Registration for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 began on January 5 . Eligible candidates can apply for admission to integrated Master of Science (MSc) programs through the official website, nestexam.in. The application deadline is April 6, 2026 . The admission test is scheduled for June 6, 2026 .
NEST 2026 facilitates entry into five-year integrated MSc programs at two institutions: the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar and the University of Mumbai – Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-CEBS) in Mumbai. These programs offer specializations in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Key Dates for NEST 2026
The NEST 2026 application window remains open for three months. Candidates must complete their applications and fee payments by the specified deadlines.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | January 5, 2026 | — |
| Application Deadline | April 6, 2026 | — |
| Fee Payment Deadline | April 12, 2026 | 11:30 PM |
| Admit Card Release | May 15, 2026 | — |
| Examination Date | June 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Application Fees
Application fees vary by candidate category. All fees must be paid online by the deadline of April 12, 2026 . Candidates should confirm their category before payment.
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 1,400 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 1,400 |
| Unreserved-EWS (UR-EWS) | 700 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 700 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 700 |
| Divyangjan | 700 |
| Female Candidates (all categories) | 700 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific academic requirements to qualify for NEST 2026. The criteria apply to students who have recently completed or are currently pursuing their Class 12 education.
Applicants must have passed their Class 12 or an equivalent examination in either 2024 or 2025. A minimum of 60% marks is required for general category candidates. Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates require a minimum of 55% marks. Candidates who are appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
MSc Programs and Institutions
NEST 2026 provides a pathway to integrated MSc degrees in fundamental sciences. These programs are designed for students aiming for careers in research or academia.
The examination offers admission to five-year integrated MSc programs. Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. These programs are offered at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-CEBS Mumbai.
Seat Availability
A total of 261 seats are available for the integrated MSc programs through NEST 2026. The seats are distributed between the two participating institutions.
| Institution | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) | 202 |
| University of Mumbai – Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-CEBS) | 59 |
| Total Seats | 261 |
How to Apply for NEST 2026
The application process for NEST 2026 is conducted online. Candidates must follow a series of steps on the official examination website.
- Visit the official website:nestexam.in
- Locate and click on the “NEST Registration 2026” link.
- Fill out the application form with all required personal and academic details.
- Upload necessary documents. Ensure documents meet specified format and size requirements.
- Pay the NEST application fee online.
- Submit the completed application form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.