ITM NEST 2026 (ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test) is the university-level entrance and scholarship test conducted by ITM University, Gwalior, for admission to more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across engineering, management, law, pharmacy, agriculture, nursing, and other disciplines. The ITM NEST 2026 exam was conducted in the fourth week of June 2026, and the result is expected in the second week of July 2026. Scoring high in ITM NEST 2026 also makes candidates eligible for tuition fee waivers of up to 100%, which sets this exam apart from most other university entrance tests.
- Result: ITM NEST 2026 result is expected around July 10, 2026. In 2025, the result was declared on July 10, 2025 — approximately 12 days after the June 28 exam. Candidates can check their result by logging into the official portal at itmuniversity.ac.in with their application number and password.
- Counselling: ITM NEST 2026 counselling is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026 (around July 21). In 2025, counselling started around the same date. Physical presence at the ITM University campus in Gwalior is required for document verification and seat confirmation.
- Seat Allotment: Seat allotment across 100+ programs is expected in the last week of July 2026, based on ITM NEST scores, JEE Main ranks, CUET scores, or Class 12 merit — depending on the course applied for.
- Academic Session: The 2026-27 academic session at ITM University is expected to begin in August 2026. Admitted students must complete fee payment and document submission before the session starts.
What is ITM NEST 2026?
ITM NEST stands for ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test. ITM University, Gwalior — a private university established in 2011 in Madhya Pradesh — conducts this test every year to grant admissions across its UG, PG, Diploma, and PhD programs. The exam works as both an admission test and a scholarship qualification test. Students who score high can get tuition fee waivers from 25% up to 100%, which makes ITM NEST significantly different from a standard entrance exam.
ITM University is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The university operates more than 100 programs across 12 schools on a 165-acre campus in Gwalior. These schools cover Engineering & Technology, Management, Sciences, Law, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Nursing, Architecture, Education, Physical Education, and Fine Arts.
You should note that ITM NEST is not the same as NEST (National Entrance Screening Test), which is separately conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai for integrated MSc programs in basic sciences. ITM NEST is an entirely different exam run by ITM University, Gwalior, and has no connection to that national-level NEST.
Candidates who have appeared or are appearing in Class 12 from any recognised board can apply for ITM NEST for UG programs. For PG programs, a graduation degree in the relevant field is required. There is no upper age limit for most programs. Both Indian nationals and eligible foreign nationals can apply.
The ITM NEST 2026 exam was conducted in the fourth week of June 2026. If you have appeared in the exam, you should keep checking the official website at itmuniversity.ac.in for result and counselling updates, which are expected in July 2026.
ITM NEST 2026 Key Highlights
The table below gives you a quick overview of the most important details about ITM NEST 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test |
| Short Form | ITM NEST 2026 |
| Conducting Body | ITM University, Gwalior |
| Exam Level | University-level (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) and Offline (OMR-based) |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 (1 mark per question) |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Exam Language | English |
| Exam Date 2026 | June 28, 2026 (Conducted) |
| Result Date 2026 | Expected July 10, 2026 |
| Application Fee | INR 1,100 (INR 1,000 + INR 100 registration fee) |
| Official Website | itmuniversity.ac.in |
ITM NEST 2026 Important Dates
The table below lists all key events for ITM NEST 2026. Upcoming events are shown first in chronological order, followed by past events (also in chronological order). Events marked (Over) have already passed as of July 1, 2026.
| Event | 2026 Date | 2025 Date (Reference) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Result Declaration | July 10, 2026 (Expected) | July 10, 2025 | Upcoming |
| Counselling Begins | July 21, 2026 (Expected) | July 21, 2025 | Upcoming |
| Seat Allotment and Fee Payment | Last week of July 2026 (Expected) | Last week of July 2025 | Upcoming |
| Academic Session Begins | August 2026 (Expected) | August 2025 | Upcoming |
| Registration Opens | January 5, 2026 | January 10, 2025 | (Over) |
| Last Date to Apply | June 4, 2026 | June 4, 2025 | (Over) |
| Admit Card Released | June 14, 2026 | 1st week of June 2025 | (Over) |
| ITM NEST 2026 Exam | June 28, 2026 | June 28, 2025 | (Over) |
Note: Result, counselling, and academic session dates for 2026 are expected dates based on the 2025 cycle pattern. Official confirmed dates will be published on the ITM University website.
ITM NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for ITM NEST 2026 varies by the program you want to join. Here is a course-wise breakdown of the minimum academic requirements:
Eligibility for Undergraduate Programs
| Program | Qualifying Exam | Minimum Marks | Compulsory Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (All branches) | Class 12 | 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English |
| B.Tech CSE (AI/ML, Data Science) | Class 12 | 65% aggregate in PCM | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English |
| BBA / B.Com | Class 12 | 50% aggregate | Any stream |
| BCA | Class 12 | 50% aggregate | Any stream (Mathematics preferred) |
| B.Pharm | Class 12 | 50% aggregate | Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics |
| BA LLB / BBA LLB / B.Com LLB | Class 12 | 45% aggregate | Any stream |
| B.Sc Agriculture / Biotechnology | Class 12 | 50% aggregate | PCB or Agriculture stream |
| B.Sc Nursing | Class 12 | 50% aggregate | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English |
| B.Arch | Class 12 | 50% aggregate + valid NATA score | Mathematics compulsory |
Eligibility for Postgraduate Programs
| Program | Qualifying Exam | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Graduation in any discipline | 50% aggregate |
| MCA | BCA / B.Sc CS / B.Sc IT or equivalent | 50% aggregate |
| M.Tech | B.Tech / BE in relevant engineering field | 50% aggregate |
| M.Pharm | B.Pharm from a recognised university | 50% aggregate |
| M.Sc | B.Sc in relevant science discipline | 50% aggregate |
General eligibility conditions:
- Candidates who are appearing in their qualifying exam in 2026 can also apply. They must submit the final result before counselling for seat confirmation.
- There is no upper age limit for most programs at ITM University.
- Both Indian nationals and eligible foreign nationals can apply for ITM NEST.
- SC/ST/OBC candidates get a 5% relaxation in minimum marks for most programs.
Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria will be disqualified at the time of document verification during counselling, even if they have appeared in the exam. Always verify eligibility before applying.
ITM NEST 2026 Application Process
The ITM NEST 2026 registration was open from January 5, 2026 to June 4, 2026 and is now closed. The application process was entirely online through the official ITM University admission portal. If you are planning to apply in the 2027 cycle, here is how the process works:
- Visit the official website: Go to itmuniversity.ac.in and click on the "Apply Online" or "NEST Registration" link in the Admissions section.
- Create your login: Register with your email ID and mobile number. An OTP will be sent for verification. Keep this login ID and password — you will need it throughout the process, including for admit card and result.
- Fill the application form: Enter your personal details, Class 10 and 12 academic information, category, and the program you are applying for.
- Upload documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPG format) and your scanned signature. File size limits are specified on the portal.
- Pay the application fee: Pay INR 1,100 (INR 1,000 application fee + INR 100 registration charge) online through net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card. The fee is non-refundable.
- Submit and save confirmation: After successful payment, submit the application. Take a printout or screenshot of the confirmation page for your records.
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 |
| Registration Charge | INR 100 |
| Total Payable | INR 1,100 |
| Refundable? | No (non-refundable) |
| Payment Mode | Net Banking, UPI, Debit / Credit Card |
There is no offline application mode for ITM NEST. The full process — form filling, document upload, and fee payment — is done online. The registration window for 2026 opened in January and closed in the first week of June, following the same pattern as the 2025 cycle.
ITM NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
The ITM NEST 2026 exam consisted of 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 90 minutes. There was no negative marking, so candidates were advised to attempt every question. The paper had two parts — Part A (common for all candidates) and Part B (stream-specific).
ITM NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) and Offline (OMR-based) |
| Total Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Question Format | Objective (MCQ) with 4 options each |
| Medium | English |
| Paper Structure | Part A (Common for all) + Part B (Stream-specific) |
ITM NEST 2026 Paper Structure by Stream
| Section | Content | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (Common) | General English, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Basic Mathematics, General Science | All candidates |
| Part B — Engineering | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | B.Tech / B.Arch aspirants |
| Part B — Management | Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, Business Awareness | BBA / MBA aspirants |
| Part B — Law | Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, Current Affairs | BA LLB aspirants |
| Part B — Pharmacy / Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | B.Pharm / B.Sc aspirants |
Since there is no negative marking in ITM NEST, attempting every question is the best strategy. Part A accounts for roughly 50 questions and is the same for all students — doing well in it provides a strong base score regardless of stream.
ITM NEST 2026 Syllabus
The ITM NEST 2026 syllabus is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum of major boards like CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. The syllabus is divided into Part A (common) and Part B (stream-specific). Students who have studied NCERT textbooks thoroughly will find the syllabus very familiar.
Part A Syllabus — Common for All Candidates
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General English | Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Correction |
| General Awareness | Current Events (National & International), Science & Technology, Sports, Awards, Government Schemes, Important Dates |
| Logical Reasoning | Series Completion, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Syllogisms, Puzzles |
| Basic Mathematics | Number System, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Averages, Time & Work, Mensuration |
| General Science | Basic Physics, Chemistry, and Biology concepts up to Class 10 level |
Part B Syllabus — Engineering (B.Tech)
| Subject | Major Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vectors, Statistics and Probability |
| Physics | Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Sound & Mechanical Waves, Optics, Electricity & Magnetism, Modern Physics, Semiconductors |
| Chemistry | Mole Concept & Stoichiometry, Gaseous State, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Chemical Equilibrium, Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Reactions, Mechanisms), Periodic Properties |
Part B Syllabus — Pharmacy and Life Sciences (B.Pharm / B.Sc)
The Pharmacy and Science stream Part B covers Physics and Chemistry (same topics as Engineering above) and additionally:
- Biology: Cell Biology and Cell Division, Genetics and Evolution, Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Ecology and Environment, Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Conservation
Part B Syllabus — Management (BBA / MBA)
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number Theory, Algebra, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Data Sufficiency
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Caselets
- Verbal Ability: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary in Context
- Business Awareness: Basic Economics, Current Business Events, Financial Literacy, Indian Economy fundamentals
Part B Syllabus — Law (BA LLB)
- Legal Aptitude: Legal Principles and Application, Legal Reasoning, Contract Law Basics
- Logical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning, Analytical Puzzles, Argument Analysis
- English Comprehension: Legal Passages, Vocabulary, Grammar
- Current Affairs: National and International Events, Constitutional Provisions, Landmark Judgements
If you have studied NCERT books for Class 11 and 12 thoroughly, you are well-prepared for Part A and the engineering Part B. The ITM NEST does not test beyond the standard board syllabus — NCERT is both necessary and sufficient for most sections.
ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card
The ITM NEST 2026 admit card was released in the second week of June 2026 (around June 14, 2026). Registered candidates downloaded it from the official ITM University portal by logging in with their application number and password. The admit card was mandatory for entry into the examination hall — candidates without a valid admit card were not allowed to sit for the exam.
Details Printed on the ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card
- Candidate’s full name and photograph
- Application number and roll number
- Exam date, shift, and reporting time
- Exam center name and full address
- Important instructions for exam day conduct
- Program applied for
Along with the admit card, candidates were required to carry a valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport. Both documents needed to be carried to the exam center.
For the 2027 cycle, the admit card is typically released 10 to 14 days before the exam date. Based on the pattern, it will be available in the second week of June 2027. Candidates should monitor the official website during that period.
ITM NEST 2026 Result
The ITM NEST 2026 result is expected in the second week of July 2026. In 2025, the result was declared on July 10, 2025 — approximately 12 days after the exam. So the 2026 result should be out around July 10, 2026 (Expected). Candidates can check their result by logging into the admission portal at itmuniversity.ac.in using their application number and password.
What the ITM NEST 2026 Result Will Include
- Total marks obtained out of 100
- Section-wise scores (Part A and Part B)
- Percentile score
- All-India and category rank
- Scholarship eligibility based on marks scored
- Counselling shortlist status
Steps to Check ITM NEST 2026 Result
- Go to itmuniversity.ac.in or the official admission portal.
- Click on the "ITM NEST 2026 Result" link in the Admissions section.
- Enter your application number / roll number and password or date of birth.
- Your result will appear on the screen.
- Download and save the result — you will need it at counselling for document verification.
After the result is declared, ITM University will release the merit list. Candidates who appear on the merit list will be shortlisted for counselling. The merit list is expected to be released along with or shortly after the result in the second week of July 2026.
ITM NEST 2026 Scholarship
The scholarship structure is one of the most important reasons students appear for ITM NEST. High scorers can get tuition fee waivers of up to 100%, which can result in significant savings over a 4-year program. ITM University offers scholarships through two main tracks — one based on your ITM NEST performance, and another based on your Class 12 board marks.
Track 1: Scholarship Based on ITM NEST Score
| ITM NEST Score (out of 100) | Tuition Fee Waiver |
|---|---|
| 90 marks and above | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| 80 to 89 marks | Up to 75% tuition fee waiver |
| 70 to 79 marks | Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
| 60 to 69 marks | Up to 25% tuition fee waiver |
Track 2: Entry-Level Scholarship Based on Class 12 Marks
| Class 12 Percentage | Tuition Fee Waiver |
|---|---|
| 90% and above | 25% on tuition fee |
| 80% to 89.99% | 15% on tuition fee |
| 70% to 79.99% | 5% on tuition fee |
Additional Scholarships at ITM University
- Girl Child Scholarship: An extra 10% tuition fee waiver for female students admitted to any program
- Sibling Scholarship: 10% fee waiver if a sibling is currently enrolled at ITM University
- Defence and Paramilitary Ward Scholarship: 10% fee waiver for children of defence or paramilitary personnel
- Sports Scholarship: For students with state or national-level achievements in recognised sports
- Early Bird Scholarship: For students who confirm admission early in the admission cycle — contact the admission helpline for current details
- State Government Scholarships: SC/ST/OBC students from Madhya Pradesh are eligible for MPTAASC and other MP state government scholarships (approximately INR 30,000 per year for eligible students)
All scholarships are subject to maintaining a minimum CGPA and at least 75% attendance each semester. Scholarships can be cancelled if these conditions are not met. The scholarship applies to the tuition fee component only — hostel, mess, and examination fees are payable separately.
Source: ITM University Gwalior — Official Admission Information
ITM NEST 2026 Merit List and Cutoff
The ITM NEST 2026 merit list will be released along with the result, expected in the second week of July 2026. The cutoff marks for each program depend on the number of applicants, difficulty of the exam, and available seats. Candidates who clear the cutoff are placed on the merit list and called for counselling.
ITM University also accepts scores from JEE Main, CUET, CAT, CMAT, GATE, and NEET (for relevant programs). Students admitted via these national exams also qualify for scholarships based on their rank or score. The table below shows the JEE Main closing ranks for B.Tech at ITM University Gwalior in 2025 for reference:
| B.Tech Program | JEE Main Closing Rank (2025) |
|---|---|
| CSE (Cloud Computing) | 272001 |
| Civil Engineering | 537330 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 889112 |
Note: The above ranks are for JEE Main-based admission only. ITM NEST has its own separate merit list and cutoff marks. The 2026 ITM NEST cutoff will be published on the official website along with the result in July 2026.
Based on the scholarship structure, students who score 60 or above out of 100 in ITM NEST qualify for a 25% tuition fee waiver. Scoring 90 or above gives the maximum 100% waiver. Higher scores also improve priority in seat allotment when seats are limited in a particular specialisation.
ITM NEST 2026 Counselling Process
ITM NEST 2026 counselling is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026, around July 21, 2026. The counselling is conducted at the ITM University campus in Gwalior. Shortlisted candidates need to be physically present — no online-only counselling is available for seat confirmation and document verification.
ITM NEST 2026 Counselling Steps
- Register for counselling: After the result is declared, log in to the admission portal and register for counselling. This is a separate step from the NEST exam registration.
- Choice filling: Select your preferred program and branch from the options available for your rank and score bracket. You can enter multiple choices to improve your chances.
- Document verification: Visit the ITM University campus in Gwalior on your scheduled date with all original documents. University staff will verify your eligibility on the spot.
- Seat allotment: Based on your ITM NEST rank, category, preferences, and seat availability, a seat is allotted.
- Fee payment: Pay the first semester fee to confirm your seat. Scholarship waivers, if applicable, are applied at this stage. Verify your scholarship band with the admission office before paying.
- Admission confirmation: After payment, submit documents and collect your enrollment number and admission letter.
Documents Required at ITM NEST 2026 Counselling
| Document | Required Copies |
|---|---|
| Class 10 mark sheet and certificate | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Class 12 mark sheet and certificate | Original + 2 photocopies |
| ITM NEST 2026 result / scorecard | Original printout + 2 copies |
| ITM NEST 2026 admit card | Original + 1 photocopy |
| Transfer certificate (TC) | Original |
| Migration certificate (if from outside MP) | Original |
| Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC — if applicable) | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Aadhaar card / Voter ID / Passport | Original + 1 photocopy |
| Passport-size photographs | 6 to 8 recent photographs |
| Medical fitness certificate | Original |
You must be physically present at the ITM University campus in Gwalior on the counselling date. Proxies or representatives are not allowed. If you miss your counselling date without prior communication to the university, your seat may be allotted to the next candidate on the merit list.
Programs Offered through ITM NEST 2026
ITM NEST 2026 gives you access to more than 100 programs across 12 schools at ITM University, Gwalior. Here is a school-wise list of major programs you can join through ITM NEST:
| School | Major Programs |
|---|---|
| School of Engineering & Technology | B.Tech (CSE, AIML, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Cyber Security, IoT, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical), M.Tech |
| School of Management | BBA, BBA (International Business), MBA (Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations) |
| School of Computer Applications | BCA, MCA |
| School of Sciences | B.Sc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Biotechnology), M.Sc |
| School of Pharmacy | D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm |
| School of Law | BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLM |
| School of Agriculture | B.Sc Agriculture, M.Sc Agriculture |
| School of Nursing | B.Sc Nursing (Basic and Post Basic), GNM, M.Sc Nursing |
| School of Architecture & Design | B.Arch, B.Des (Interior Design, Fashion Design) |
| School of Education | B.Ed, M.Ed, D.El.Ed |
| School of Physical Education & Sports | B.P.Ed, M.P.Ed, B.Sc (Physical Education) |
| School of Fine Arts & Performing Arts | BFA, MFA |
The B.Tech program is particularly popular for its specialisations in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML), Cloud Computing, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Internet of Things (IoT). For MBA admission, candidates with CAT, CMAT, or MAT scores can also apply without appearing in ITM NEST. For B.Arch, a valid NATA score is additionally required alongside the NEST score.
ITM University Gwalior: At a Glance
ITM University, Gwalior is the parent institution that conducts ITM NEST. Here is a quick profile to help you understand what the university offers before you make your admission decision:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 2011 |
| Location | NH-44, Bypass Turari, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, MP 475001 |
| Campus Size | 165 acres |
| Recognition | UGC recognised, AICTE approved, NAAC accredited |
| Total Programs | 100+ across 12 schools |
| Highest Placement Package | INR 45 LPA |
| Average Placement Package | INR 6 LPA |
| Companies Visiting Campus | 800+ |
| Total Placements (last 3 years) | 16,000+ |
| Admission Helpline | +91-9329934215 | 1800-270-0031 (Toll-Free) |
| Admission Email | admission@itmuniversity.ac.in |
| Official Website | itmuniversity.ac.in |
Major recruiters who visit the ITM University campus include companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, and Accenture, among hundreds of others across IT, BFSI, manufacturing, retail, and consulting sectors. The School of Engineering and the School of Management have the strongest placement records on campus.
Preparation Tips for ITM NEST
While the ITM NEST 2026 exam has already been conducted (June 28, 2026), these tips will help students preparing for the 2027 cycle or those who are currently in Class 11. Scoring 70 or above out of 100 gets you a 50% tuition fee waiver. Scoring 90 or above wins a full fee waiver — a difference that can save several lakhs over a 4-year B.Tech program.
For Part A — Common Section
- General English: Read one English newspaper daily. Focus on grammar rules, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Error detection and fill-in-the-blanks questions appear most frequently.
- General Awareness: Follow current affairs from the 6 months before the exam. Pay attention to national awards, government schemes, sports events, and science developments.
- Logical Reasoning: Practice reasoning problems every day. Series completion, blood relations, direction-sense, and coding-decoding are the most common types. You get less than 54 seconds per question — speed is critical.
- Basic Mathematics: Revise Class 9 and 10 maths — percentage, profit-loss, ratio-proportion, and mensuration. These are high-scoring and not very difficult with regular practice.
For Part B — Engineering (B.Tech)
- Start with NCERT: The Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics syllabus for ITM NEST is based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks. Complete all NCERT chapters and exercises before moving to any reference book.
- Practice numericals: Physics and Mathematics in Part B involve calculation-heavy problems. Solve at least 20-30 problems per topic from standard practice books.
- Chemistry strategy: Organic Chemistry reactions and Physical Chemistry numericals carry the most marks. Inorganic Chemistry is memory-based — reading NCERT carefully is enough.
General Strategy for All Candidates
- Attempt all 100 questions — since there is no negative marking, leaving any question blank is a wasted opportunity.
- Take at least 3-5 full-length mock tests in the last two weeks before the exam. This builds speed and accuracy.
- Aim for 70+ marks to secure a 50% scholarship. Pushing to 90+ gives the full tuition waiver — a difference worth lakhs over the course duration.
- ITM NEST is available in both CBT (online) and OMR (offline) modes — practice in the mode you plan to use on exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques. What is ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. ITM NEST 2026 is the ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test conducted by ITM University, Gwalior. It is a university-level entrance and scholarship test for admission to more than 100 UG and PG programs in engineering, management, law, pharmacy, agriculture, nursing, and other streams. The exam also determines scholarship eligibility — top scorers get tuition fee waivers of up to 100%. The 2026 exam was conducted on June 28, 2026, and the result is expected around July 10, 2026.
Ques. Is ITM NEST the same as NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)?
Ans. No, they are completely different exams. ITM NEST is conducted by ITM University, Gwalior, for admission to its own programs. NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) is a separate exam conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai for 5-year integrated MSc programs in basic sciences. The two exams share a similar abbreviation but have no connection with each other.
Ques. Is there negative marking in ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. No. There is no negative marking in ITM NEST 2026. Each correct answer gives +1 mark, and a wrong answer does not result in any mark deduction. Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, you should attempt all 100 questions. Even an educated guess on an uncertain question is better than leaving it blank.
Ques. When will the ITM NEST 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The ITM NEST 2026 result is expected in the second week of July 2026, around July 10, 2026. This is based on the 2025 pattern in which the result was declared on July 10, 2025 — approximately 12 days after the June 28 exam. Candidates can check their result on the official portal at itmuniversity.ac.in using their application number and password.
Ques. What scholarship is offered through ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. ITM NEST 2026 offers tuition fee waivers based on your exam score: 90 marks and above gets up to 100% waiver; 80-89 marks gets up to 75%; 70-79 marks gets up to 50%; 60-69 marks gets up to 25%. There is also a separate entry-level scholarship based on Class 12 board marks (90%+ = 25% off; 80-90% = 15% off; 70-80% = 5% off). Additional waivers are available for girl students (10%), siblings of current students (10%), and defence wards (10%).
Ques. Can I get B.Tech admission at ITM University without JEE Main through ITM NEST?
Ans. Yes. ITM University accepts ITM NEST scores directly for B.Tech admission. You do not need a JEE Main score. However, if you have a valid JEE Main score, the university also accepts that for admission and scholarship calculation. Either route is valid — ITM NEST is a fully recognised pathway to B.Tech at ITM University, Gwalior.
Ques. What is the eligibility for B.Tech through ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. For B.Tech admission through ITM NEST 2026, you need to have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates). For B.Tech CSE specialisations in Data Science or AI/ML, the minimum is 65% in PCM. There is no upper age limit. Candidates appearing in the 2026 board exams can also apply and submit marks before counselling.
Ques. When will ITM NEST 2026 counselling start?
Ans. ITM NEST 2026 counselling is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026, around July 21, 2026. This is based on the 2025 timeline in which counselling started around the same date. Shortlisted candidates must visit the ITM University campus in Gwalior with their original documents for physical verification. Confirmed dates will be published on the official website after the result is declared.
Ques. How many questions are in the ITM NEST exam?
Ans. ITM NEST has 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) with 4 options each. The total duration is 90 minutes and total marks are 100 (1 mark per correct answer). The paper has two parts — Part A (common for all candidates, covering General English, Awareness, Reasoning, and Basic Maths) and Part B (stream-specific for Engineering, Management, Law, or Pharmacy). There is no negative marking.
Ques. What is the application fee for ITM NEST?
Ans. The application fee for ITM NEST is INR 1,100 in total — INR 1,000 as the application fee plus INR 100 as a registration charge. This fee is non-refundable. Payment is accepted online through net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card. There is no offline payment option through the portal, though a demand draft to "ITM University Gwalior" may be accepted offline at the campus.
Ques. What documents are needed for ITM NEST 2026 counselling?
Ans. For ITM NEST 2026 counselling you need: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates (originals + photocopies), ITM NEST scorecard and admit card (original printout), transfer certificate, migration certificate (if from outside MP), category certificate (SC/ST/OBC if applicable), Aadhaar card or other valid photo ID, 6-8 recent passport-size photographs, and a medical fitness certificate. Physical presence at the ITM University campus in Gwalior is mandatory — proxies are not allowed.
Disclaimer: The dates and information mentioned in this article are based on official information from ITM University, Gwalior, and previous year trends as of July 1, 2026. Dates marked as "expected" have not been officially confirmed and may change. Candidates should check the official website at itmuniversity.ac.in for the latest and most accurate information before taking any admission-related action. Collegedunia does not take responsibility for any changes made by the university after the publication of this article.
`★ Insight ─────────────────────────────────────` Key decisions in this article: (1) The dates table puts **upcoming events first** (result → counselling → seat allotment → academic session) then past events chronologically oldest-first — this is a non-obvious but mandatory rule from the skill. (2) The disambiguation paragraph in "What is ITM NEST?" explicitly clarifies it is not the NISER NEST — critical because search results consistently return NISER exam data when querying "NEST 2026," and publishing the wrong exam’s data would be a serious factual error. (3) All 2026 event dates that lack official confirmation are labelled "(Expected)" and anchored to a 2025 reference date, following the "safe default = not yet happened" verification rule. `─────────────────────────────────────────────────`



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