NEST 2026 Registration Begins @nestexam.in; Apply by April 6

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 application process has begun. This national-level entrance exam is the gateway for students seeking a career in research and basic sciences at India’s premier institutes: NISER (Bhubaneswar) and UM-DAE CEBS (Mumbai).

For students aspiring to join the scientific community, NEST 2026 provides admission to the 5-year Integrated M.Sc. Program in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

These are dual-degree (UG+PG) courses where students earn a Master’s degree directly after five years; it is important to note that there are no separate lateral entry PG-only courses available through this exam. Regarding the costs, the application fee is set at ₹700 for all female applicants, SC/ST/Divyangjan categories, and Unreserved-EWS candidates.

However, NEST 2026 registration for male and other applicants from the Unreserved (UR) and OBC categories requires them to pay a fee of ₹1,400.

NEST 2026 Important Dates

For more information, students can visit the official website, nestexam.in . For easy access, the link is given below.

Direct Link

NEST 2026 Application Portal

_{Image Source: NEST 2026 @nestexam.in} 

NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following four NEST 2026 eligibility criteria:

1. Educational Qualification: Must have passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
2. Subjects: Must have studied at least three out of the four science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) in Classes 11 and 12.
3. Minimum Marks: At least 60% aggregate in Class 12 (55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan).
4. Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for NEST 2026.

NEST 2026 Selection Process

1. Entrance Test: Candidates must appear for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of four sections (PCM & Bio).
2. Merit List: The merit list is prepared using the best three scores out of the four sections.
3. Cut-offs: Candidates must clear the SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) and the MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile).
4. Counselling: Qualified candidates will be invited for a NEST 2026 counselling process for seat allotment at NISER or CEBS.

NEST 2026-How to Apply?

1. Registration: Visit nestexam.in and register with a valid email and mobile number.
2. Login: Use the credentials sent to your email to log in to the application portal.
3. Fill Details: Enter personal and academic information, and choose your preferred exam centers.
4. Upload: Upload a scanned photograph and signature as per specifications.
5. Payment: Pay the application fee online and download the confirmation page.

Also Read

• NEST 2025 Question Papers: Previous Year Paper, Download Answer Key with Solution PDF
• NEST Cutoff 2025- Check Shift-Wise and Previous Years’ Cutoff