NEST 2025 Merit List: How is it prepared? Important details

The NEST 2025 merit list is scheduled to be released on July 10, 2025, along with the exam results, and will be available on the official NEST website- nestexam.in . The merit list of NEST 2025 will feature the roll numbers of qualified candidates, ranked based on their percentile scores calculated from the best three section scores. Do note that securing a merit rank doesn't guarantee admission; candidates must follow the specified admission and counseling process.

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NEST 2025 Merit List: How is it prepared?

The merit list for NEST 2025 will be prepared considering the given criteria.

• Scoring System: The NEST 2025 merit list preparation involves a multi-step process. The exam consists of four sections, each carrying 60 marks. To calculate the merit list, the best three scores out of the four sections are considered, resulting in a total of 180 marks.

• Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS): Candidates must meet the minimum score requirements in each section, which is calculated as 20% of the average score of the top 100 performers in that section. Different sections may have different SMAS values. Relaxations are provided for reserved categories, with OBC candidates getting 90% of the general category SMAS and SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates getting 50%.

• Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP): In addition to meeting the SMAS criteria, candidates must also score above the overall percentile cutoff to be eligible for a merit rank. The MAP is set at 95 percentile for general category candidates, 90 percentile for OBC candidates, and 75 percentile for SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates. Candidates scoring below the MAP will not receive a merit rank.

Important Points for NEST 2025 Merit List Preparation

The final ranking of candidates will be based on percentile scores calculated from their best three section scores.

1. Score more than Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) in at least three sections.

2. The total score is the sum of the best three scores from the SMAS-securing sections.

3. Score equal to or above the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) for a merit rank.

4. Tie-breaker rules:

   • Compare best scores in sections
   • Compare Class 12th marks during admission/counseling if tie persists
   • Younger student gets a higher rank if the tie still persists

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