Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and mock tests form the backbone of NEST 2026 prep, helping you master the exact pattern, spot repeats, and build exam stamina. With papers from 2007 available free on nestexam.in, start solving today to turn weaknesses into strengths for the June 6 exam.
NEST repeats concepts heavily—over 80% in areas like Physics mechanics or Biology genetics—while testing deep NCERT understanding via MCQs. Practicing PYQs reveals high-weightage topics, negative marking traps, and time management for the 3.5-hour CBT with best-three-section scoring. They boost confidence, improve accuracy to 80%+, and familiarize you with moderate-difficult questions unlike JEE's speed focus.
Official and free sources first—avoid paid fakes.
nestexam.in: Scroll to "Previous NEST Questions with Answers/Keys" for PDFs (2025 back to early years). Click year > download (e.g., 2025 Session 1).
Selfstudys.com: Year-wise (2007-2025) + solutions PDFs, section-wise filters.
Careers360/Sciastra: Download links for 10+ years with analysis.
Aim: Solve 10-15 years fully.
Analyze post-solving: Track errors, repeats. Physics/Chem tough; Bio/Math scoring.
| Section | High-Weightage Topics (7-11 Qs) | Repeated Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Electrodynamics, Mechanics (7-9 Qs) | Thermodynamics, Waves |
| Chemistry | Organic Mechanisms, Inorganic p-block (8-10 Qs) | Coordination Compounds, Equilibrium |
| Mathematics | Calculus, Algebra (9-11 Qs) | Maxima/Minima, Probability |
| Biology | Genetics, Physiology (6-8 Qs) | Evolution, Biotechnology |
Pro Tip: Physics often 25-30% mechanics; Chemistry loves NCERT-direct twists.
Week 1-4: Solve 1 paper/section daily (50 mins/section). Note mistakes in error log.
Week 5+: Timed full papers (3.5 hrs). Review solutions next day—understand WHY wrong.
Topic-Wise: After syllabus, redo PYQs from weak chapters (e.g., vectors in Math).
Track Progress: Aim +50% score first, then 70%+ for top ranks. Use Excel for scores per section.
Don't just solve—analyze difficulty (moderate overall), question types (conceptual MCQs).
Mocks simulate CBT: 80 Qs, +3/-1, sectional timing. Official post-admit card; free others now.
nestexam.in: Free mocks after registration (TBA soon).
Selfstudys.com: Free online NEST mocks—sign up, choose subject/full, get scores/rank.
Embibe: 8+ full tests, pattern-matched, analytics.
EaseToLearn/Sciastra Apps: Free 1-6 mocks/day, AI analysis, AIR.
Paid Boost: MTG/ Arihant books for 20+ mocks if needed.
Schedule: 2-3/week Phase 2, daily May. Review: 2x time solving.
Download 5 years PYQs today.
Solve untimed first for concepts.
Timed mocks: Simulate (no calc, pen-paper).
Analyze: Error types (concept/silly/careless), revisit NCERT.
Retest weak sections weekly.
Last month: 1 PYQ + 1 mock daily, focus best-three strategy (e.g., drop weakest like Physics if Bio-strong).
Time-Saver: Biology easiest entry—score 40+/60 even if math-heavy background.
Avoid Traps: Don't guess wildly (-1 hurts); leave if <60% sure.
Apps/Tools: Google Play "NEST PYQs" app for mobile practice.
Group Study: Discuss solutions with friends for doubts.
Health Hack: Practice post-lunch to mimic 2 PM exam timing.
Consistent PYQ/mocks = 150+ score easy.
