NEST Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit & Qualifications

The NEST eligibility criteria 2025 has been released by NISER along with UM-DAE CEBS on their official website. The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) will be conducted in a computer-based mode. The candidates are advised to check the NEST eligibility criteria to know the age limit, educational and more such requirements before applying for the NEST exam. The eligibility criteria must be fulfilled by the candidates to secure a seat for various courses at NISER. 

• The eligibility criteria for NEST include age criteria, nationality, educational qualifications and domicile, and other such requirements. Check the important NEST exam date here.
• The age limit criteria vary for candidates depending upon their category. The candidates must be cautious in checking the eligibility for the categories they fall under. 
• Candidates must secure a position in the NEST merit list to be eligible for the admission.
• In case of any dis-transparency in the details provided or failing to meet the eligibility criteria leads to the cancellation of the NEST application form.

To know all details about the eligibility criteria for NEST 2022 like Age limit, Educational qualifications, Nationality etc. read further throughout the article.

Check NEST Exam Pattern here.

NEST Eligibility Criteria 2025

The conducting authorities have specified certain NEST exam eligibility criteria that all candidates must meet. Candidates must meet certain educational requirements, be under a certain age limit, and be Indian citizens to apply for the courses. A piece of detailed information about the NEST eligibility criteria for 2025 can be found below:

Age Limit

• The candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories must be born on or after 1 August 2003 to be eligible for the NEST 2022 exam. 
• There is five years relaxation for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD; they must be born on or after 1 August 1996. 

Educational Qualification

• To be eligible to write the NEST exam, the candidate should have passed class 12 from a recognized board with an aggregate of 60% from the science stream.
• The candidates must have completed their 12th class in the year 2020 or 2021.

Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts to apply for the NEST exam 2025. A candidate may apply for the NEST exam as many times as they wish.

Refer NEST Best Books for Preparation to score well in this exam.

Aggregate Marks in Qualifying Examination

• The candidates must have at least 60% aggregate marks in class 12th.
• The candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD) must have 55% aggregate marks in class 12th. 

NEST Eligibility Criteria on Nationality

The NEST eligibility criteria include the nationality requirements for the exam. To be eligible for the NEST exam, the candidate must be a citizen of India. NRI, PIO, or OCI candidates are not eligible to sit in this exam. Candidates belonging to states like Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Telangana have a 15% quota. 

Know about NEST Cut Off details here.

Documents Required for NEST 2025

All shortlisted candidates who attend the NEST counselling rounds must provide a list of documents. This is done to verify students before they enroll in the university. The list is provided below.

• NEST admit card
• NEST rank card
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Identity proof
• Photocopies of Intimidation Letter
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Minority certificates (if applicable)
• 10 Grade results sheet
• 12 Grade results sheet
• Residential certificate
• Employment certificate of Parents

Hope the candidates find this information on the eligibility criteria for the NEST exam 2025 useful. Begin your exam preparations with our interactive live test series, which is available on the Testbook App.