NEST 2026 Application Form – Eligibility, Exam Date & Exam Pattern
NEST 2026 Application Form is now open for students who want to pursue a career in basic sciences through the prestigious National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). This entrance exam is conducted for admission into the 5-Year Integrated MSc Programme offered 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).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!NEST is one of the important national-level entrance examinations for students interested in higher studies in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The test is conducted in online computer-based mode and allows eligible students from across India to compete for admission to research-oriented science programs.
These institutes were established in 2007 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India with the goal of promoting research-based education in the field of basic sciences. The Integrated MSc programme helps students develop strong scientific knowledge and prepares them for careers in research, teaching, and scientific innovation.
Students who have completed or are appearing for Class 12 examinations can apply for this entrance examination. The selected candidates will get the opportunity to study in world-class institutions and also receive scholarships to support their academic journey.
NEST 2026 Exam Overview
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is conducted every year for admission to the Integrated MSc programme in basic sciences. Important details about the examination are provided below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Courses Offered | 5-Year Integrated MSc Programme |
| Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Exam Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
| Academic Session | 2026 – 2031 |
The examination will test students’ understanding of science subjects studied during their school education.
Participating Institutes
The NEST exam provides admission to two prestigious research institutions in India.
| Institute | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar | 200 |
| UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai | 57 |
Both institutes focus on high-quality teaching and scientific research. Students who complete their Integrated MSc programme often continue with doctoral research in India or abroad.
Important Dates for NEST 2026
Candidates should carefully remember the important schedule related to the examination.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 5 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 6 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 15 May 2026 |
| NEST 2026 Exam Date | 6 June 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Applicants should complete the registration process before the last date to avoid any technical issues.
NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the examination, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility conditions.
Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in the NEST 2026 examination.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must satisfy the following academic requirements:
- Students should have passed Class XII examination from a recognized board in 2024 or 2025, or must be appearing for the same in 2026.
- Applicants must have studied at least three science subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in Classes XI and XII.
Minimum Marks Requirement
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | 60% aggregate |
| SC / ST / Divyangjan | 55% aggregate |
Meeting these criteria is necessary to be eligible for admission into NISER or UM-DAE CEBS.
NEST 2026 Application Fee
Candidates must pay the application fee while submitting the online form.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Male | ₹1400 |
| EWS / SC / ST / Divyangjan / All Female | ₹700 |
The fee can be paid using:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Once the payment is completed successfully, the application form can be submitted.
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates prepare better for the test.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Biology | 20 | 60 |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| Section 3 | Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Section 4 | Physics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | — | 80 | 240 |
The exam contains objective multiple-choice questions from the four science subjects. The syllabus is mainly based on NCERT books of Classes XI and XII.
How to Apply for NEST 2026 Application Form
Students who want to apply for the NEST examination can follow the steps given below.
- Visit the official NEST application portal.
- Click on the Online Application Form link.
- Register using basic details such as name, email ID and mobile number.
- Log in to the portal after successful registration.
- Enter personal information and educational details correctly.
- Upload scanned photograph, signature and other required documents.
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application form and download a copy for future reference.
Candidates should carefully check all details before final submission to avoid mistakes.
Important Web-Links of NEST Online Form
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Information Brochure | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Scholarship and Benefits
Students admitted to the Integrated MSc programme receive financial support through government scholarship schemes.
| Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
| DISHA Scholarship (DAE) | ₹60,000 per year |
| Summer Internship Grant | ₹20,000 per year |
Students may also become eligible for the INSPIRE Scholarship under the Department of Science and Technology.
These financial benefits help students focus on research and academic development during their studies.
FAQs
1. What is NEST 2026?
NEST 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programmes offered by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
2. Who can apply for the NEST exam?
Students who have passed or are appearing in the Class 12 examination with science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology can apply.
3. What is the exam mode of NEST 2026?
The exam will be conducted in online computer-based mode.
4. What is the duration of the NEST examination?
The exam duration is 3 hours.
5. What is the last date to apply for NEST 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 6 April 2026.
6. Is there any age limit for NEST?
No, there is no age limit for appearing in the NEST examination.
7. What courses are offered through NEST?
The exam provides admission to 5-year Integrated MSc programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
