What is considered a good score in NEST for NISER admission?

A good score for General category students is typically 95–120+ out of 180, depending on the exam’s difficulty. Higher scores increase the chances of securing a seat at NISER Bhubaneswar.

How many seats are available at NISER through NEST?

NISER typically offers around 200–250 seats through NEST, though this number may change slightly depending on the year.

Is a top 100 rank enough for NISER admission?

Usually, yes. Candidates within the top 100 ranks have a high chance of getting admission into NISER, especially in the first allotment round.

What score is safe for OBC, SC, or ST categories?

OBC-NCL candidates should aim for 80–95+, while 60–80+ may be sufficient for SC/ST. The final selection also depends on category-wise merit.

Do cutoff scores vary each year?

Yes, cutoffs change annually based on factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, and seat availability. There is no fixed benchmark score.

What is a Good Score in NEST for Admission in NISER?

Score of 90-110 is considered to be a good score in NEST for admission in NISER for general category. Whereas, for OBC and SC/ST category the NEST score cutoff is slightly lower for NISER admission.

Table of Contents

Good Score in NEST 2025 for NISER
NEST 2025 Exam Pattern: Structure and Scoring
Tips to Achieve a Good Score in NEST 2025
NEST Cutoff Trends: Year-Wise Insights
Admission Process at NISER through NEST 2025
Conclusion

A good score in NEST 2025 for admission in NISER varies by category. Scoring around 90-110 marks for the general category and 80-95 marks for OBC, with lower ranges for SC and ST, is considered a good score.

Moreover, beyond a minimum score, candidates also need to meet the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) to be eligible for a merit rank. The cutoff score for the general category is higher, and it is potentially lower for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD categories.

Good Score in NEST 2025 for NISER

The qualifying score of NEST 2025 for NISER may vary each year based on different criteria such as difficulty level and number of applicants. Candidates can check category-wise good scores in NEST for admission into NISER mentioned below.

General Category: 100-120 or above out of 180 is considered competitive.

OBC: 90-100 may suffice, depending on the year’s cutoff.

SC/ST/PwD: The cut-off can range from 60 to 80, but may vary.

Factors Affecting a Good Score in NEST 2025

There are a few important factors that influence a good score in NEST 2025. An overview of these factors is mentioned below.

The level of competition in a particular year.
Difficulty of the exam.
Seat availability at NISER
Reservation quotas for different categories
Performance trends across all candidates.

NEST 2025 Exam Pattern: Structure and Scoring

To determine a good score, it is important to understand the NEST exam pattern. Candidates can check the details mentioned in the table given below.

Particulars	Details
Duration	3 hours 30 minutes
Total Marks	180
Section	5 sections General section: Compulsory (30 marks) Subject Sections: Four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics (50 marks each subject)
Marking Scheme	Varies slightly by section Negative marking is applicable in most sections

Tips to Achieve a Good Score in NEST 2025

To secure a good score in NEST 2025, candidates are advised to take note of the following tips to prepare for the exam.

Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
Practice mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions.
Analyze previous year papers to understand question trends.
Pay special attention to the General Section as it is compulsory and scoring.
Choose subject sections wisely based on their strengths.

Time management, consistent practice, and confidence are crucial for success in an exam like NEST.

NEST Cutoff Trends: Year-Wise Insights

Examining NEST cut-off trends over the past few years provides valuable insight into what score to aim for:

NEST Cutoff 2022 (Approximate)

General Category: ~100–105
OBC-NCL: ~90
SC/ST: ~70

NEST Cutoff 2021 (Approximate)

General Category: ~106
OBC-NCL: ~93
SC/ST: ~73

NEST Cutoff 2020 (Approximate)

General Category: ~104
OBC-NCL: ~90
SC/ST: ~65

These figures are indicative and vary slightly based on the official merit lists and institute policies each year.

Admission Process at NISER through NEST 2025

Candidates can check the admission process at NISER through NEST 2025 including the eligibility criteria and NEST application process

Eligibility Criteria for NISER through NEST 2025

Candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria for NISER through NEST 2025 in the details mentioned below.

Education Qualification:

Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent scientific test from a recognized board.
At least three subjects in 10+2 must be Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics.
The qualifying examination must have been passed in either the current or the previous year of application..

Minimum Marks

General/OBC category: Minimum 60% aggregate marks in Class 12.
SC/ST/PwD category: Minimum 55% aggregate marks.

Age Limit

General and OBC: Born on or after August 1, 2003.
SC/ST/PwD: Age relaxation of 5 years.

NEST Application Process 2025

The NEST application process 2025 is conducted online from the official website. The application process started on Feb 17, 2025, for this year. The steps for the application process include:

Candidates will need to create a login ID using their valid email address and phone number.
Fill out the asked details such as name, academic, and contact details.
Candidates are required to upload the scanned copies of their photograph and signature.
Out of four subjects, candidates will have to choose any three subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in addition to the compulsory General section.
Choose the preferred exam centre.
Pay the application fee online. (Fees vary depending on category).

Results and Merit List of NEST 2025

The NEST 2025 results are expected to be announced in one or two months from the date of the exam, which will be conducted on June 22, 2025. Candidates are advised to check the key points of the results and merit list given below

Candidates must score above the section-wise and overall cutoffs.
The merit list is prepared based on the total score.
The merit list is category-based; it is different for General, OBC, SC/ST, and PwD.

Admission Counselling Process at NISER

Once the results are announced, the qualified candidates will be called for centralized counselling conducted jointly for NISER Bhubaneshwar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The steps for NISER admission through NEST 2025 counselling are as follows:

Online Registration for Counselling
- Candidates shortlisted in the merit list must register separately for the counselling process through the NEST portal.
Preference Filling
- Candidates need to fill out their institute preference between NISER and CEBS at the time of registration.
Important Documents for Verification
- 10th and 12th mark sheet and certificate.
- NEST admit card and scorecard.
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID and passport-size photograph
Seat Allocation
- Seat allocation is based on rank, category, and preference.
- Provisional admission letters are issued after the document verification process is completed.
Fee Payment and Admission Confirmation
- Selected candidates must pay an admission fee to confirm their seat.
- If a candidate fails to pay the admission fee on time, the seat will be cancelled and passed to the next eligible candidate in line.

Conclusion

The admission process at NISER through NEST is rigorous, transparent, and designed to identify students with strong analytical and scientific thinking. By clearing NEST and following the admission steps carefully, candidates can secure a spot at one of India’s premier research institutes. With the right preparation and timely application, the journey to becoming a top scientist can begin at NISER.