NISER and UM-DAE CEBS release the NEST 2026 answer key on the official portal nestexam.in after the exam. Since the NEST 2026 exam was held on 6 June 2026, the provisional answer key is published with the objection window open during 10-12 June 2026. Candidates use the key with their recorded responses to estimate the score before the result.
NEST 2026 Answer Key
What is the NEST 2026 answer key?
The answer key lists the correct responses for the question paper. Basically, the conducting institutes first release a provisional key, and candidates can challenge answers they find incorrect. Subsequently, the final answer key is released after reviewing valid objections, and the result is prepared on that basis.
NEST 2026 Answer Key Link – Access the official portal to download the answer key at nestexam.in.
Important Dates
Naturally, candidates first check the schedule. Therefore, the key dates appear in the table below.
| Exam Event | Event Date |
|---|---|
| NEST 2026 exam date | 6 June 2026 (conducted) |
| Provisional answer key | June 2026 (released) |
| Objection window | 10-12 June 2026 |
| NEST 2026 result | 24 June 2026 (expected) |
How to Download NEST 2026 Answer Key
- First, open nestexam.in, or click the link given above on this page.
- Next, click the NEST 2026 answer key / response link.
- Then, log in with your application number and password if required.
- Finally, download the answer key and match it with your recorded responses.
How to Calculate Your NEST 2026 Score
- Award +3 marks for each correct answer and deduct 1 mark for each incorrect answer; unattempted questions score 0.
- Calculate section-wise, then take the best three of four sections for the merit score.
- Probable section score = (correct x 3) – (incorrect x 1).
- Compare your best-three total with previous cutoffs to gauge your chances.
How to Raise Objections
- Log in to nestexam.in during the objection window (10-12 June 2026).
- Select the question you wish to challenge and choose your claimed correct answer.
- Upload supporting evidence and pay the prescribed fee, if applicable.
- Submit before the deadline; valid objections are reflected in the final key.

NEST 2026
NEST is the National Entrance Screening Test, conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programme. Candidates who appeared with the NEST admit card use the answer key to estimate the score and then await the result. For practice, the NEST previous year question papers and syllabus help interpret the key.
NEST Answer Key – An Overview
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | NEST 2026 |
| Conducting Bodies | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Exam Date | 6 June 2026 (conducted) |
| Answer Key | Provisional after exam; final after objections |
| Objection Window | 10-12 June 2026 |
| Marking | +3 correct; -1 incorrect; 0 unattempted |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
| Similar Exams | Science Entrance Exams |
NEST Answer Key FAQs
The NEST 2026 provisional answer key is released after the 6 June exam at nestexam.in, with the objection window open during 10-12 June 2026.
Award +3 for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer; unattempted questions score 0. The best three of four section scores are counted for the merit score.
Yes. Candidates can raise objections during 10-12 June 2026 by selecting the question and uploading supporting evidence; valid objections are reflected in the final answer key.
Yes. NEST 2026 has negative marking – each incorrect answer carries -1 mark, while each correct answer carries +3 marks and unattempted questions score 0.
If you have any questions about the NEST 2026 answer key, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page useful, then please share it!
