NEST 2026 will be conducted by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai at nestexam.in. Notably, the National Entrance Screening Test is a gateway to the 5-year Integrated MSc programme in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics offered at NISER and CEBS. Furthermore, the exam is scheduled for 6 June 2026 in Computer-Based Test mode. Moreover, this page covers exam dates, application form, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, answer key and result for the cycle.
Latest: NEST 2026 admit card has been released at nestexam.in. Additionally, the entrance test will be held on 6 June 2026 in CBT mode. Furthermore, candidates can check exam day guidelines, hall ticket details and pattern below.
Quick Links
NEST 2026
NEST 2026 is the joint entrance examination of NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Notably, both institutes are affiliated with the Department of Atomic Energy and offer research-oriented science education. Therefore, candidates aspiring for an integrated MSc in basic sciences must qualify this test. Additionally, the merit list is prepared on the basis of best three section scores out of four. Subsequently, qualifying candidates are offered admission through separate counselling rounds by NISER and CEBS.
NEST 2026 Important Dates
The complete schedule for the cycle has been released at nestexam.in. Furthermore, the major events are tabulated below for quick reference. Meanwhile, candidates should bookmark the official portal for further updates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | 5 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Extended) | 8 April 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 12 April 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 18-19 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 18 May 2026 |
| NEST 2026 Exam Date | 6 June 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Final Answer Key | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Counselling (NISER and CEBS) | July 2026 onwards |
Apply Online: NEST 2026 application form was released at nestexam.in. Therefore, registered candidates can now download the admit card and prepare for the exam on 6 June 2026.
Application Form
NISER and CEBS released the application form on 5 January 2026. Furthermore, the registration window remained open till 8 April 2026 after an extension. Additionally, fee payment was allowed till 12 April 2026. Subsequently, a correction window was opened from 18 to 19 April 2026 for editing form details. Meanwhile, only online mode was accepted for registration.
- Mode: Online via nestexam.in
- Application Fee: Rs. 1400 (General / OBC); Rs. 700 (SC / ST / Female / PwD)
- Documents Required: Photograph, signature, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), ID proof
- Exam Centres: 140 cities across India
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the prescribed eligibility before applying. Therefore, the following criteria need to be verified carefully. Additionally, failure to satisfy any condition leads to disqualification at any stage of admission.
- Qualifying Exam: Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board with at least three subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
- Year of Passing: Candidates who appeared in 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.
- Minimum Marks: 60% (General / OBC / EWS) and 55% (SC / ST / PwD) in Class 12.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit prescribed.
- Nationality: Indian citizens.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
The pattern is critical for shaping the preparation strategy. Notably, the test is conducted in a single shift in CBT mode. Furthermore, candidates must attempt at least three sections out of four. Moreover, the merit list considers the best three section scores.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Sections | 4 (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) |
| Questions per Section | 20 MCQs |
| Total Questions | 80 MCQs |
| Marks per Section | 60 |
| Total Marks | 240 (Best 3 of 4 = 180 for merit) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 correct, -1 incorrect, 0 unattempted |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
Syllabus Highlights
The syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. Therefore, NCERT textbooks form the primary reading material. Furthermore, the test covers four science subjects with equal weightage. Subsequently, applicative questions test conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
- Biology: Diversity in living world, cell structure, plant and animal physiology, reproduction, genetics, biotechnology, ecology.
- Chemistry: Physical, organic and inorganic chemistry covering atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, equilibrium, hydrocarbons, coordination compounds.
- Mathematics: Sets, relations, trigonometry, complex numbers, sequences, conic sections, calculus, vectors, 3D geometry, probability.
- Physics: Mechanics, thermodynamics, oscillations, waves, electromagnetism, optics, modern physics, semiconductors.
Admit Card
The admit card was released on 18 May 2026 at nestexam.in. Furthermore, candidates can download it by logging in with their application number and password. Additionally, the hall ticket displays roll number, exam centre, reporting time and exam day instructions. Subsequently, it must be carried to the test centre along with a valid photo ID.
Answer Key
The provisional answer key will be published shortly after the exam at nestexam.in. Therefore, candidates can match responses, calculate probable scores and raise objections within the stipulated window. Subsequently, the final answer key is released after evaluating valid objections.
Result Declaration
The result is expected to be declared in July 2026 at nestexam.in. Furthermore, the scorecard displays section-wise marks, total marks, rank and qualifying status. Additionally, qualifying candidates participate in counselling held separately by NISER and CEBS.
Participating Institutes and Seat Matrix
Only two institutions accept NEST scores for admission. Furthermore, the total seat intake stands at 261 for the 2026-31 batch. Subsequently, candidates are allotted seats on the basis of merit and category-wise reservation.
| Institute | Location | Approx. Seats |
|---|---|---|
| NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 200 |
| UM-DAE CEBS (Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 61 (incl. 2 J&K / Ladakh) |
| Total | – | 261 |
Counselling Process
Counselling is conducted separately by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Therefore, qualifying candidates must register on the respective counselling portals. Additionally, seat allotment is done in multiple rounds based on merit, preference and reservation. Meanwhile, candidates need to upload documents and pay the admission fee within the stipulated window.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST 2026) |
| Conducting Bodies | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Exam Level | National (Undergraduate) |
| Exam Date | 6 June 2026 |
| Mode | CBT |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Questions | 80 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 240 (180 for merit) |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Course Offered | 5-year Integrated MSc |
| Participating Institutes | NISER and UM-DAE CEBS |
| Total Seats | 261 |
| Application Fee | Rs. 1400 / Rs. 700 |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
Frequently Asked Questions on NEST 2026
NEST 2026 will be conducted on 6 June 2026 in CBT mode at nestexam.in by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
NEST 2026 is conducted jointly by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai, both affiliated to the Department of Atomic Energy.
The official website is nestexam.in where the application form, admit card, answer key and result are released.
NEST 2026 is a 3 hours 30 minutes CBT with 4 sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) of 20 MCQs each. The marking is +3 correct and -1 incorrect, with best three section scores counted for merit.
A total of 261 seats are available: approximately 200 at NISER Bhubaneswar and 61 at UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (including 2 seats for J&K and Ladakh).
Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025 or 2026 from a recognised board with at least three subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, securing 60 percent (50 percent for SC, ST and PwD).
NEST 2026 result is expected to be declared in July 2026 at nestexam.in. The scorecard displays section-wise marks, total marks, rank and qualifying status.
NEST 2026 opens the door to research-driven science education at two premier institutes. Therefore, candidates appearing on 6 June 2026 should revise NCERT thoroughly, attempt mock tests, and focus on conceptual clarity for the best chance at admission.
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Sir registration number tai ki user Id?
Sir registration number tai ki user Id??
I am in class 11th 2019-20 ; can I apply for nest exam in January 2020….?..
I am final year in bsc phy hons .May i apply for msc admission
All those who fulfil the age and educational qualification criteria are eligible
Where is notice on official site…
Where is nest notice 2020 on official….
https://nestexam.in
UM-DAE CEBS (only UM-DAE CEBS) will also admit students through the KVPY and Science Olympiad route. For details, please visit the official website of CEBS (https://www.cbs.ac.in) around 26th February 2020
last date has been extended till April 19, 2020. Please see nestexam.in