NEST 2027 is conducted for admission to the 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Basic Sciences. Candidates must pass or appear in Class 12 Science from a recognised board. Students must study at least 3 of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in Classes 11 and 12.
- PCM, PCB and PCMB are the eligible subject combinations in the NEST exam. Candidates need at least 60% aggregate in Class 12. SC, ST and PwD candidates need 55% aggregate.
- To be eligible for NEST, candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, or appear in 2027. Students who passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026 can apply if they meet the other conditions.
- There is no minimum or maximum age limit for NEST 2027.
- No state domicile is required for general application. J&K/Ladakh candidates can claim designated supernumerary seats with a domicile certificate.
- Candidates holding a B.E./B.Tech. qualification are not eligible. Candidates must clear the section-wise minimum score in at least 3 subjects.
Related Links:
- NEST 2027 Application Form (Out), Check Important Dates, Fee, and Process
- NEST 2027 Seat Reservation, Check Age Limit, Eligibility Criteria, Document Required
- NEST Exam Pattern 2027: 80 Questions, 240 Marks, Marking Scheme and Paper Structure
Key Summary
- NEST Eligibility Criteria 2027 require Class 12 (Science) from a recognised board, with at least three of the four subjects Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology studied in Classes 11 and 12.
- NEST minimum marks required are 60% aggregate for General, OBC and EWS candidates, and 55% for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
- NEST age limit 2027: no minimum age and no maximum age, and no date-of-birth cut-off is applied.
- NEST qualification must be completed in 2025 or 2026, or the candidate must be appearing for Class 12 in 2027.
- NEST admission depends on clearing both SMAS (in at least three sections) and the Minimum Admissible Percentile, not on eligibility alone.
NEST Eligibility Criteria 2027: Overview
Below is the NEST Eligibility 2027 across all the parameters candidates need to check before applying.
- Course-Specific Qualification: The NEST Eligibility Criteria are built around one course, the 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Basic Sciences, so the qualification rule is the same for every applicant.
- Marks Relaxation: Class 12 marks are relaxed by 5 percentage points for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
- Score Relaxation: Reserved categories also receive lower Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) thresholds in the NEST Exam.
| Particulars | NEST 2027 Eligibility Criteria Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST 2027) |
| Conducting Authority | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai |
| Course Offered | 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology) |
| Qualifying Examination | Class 12 (or equivalent) in the Science stream from a recognised board in India |
| Mandatory Subjects | At least three of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology in Classes 11 and 12 |
| Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate (or equivalent grade) for General, OBC and EWS candidates |
| Reserved Category Marks | 55% aggregate (or equivalent grade) for SC, ST and PwD (Divyangjan) candidates |
| B.E./B.Tech. Candidates | Not eligible, as the exam targets integrated master's degrees in basic sciences |
| Year of Passing | Class 12 passed in 2025 or 2026, or appearing in 2027 |
| Age Limit | No minimum age limit |
| Maximum Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Final-Year Candidates | Eligible to apply provisionally; the final marksheet must be submitted during admission |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, OCI and PIO cardholders |
| Admission | Based on a valid rank in the NEST 2027 merit list, followed by counselling rounds |
Source: NEST Official Information Brochure 2025
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for NEST 2027?
Ans. The NEST Eligibility Criteria 2027 require a Class 12 Science pass (or appearance in 2027) with at least three of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, a minimum of 60% aggregate (55% for SC, ST and PwD), and eligible nationality. There is no age restriction.
Ques. Who is eligible for NEST 2027?
Ans. Any Science student who completed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, or is appearing in 2027, and who meets the subject and marks requirements, is eligible for the NEST Exam.
Also Read:
- NEST Syllabus 2027: Subject-Wise Topics, Weightage, Best Books and PDF Download
- NEST 2026 Question Paper: Download Answer Key with Solution PDF
This video provides detailed information about the structure of the Integrated M.Sc. and PhD programmes, along with the eligibility criteria and exam pattern of NEST, enabling students to plan their future academic journey more effectively.
NEST Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification
The NEST educational qualification 2027 is defined by three parameters:
- The qualifying year,
- The core science subject combination, and
- The minimum aggregate percentage.
The 12th board qualifying examination must be passed from a recognised central or state board in India, or an equivalent examination.
- Candidates must come from the Science stream, since the NEST Eligibility Criteria for science students are centred on the four basic science disciplines.
- Provisional Eligibility: Candidates appearing for Class 12 in 2027 can fill out the form provisionally, but admission is conditional on submitting a passing marksheet that meets the 60% or 55% requirement at the time of counselling.
| Parameter | Eligibility Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | Class 12 or an equivalent examination completed in the Science stream from a recognised board |
| Mandatory Subjects | At least three of the four core disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) in both Class 11 and Class 12 |
| General/OBC/EWS Marks | Minimum 60% aggregate (or equivalent grade) in the Class 12 board examination |
| SC/ST/PwD Marks | Relaxed minimum of 55% aggregate (or equivalent grade) |
Ques. What qualification is required for NEST?
Ans. The NEST qualification is a Class 12 (or equivalent) pass in the Science stream from a recognised board, with at least three of the four core science subjects studied in Classes 11 and 12.
Ques. Can I apply for NEST after Class 12?
Ans. Yes. The NEST eligibility criteria after Class 12 allow students who passed in 2025 or 2026 to apply, along with students appearing for Class 12 in 2027, provided they meet the subject and marks conditions.
Also Read:
NEST 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Subjects Required
The NEST subjects required for eligibility are flexible. A candidate does not need all four subjects, only any three of them, so the NEST Eligibility Criteria accommodate multiple Class 12 streams.
- Three-of-Four Rule: Candidates must have studied at least three of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology in both Class 11 and Class 12.
- Stream Flexibility: PCM, PCB and PCMB students are all covered under the NEST Requirements, as each combination includes at least three core subjects.
- Both Years Count: Subjects studied only in Class 12 or only in Class 11 do not satisfy the rule.
| Class 12 Combination | Eligible for NEST? |
|---|---|
| PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) | Yes |
| PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Yes |
| PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) | Yes |
| Any combination with fewer than three core subjects | No |
Ques. Is Mathematics compulsory for NEST?
Ans. No. Mathematics is not compulsory, because a PCB combination also meets the NEST eligibility criteria for science students. However, candidates without Mathematics will be assessed in the sections aligned with their studied subjects.
Ques. What subjects are required for NEST?
Ans. At least three of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, studied in both Class 11 and Class 12.
Also Read:
NEST 2027 Minimum Qualifying Marks
The NEST qualifying marks 2027 depend on the candidate's category. The minimum applies to the Class 12 board examination aggregate.
- General / OBC / EWS: A minimum of 60% aggregate (or equivalent grade) is required.
- SC / ST / PwD (Divyangjan): A relaxed minimum of 55% aggregate is required.
- Grade Conversion: If the board awards only letter grades, candidates must submit a certificate from the board that states the equivalent percentage.
| Category | Minimum Class 12 Aggregate |
|---|---|
| General | 60% |
| OBC-NCL | 60% |
| EWS | 60% |
| SC | 55% |
| ST | 55% |
| PwD | 55% |
Ques. How many marks are required in Class 12 for NEST?
Ans. The NEST marks requirement is 60% aggregate for General, OBC and EWS candidates, and 55% for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
Ques. What percentage is required for NEST?
Ans. The NEST minimum marks required are 60% in Class 12, relaxed to 55% for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
NEST Eligibility Criteria 2027: Year of Passing Class 12
The NEST Eligibility Criteria follow a rolling three-year window that shifts with every exam cycle. For NEST 2027, the qualifying years are as follows.
- Current-Year Students: Eligible if appearing for Class 12 in 2027.
- 1-Year Droppers: Eligible if Class 12 was passed in 2026.
- 2-Year Droppers: Eligible if Class 12 was passed in 2025.
This window effectively allows up to three consecutive attempts at the NEST Exam. Candidates who passed Class 12 before 2025 are not eligible for NEST 2027.
| Exam Year | Passed Class 12 (I) | Or passed Class 12 (II) | Or appearing for Class 12 (III) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEST 2025 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| NEST 2026 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
| NEST 2027 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
Ques. Can droppers apply for NEST?
Ans. Yes. Students who passed Class 12 in 2026 (one-year droppers) or 2025 (two-year droppers) can apply for NEST 2027, provided they meet the marks and subject conditions.
Ques. Can improvement students apply for NEST?
Ans. Yes, as long as the final qualifying result falls within the permitted passing years (2025 or 2026) and the marks come from a single board. Candidates should confirm how an improvement result is treated in the official brochure.
NEST Age Limit 2027
The NEST does not enforce an age restriction. Students of any age group but follows the year of passing criteria is eligible to apply for NEST.
- No Age Barrier: There is no minimum or maximum age, so no separate age relaxation applies to OBC, SC, ST or PwD candidates.
- No Date-of-Birth Cut-off: The official brochure does not require candidates to be born on or after a specific date.
| Age Particular | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | No minimum age limit; Candidates can apply once they have completed or are completing Class 12 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit for General, OBC, SC, ST and PwD candidates |
| Birth Date Cut-off | None |
Ques. What is the age limit for NEST 2027?
Ans. There is no age limit for NEST 2027. No minimum age, maximum age or date-of-birth cut-off is prescribed.
NEST 2027 Eligibility: Nationality and Domicile Requirements
The NEST nationality requirements 2027 are defined by citizenship status, while the NEST domicile requirements are effectively non-binding for most candidates.
- Nationality: only Indian citizens can apply through the standard domestic NEST registration portal
- No Domicile Requirement: Students from any state can apply, and no state-specific domicile certificate is needed for General applicants.
- J&K and Ladakh Exception: Candidates native to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh can claim supernumerary seats by submitting a domicile certificate.
Ques. Is domicile required for NEST?
Ans. No. Domicile is not required to apply, although J&K and Ladakh candidates need it to claim the supernumerary seats.
Ques. Can foreign students apply for NEST?
Ans. The NEST eligibility criteria for foreign students are limited. Foreign nationals holding neither Indian citizenship nor OCI/PIO status are not eligible to register for the NEST Exam.
NEST Eligibility Criteria 2027: Category-wise Reservation
The NEST eligibility criteria, category-wise, follow Government of India guidelines for central institutions. Vertical reservations are applied by category, and PwD reservation is applied horizontally across categories.
- For General category: 60% in Class 12 with the three-subject requirement.
- For SC ST OBC: 55% for SC and ST, 60% for OBC-NCL, with valid certificates.
- For EWS: 60% in Class 12; the EWS reservation applies only at CEBS.
- For PwD: 55% in Class 12 with a certificate showing at least 40% disability.
| Category | Seat Reservation | Key Regulatory Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
|
| SC | 15% |
|
| ST | 7.5% |
|
| General-EWS | 10% (CEBS only) |
|
| PwD / Divyangjan | 5% horizontal |
|
| Supernumerary (J&K and Ladakh) | 2 seats per institute |
|
NEST Eligibility Criteria for NISER and CEBS
Both institutes admit through the same NEST 2027 merit list, so the NEST Eligibility Criteria are identical in academic terms.
- NISER Bhubaneswar: Follows the standard marks, subject and year-of-passing rules. EWS reservation is not implemented.
- CEBS Mumbai: Follows the same academic rules and applies the 10% EWS reservation (6 seats).
Students are required to clear SMAS and MAP to be eligible for admission at institutes:
- Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS): Candidates must clear the section-wise cut-off in at least 3 subjects, based on 20% of the top 100 candidates’ average score in each section.
- Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP): Candidates need the required overall percentile, around 95th (General), 90th (OBC), and 75th (SC/ST/PwD).
Only candidates who clear both SMAS and MAP secure a place in the NEST merit list and receive a scorecard for counselling.
A candidate on Reddit is asking whether they need to clear the Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) in all 4 subjects or if skipping one subject entirely disqualifies them.
- Rule Clarification: SMAS criteria only apply to the student's best 3 subjects out of the 4 offered in the NEST exam.
- Practical Takeaway: Candidates do not need to clear SMAS or attempt questions in their 4th/weakest subject to qualify for NEST ranking.
Source: Reddit
Ques. What is the NEST eligibility criteria for NISER?
Ans. The NEST eligibility criteria for NISER are the same as for CEBS: Class 12 Science, three of four core subjects, 60% (55% for SC, ST and PwD), and a valid passing year. The only difference is that NISER does not offer EWS reservation.
Ques. What is the NEST eligibility criteria for CEBS?
Ans. The NEST eligibility criteria for CEBS mirror the general criteria, with the addition of the EWS reservation of 6 seats.
Also Read:
NEST Eligibility Criteria 2027: Documents Required
The NEST 2027 application requires candidates to upload basic academic, identity, and category-related documents in the prescribed format.
- Upload the photograph, signature, Class 10 certificate/marksheet, and Class 12 marksheet or admit card as applicable.
- SC/ST/OBC-NCL, PwD, and J&K/Ladakh domicile certificates are required only for applicable candidates and must meet the specified format and size limits.
- Foreign citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are generally barred from the standard domestic registration process and seat pool.
| Document | Specifications | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | JPG/JPEG, up to 200 KB, white or light background | Visual identification |
| Scanned Signature | JPG/JPEG, up to 200 KB, blue or black pen on white paper | Authentication |
| Class 10 Marksheet / Certificate | Reference copy | Name spelling and date of birth |
| Class 12 Marksheet / Admit Card | Final marksheet (if passed in 2025/2026) or admit card (if appearing in 2027) | Subject track validation |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | PDF; for SC/ST/OBC-NCL | Reservation and fee concession |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | PDF; at least 40% disability | Horizontal reservation |
| J&K / Ladakh Domicile (if applicable) | PDF, up to 80 KB | Supernumerary seats |
Who Is Not Eligible for NEST 2027?
A candidate cannot apply for the NEST Exam if they fail the baseline NEST Requirements set by NISER and CEBS.
- Academic Documents: Keep Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets/certificates or the Class 12 admit card ready as applicable.
- Supporting Certificates: Upload applicable category, PwD, and J&K/Ladakh domicile certificates in the prescribed format and size.
| Category | Ineligibility Condition |
|---|---|
| Year of Passing | Class 12 passed before 2025 |
| Subject Combination | Fewer than three of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology studied in Classes 11 and 12 |
| Minimum Marks | Below 60% aggregate (or below 55% for SC, ST and PwD) |
| Board Certificates | Marks split across multiple boards without a unified aggregate or a grade-conversion certificate |
| Nationality | Foreign nationals and candidates without Indian citizenship, OCI or PIO status |
| Entrance Cut-offs | Failing SMAS in at least three sections, or missing MAP, means no scorecard or counselling entry |
NEST Eligibility Criteria FAQs
Ques. What is the NEST eligibility criteria for 2027 in summary?
Ans. The NEST Eligibility Criteria for 2027 require Class 12 Science with at least three core subjects, 60% aggregate (55% for SC, ST and PwD), a Class 12 passing year of 2025, 2026 or appearing in 2027, and eligible nationality. There is no age limit.
Ques. What is the NEST eligibility criteria for integrated MSc and 5 year MSc?
Ans. The NEST eligibility criteria for integrated M.Sc. and the 5-year M.Sc. are the same: a Class 12 Science qualification with the required subjects and marks, since both refer to the single 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Basic Sciences at NISER and CEBS.
Ques. Can B.E./B.Tech. candidates apply for NEST?
Ans. No. The exam is for integrated master's degrees in basic sciences, not engineering professional degrees.
Ques. Does clearing NEST eligibility guarantee admission?
Ans. No. NEST admission requires clearing SMAS and MAP, securing a rank in the merit list, and completing counselling.
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