NEST 2021 Question Paper & Answer Key; Download PDF
NEST 2021 was conducted on August 14, 2021, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for admission to Integrated M.Sc. programmes offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and CEBS Mumbai. The exam was held from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Solving NEST 2021 question papers and answer keys helps candidates understand the exam pattern, identify important topics, analyse difficulty levels, and improve their preparation strategy for upcoming NEST exams.
NEST 2021 Question Paper & Answer Key PDF Download
| Question Paper PDF | Answer Key PDF |
|---|---|
NEST 2021 Question Paper PDF (Aug 14, 2021) (Session 1) |
Download PDF |
NEST 2021 Question Paper PDF (Aug 14, 2021) (Session 2) |
Download PDF |
Candidates preparing for future NEST exams can use the following resources to understand the types of questions asked and the overall structure of the exam.
NEST 2021 Exam Pattern
NEST 2021 exam assessed candidates' knowledge across four science subjects and included a combination of conceptual and analytical questions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Maximum Marks | 180 |
| Question Type | MCQs and MSQs |
| Negative Marking | Applicable for selected questions |
| Medium | English |
NEST 2021 Paper Analysis
NEST 2021 was regarded as moderate in difficulty. Physics and Mathematics sections included a significant number of numerical and application-based questions, while Biology focused on conceptual understanding. Chemistry maintained a balanced distribution of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry questions.
Subject-Wise Difficulty Level
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate |
| Chemistry | Moderate |
| Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult |
| Biology | Moderate |
| Overall | Moderate |
NEST 2021 High-Weightage Topics
Based on NEST 2021 and previous year trends, the following topics carried considerable weightage and are likely to remain important for future exams.
| Subject | High-Weightage Topics | Repeated Topics | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Mechanics, Modern Physics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity | Rotational Motion, Laws of Motion, Modern Physics | Numerical problems, concept-based application questions |
| Chemistry | Organic Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds | Reaction Mechanisms, Chemical Equilibrium | Assertion-reason and reaction-based questions |
| Mathematics | Calculus, Algebra, Probability, Coordinate Geometry, Matrices | Differentiation, Integration, Probability | Problem-solving and analytical questions |
| Biology | Genetics, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Cell Biology, Human Physiology | Inheritance, Cell Structure, Ecology | Conceptual and diagram-based questions |
Benefits of Solving NEST 2021 Question Paper
Regular practice with previous year papers helps candidates become familiar with the exam environment and improve their ability to solve questions accurately within the given time limit.
- Understand the latest exam pattern and marking scheme.
- Identify high-weightage and frequently repeated topics.
- Improve speed and accuracy through consistent practice.
- Develop effective time management skills.
- Strengthen conceptual understanding across all subjects.
- Learn the difficulty level of different sections.
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses before the exam.
- Build confidence by solving actual exam-level questions.
NEST FAQs
Ques: What is the best strategy for revising NEST topics?
Ans: Prepare short notes, revise formulas and key concepts regularly, and solve topic-wise questions. Multiple revisions help improve retention and reduce mistakes during the exam.
Ques: Which section is usually the most challenging in NEST?
Ans: The difficulty level varies each year, but candidates often find Physics and Mathematics comparatively challenging due to their conceptual and analytical nature.
Ques: How important is time management in NEST?
Ans: Time management plays a crucial role in NEST. Candidates should practise solving questions within a fixed time limit to ensure all sections are attempted effectively.
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