NEST 2026 – Complete Guide
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 is a national-level science entrance exam conducted for admission into five-year Integrated MSc programmes offered by National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai. The application process opened on January 5, 2026, and the last date to apply is April 6, 2026. Candidates must complete registration and application within this period to appear for the NEST 2026 exam on June 6, 2026.
Official Website / Direct Link to Apply: https://www.nestexam.in
1. NEST 2026 – Important Dates
| Activity | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | January 5, 2026 (12:00 PM) |
| Online Application Closes | April 6, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | April 12, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | April 13 – April 14, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 15, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| NEST 2026 Exam | June 6, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Counselling/Admission | July 2026 (Tentative) |
2. Eligibility Criteria for NEST 2026
| Eligibility Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class XII/equivalent in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026 |
| Disciplines Studied | Must have studied at least three of the four basic sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Minimum Marks | At least 60% aggregate in Class XII (55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Admission Eligibility | Must secure rank in NEST merit list |
3. NEST 2026 – Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| UR & OBC (Male candidates) | ₹1,400 |
| UR-EWS / SC / ST / Divyangjan / All Female | ₹700 |
Fee payment must be completed by April 12, 2026. Mode of payment includes debit/credit card, net banking or other online methods.
4. How to Apply for NEST 2026 – Step-by-Step
- Visit Official Website / Apply Online: https://www.nestexam.in
- Registration: Click “New Registration” and enter name, DOB, email, and mobile number.
- Receive Login Credentials: Credentials will be sent via email/SMS.
- Login: Use credentials to access the application portal.
- Fill Application Form: Enter educational, personal, and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned passport-size photograph and signature.
- Pay Application Fee: Select the correct category and pay online.
- Submit & Print: Review, submit, and save/print the confirmation page.
Important: Keep the confirmation page and order ID for future reference in case of payment issues.
5. Application Correction Window
| Correction Dates | Details |
|---|---|
| April 13 – April 14, 2026 | One-time correction to modify details entered in the application form |
6. Admit Card
- Available from May 15, 2026 (10:00 AM).
- Must download and print the admit card from the official portal.
- Admit card and valid photo ID are mandatory to appear in the exam.
7. NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Biology | 20 | +3 | 60 |
| II | Chemistry | 20 | +3 | 60 |
| III | Mathematics | 20 | +3 | 60 |
| IV | Physics | 20 | +3 | 60 |
| Total | — | 80 | — | 240 |
- Must attempt at least three sections.
- Negative marking: –1 for incorrect answers.
- Duration: 3 hours (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
8. Syllabus Structure
The syllabus covers Class XI & XII concepts in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
9. Exam Centres
- Conducted across approx. 140 cities in India.
- Candidates must select three preferred cities while applying.
10. Result & Counselling
- Result and merit list will be published on the official portal.
- Counselling/seat allocation based on rank and choice of institute.
11. Benefits of NEST Admission
- Admission to NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
- Five-year Integrated MSc programme
- Strong foundation for research and higher studies
- Exposure to advanced science curriculum and laboratories
12. Why Apply for NEST 2026?
- Provides one of the most respected science education pathways in India.
- Excellent for students aspiring for careers in research, academia, and scientific innovation.
- Integrated MSc equips students with conceptual knowledge and research exposure.
Conclusion
NEST 2026 is a prestigious national-level entrance exam for students aiming to pursue advanced science education in integrated MSc programmes. The application window is open from January 5 to April 6, 2026, and the exam will be held on June 6, 2026. Candidates must complete all steps carefully, including registration, document upload, fee payment, and submission, to secure their chance to appear for the exam.
Apply Online (Direct Link): https://www.nestexam.in
FAQs:
NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for admission into five-year Integrated MSc programmes at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
The online application process is open from January 5, 2026, to April 6, 2026. The last date for fee payment is April 12, 2026.
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class XII (2024, 2025, or 2026) with at least three science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics) and meet the minimum marks requirement (60% aggregate, 55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan).
The NEST 2026 exam will be held on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Candidates can apply online only at the official website: https://www.nestexam.in. Steps include registration, filling personal and academic details, uploading documents, fee payment, and submission.
Yes. The fee is ₹1,400 for UR/OBC male candidates and ₹700 for UR-EWS, SC, ST, Divyangjan, and all female candidates. Payment must be completed before April 12, 2026.
Total Marks: 240
Sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Questions: 80
Negative Marking: –1 for wrong answers
Duration: 3 hours
The NEST 2026 admit card will be available for download from May 15, 2026. Candidates must carry the printed admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.
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