The NEST 2026 cutoff decides which students can move forward for admission to NISER and CEBS. The cutoff is based on section-wise scores (SMAS) and the overall minimum admissible percentile (MAP). In NEST 2025, cutoff marks changed by shift, subject, and category. For Shift 1, General/EWS candidates had higher Biology and Chemistry cutoffs compared to Mathematics and Physics. In Shift 2, Mathematics and Physics cutoffs increased slightly for all categories. For NISER admission, students must meet MAP and SMAS in the General section and all four subjects. For CEBS admission, students must qualify MAP and SMAS in the General section and any three subjects. Category-wise relaxation applies, where OBC candidates need 90% and SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates need 50% of the General SMAS. Cutoff marks change every year based on exam difficulty and student performance.
NEST 2025 Cut off For NISER And CBES (Shift-wise)
Check out the table below for NEST 2025 cutoff for NISER and CBES shift one.
| Category | Shift-1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub: | Biology | Chemistry | Mathematics | Physics |
| General/ EWS | 9.29473684 | 8.198 | 6.358 | 5.534 |
| OBC-NCL | 8.36526315 | 7.3782 | 5.7222 | 4.9806 |
| SC/ ST/ PwD/ JK | 4.64736842 | 4.099 | 3.179 | 2.767 |
Check out the table below for NEST 2025 cutoff for NISER and CBES shift two.
| Category | Shift-2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub: | Biology | Chemistry | Mathematics | Physics |
| General/EWS | 8.054 | 8.504 | 6.824 | 6.10105263 |
| OBC-NCL | 7.2486 | 7.6536 | 6.1416 | 5.49094736 |
| SC/ ST/ PwD/ JK | 4.027 | 4.252 | 3.412 | 3.05052631 |
Factors Affecting NEST 2026 Cutoff
The authorities consider several factors while deciding the cutoff marks for determining the NEST cutoff marks. Several factors are considered while deciding the NEST cutoff marks, it is mentioned below:
- Total no of applicants appeared in the NEST exam
- The difficulty level of the exam.
- The cut-off marks i.e. SMAS will vary for each section as well as MAP for NISER and CEBS.
- Rank for NISER will be awarded to candidates scoring equal to and above the cut offs in MAP and SMAS, in the General section as well as all four sections.
- For CEBS, the candidate should have scores equal to and above the MAP and in SMAS in the General section and any three of the subject sections to secure a rank in the merit list.
NEST 2026 Sectional Cutoff
The key parameter for shortlisting a candidate will be the sectional cut-off marks known as SMAS. Merit list of NEST 2026 for NISER and CEBS will be on the basis of percentile scores obtained by the candidates in all the subject sections.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting Criteria | Candidates must meet the Sectional Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) in each section. |
| Merit List Basis | Based on percentile scores obtained in all subject sections. |
| Total Score Calculation | 20% of the average of the best 100 scores in each section will determine SMAS. |
| SMAS Variation | The numerical value of SMAS differs for each section. |
| General Category SMAS | Candidates must meet or exceed SMAS to qualify. |
| OBC Category SMAS | 90% of the General category SMAS. |
| SC/ST/Divyangjan SMAS | 50% of the General category SMAS. |
NISER And CBES Sectional Cutoff Marks
Applicants can check subject-wise NEST cutoff marks for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics subjects in the mentioned table.
| Category | Biology/ Chemistry | Maths/ Physics |
|---|---|---|
| General/ EWS | 8-10 | 7-9 |
| OBC | 6-8 | 5-7 |
| SC/ ST | 5-7 | 4-6 |
NEST 2026 FAQs
What was the NEST 2025 cutoff for NISER Biology in Shift 1 for General/EWS category?
The NEST 2025 Biology cutoff for NISER Shift 1 in the General/EWS category was 9.29473684.
What was the NEST 2025 cutoff for CEBS Physics in Shift 2 for OBC-NCL candidates?
The NEST 2025 Physics cutoff for CEBS Shift 2 for OBC-NCL candidates was 5.49094736.
How does the NEST exam difficulty level affect the NEST 2026 cutoff?
A tougher NEST exam usually results in a lower cutoff, while an easier exam leads to a higher cutoff.
What is SMAS in NEST 2026 sectional cutoff?
SMAS stands for Sectional Minimum Admissible Score, which candidates must meet in each subject section.
How is the NEST 2026 merit list for NISER prepared?
The NEST 2026 merit list for NISER is based on percentile scores, provided candidates qualify in MAP and SMAS for all sections.
What is the eligibility rule for CEBS ranking in NEST 2026?
For CEBS ranking, candidates must qualify MAP and SMAS in the General section and any three subject sections.
How is the SMAS value calculated in NEST 2026?
SMAS is calculated as 20% of the average of the best 100 scores in each subject section.
What is the NEST 2026 SMAS requirement for OBC candidates?
OBC candidates must score at least 90% of the General category SMAS.
What is the NEST 2026 SMAS requirement for SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates?
SC/ST/Divyangjan candidates must score 50% of the General category SMAS.
What is the expected subject-wise NEST cutoff range for General/EWS candidates?
For General/EWS candidates, the expected cutoff range is 8–10 for Biology/Chemistry and 7–9 for Mathematics/Physics.