NEST 2026 Exam: Exam Date, Notification, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation

The NEST 2026 application form is likely to be issued in February 2026. Students seeking to apply must have appeared for or completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology. General, EWS, and OBC applicants typically need at least 60% in Class 12, while those from SC, ST, and Divyangjan must have obtained a minimum of 55% in 10+2.

The exam is conducted in online mode across selected centres in India, and assesses proficiency in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each section is worth 60 marks, and NEST uses a unique scoring system where the best three section scores are considered for merit ranking. Exam takers must also meet the SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) in at least three subjects and secure the MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile) required for their category to obtain a merit rank. The results are usually announced within a few weeks after the exam. Those qualifying in the test are eligible to participate in the counselling process conducted separately by the participating institutes. Students who meet all the score criteria and merit list conditions can participate in institute-level seat allocation rounds.

NEST is a national entrance test conducted jointly by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM DAE CEBS Mumbai for admission into their five-year Integrated M.Sc. programmes in basic sciences.  The direct link to access the NEST 2026 application form is provided below.

We have provided NEST 2026 exam dates and events schedule for the admit card, application process, etc in the table below. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss any events. 

The following table features the important highlights of the NEST 2026 exam.

NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai organise the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is conducted every year to grant enrolment for their Integrated MSc programmes in basic sciences. The exam serves as a pathway for learners who want to pursue higher studies in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics in a research-oriented environment.

Students clearing NEST can pursue the offered 5-year integrated degree that combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the participating institutions. The programme follows a semester-based format and aims to build strong analytical and scientific skills, preparing aspirants for research roles, advanced studies or careers in science and technology. 

The NEST 2026 eligibility criteria determine whether or not a student can take this entrance. During application scrutiny, those not complying with the given criteria can face cancellation of candidature. Explore the main points below.

The NEST application form is typically issued in February every year. Students applying must meet the NEST eligibility criteria before sending their application forms. Before filling out the form, make sure to read the instructions on the official website. The main stages include registering, obtaining login credentials, signing to the portal, entering the particulars, uploading documents, paying the fee, and submission. The fee payment can be completed via online mode only, using credit card/ debit card/ net banking. The system allows the use of Mastercard/ Visa/ RuPay cards or UPI as payment options.

Documents Required for NEST Application Form 

Below is the list of documents required for the NEST application form:

• Valid email address and mobile number
• Colored passport-size photograph in jpg/ jpeg format (image size should be between 10 kb to 200 kb)
• Scanned signature of the student
• Mark sheet of 12th and 10th class
• Thumb impression 
• SC/ ST/ PWD Certificate (if applicable)

NEST Application Fees

Here is an overview of the NEST application fee:

The NEST admit card is issued a few weeks before the examination. It is mandatory to bring the hall ticket along with a school photo identity card or any Government-issued photo ID card.

The conducting body does not dispatch the NEST admit card via offline means. You are required to download it from the applicant login. The link is typically available till the day of the examination. After the examination, make sure to retain the copy of the hall ticket for future reference, such as to check the result or during the NEST counselling process.

The NEST 2026 syllabus covers the topics from 11th and 12th class NCERT courses. 

NEST 2026 Exam Syllabus - Physics

Here is the list of the Physics syllabus and topics for NEST 2026 exam. 

NEST 2026 Exam Syllabus - Chemistry

Here is the list of the NEST 2026 exam Chemistry syllabus and topics. 

NEST 2026 Exam Syllabus - Maths

Here is the list of the NEST 2026 exam Maths syllabus and topics. 

NEST 2026 Exam Syllabus - Biology

Here is the list of the NEST 2026 exam Biology syllabus and topics. 

Here is a quick overview of the NEST 2026 exam pattern.

The official NEST mock test link is live on the NEST portal a few weeks before the exam date. Apart from that, several coaching centres also release unofficial mocks that are mostly free, or some may require you to pay a nominal fee. By appearing for mock tests, you get a proper simulation of the actual exam, which strengthens your NEST preparation and builds exam readiness.

Don't leave your mock results unanalysed. Make sure to check where you scored more and where you didn't. Work on your weaknesses and customise your strategy to excel in the test.

Books play a significant role in preparation for any entrance test. To do well in NEST, you should utilise the best books for NEST 2026 recommended by experts. Get the list below.

The NEST question papers can be accessed from the official website along with the answer key released within 2 to 3 days after the exam. Students preparing for the exam must solve old question papers to get a clear idea about the structure, key topics, and what sort of questions to expect.

Preparing for NEST becomes manageable when you treat every section of the exam as a mini test and work accordingly. Mastering all 4 segments is not mandatory for NEST, which can be an advantage for aspirants, as your best three sections will be considered for overall merit. That gives you an option to play to your strengths, which is a smart strategy for this exam. 

At the same time, keep in mind that you need to aim for a steady SMAS score (Section-Wise Minimum Admissible Score), and not just one subject. Begin preparations early and aim to complete the NEST syllabus well in advance. Solving a few full-length NEST mocks can help you understand the CBT format and sharpen your navigation and problem-solving skills. Also, be sure to revise at frequent intervals to improve the retention of topics studied.

The NEST 2026 exam centres are available across the country in more than 140 locations. Aspirants are advised to reach the venue according to the reporting time mentioned on the hall tickets, along with the permitted documents, stationery, and other essentials. Follow all the guidelines provided on the NEST admit card, and also the instructions given by the invigilator during the test.

While filling out the NEST application form, you can select 3 cities as per your preference. Out of the options added in the application, the NEST committee typically allocates the location of 1st choice. Once the exam city has been assigned, no requests for a change in the NEST exam centre will be entertained.

The NEST answer key is issued within 1-2 days after the exam is conducted, which can be accessed from the official website in the form of a PDF. By cross-checking your responses with it, you can calculate your probable scores. Along with the key, students can access the NEST question paper. During the grievance window, you can raise your concerns, if any, related to the provisional key. If the claims are found valid, the admission cell may release the NEST revised answer key.

The NEST result is typically announced within a month after the exam is held. To download your NEST scorecard, you must visit the official website and log in to the portal with the required credentials, such as your application number and password.

The NEST merit list is prepared by considering each exam taker's best three section scores and applying the SMAS and MAP rules. Only those who meet the minimum section-wise scores and the required category-wise percentile appear on the final list. Admission to the Integrated MSc programmes at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS is done based on the final merit list.

The NEST cutoff is the minimum marks section-wise and percentile a student must secure to qualify for the merit list. Since the exam follows a unique scoring system, the qualifying cutoff is released in the form of SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) and MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile). 

You must meet both to be considered for ranking and admission to NISER Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. By reviewing the past year NEST cutoffs, applicants understand the performance level needed to pass the exam. The conducting authority for NEST does not publish separate cutoffs for NISER or CEBS. SMAS and MAP are the official qualifying benchmarks, while final admission depends on merit position and institute-level procedures.

The NEST counselling process is conducted separately by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai after the declaration of results and merit lists. Those shortlisted as per the merit list must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to confirm that they want to proceed with the selection process. Based on all received EOIs and the merit list, each institute prepares an admission queue, which decides the order in which students are invited for seat allocation. 

The first-round admission list is then released, and those selected must report in person with the required documents to secure their seat. Those who don’t report on time or fail to submit EOI are not considered for further rounds.

Candidates can enrol in a five-year integrated MSc programme in Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics) offered by both NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. The available seats at NEST participating colleges are listed below. 

NEST exam is organised by NISER Bhubaneswar and Mumbai University - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai.

In 2007, the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, had set up both NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. The vision of NISER and CEBS is to impart high-quality science education to motivated students by some of the distinguished scientists and teachers.

Please check the contact details for NEST participating institutes below:

NISER Bhubaneswar

Chief Coordinator - NEST,

National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar

P.O. Jatni, Khurda 752050, Odisha, India

E Mail: nest-exam [at] niser.ac.in

University of Mumbai Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences

"Nalanda", Opp Nano Sciences Building, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Mumbai 400098, India.

Phone Number:91-22-26532132

 Website: http://www.nestexam.in