The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted jointly by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai for admission to their 5-year Integrated MSc programmes. It is primarily for students interested in careers in science and research. The exam is expected to be held in the 4th week of June 2026, with the application process starting from February 2026.
The exam is conducted in online mode (CBT) and consists of four sections – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The total duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the paper carries 200 marks. Questions are of MCQ and MSQ types, and there is negative marking for MCQs.
Students who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) in science subjects are eligible. Three institutions accept the exam score, and a total of 257 seats are available.
NEST 2026 Highlights
Here are some of the most crucial details related to the NEST 2026 Exam that the candidates must know if they are preparing for the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test |
| Conducting Body | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate Exam at the National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Online |
| Courses Offered Through Entrance Exam | Integrated MSc |
| Exam Fees | INR 1,200 (For the male candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories) INR 600 (For the female candidates from all categories and male candidates of SC, ST and PwD categories) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hrs and 30 min |
| Number of Papers and Total Marks | 200 |
| Total Number of Questions | 68 |
| Marking Scheme |
|
| Language/Medium of Questions | English |
| Colleges Accepting NEST Scores | 3 colleges |
| Total Number of Seats | 257 |
| Number of Exam Cities | 120 |
| Official Website | https://www.nestexam.in/# |
| Contact Details | Helpline Number - 022- 61087510 Email id: nest2022cebs@gmail.com |
NEST 2026 Important Dates
Here is a table summarising the tentative schedule for NEST 2026:
| Events | Dates 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | 3rd week of February 2026 |
| Online application closes | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Application correction | 2nd week of May 2026 |
| Mock Test | 3rd week of May 2026 |
| Download of admit card | 1st week of June 2026 |
| Date of examination | 4th week of June 2026 |
| Announcement of result | June/ July 2026 |
NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for NEST 2026, candidates must have qualified for Class 12 or equivalent in 2023 or 2024 from a recognised board. There is no age limit for the exam. Applicants should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, securing at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD). Those appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the required criteria.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Must have qualified Class 12 or equivalent in 2023 or 2024 from a recognised board. |
| Age Limit | No age limit for appearing in the NEST 2026 exam. |
| Subjects | Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in the qualifying exam. |
| Minimum Marks | General/OBC: At least 60% aggregate marks; Reserved categories (SC/ST/PWD): 55%. |
| Appearing Status | Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply for the exam. |
NEST 2026 Application Process
The NEST 2026 application process will be conducted online through the official website of UM-DAE CEBS and NISER. Candidates can begin filling out the application form from the third week of February 2026. The last date to submit the form is expected to be in the second week of May 2026.
If any mistakes are made during the application, a correction window will be available in the second week of May 2026. The application fee must be paid online using net banking, debit card, or credit card. Offline payment will not be accepted.
Applicants can choose up to five preferred exam centres, and they must ensure their email ID and mobile number are correct as these will be used for communication.
How To Apply for NEST 2026?
Here are the procedures for filling in the NEST 2026 Application for students preparing for the NEST Exam 2026.
- The application process will begin on the official website for the UM DAE CEBS and NISER.
- Application fees for NEST 2026 can be paid by students using online payment modes, such as net banking, debit cards, and credit cards.
- Additionally, you are required to submit the NEST Exam 2026 registration fee online, as it is not accepted offline.
- As applicants, they could choose any one of the five most favourable Examination centres for themselves in 2026.
- Candidates should make sure that the email address and phone number are correct while filling the application form because the organising body will use these credentials to contact you.
NEST 2026 Admit Card
The NEST 2026 admit card will be available for download in the first week of June 2026 on the official website. It will be issued online by both participating institutes. The admit card includes details like the exam centre, which is assigned based on saved preferences.
Only candidates who have successfully filled out the NEST 2026 application form can download the admit card. To access it, candidates must log in using their email ID and password on the official website.
The admit card contains important details such as the roll number, name, photograph, signature, exam date and time, and exam centre. It is mandatory to carry a clear printout of the admit card along with a valid ID on the exam day. Entry will not be allowed without it.
Candidates must check all the details on the admit card carefully. If any mistake is found, it should be reported immediately using the contact information provided.
How to download the NEST 2026 Admit Card?
Candidates can easily download the NEST 2026 Admit card according to the following steps:
- Step 1: Students must log in to the official NEST website at nestexam.in.
- Step 2: Now, click on the "Download Admit Card" and then login page will appear on the screen
- Step 3: Students have to fill out the User ID and Password
- Step 4: After getting logged in, then click on the "admit card" tab.
- Step 5: Re-check all the details mentioned on the admit card, then click the download tab.
- Step 6: Ensure it is printed on the A4 sheet and carry extra photocopies of the admit card, as it will be required at the time of counselling for NEST and NEST Seat Allotment 2026.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
Knowing the pattern of the competitive exam you are preparing for will be really helpful at the time of preparation for the exam and proper preparation. Therefore, here are some important details related to the NEST 2026 Exam pattern.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online/Computer-based test |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Select Questions |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Marks | 200 marks |
| Total Sections | 4 (Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry) |
NEST 2026 Syllabus
The NEST 2026 syllabus covers topics from Class 11 and 12 in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Understanding these key topics will help candidates prepare better for the exam and score higher.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Biology | - Diversity in the Living World - Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants - Cell Structure and Function - Plant Physiology - Human Physiology |
| Physics | - Unit I: Physical World and Measurement - Unit II: Kinematics - Unit III: Laws of Motion - Unit IV: Work, Energy and Power - Unit V: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body - Unit VI: Gravitation - Unit VII: Properties of Bulk Matter - Unit VIII: Thermodynamics - Unit IX: Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory - Unit X: Oscillations and Waves |
| Chemistry | - Unit I: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry - Unit II: Structure of Atom - Unit III: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties - Unit IV: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure - Unit V: States of Matter: Gases and Liquids - Unit VI: Thermodynamics - Unit VII: Equilibrium - Unit VIII: Redox Reactions - Unit IX: Hydrogen - Unit X: s-Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals) - Unit XI: Some p-Block Elements - Unit XII: Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques - Unit XIII: Hydrocarbons - Unit XIV: Environmental Chemistry |
| Mathematics (Class XI) | UNIT I: SETS AND FUNCTIONS - Sets - Relations and Functions - Trigonometric Functions UNIT II: ALGEBRA - Principle of Mathematical Induction - Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations - Linear Inequalities - Permutations and Combinations - Binomial Theorem - Sequence and Series UNIT III: COORDINATE GEOMETRY - Straight Lines - Conic Sections - Introduction to Three-dimensional Geometry UNIT IV: CALCULUS - Limits and Derivatives UNIT V: MATHEMATICAL REASONING UNIT VI: STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY - Statistics - Probability |
| Mathematics (Class XII) | UNIT I: RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS - Relations and Functions - Inverse Trigonometric Functions UNIT II: ALGEBRA - Matrices - Determinants UNIT III: CALCULUS - Continuity and Differentiability - Applications of Derivatives - Integrals - Applications of the Integrals - Differential Equations UNIT IV: VECTORS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY - Vectors - Three-dimensional Geometry Unit V: Linear Programming Unit VI: Probability |
NEST 2026 Results
The NEST 2026 result is expected to be announced in the second week of July 2026. The result or merit list will include the roll numbers of candidates who qualified for admission to the Integrated MSc program. To check the result and download the NEST 2026 scorecard, candidates must log in using their credentials. The scorecard will show section-wise and total marks, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR). Candidates should keep their scorecards safe until the admission process is completed.
How to Check NEST 2026 Result
Applicants must follow the given steps to check the NEST 2026 Results:
- Open the official website (Link will be provided above).
- Click on the “NEST 2026 Result” link.
- A new page will be displayed on the screen.
- Now, fill in your Roll Number OR Application Number & Date of Birth.
- Then, click on the “Go” button.
- Check your result.
- Take a print copy of the NEST 2026 result for future use.
NEST 2026 Counselling Process
- Registration: Eligible candidates must register on the web counselling portal.
- Form Submission: Download, print, and fill out forms like:
- Student Personal Details
- Student and Parent Undertaking
- Medical History
- Anti-ragging Affidavit (by student and parent)
- First Round: Continues until all seats are filled or the merit list is exhausted.
- Waiting List: After round 1, each institute prepares a waiting list.
- Second Round: Conducted separately by each institute (not jointly).
- Modified Merit List: Based on the candidate's attendance and the original list, a new merit list is created for seat allotment.
NEST 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the full form of NEST 2026?
Ans. NEST 2026 stands for National Entrance Screening Test, conducted for admission to Integrated MSc programs at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
Ques. Who conducts the NEST 2026 exam?
Ans. NEST 2026 is jointly conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
Ques. What are the NEST 2026 exam dates?
Ans. NEST 2026 will be conducted in the 4th week of June 2026, and the result will be announced in July 2026.
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for NEST 2026?
Ans. Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2023 or 2024 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics and at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD).
Ques. What is the application fee for NEST 2026?
Ans. The NEST 2026 fee is INR 1,200 for General/OBC male candidates and INR 600 for all female candidates and SC/ST/PwD male candidates.
Ques. How can I apply for NEST 2026?
Ans. Visit the official website nestexam.in, register, fill out the form, pay the fee online, and select preferred exam centres.
Ques. When will the NEST 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The NEST 2026 admit card will be available from the first week of June 2026 for download from the official website.
Ques. What is the exam pattern for NEST 2026?
Ans. NEST 2026 is a computer-based test of 3 hours 30 minutes with 4 sections – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, totalling 200 marks.
Ques. How can I check my NEST 2026 result?
Ans. Log in to the official website with your roll number or application ID and date of birth to download the NEST 2026 result and scorecard.
Ques. What is the counselling process for NEST 2026?
Ans. Eligible candidates must register online, submit required forms, and attend counselling rounds. Seat allotment is based on the modified merit list created after each round.