NEST 2025 Previous Year Question Papers - Download PDFs for Practice

NEST Previous Years Question Papers

Following the conclusion of the exam, the NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) Question Paper is made available to the public. Candidates who are currently preparing for the entrance exam should pay extra attention to NEST previous year papers.

Utilizing these papers helps you improve your preparation, increase your exam-room confidence, and analyze your conceptual understanding for the upcoming test. By downloading NEST question papers with solutions, candidates can gain critical insights into the exam's difficulty level, the distribution of major topics across sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics), and the specific style of questions favored by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. Additionally, these papers help candidates stay aligned with the most recent NEST Syllabus and the unique NEST exam pattern.

NEST Previous Year Question Papers: Download PDFs for FREE

NEST previous year question paper for 2015 - 2025 are provided below in Hindi and English.

Why Should You Solve NEST Question Papers?

Solving NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) previous year question papers is one of the most effective strategies for securing a seat at NISER or UM-DAE CEBS. Because NEST is designed to test scientific aptitude rather than just rote memorization, past papers serve as a crucial roadmap.

1. Mastering the "Best Three" Strategy

NEST is unique because, although the paper contains four sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics), only your three highest-scoring sections are typically used to calculate your final percentile (though checking the specific year's brochure is vital).

• The Benefit: Solving past papers helps you identify which three subjects are your strongest, allowing you to allocate your study time more efficiently.

2. Identifying High-Yield Topics

While the syllabus is based on NCERT, the question style is much more analytical. By reviewing the last 5–10 years of papers, you can see which topics are consistently emphasized.

3. Adapting to the MSQ Format

NEST often includes Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) where more than one option can be correct.

• The Challenge: These questions are notoriously difficult because you get no marks for partially correct answers.
• The Solution: Past papers provide the only authentic way to practice the logical rigor required to eliminate subtle "distractor" options.

4. Navigating the Difficulty Level

The difficulty of NEST is often considered a bridge between JEE Main and JEE Advanced, but with a deeper focus on experimental and conceptual science.

• Solving these papers prevents "exam shock" by familiarizing you with the complex, multi-step problems that are standard for NISER admissions.

5. Perfecting Time Management

With 180 minutes to tackle high-level scientific problems, time runs out quickly.

• Simulation: Use past papers to conduct mock exams. This trains your brain to switch between different scientific disciplines (e.g., moving from a Physics derivation to a Biology pathway) without losing momentum.

Summary of Benefits

• Confidence: Reduces anxiety by making the exam format feel "familiar."
• Gap Analysis: Clearly shows you which chapters you think you know vs. which ones you can actually solve under pressure.
• Pattern Recognition: Helps you see how NEST examiners "trap" students with common misconceptions.