Reflections on NEST 2021: My Journey and Insights

It has been almost three months since I took the NEST 2021 exam. The experience was a mix of emotions, with both challenges and realizations that the journey has provided me with valuable lessons for future aspirants. This article will explore my experience from various perspectives, including the exam structure, my performance, and insights that can benefit future test-takers.

Evaluation of My Performance

My performance in the NEST 2021 exam was moderate. I scored 53 marks and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 401, which led to a tentative offer from NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research). However, I had to decline the offer due to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, I was also selected for IISER BPR (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal) with an AIR of 1920, but I chose not to join the institute.

Biology Section

Biology was a relatively easy section for me. The questions were of a manageable length and interesting. However, a few questions were ambiguous, and I left some unanswered, which eventually reduced my total score to 53 marks.

Chemistry Section

Chemistry posed a more challenging experience. The questions were not in line with what one typically encounters in NEET or JEE Main exams. Some questions were tricky, especially in the multiple answer sections, making them difficult to tackle effectively.

Physics Section

Physics was my forte, and I had performed admirably in JEE Main, securing a 100 percentile just before the NEST exam. Despite my confidence, I found the exam extremely taxing. The effort required to recall and answer the questions led to a rather poor performance, with just 8 questions answered correctly due to my exhaustion.

Mathematics Section

Mathematics was quite manageable, even for NEET aspirants like myself. I managed to answer 3-4 questions correctly, which bolstered my overall score.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

If you are preparing for NISER, ensure that you aim for a minimum of 60 marks, which should guarantee your spot through the spot admission process. My advice is specifically for those preparing for the NISER exam.

Books for Preparation

For Biology, the NCERT textbooks are sufficient. For Physics and Chemistry, you can rely on NCERT, HC Verma, and any JEE advance chemistry books. Nathi RD Sharma’s book on Mathematics should be enough to cover the topics comprehensively.

Conclusion

My NEST 2021 experience was a valuable learning curve. While the exam was challenging, the insights offered here aim to help future aspirants prepare more effectively. With proper strategy and focused preparation, success is definitely achievable.