NEST 2026 preparation requires a balanced approach across Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, focusing on NCERT concepts and timed practice. With the exam on June 6, students have about five months to build skills for the best-three-section merit scoring.
Start by reviewing the syllabus and pattern on nestexam.in—it's purely NCERT Class 11-12 rationalized content with MCQs testing reasoning, not just facts. Know the +3/-1 marking and 3.5-hour duration to avoid silly errors. Download past papers immediately to spot trends like high-weightage topics (e.g., mechanics in Physics, genetics in Biology).
Divide prep into phases for steady progress without burnout.
Phase 1 (Now to Feb: Build Foundation, 4-6 hrs/day): Cover NCERT line-by-line for all subjects. Allocate time equally—1.5 hrs each daily, rotating weak areas. Make short notes for formulas, diagrams, reactions.
Phase 2 (Mar-Apr: Practice Intensive, 6-8 hrs/day): Solve chapter-wise questions. Dedicate weekends to full sections (50 mins each). Revise notes weekly.
Phase 3 (May-Jun: Peak Performance, 8+ hrs/day): Full mocks 3x/week, analyze errors. Focus 70% revision, 30% new practice. Simulate exam day.
Track with a planner: Sundays off, daily 30-min breaks.
Tailor to your strengths—aim for SMAS in three sections.
Physics: Master concepts like mechanics, electromagnetism (high weightage). Practice derivations, numericals from NCERT exemplars.
Chemistry: Inorganic/organic reactions need memorization + logic; physical needs math. Flashcards for periodic trends.
Mathematics: Calculus, algebra dominate—solve 50 problems/day. Focus on speed for tricky integrals.
Biology: Diagrams, processes key. Link genetics/evolution to real-world apps.
Stick to reliable books alongside NCERT (must for 80% questions).
| Subject | Top Books |
|---|---|
| Physics | HC Verma, DC Pandey, NCERT Exemplar |
| Chemistry | OP Tandon (Organic/Inorganic), NCERT |
| Mathematics | RD Sharma, Arihant Series, NCERT Exemplar |
| Biology | Trueman's, NCERT (with diagrams) |
| All | Past NEST papers (nestexam.in), MTG mocks |
Free mocks on official site post-registration; use platforms like Selfstudys for extras.
Solve 10+ past papers to handle negative marking—attempt 70-80% confidently. Take official mocks for CBT feel, analyze: "Why wrong? Concept gap or silly mistake?" Time each section strictly. Weekly full tests build stamina.
Skip advanced JEE/NEET books—NEST is conceptual, not calculation-heavy. Don't neglect Biology if math-strong; balance for best-three. Track health: Sleep 7 hrs, exercise, avoid cramming last week.
Revise notes daily, focus high-weightage (e.g., Physics: 20-25% mechanics). Two mocks/day, error log review. Stay positive—consistent effort clears 95th percentile MAP. You've got this; start today!
