NEST 2026 Application Form – Complete Guide
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious entrance examinations for students who wish to pursue advanced education in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
The exam is conducted for admission to the 5-Year Integrated MSc program offered by two top research institutes in India:
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar
- University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS)
The NEST 2026 exam will be held on 6 June 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
NEST 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Course Offered | 5-Year Integrated MSc |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Exam Date | 06 June 2026 |
| Academic Session | 2026–2031 |
About NISER & UM-DAE CEBS
Both institutes were established by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt of India. They focus on research-based learning, training future scientists, and promoting excellence in scientific education. Graduates often pursue PhD programs in prestigious international institutes.
NEST 2026 Seat Availability
| Institute | Seats |
|---|---|
| NISER Bhubaneswar | 200 |
| UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai | 57 |
NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
• Passed Class 12 (Science stream) in 2024 or 2025.
• Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible.
• Must study at least three: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics.
Minimum Marks Requirement
| Category | Minimum Marks (Class 12) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | 60% aggregate |
| SC / ST / Divyangjan | 55% aggregate |
NEST 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Male candidates (UR / OBC) | ₹1400 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | ₹700 |
Exam Pattern Highlights
Duration: 3 Hours | Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The exam tests conceptual understanding of core science subjects.
Exam Centers in Assam & North-East
Candidates can appear in: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur, Naharlagun, Tura, and Shillong.
How to Apply for NEST 2026?
NEST 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 5 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 15 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 06 June 2026 |
Important Useful Links of NEST Online Form
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Information Brochure | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Follow Our Whatsapp Channel | Click Here |
| Follow our Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Follow us on Twitter (X) | Click Here |
| Join Us on Linkedin | Click Here |
| More Job News | Click Here |
NEST Exam Pattern
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Biology | 20 | 60 |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| Section 3 | Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Section 4 | Physics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | — | 80 Questions | 240 Marks |
The syllabus for NEST 2026 primarily follows the CBSE curriculum (2025-26) and NCERT books of classes XI–XII for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Knowledge gained in the science subjects up to class 10 may also be required to answer some of the questions.
About the Program
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) offer unique Integrated MSc programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
Admitted candidates are eligible to receive an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA program (DAE, Govt. of India). Additionally, recipients receive a grant of Rs 20,000/- per annum for summer internships. Candidates selected for the INSPIRE-SHE program are also endorsed by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
A vast majority of students graduating from these integrated MSc programs pursue doctoral research at prestigious universities in India and abroad. Many join academia or high-end industrial R&D divisions primarily in research-oriented positions.