ITM NEST 2026 (ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test) is a university-level entrance and scholarship test conducted by ITM University, Gwalior for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The exam has 100 objective questions to be solved in 90 minutes and is conducted in both online and offline modes. The ITM NEST 2026 admit card has been released in the second week of June 2026 on the official portal, and the exam is expected in the fourth week of June 2026.
- Admit Card: ITM NEST 2026 admit card has been released in the second week of June 2026. You can download it from itmuniversity.ac.in by entering your application number and date of birth.
- Exam Date: ITM NEST 2026 exam is expected in the fourth week of June 2026. Last year, the test was held on 28 June 2025 across the Gwalior campus and select centres.
- Result: ITM NEST 2026 result is expected in the second week of July 2026. Last year, the result was declared on 10 July 2025, around 12 days after the exam.
- Scholarship: Top scorers in ITM NEST 2026 can get up to 100% fee waiver on tuition. The university also gives a 25% to 75% scholarship slab linked to Class 12 board marks.
What is ITM NEST 2026?
ITM NEST 2026 stands for ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test 2026. It is a university-level admission test conducted by ITM University, Gwalior for its UG, PG and selected doctoral programmes. The test is held every year for students who want to study at ITM University and also want a chance to earn a tuition fee scholarship.
The ITM NEST exam has two clear purposes. The first is to shortlist candidates for admission across schools of Engineering, Management, Law, Pharmacy, Computer Applications, Agriculture, Nursing, Design, Architecture, Sciences and Education. The second is to award merit scholarships of up to 100% tuition fee waiver to top performers, which makes ITM NEST one of the most aspirational private university tests in central India.
More than 25,000 candidates apply for ITM NEST every year, and the test is open to both UG and PG aspirants from across India. The exam has 100 multiple choice questions in 90 minutes and is offered in both online (CBT) and offline (pen and paper) modes. You can choose the mode that suits you when you register.
This year, the ITM NEST 2026 admit card has been released in the second week of June 2026, and the exam is expected in the fourth week of June 2026. Once the result is out, the university will start the counselling and seat allotment process in July 2026 for the 2026-27 academic session.
ITM NEST 2026 Highlights
Before you start your preparation, you should be aware of the key facts about ITM NEST 2026. The table below gives you a quick snapshot of the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test (ITM NEST) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | ITM University, Gwalior |
| Exam Level | University-level entrance and scholarship test |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) and Offline (Pen-Paper) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 (one-time) |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech, MBA, BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, LLB, B.Sc, B.Des, B.Arch, B.Sc Nursing, MCA, M.Tech, M.Pharm, M.Sc and more |
| Scholarship Slab | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| Official Website | itmuniversity.ac.in |
ITM NEST 2026 Important Dates
You should track the ITM NEST 2026 important dates carefully so that you do not miss the application window, admit card download, or exam slot. The schedule given below is based on the official admission calendar released by ITM University. The dates table is arranged with upcoming events first, followed by past events in chronological order.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| ITM NEST 2026 Exam Date | Fourth week of June 2026 (Expected) |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | First week of July 2026 (Expected) |
| ITM NEST 2026 Result Declaration | Second week of July 2026 (Expected) |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment Begins | Third week of July 2026 (Expected) |
| Commencement of Academic Session 2026-27 | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Registration Process Starts (Over) | 5 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application Form (Over) | First week of June 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window (Over) | Second week of June 2026 |
| ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card Release (Out) | Second week of June 2026 |
Source: ITM University Official Admission Portal
The dates given above are based on official communication and previous-year patterns. Always confirm exact dates on the ITM University website before acting on them.
ITM NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The ITM NEST 2026 eligibility criteria depend on the course you are applying for. The university has set separate rules for each undergraduate and postgraduate programme. You should check the rules for your chosen course carefully before you fill the application form.
General Eligibility Rules
- You must be an Indian citizen or a foreign national eligible under Indian admission rules.
- There is no upper age limit for most UG and PG programmes.
- You can also apply if you are appearing for your qualifying exam in 2026.
- Your marks must be from a recognised Indian board or university.
Course-Wise Eligibility
| Course | Minimum Eligibility |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and a minimum 55% aggregate (50% for reserved categories) |
| B.Sc Nursing | Class 12 with PCB and English and a minimum 45% aggregate (40% for reserved categories) |
| B.Pharm | Class 12 with PCB / PCM and a minimum 50% aggregate |
| BBA / BCA / B.Com | Class 12 in any stream with a minimum 50% aggregate |
| BA LLB / LLB | Class 12 (for BA LLB) or graduation in any stream (for LLB) with at least 45% marks |
| B.Arch | Class 12 with PCM and a valid NATA / JEE Main Paper 2 score along with ITM NEST |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum 50% aggregate |
| M.Tech | B.Tech / BE in the related branch with at least 55% marks; GATE qualified candidates get preference |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at Class 12 or graduation level with 50% marks |
If you are applying for a programme that accepts national-level test scores, such as JEE Main, CUET, CAT, CMAT or GATE, you can submit those scores in place of ITM NEST. But you will still need to clear the eligibility cut-off for that course.
ITM NEST 2026 Application Process
You can apply for ITM NEST 2026 only through the online mode on the official website. The application window started in the second week of January 2026 and closed in the first week of June 2026. The form correction window was open in the second week of June 2026.
Steps to Fill the ITM NEST 2026 Application Form
- Step 1: Registration. Visit itmuniversity.ac.in and click on the admission portal. Enter your name, mobile number and email ID to create your login.
- Step 2: Personal and Academic Details. Log in and fill in your personal details, contact address, parent details and Class 10 and Class 12 marks.
- Step 3: Course Selection. Choose the programme you want to apply for. You can also pick the exam mode (online or offline) and select your preferred centre.
- Step 4: Document Upload. Upload your scanned photograph, signature, Class 10 and 12 marksheets and an ID proof. Photo and signature must be in JPG / JPEG and within the size limit set on the form.
- Step 5: Fee Payment. Pay the application fee of INR 1,000 through net banking, UPI, debit card or credit card. The fee is non-refundable.
- Step 6: Final Submission. Review all entries, accept the declaration and click submit. Save the confirmation page for future use.
ITM NEST 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| All Categories (Indian Nationals) | 1,000 |
| Foreign / NRI Applicants | As per international admission policy |
The ITM NEST application fee is non-refundable. Pay only after you have checked all details on the form.
ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card
The ITM NEST 2026 admit card has been released by ITM University in the second week of June 2026. You can download it from the official website itmuniversity.ac.in by logging in with your application number and date of birth. The admit card is a mandatory document and you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall without it.
Steps to Download the ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card
- Visit the official ITM University admission portal.
- Click on the link that says "ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card".
- Enter your application number / email ID and date of birth.
- Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
- Download the PDF and take at least two printouts for the exam day.
Details on the ITM NEST 2026 Admit Card
- Candidate’s name and photograph
- Application number and roll number
- Course applied for
- Exam date, reporting time and shift
- Exam mode (online / offline)
- Exam centre name and full address
- Important instructions for the exam day
Check every detail on your admit card. If you spot any mismatch in your name, photo, date of birth or exam centre, write to admission@itmuniversity.ac.in immediately.
Documents to Carry With the Admit Card
- Printed copy of the ITM NEST 2026 admit card
- One valid photo ID such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, driving licence or passport
- One recent passport-size photograph (same as the one on the application form)
- Blue or black ballpoint pen
ITM NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
The ITM NEST 2026 exam pattern is simple and student-friendly. The paper has 100 objective questions that you must solve in 90 minutes. The paper is split into two parts. Part A is common for all candidates. Part B is course-specific and tests your subject ability for the programme you have applied for.
Key Features of the Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) or Offline (OMR-based) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 1 |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Medium | English |
| Sections | Part A (common) and Part B (course-specific) |
Section-Wise Distribution
| Section | Topics Covered | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (Common) | General English, General Awareness, Information Technology, Logical Reasoning, General Science | 50 |
| Part B (Engineering) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 50 |
| Part B (Management / BBA / MBA) | Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, Business Awareness | 50 |
| Part B (Pharmacy / Sciences) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Mathematics | 50 |
| Part B (Law) | Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs | 50 |
Since there is no negative marking, you should attempt all 100 questions. If you are unsure of an answer, an educated guess is better than leaving the question blank.
ITM NEST 2026 Syllabus
The ITM NEST 2026 syllabus is largely based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 books. The syllabus is split into Part A (common) and Part B (course-specific). You do not need to study extra reference material, but you should be strong in the basics.
Part A Syllabus (Common for All Courses)
- General English: Reading comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, sentence correction, prepositions, articles, tenses, vocabulary.
- General Awareness: Current affairs of the last 6 months, Indian polity, history, geography, sports, awards and honours.
- Information Technology: Computer basics, parts of a computer, operating systems, MS Office, internet, networking basics, cyber awareness.
- General Science: Basic physics, chemistry and biology from Class 10 and 12.
- Logical Reasoning: Series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, syllogism, puzzles.
Part B Syllabus (Course-Wise)
| Course Group | Subjects in Part B | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech / Engineering | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Mechanics, electricity, modern physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, algebra, calculus, trigonometry, coordinate geometry |
| BBA / MBA / Management | Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Business Awareness | Percentage, profit and loss, ratio, averages, reading passages, business news, current economic affairs |
| B.Pharm / B.Sc / Nursing | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Cell biology, genetics, human physiology, biomolecules, chemical bonding, thermodynamics |
| BA LLB / LLB | Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs | Indian Constitution, basics of law, principles of equity, current legal events, comprehension |
| B.Des / B.Arch | Drawing aptitude, Visualisation, General Awareness | 2D and 3D visualisation, design sense, colour theory, basics of architecture |
For PG programmes such as M.Tech, MBA, MCA and M.Sc, Part B focuses on subject-specific concepts from the bachelor’s degree syllabus.
ITM NEST 2026 Exam Centres
The ITM NEST 2026 exam will be conducted in both online and offline modes. If you choose the online (CBT) mode, you can take the test from your own home through a remote-proctored login. If you pick the offline mode, you will need to appear at one of the selected ITM NEST 2026 exam centres.
List of Tentative ITM NEST 2026 Exam Cities
| Zone | Exam Cities |
|---|---|
| North | Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Dehradun |
| Central | Gwalior (Main Centre), Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Raipur |
| East | Patna, Ranchi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar |
| West | Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur |
| South | Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai |
The main centre for offline mode is the ITM University campus in Gwalior. You can choose up to three preferred cities while filling the form. The final centre will be shown on your admit card.
ITM NEST 2026 Answer Key and Result
The ITM NEST 2026 provisional answer key is expected in the first week of July 2026. The university releases the answer key on its official portal so that you can match your answers and estimate your score before the result.
How to Check the ITM NEST 2026 Answer Key
- Visit the official admission portal.
- Click on the "ITM NEST 2026 Answer Key" link.
- Download the PDF of the official answer key.
- Match your responses with the official key and award 1 mark for each correct answer.
- Since there is no negative marking, do not subtract any marks for wrong answers.
ITM NEST 2026 Result Declaration
ITM NEST 2026 result is expected in the second week of July 2026. Last year, the result was declared on 10 July 2025, around 12 days after the exam. You can check the result by logging in with your application number and date of birth on the official website.
Details Mentioned on the Scorecard
- Candidate’s name and roll number
- Course applied for
- Marks obtained in Part A and Part B
- Total marks and percentile
- Qualifying status
- Scholarship slab (if applicable)
Your scorecard will be valid only for admission to ITM University, Gwalior for the 2026-27 academic session. You cannot use it for admission to any other institute.
ITM NEST 2026 Scholarship Slabs
The biggest reason students apply for ITM NEST is the scholarship. ITM University gives generous tuition fee waivers based on your ITM NEST 2026 score and Class 12 board marks. The waiver can go up to 100% of the tuition fee.
Scholarship Slabs Based on Class 12 / Graduation Marks
| Marks in Qualifying Exam | Tuition Fee Waiver |
|---|---|
| 90% and above | Up to 100% scholarship |
| 80% to 89.99% | Up to 75% scholarship |
| 70% to 79.99% | Up to 50% scholarship |
| 60% to 69.99% | Up to 25% scholarship |
Other ITM NEST Scholarship Categories
- Entry Level Scholarship: Based on ITM NEST score, CUET score and first-come-first-serve admission. Goes up to 25% tuition waiver.
- Sibling Scholarship: 10% concession on the yearly tuition fee if you have a sibling already studying at ITM University.
- Single Girl Child Scholarship: 10% yearly fee waiver for the full duration of the course.
- Girl Sibling Scholarship: 10% concession on yearly fee to both female siblings for the entire course.
- Defence Wards Scholarship: Tuition fee concession for children of Indian armed forces personnel.
- NCSC Award Winners: Top 10 winners of the National Children’s Science Congress get 100% fee waiver. All other NCSC participants get a 10% fee waiver on UG courses.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: Subsequent-year scholarship up to INR 20,000 for top performers within the university.
- Sports Scholarship: Free education for students with state, national or international level achievements in sports.
Source: ITM University Scholarship Policy
All scholarships are subject to maintaining 75% attendance and minimum CGPA every year. Failure to maintain these can lead to withdrawal of the waiver.
ITM NEST 2026 Counselling and Admission
The ITM NEST 2026 counselling and admission process is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026. You will be called for counselling on the basis of your ITM NEST score, Class 12 marks and choice of course. The counselling can be held in offline or online mode at the discretion of the university.
Steps in the ITM NEST 2026 Counselling Process
- Step 1: Call for Counselling. Qualified candidates get a counselling call letter on their registered email and mobile number.
- Step 2: Document Verification. Carry your Class 10 and 12 marksheets, ITM NEST admit card, scorecard, photo ID and category certificate (if any).
- Step 3: Course and Seat Choice. Choose your preferred course from the list of available seats based on your rank.
- Step 4: Scholarship Allotment. The applicable scholarship slab is confirmed on the spot, based on your score and Class 12 marks.
- Step 5: Fee Payment. Pay the admission fee online or through demand draft to confirm your seat.
- Step 6: Reporting to the Campus. Once the academic session begins in August 2026, report to the Gwalior campus for orientation.
The university also offers admission to a limited number of seats through direct counselling on the basis of valid JEE Main, CUET, CAT, CMAT, GATE or other national-level test scores. Final seat confirmation will depend on availability.
Courses Offered Through ITM NEST 2026
ITM University, Gwalior offers more than 100 programmes across 12 schools. ITM NEST 2026 is the gateway to most of these UG and PG programmes. The table below shows the most popular courses and their total fee structure.
| Course | Duration | Total Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (CSE / AI / Data Science) | 4 years | INR 7,00,000 |
| B.Tech (Other Branches) | 4 years | INR 6,00,000 to 6,80,000 |
| BBA | 3 years | INR 2,40,000 |
| BCA | 3 years | INR 2,70,000 |
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 years | INR 6,00,000 |
| B.Pharm | 4 years | INR 4,80,000 |
| BA LLB (Hons) | 5 years | INR 4,50,000 |
| B.Des | 4 years | INR 5,00,000 |
| MBA (Dual Specialisation) | 2 years | INR 3,50,000 |
| MCA | 2 years | INR 1,80,000 |
| M.Tech | 2 years | INR 1,60,000 |
The actual fee that you pay depends on the scholarship slab that you qualify for through ITM NEST 2026 and your Class 12 marks. If you secure 90% or above, your tuition fee can be reduced to zero under the top scholarship slab.
ITM NEST 2026 Preparation Tips
The ITM NEST 2026 exam tests your speed and accuracy on basic NCERT topics. The good news is that no extra coaching is required if you have studied your Class 11 and 12 books well. The following tips will help you prepare in the last two weeks before the exam.
Smart Tips to Boost Your ITM NEST Score
- Stick to NCERT. Most questions in Part B are based directly on NCERT lines and examples. Revise the highlighted lines and end-of-chapter exercises.
- Solve sample papers. Try at least 5 to 10 ITM NEST mock tests. This will give you a feel of the 90-minute time limit and the question style.
- Time each section. Spend about 35 minutes on Part A and 50 minutes on Part B. Keep 5 minutes for review.
- Strengthen English and current affairs. Read one newspaper daily, focus on national news, sports, and awards.
- Practise basic IT questions. Cover topics like parts of a computer, MS Office shortcuts, basics of the internet and email.
- Never leave a question blank. Since there is no negative marking, attempt all 100 questions.
- Take care of yourself. Sleep well the night before the exam and reach the centre at least 30 minutes before reporting time.
Recommended Books for ITM NEST 2026
- NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and English.
- "Objective General English" by SP Bakshi for English section.
- "A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" by RS Aggarwal.
- "Lucent’s General Knowledge" for general awareness.
- "Quantitative Aptitude" by RS Aggarwal for management-focused candidates.
ITM University Gwalior at a Glance
ITM University, Gwalior was established in 2011 under the Madhya Pradesh state legislation. It is a UGC-recognised, NAAC A+ accredited private university in central India. The 165-acre campus is on the NH-44 bypass, near Jhansi Road, Gwalior. Over the last 13 years, the university has built a reputation in engineering, management, law and health sciences education.
Key Facts About ITM University
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2011 |
| Type | Private University |
| Recognition | UGC, AICTE, BCI, PCI, INC |
| Accreditation | NAAC A+ |
| Campus Size | 165 acres |
| Number of Schools | 12+ |
| Highest Placement Package | INR 45 LPA |
| Average Placement Package | INR 6 LPA |
| Companies Visited (Last 3 Years) | 800+ |
| Placements (Last 3 Years) | 16,000+ |
| Toll-Free Helpline | 1800-270-0031 |
| admission@itmuniversity.ac.in |
The campus has state-of-the-art labs, an AI lab, the Tinkerers’ Lab for student innovation, separate hostels for boys and girls, sports grounds, and a central library. ITM University has signed MoUs with global universities, which gives ITM NEST qualifiers a chance to apply for student exchange programmes.
FAQs
Ques. What is ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. ITM NEST 2026 is the National Entrance and Scholarship Test conducted by ITM University, Gwalior. It is used for admission to UG, PG and PhD programmes and also gives tuition fee scholarships of up to 100% to top scorers.
Ques. When will the ITM NEST 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The ITM NEST 2026 admit card has been released in the second week of June 2026. You can download it from itmuniversity.ac.in using your application number and date of birth.
Ques. What is the ITM NEST 2026 exam date?
Ans. The ITM NEST 2026 exam is expected in the fourth week of June 2026. Last year, the test was held on 28 June 2025. The official date will be printed on your admit card.
Ques. Is there negative marking in ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking in ITM NEST 2026. You should attempt all 100 questions. Each correct answer gives you 1 mark and a wrong answer carries no penalty.
Ques. What is the ITM NEST 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. The paper has 100 MCQs to be solved in 90 minutes. It is split into Part A (common) and Part B (course-specific). Part A covers English, IT, General Awareness and Reasoning. Part B covers subject-related topics for your course.
Ques. What is the application fee for ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. The application fee for ITM NEST 2026 is INR 1,000 for all Indian candidates. The fee is non-refundable and can be paid through net banking, UPI, debit card or credit card.
Ques. How much scholarship can I get through ITM NEST 2026?
Ans. You can get up to 100% tuition fee waiver. The slab depends on your Class 12 marks and ITM NEST score:
- 90% and above: Up to 100% waiver
- 80% to 89.99%: Up to 75% waiver
- 70% to 79.99%: Up to 50% waiver
- 60% to 69.99%: Up to 25% waiver
Ques. Can I take ITM NEST 2026 from home?
Ans. Yes, you can take ITM NEST 2026 in online (CBT) mode from home through a remote-proctored login. You can also choose offline mode at the Gwalior campus or other listed cities while filling the form.
Ques. Does ITM University accept JEE Main, CUET or CAT scores in place of ITM NEST?
Ans. Yes, ITM University accepts valid scores of JEE Main, CUET, CAT, CMAT, GATE and a few other national tests for selected programmes. You can choose this route during admission if you do not want to take ITM NEST.
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. Last year, the result was declared on 10 July 2025. You can check your scorecard by logging in to the admission portal with your application number and date of birth.
Ques. What documents do I need to carry on the ITM NEST 2026 exam day?
Ans. You should carry the printed ITM NEST 2026 admit card, one valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, driving licence or passport), a recent passport-size photograph and a blue or black ballpoint pen. Do not carry any electronic gadgets or study material.
Ques. What is the next step after the ITM NEST 2026 result?
Ans. After the result, ITM University will start the counselling and seat allotment process from the third week of July 2026. You will need to complete document verification, choose your course, confirm your scholarship slab and pay the admission fee to lock in your seat for the 2026-27 academic session.
Disclaimer: All dates, fees and scholarship details given in this article are based on the latest information available from the official ITM University website and previous-year notifications. Please confirm the final dates and policies from itmuniversity.ac.in before taking any admission-related decision.
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