the official website of NEST 2024 at nestexam.in.

Q: Is NEST difficult to crack?
A:

The NEST entrance exam is an exam of moderate difficulty. With strategic approach and and regular practice, it is possible to score good marks in NEST.

Q: How can I download NEST sample papers?
A:

Students can download sample papers for NEST in this article above, or by visiting the official NEST website at nestexam.in.

Q: What is the eligibility for NEST exam?
A:

Students who want to appear in this NEST 2024 must qualify for Class 12 with the science stream. The minimum required marks for NEST 2024 are 60% for the General category and 55% for the reserved category, such as SC/ST.

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Questions related to NEST

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NEST ?

Hy,

If you missed the NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) result announcement and the login date has expired, you can try the following steps to check your result:

1. Contact NEST Help Desk

  • Reach Out : Contact the NEST help desk or the examination authority directly. They can provide guidance on how to access your result or advise on any possible extensions.
  • Contact Information : Check the NEST official website for the contact details of the help desk or support team.

2. Visit the Official NEST Website

  • Look for Updates : Check the official NEST website for any updates or notices regarding the result. Sometimes, results are posted on the website even after the login period has expired.

3. Check Your Email for Updates

  • Look for Notifications : Review any communication or notifications from NEST in your email. There may be instructions or additional information provided regarding the result.

4. Check for Alternative Access

  • Portal Login : Attempt to log in to the NEST portal again to see if there’s an option for late access or if the result is still accessible through the portal.
  • Alternative Methods : Some exams provide alternative ways to check results, such as through SMS or phone numbers.

5. Review Official Announcements

  • Social Media or Forums : Check NEST’s official social media accounts or forums where exam-related updates and announcements are often posted.

6. Follow Up

  • Inquire about Extensions : If the result is crucial and you cannot access it, request an extension or alternative method to view your result from the examination authority.

7. Document Your Issue

  • Record Communication : Keep a record of any communication with the help desk or authorities in case you need to provide proof of your attempt to access the results.

By contacting the examination authority and checking all available resources, you should be able to find a solution to access your NEST result.


Hy,

NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) and CEBS (Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences) are prestigious institutions that offer integrated M.Sc. programs in various disciplines of science. Your NEST rank of 387 in the general category is quite competitive, but admission to NISER or CEBS depends on various factors including the number of seats available, cutoff ranks, and the preferences you select during counseling.

For more information you can check the below mentioned link to get cut offs in each section category-wise:-

https://university.careers360.com/articles/nest-cutoff

No, qualifying NEST exam won't directly lead you to pursue MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). NEST serves a different purpose.

The National Entrance Screening Test is for admission to five-year integrated M.Sc. programs at specific universities like National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS). It focuses on Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology).

To pursue MBBS, you need to qualify for a separate medical entrance exam like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). NEET is the primary gateway for admission to undergraduate medical programs in India.

https://medicine.careers360.com/download/ebooks/neet-pg-quick-guide-exam-admission-seats-fees-and-more

I hopeit helps!

Question : Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Black Drongo also known as the King Crow, is a small Asian bird of the drongo family. Previously, it was seen as a subspecies of the African Fork-tailed Drongo but is now recognized as a full species. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Indonesia. It is a wholly black bird with a distinctive forked tail and measures 28 cm in length.
Feeding on insects, it is commonly found in open agricultural areas and light forest areas throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines.
The species is famous for its aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, and never hesitates to dive-bomb any birds of prey that invade its territory. Smaller birds often nest in the well-guarded vicinity of a nesting Black Drongo
The Black Drongo has been introduced to some Pacific islands, where it has thrived and become abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.
Drongos fly with strong flaps of the wing and are capable of fast manoeuvres that enable them to capture flying insects. With short legs, they sit upright on thorny bushes, bare perches or electricity wires. They may also perch on grazing animals.
The Black Drongo is found predominantly in open country and usually perches and hunts close to the ground. They are mostly aerial predators of insects but also glean from the ground or off vegetation.
They are found as summer visitors to northeastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan but are mainly resident south from the Indus Valley up to Bangladesh and into India and Sri Lanka.
Question:
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

Option 1: The drongo looks exactly like a crow.

Option 2: Smaller birds are protected by the drongo.

Option 3: This bird is a native of tropical countries in south-Asia.

Option 4: The drongo is a small perching bird.

Correct Answer: The drongo looks exactly like a crow.


Solution : The first option is the correct choice.

The statement "the drongo looks exactly like a crow" is not true, according to the passage.

The passage describes the Black Drongo as a wholly black bird with a distinctive forked tail, measuring 28 cm in length. While it mentions that the Black Drongo is sometimes known as the King Crow, this is likely due to its aggressive behaviour towards larger birds, such as crows, and not because it looks exactly like a crow.

Question : Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Black Drongo also known as the King Crow, is a small Asian bird of the drongo family. Previously, it was seen as a subspecies of the African Fork-tailed Drongo but is now recognised as a full species. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Indonesia. It is a wholly black bird with a distinctive forked tail and measures 28 cm in length.
Feeding on insects, it is commonly found in open agricultural areas and light forest areas throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines.
The species is famous for its aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, and never hesitates to dive-bomb any birds of prey that invade its territory. Smaller birds often nest in the well-guarded vicinity of a nesting Black Drongo.
The Black Drongo has been introduced to some Pacific islands, where it has thrived and become abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.
Drongos fly with strong flaps of the wing and are capable of fast manoeuvres that enable them to capture flying insects. With short legs, they sit upright on thorny bushes, bare perches or electricity wires. They may also perch on grazing animals.
The Black Drongo is found predominantly in open country and usually perches and hunts close to the ground. They are mostly aerial predators of insects but also glean from the ground or off vegetation.
They are found as summer visitors to northeastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan but are mainly resident south from the Indus Valley up to Bangladesh and into India and Sri Lanka.
Question:
What was the impact of trying to introduce the species to the Pacific islands?

Option 1: They decreased in numbers drastically.

Option 2: They returned to the lands of their origin.

Option 3: They proved to be a threat to the local birds.

Option 4: They did not survive in the changed climate conditions.

Correct Answer: They proved to be a threat to the local birds.


Solution : The third option is the correct choice.

The impact of introducing the Black Drongo species to some Pacific islands was that they thrived and became abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.

The passage states that the Black Drongo has been introduced to these islands, and as a result of its successful establishment and proliferation, it poses a threat to the local bird species.