National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is a national level entrance exam for entry into five-year integrated MSc courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at NISER, Bhubaneswar, and the Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai.
Why the Answer Key Matters
The answer key assists you in approximating your marks before the results are declared. It provides transparency and a just chance to contest any wrong answers.
Latest NEST Answer Key Update 2025
Release Date and Time
The answer key of NEST 2025 has been declared officially on 24th June 2025, only two days following the exam. Candidates may now access it on the official site.
Official Website and Notice
Go to https://www.nestexam.in and search for the answer key link on the homepage. Both question papers and preliminary answer keys have been released by the authorities.
How to Download NEST Answer Key 2025
Step-by-Step Guide
Access the official website: nestexam.in
Tap on “NEST 2025 Answer Key” on the homepage.
Choose your question paper set/code.
Download the PDF file.
Verify your answers.
Provisional vs Final Answer Key
What is the Provisional Answer Key?
The provisional key is put out first to allow candidates to raise objections. It is not final and can be erroneous if corrections are needed.
When Will the Final Answer Key Be Published?
After objections are checked, the final answer key will be released by early July 2025, just before the results are announced.
How to Raise Objections Against NEST Answer Key 2025
Objection Window Details
Objection window is available from 24th June to 28th June 2025. Ensure timely submission of your objections.
Fees for Objection
Every objection will attract a nominal fee of ₹500 per question. In case your objection is found valid, the fee will be refunded to you.
Format for Submitting Objections
Login to your NEST account
Choose the question number
Submit your evidence (textbooks, journal references, etc.)
Pay the objection fee
Submit and download acknowledgment
How to Estimate Scores Using the Answer Key
Marking Scheme
+2.5 for each correct response
-1 for wrong responses in some sections
No marks for unattempted ones
Estimating Your Raw Score
Match your answers with the official key. Use the marking scheme to estimate your approximate total marks and compare it with the previous year’s cutoff.
Expected Cutoff for NEST 2025
Previous Year Cutoffs
NISER Bhubaneswar: 90–95 marks
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai: 80–85 marks
What’s the Safe Score?
A secure score for general category students is 95+, and for OBC it could be 80+, and SC/ST can be 65+. Keep in mind that cutoffs are different every year depending on the difficulty of the exam.
When Will NEST 2025 Results Be Out?
Result Date and Merit List Info
Results are likely to be announced on 5th July 2025. Based on scores, a merit list will be released after following section-wise cutoff rules.
How the Answer Key Impacts Your Rank
Your objection submissions could result in altered answers and scores, which affect your ultimate merit rank.
What to Do Once the Answer Key Has Been Checked
Planning for Counselling
Have documents at hand:
NEST scorecard
Class 12 mark sheet
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Photo ID
Critical Documents to Prepare
Counselling is typically conducted around mid-July, and seat allotment is done online. Have soft and hard copies of all certificates.
Highlights of NEST 2025 Exam
Reactions of Students and Difficulty Level
Most students found the Biology and Physics parts to be confusing, Maths moderate, and Chemistry simple.
Subject-Wise Analysis
Biology: Time-consuming with a few confusing MCQs
Physics: Concept-based and calculation-intensive
Maths: Time-consuming but easy
Chemistry: Predominantly NCERT-based
Conclusion
The NEST answer key 2025 is not merely a PDF—it’s your first glimpse of the potential future. Utilize it judiciously to gauge your performance, raise sound objections, and get ready for the next step. Whether you aspire to join NISER or CEBS, it begins with deciphering this key the correct way.
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