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Updated By Debanjalee Sen on 21 Nov, 2025 10:47
The NEST syllabus follows the updated NCERT science subjects from Class 11 and 12. It includes all major themes across Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Understanding the syllabus helps students plan their NEST preparation more confidently.
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The NEST 2026 syllabus specifies the key subjects and topics to be studied for the entrance exam. It is issued by NISER, Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai, along with the notification for the test.
The NEST syllabus follows the rationalised NCERT science content of Classes 11 and 12, which includes 4 major subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Each subject includes standard school-level chapters; however, the questions often require a deeper level of reasoning and application. Reviewing the syllabus early helps aspirants understand which concepts need more attention as per their strengths and weaknesses. NEST selects your best three sections for the merit list, so having a decent grasp across all four subjects gives you a better chance of securing a strong rank.
Along with the syllabus, it's important that you also have a proper idea about the NEST exam pattern since understanding both gives you clarity about the exam structure. Check the sections below on this page to learn more about NEST syllabus 2026.
Access the section-wise NEST syllabus 2026 PDFs from the table below.
| NEST 2026 Subjects | |
|---|---|
| NEST Syllabus PDF for Biology | NEST Syllabus PDF for Mathematics |
| NEST Syllabus PDF for Chemistry | NEST Syllabus PDF for Physics |
The NEST syllabus PDFs are issued by the NISER, Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai at www.nestexam.in. The notification for the exam, syllabus, and other details is typically issued in February.
You can access the NEST syllabus PDFs from the official website. Look for the direct links available on the homepage or on the information brochure released along with the application form.
The topics from the latest NEST syllabus 2026 for Biology section have been given in the table below -
Check the NEST syllabus 2026 for Biology of Animal System below.
| Systematics | Biology of Plant systems |
|---|---|
| Immunology | Developmental Biology |
| Reproductive System | Nervous System |
| Excretory System | Circulatory System |
| Digestive System | --- |
Check NEST 2026 syllabus for Basic Biology below.
| Biotechnology | Humans and Environment |
|---|---|
| Ecology | Genetics and Evolution |
| Cell Biology | -- |
Also Read:Best Books for NEST 2026
Some key topics for NEST syllabus for Biology from Class 12 include Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and Its Applications, Ecology and Environment, etc.
Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, etc, are some of the main topics for the NEST syllabus for Biology from Class 11.
The topics from the latest NEST syllabus 2026 for Chemistry section have been given in the table below -
Check NEST syllabus 2026 for Organic Chemistry below:
| Polymers | Amino acids and proteins |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate | Amines |
| Aldehydes and Ketones | Ethers |
| Phenols | Haloalkanes (Alkyl halides) |
| Aromatic compound | Alkenes and Alkynes |
| Nomenclature | Reactive intermediates |
| Basic concepts | -- |
Check NEST 2026 syllabus for Inorganic Chemistry below:
| Metals and metallurgy | Coordination compounds |
|---|---|
| Classification of elements and periodicity in properties | s– Block element |
| p– Block elements | d–Block elements |
| f–Block elements | -- |
Check NEST syllabus 2026 for Physical Chemistry below:
| Surface Chemistry - Absorption & Colloidal State | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Solid state | Chemical equilibrium |
| Thermodynamics | Atomic structure and chemical bonding |
| Gaseous and liquid states | Mole concept |
| Measurements in chemistry | -- |
The topics from the latest NEST syllabus 2026 for Mathematics section have been given in the table below -
| Vectors | Integral calculus |
|---|---|
| Differential calculus | Analytical geometry |
| Trigonometry | Algebra |
The topics from the latest NEST syllabus 2026 for Physics section have been given in the table below -
| Modern physics | Optics |
|---|---|
| Electricity and magnetism | Thermal physics |
| Sound and mechanical waves | General physics |
Want to know more about NEST
It may take around 2 to 3 months to cover the NEST 2026 syllabus. However, the duration may be longer for some, depending on their preparation level of Class 11 and 12.
Yes, broadly, the NEST syllabus remains the same every year. However, once the latest syllabus is issued, make sure to verify if new topics have been added or not.
Yes, students have to attempt all the subjects of the NEST syllabus. Out of the 4 sections, your best 3 scores will be considered for merit ranking.
Yes, the NEST 2026 syllabus is the same for both NISER and CEBS. The syllabus doesn't vary institute-wise.
Most questions come directly from NCERT-based topics, but some may test your general scientific understanding. Having conceptual clarity is more important than memorising the content.
The topics that you need to study for Physics from Class 12 according to the NEST syllabus 2026 consist of Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices, Communication Systems, etc.
Some essential topics for Physics from Class 11 as per the NEST syllabus include Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics, Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves, etc.
To prepare for the NEST syllabus, begin by reviewing each subject’s chapter list and identifying which areas require more time. Once you have a clear picture, you can design your study plan accordingly. After completing the syllabus, practice past year papers and sample questions.
The NEST 2026 syllabus covers topics essentially based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12. The major subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
The NEST syllabus is typically released in February every year along with the launch of the online form. To check the syllabus, you must visit the official website.
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