NEST is a computer-based objective examination with sections in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, based on the class 11 and class 12 syllabus in those subjects. Candidates typically attempt a general section along with a chosen number of the subject sections, and the best-scoring sections are counted towards the total as set out in the information brochure; the marking scheme includes different question types and, in some sections, negative marking. A merit list is prepared from the scores, subject to any minimum sectional requirement, and candidates are then admitted to the five-year integrated MSc programmes at the participating institutes through their own counselling and seat-allotment process. Students admitted through NEST usually enter a common first-year science curriculum before specialising. The section structure, question count, duration, syllabus, minimum admissible score rules and the admission timetable are published in the official NEST information brochure for each year.

NEST 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NEST 2025 are set by the exam conducting authority. Candidates can check the educational qualification and age limit details below.

Educational Qualifications

For General Candidates:

• Candidates must have passed the Class 12th examination or any equivalent examination from a recognized Board in India in 2023 or 2024.
• Those who appeared for the Class 12th Examination in 2025 are also eligible to apply for NEST 2025.
• The applicant must have studied Science with the combination of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
• Candidates must have secured at least 60% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade in the Class 12th exam.

For Reserved Category Candidates:

• Candidates who have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade in the Class XII examination are eligible for admission to NISER and CBS. There is no restriction regarding aggregate marks for appearing in the NEST 2025 exam.
• Candidates should have completed the Class 12th Examination or any equivalent examination from a recognized Board in India in 2023 or 2024.
• Candidates who appeared for the Class 12th Examination in 2025 also meet the eligibility requirement for NEST.
• The subject combination for Class 12th is the same as that for general candidates.

Age Limit

There is no age limit for appearing in the NEST 2025 examination and admission to either NISER or UM-DAE CEBS.

NEST 2025 Reservation Criteria

Out of the total number of seats in both NISER and CBS, a certain percentage of seats are reserved for reserved category candidates. The categories acknowledged by NISER and CBS for admission are as follows:

• Other Backward Classes belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer (OBC–NCL)
• Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST)
• Person with Disabilities
• Supernumerary Quota for students from Jammu and Kashmir

About 27% of seats are reserved for OBC-NCL candidates, 15% for SC, and 7.5% for ST categories. Divyangjan or PwD candidates have 5% of seats reserved.

NEST 2025 Seat Intake

The seat distribution for NISER and CBS is given below.

Category	NISER	CBS
General	101	23
General- EWS	0	06
OBC NCL	54	12
SC	30	09
ST	15	04
PwD	5% of each category	5% of each category
Total	200	57

NEST 2025 Application Fee

The application fee for NEST 2025 depends on the category and gender of the candidate.

• Male candidates of the General and OBC categories must pay INR 1400.
• SC/ST/PwD candidates and all female applicants must pay INR 700.

Reservation for OBC-NCL Candidates

About 27% of seats are reserved for OBC-NCL candidates. Candidates can check the central list of OBC classes on the official website.

Candidates belonging to the creamy layer of OBC are not entitled to any reservation. They will be treated as belonging to the General (unreserved) category.

Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) are not eligible for any reservation unless they belong to the OBC-NCL category. These classes are notified by some state governments.

Reservation for SC/ST Candidates

The total percentage of seats reserved for SC/ST candidates is 15% for SC and 7.5% for ST. Only those candidates will fall under this category whose caste and tribes are mentioned in the list published by the Government of India.

Reservation for Persons with Disabilities

About 5% of seats in General, OBC-NCL and SC/ST categories are reserved for PD candidates. Applicants who have at least 40% impairment are eligible to apply for NEST 2025 under this category.

The impairment can be of any type, including locomotor, visual or dyslexic. Leprosy-cured candidates who are otherwise fit to pursue the course are also eligible.

Supernumerary Quota for Jammu and Kashmir

Two supernumerary seats are reserved at both NISER and CEBS for eligible candidates from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This is as per existing government regulations.

A student with a certain category rank will take a general seat if he or she secures a suitable general ranking. For example, if the topper of the exam (General rank 1) happens to be an OBC candidate, he or she would get OBC rank 1 as well.

In such a case, the candidate would be admitted against the General rank. This ensures that all OBC seats remain available even after the admission.

Required Documents for Admission

If selected, every candidate, irrespective of any category, has to obtain a certain set of documents at the time of admission. If the candidate fails to produce original documents during the admission and counseling process, the admission will be rejected.

For General Candidates

• Candidate has to carry all original documents and sufficient photocopies.
• Documents such as Birth Certificate, Class 10th Mark sheet, Class 12th Mark sheet, Passport Size photographs, etc. are required.
• If the candidate has only letter grades, a certificate from the Board specifying the equivalent percentage of marks is required. This is compulsory, or else the admission will not be done.

For Reserved Categories

• To claim seats under reserved category, relevant documents must be furnished at the time of admission.
• OBC candidates must have the OBC (NCL) certificate.
• SC/ST candidates are required to have the SC/ST certificate.
• Jammu and Kashmir candidates are required to have Original Certificates to reserve seats under their category.
• Candidates under PD category are required to have the Medical Certificate issued according to the latest guidelines of the Government of India.
• Apart from the Category Certificates, candidates will also be required to furnish documents such as Birth Certificates, Class 10th Mark sheet, Class 12th Mark sheet, and Passport Size photographs at the time of counseling and admission.

NEST 2026 Application Process

The online application process for NEST 2026 has started on January 5, 2026. The last date to apply is April 6, 2026, up to 11:30 PM.

The NEST 2026 application correction window will be open from April 13 to April 14, 2026. Candidates will need their registration number and date of birth to make changes.

There is no offline mode to apply for the NEST 2026 entrance exam. No candidate will be allowed to submit the application form after the last date.

NEST 2026 Important Dates

All the important dates for NEST 2026 are tabulated below.

Event	Date
Starting date for the application form	January 05 – April 06, 2026
Application Form Correction	April 13 – 14, 2026
Admit Card	May 15, 2026
Exam Date	June 06, 2026
Result Date	July 2026

How to Fill NEST 2026 Application Form

The NEST 2026 application form must be filled online from the official website of NEST. It can only be filled via online mode.

The details filled in the application form will appear on the admit card, scorecard, and other important documents. If any detail is found incorrect or not genuine, NEST can take appropriate action against the student.

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the official website, www.nestexam.in
• Register yourself by entering your basic details.
• Click on the link you receive on your registered email address for confirmation.
• Login with the registered email id & password.

Step 2: Application Form Filling

• After logging in, the NEST application form 2026 will be displayed on the monitor.
• Fill the form with valid details, including personal details (name, gender, date of birth, religion, etc.) and educational details (address, email ID and mobile number).
• Save and submit the form.
• Note down the application ID.
• Candidates will have to choose a security question-answer as per their wish and preferred examination centers.
• Download and take a print of the application form.

Step 3: Uploading Images and Documents

Documents to Upload in NEST Application Form

You must upload a scanned passport-size photograph and your signature in the format specified by NEST.

The resolution and size of each scanned document must match NEST guidelines. The system will reject the upload if the resolution and size are not as prescribed.

NEST Application Fee Payment

Pay the application fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. The fee is non-refundable.

After payment, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

The application fee depends on the candidate's category and gender:

• Male (General/OBC) candidates: INR 1000.
• SC/ST, female, and PD candidates: INR 500.

Details Required in NEST 2026 Application Form

The NEST 2026 application form asks for the following details in the specified format:

Details Asked	Filling Criteria
NAME	Full name in block letters
GENDER	Male/Female/Transgender
CATEGORY	SC/ST/Gender
ACADEMIC DETAILS	Qualification latest to oldest
ADDRESS	Postal address
NATIONALITY	Indian/non-Indian
FATHER’S NAME	Full name in block letters
E-MAIL ADDRESS	Valid e-mail address
DATE OF BIRTH	MM/DD/YYYY
PHONE NUMBER	Mobile number
IDENTITY PROOF	Valid id proof

All the fields listed above are mandatory. The application form cannot be submitted without them.

Candidates must also scan all education-related documents, along with the passport-size photograph and signature, and upload them.

NEST 2026 Application Form Correction

There is no correction facility for the NEST 2026 application form. Candidates should fill in the form correctly in one attempt.

If any information is found incorrect or invalid, the exam authority may treat it as a serious offense. The authority has the right to nullify the submitted application form.

If any update regarding application form correction is announced, it will be made officially by NEST 2026 on its website.

NEST 2026 Exam Overview

NEST 2026 (National Entrance Screening Test) is a 3-hour computer-based test conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The exam is held on June 6, 2026, in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The test covers four subject sections — Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics — for a total of 240 marks. Your merit rank is computed on the best three section scores, with a maximum of 180 marks.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)
Conducting Bodies	NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT / Online)
Exam Date 2026	June 6, 2026 (Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Duration	3 hours (180 minutes)
Number of Sections	4 (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics)
Total Questions	80 (20 per section)
Total Marks (Paper)	240 (60 marks per section)
Merit Score Maximum	180 marks (Best 3 of 4 sections)
Negative Marking	Yes (–1 mark per wrong answer)
Language of Paper	English
Official Website	nestexam.in

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

NEST 2026 is a 3-hour computer-based test with 80 questions for 240 marks across four subjects. The exam has 4 sections — Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics — each with 20 MCQs carrying 60 marks.

• A correct answer earns +3 marks; a wrong answer deducts 1 mark; leaving a question blank gives 0 marks.
• Merit ranks at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS are based on the best 3 out of 4 section scores — your weakest section is dropped, capping the effective merit score at 180 marks.
• You must attempt at least 3 sections to appear in the merit list; attempting all 4 gives you the flexibility to drop your weakest section automatically.
• The General section has been removed in 2026 and the exam duration is cut from 3.5 hours to 3 hours — the biggest structural change from the 2025 pattern.
• NEST 2026 is a single-shift exam — no second session, no normalisation — so your raw score is your final score.

NEST 2026 Marking Scheme

Each section in NEST 2026 carries 60 marks. Every correct answer gives +3 marks, and every wrong answer deducts 1 mark.

Unanswered questions receive 0 marks. The merit score is calculated from the best 3 of 4 sections, so the maximum possible merit score is 180 marks.

NEST 2026 Changes from Previous Year

The General section has been removed in 2026. The exam duration has been reduced from 3.5 hours to 3 hours.

The exam is now a single-shift test with no normalisation. Your raw score is used directly for merit ranking.

NEST 2026 Official Website

The official website for NEST 2026 is nestexam.in. All exam-related updates and notifications are published there.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online. It is held in a single shift on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The exam is conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The total duration of the test is 3 hours (180 minutes).

Feature	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT / Online)
Exam Date	June 6, 2026
Shift Timing	Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Duration	3 hours (180 minutes)
Number of Sessions	1 (Single Shift)
Conducting Bodies	NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
Number of Sections	4
Subjects	Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Questions per Section	20 MCQs
Total Questions	80
Marks per Section	60 marks
Total Marks (Paper)	240 marks
Merit Score Basis	Best 3 of 4 sections (maximum 180 marks)
Negative Marking	–1 mark per wrong answer
Language	English
Normalisation	Not applicable (single shift)

NEST 2026 Important Dates

The table below lists all key NEST 2026 milestones. Upcoming events are shown first in order of occurrence; completed events follow in chronological order.

The exam was conducted on June 6, 2026. The next milestones are the provisional answer key and the final result.

Event	Date	Status
Provisional Answer Key Release	June 10–12, 2026	Upcoming
Answer Key Objection Window	June 10–12, 2026	Upcoming
NEST 2026 Result	June 24, 2026	Upcoming
Scorecard Download	June 25, 2026	Upcoming
Application Form	January 5 – April 8, 2026	Over
Application Correction Window	April 18–19, 2026	Over
Admit Card Release	May 18, 2026 (Re-download: May 24, 2026)	Over
NEST 2026 Exam	June 6, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)	Conducted

NEST 2026 Detailed Exam Pattern

The NEST 2026 question paper has four sections, each devoted to one subject. Every section carries 20 MCQ questions worth 3 marks each, adding up to 60 marks per section and 240 marks overall.

Each MCQ has four options with exactly one correct answer. No partial credit is awarded for any section.

Candidates can attempt all four sections, but only the best three section scores count towards the rank at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.

Section	Subject	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks	Duration
Section 1	Biology	20	+3	60	–
Section 2	Chemistry	20	+3	60	–
Section 3	Mathematics	20	+3	60	–
Section 4	Physics	20	+3	60	–
Total	–	80	–	240 marks	3 hours (180 minutes)

There is no per-section time limit in NEST 2026. Candidates can navigate freely between all four sections during the 3-hour window and allocate their own time per subject.

The merit list for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is prepared on the basis of the best three scores out of four. The section with the lowest score is automatically excluded. The maximum effective merit score is therefore 180 marks, not 240.

NEST 2026 Marking Scheme

NEST 2026 uses a uniform marking scheme across all four sections. Every question is an MCQ with a single correct answer.

• Correct responses earn +3 marks.
• Wrong responses lose 1 mark.
• Unattempted questions receive 0 marks.

There are no MSQ (multiple select) or numerical-type questions in 2026. The format is entirely objective MCQ, removing the dual marking scheme of 2025.

NEST 2026 Marking Scheme

Every question in NEST 2026 is an MCQ with a single correct answer. The marking scheme is the same for all four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

Question Type	Marks for Correct Answer	Marks for Wrong Answer	Marks for Unattempted
MCQ – Single Correct (All Sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics)	+3	–1	0

Every wrong MCQ in NEST 2026 carries a negative marking of 1 mark. Avoid guessing randomly, especially in weaker subjects.

Merit is based on the best 3 sections. A net score close to zero in the fourth section still qualifies, as that section can be dropped. Focus on accuracy in the three strongest subjects to avoid penalty-driven losses.

NEST Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026

Each of the four NEST 2026 sections draws questions from the Class 11 and 12 syllabus of the respective subject. The syllabus is broadly aligned with NCERT/CBSE standards but extends to higher-order and application-level questions.

Biology (Section 1)

The Biology section tests understanding of life sciences from cell level to ecology. Questions often require applying concepts rather than direct recall, with genetics and molecular biology carrying consistent high weightage in past papers.

Topic Area	Indicative Questions	Indicative Marks
Cell Biology & Biochemistry	~4–5	~12–15
Genetics, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology	~5–6	~15–18
Plant Structure & Physiology	~3–4	~9–12
Animal Physiology & Development	~3–4	~9–12
Ecology, Evolution & Diversity of Life	~3–4	~9–12
Total	20	60

Chemistry (Section 2)

The Chemistry section covers physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry from the Class 11–12 syllabus. Numerical problems in physical chemistry are common, and organic reaction mechanisms require deep conceptual understanding.

Topic Area	Indicative Questions	Indicative Marks
Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Kinetics)	~6–8	~18–24
Organic Chemistry (Reaction Mechanisms, Named Reactions, Functional Groups)	~7–8	~21–24
Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Trends, Coordination Compounds, d-Block Elements)	~4–6	~12–18
Total	20	60

Mathematics (Section 3)

The Mathematics section includes calculus, algebra, coordinate geometry, and probability. Questions are conceptual and often require multi-step reasoning; direct formula application alone is rarely sufficient.

Topic Area	Indicative Questions	Indicative Marks
Calculus (Limits, Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations)	~6–7	~18–21
Algebra (Complex Numbers, Matrices, Determinants, Permutation & Combination)	~5–6	~15–18
Coordinate Geometry & Vectors (Lines, Conics, 3D Geometry)	~4–5	~12–15
Probability, Statistics & Trigonometry	~3–4	~9–12
Total	20	60

Physics (Section 4)

The Physics section spans mechanics, modern physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Numerical and application-based questions make up the majority; conceptual one-liners and derivation-based MCQs also appear regularly.

Topic Area	Indicative Questions	Indicative Marks
Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Rotational Motion, Gravitation)	~5–6	~15–18
Electricity & Magnetism (Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Electromagnetic Induction)	~5–6	~15–18
Modern Physics & Optics (Photoelectric Effect, Atoms, Nuclei, Ray & Wave Optics)	~5–6	~15–18
Thermal Physics, Waves & Oscillations	~3–4	~9–12
Total	20	60

Note: Topic-wise question counts are indicative and based on previous year NEST papers (2007–2025). The exact distribution varies each year. Cover all topics listed in the official NEST syllabus available at nestexam.in.

NEST Question Types 2026

All questions in NEST 2026 are multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a single correct answer. The exam uses the same question format across all four sections.

NEST 2026 Question Type

NEST 2026 uses only one question type across all four sections: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) with a single correct answer. Each MCQ has four options (A, B, C, D), and exactly one option is correct.

Question Type	Description	Applies To	Correct Answer	Wrong Answer
MCQ – Single Correct	Four options; exactly one is correct	All 4 sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics)	+3 marks	–1 mark

Key points about the MCQ format in NEST 2026:

• Each question has four answer choices; you must select exactly one option.
• You can mark a question for review and return to it later — the CBT interface supports flagging questions.
• There are no numerical or integer-type questions in NEST 2026 — all 80 questions are MCQ.
• There are no MSQ (multiple select questions) in NEST 2026 — a significant change from the 2025 pattern.
• Questions do not have internal choices — every question must be attempted as presented.
• The CBT interface allows free navigation between sections — you are not locked into one section at a time.

NEST Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year

NEST 2026 introduces significant structural changes compared to the 2025 pattern. The General section has been removed, the duration has been reduced by 30 minutes, and the question format has been simplified from MCQ+MSQ to MCQ-only.

The maximum merit score stays at 180 marks, but the way it is calculated is different from 2025. The NEST pattern has changed substantially in 2026: the General section is removed, duration is cut to 3 hours, and MSQs are dropped.

Parameter	NEST 2025	NEST 2026
Number of Sections	5 (General + 4 subjects)	4 (subjects only)
General Section	Present (30 marks, no negative marking)	Removed
Total Duration	3 hours 30 minutes	3 hours (30 minutes shorter)
Questions per Subject Section	17 (12 MCQ + 5 MSQ)	20 (MCQ only)
Question Types in Subject Sections	MCQ + MSQ	MCQ only
MCQ Marks (Correct)	+2.5	+3
MCQ Negative Marking (Wrong)	–1	–1 (unchanged)
MSQ Marks (Correct)	+4 (no negative marking)	Not applicable — MSQ removed
Marks per Subject Section	50 marks	60 marks
Total Paper Marks	230 (General 30 + 4×50)	240 (4×60)
Merit Score Basis	General section + Best 3 subjects	Best 3 of 4 subjects (General dropped)
Merit Score Maximum	180 marks	180 marks (unchanged)
Exam Mode	CBT (Online)	CBT (Online) (unchanged)
Number of Shifts	Single shift	Single shift (unchanged)

How to Prepare Based on NEST Exam Pattern

Your preparation strategy for NEST 2026 should directly reflect the 4-section MCQ structure, the best-3-of-4 merit rule, and the –1 negative marking system. Use the pattern to build a targeted plan rather than treating all four subjects equally.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

NEST 2026 has four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The General section from the 2025 pattern has been removed, reducing the total from five sections to four.

Number of Questions

NEST 2026 has 80 questions in total. Each section has 20 questions, and all questions are MCQs with a single correct answer from four options.

Total Marks

The NEST 2026 question paper carries 240 marks (4 sections × 60 marks each). The merit list is prepared on a maximum of 180 marks, as only the best three section scores are counted and the lowest-scoring section is excluded.

Marking Scheme

NEST 2026 deducts 1 mark for every wrong MCQ answer. A correct answer earns +3 marks, and an unattempted question carries 0 marks. All 80 questions follow the same +3/–1 scheme with no exceptions.

Exam Duration

NEST 2026 is a 3-hour (180-minute) exam conducted in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on June 6, 2026. This is 30 minutes shorter than the NEST 2025 duration of 3 hours 30 minutes.

Exam Mode

NEST 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted entirely online at designated test centres. No physical answer sheet or OMR sheet is used.

Merit List Preparation

The NEST 2026 merit list for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is prepared using your best three section scores out of four. The section with the lowest score is automatically dropped. Each section carries 60 marks, so the maximum effective merit score is 180 marks.

Section Attempt Requirements

You must attempt at least three sections to qualify for the merit list. Attempting all four is strongly advisable, because it lets the system drop your weakest section automatically. If you attempt only three sections, you have no safety net if one of those sections goes poorly.

Subjects Covered

NEST 2026 covers four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each subject has a dedicated section with 20 MCQs for 60 marks. The syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum, broadly aligned with NCERT/CBSE standards but tested at a higher conceptual and application level.

Preparation Strategy

Focus on Strong Subjects

Identify your three strongest subjects early and maximise your score in those. Since only the best 3 section scores count for merit, your rank is determined by your top three performances. Students from a PCM background should target Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students from PCB should prioritise Biology, Chemistry, and their third science.

Time Allocation

Attempt all four sections, but allocate time strategically. The 3-hour window has no per-section time limit. Target roughly 40–45 minutes per section and keep 10–15 minutes at the end for review. Attempting all four sections lets the system drop your worst section automatically.

Negative Marking Discipline

Apply strict negative-marking discipline throughout. A wrong answer costs you 1 mark and denies the +3 you could have earned — a 4-mark swing per question. Attempt only when you can eliminate at least two options. Random guessing is a net loss over any significant number of questions.

Previous Year Papers

Solve NEST previous year papers from 2007–2025, available for free at nestexam.in. NEST questions are known for conceptual depth and novel application. Past papers reveal the question style, difficulty level, and which topic areas recur most often within each section.

NCERT Foundation

Build your foundation on NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for all four subjects. NEST does not go beyond the Class 12 scope, but it tests concepts at an application level. A thorough NCERT foundation is essential before moving to advanced reference material.

Timed Sectional Mocks

Practice timed sectional mocks — aim to complete 20 questions in 40 minutes per section. Without per-section limits, students often over-invest time in a favourite subject and rush the rest. Timed drills reveal which topics slow you down and build discipline for exam day.

Biology Priority Areas

For Biology, prioritise genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology above other areas. These topics carry high question density in NEST papers, require both conceptual clarity and mechanistic recall, and are the areas where high-scoring students typically separate themselves.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Changes

NEST 2026 removes the General section from the exam. The exam duration is reduced from 3.5 hours to 3 hours.

Each subject section now has 20 questions instead of 17. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) are dropped entirely from the paper.

Marking Scheme for NEST 2026

The per-question mark for MCQs changes from +2.5 to +3 in NEST 2026. The maximum merit score remains at 180 marks.

The merit score is now calculated from the best 3 of 4 subject sections. In 2025, the score was based on the General section plus the best 3 subjects.

Particular	NEST 2025	NEST 2026
General section	Present	Removed
Exam duration	3.5 hours	3 hours
Questions per subject section	17	20
MSQs	Present	Dropped
Marks per correct MCQ	+2.5	+3
Maximum merit score	180	180

Marking Rules for All Questions

NEST 2026 follows a uniform marking scheme for all 80 questions. A correct answer gives +3 marks, a wrong answer gives –1 mark, and an unattempted question gives 0 marks.

All questions are MCQs with a single correct answer. There are no question types with a different marking rule in the 2026 paper.

NEST 2026 Result and Answer Key Dates

The NEST 2026 result is expected on June 24, 2026. It will be published on the official website nestexam.in.

The provisional answer key will be released between June 10 and June 12, 2026. The objection window will remain open until June 12.

Scorecards will be available for download from June 25, 2026.

Event	Expected Date
Provisional answer key release	June 10 to June 12, 2026
Objection window closes	June 12, 2026
Result announcement	June 24, 2026
Scorecard download	June 25, 2026

The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

NEST 2026 has four sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The General section from the 2025 pattern has been removed, reducing the total from five sections to four.

The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online at designated test centres. No physical answer sheet or OMR sheet is used.

Number of Questions and Total Marks

NEST 2026 has 80 questions in total, with 20 questions per section. All questions are MCQs with a single correct answer from four options.

The question paper carries 240 marks, with each section worth 60 marks. However, the merit list is prepared on a maximum of 180 marks.

Particular	Details
Total questions	80 (20 per section)
Total paper marks	240 (60 per section)
Maximum merit score	180 (best 3 sections)
Question type	MCQ, single correct answer

Marking Scheme

NEST 2026 deducts 1 mark for every wrong MCQ answer. A correct answer earns +3 marks, and an unattempted question carries 0 marks.

All 80 questions follow the same +3/-1 scheme with no exceptions for any section. There are no question types with a different marking rule in the 2026 paper.

Answer type	Marks
Correct answer	+3
Wrong answer	-1
Unattempted	0

Exam Duration and Schedule

NEST 2026 is a 3-hour (180-minute) exam conducted in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on June 6, 2026. This is 30 minutes shorter than the NEST 2025 duration of 3 hours 30 minutes.

The reduction in duration reflects the removal of the General section and the change in questions per subject section.

Merit List Preparation

The NEST 2026 merit list for both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is prepared using your best three section scores out of four. The section with the lowest score is automatically dropped.

Each section carries 60 marks, so the maximum effective merit score is 180 marks. You must attempt at least three sections to qualify for the merit list.

Attempting all four sections is strongly advisable because it lets the system drop your weakest section automatically. If you attempt only three sections, you have no safety net if one of those sections goes poorly on exam day.

Subjects Covered

NEST 2026 covers four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each subject has a dedicated section with 20 MCQs for 60 marks.

The syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum, broadly aligned with NCERT/CBSE standards but tested at a higher conceptual and application level.

Changes from NEST 2025 Pattern

NEST 2026 removes the General section, reduces duration from 3.5 hours to 3 hours, and increases questions per subject section from 17 to 20. MSQs are dropped entirely, and the per-MCQ mark changes from +2.5 to +3.

The maximum merit score stays at 180 marks but is now based on the best 3 of 4 subject sections, rather than the General section plus best 3 subjects as in 2025.

Result and Answer Key Dates

The NEST 2026 result is expected on June 24, 2026, on the official website nestexam.in. Scorecards will be available for download from June 25, 2026.

The provisional answer key will be released between June 10 and June 12, 2026, with an objection window open until June 12.

Event	Date
Exam date	June 6, 2026
Provisional answer key	June 10-12, 2026
Objection window closes	June 12, 2026
Result announcement	June 24, 2026
Scorecard download	June 25, 2026

NEST 2024 Syllabus Overview

The NEST 2024 syllabus follows the rationalized science syllabus of classes 11 and 12 as per NCERT. The syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

The exam pattern is based on the NCERT and CBSE science syllabus for classes XI and XII. Questions focus on scientific knowledge, basic concepts, and their application.

Exam Centres and Marking Scheme

NEST 2024 will be conducted at 115 exam centres in major towns and cities across India. Questions are designed to test knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

• Each correct answer in MCQ grants +2.5 marks.
• Each correct answer in MSQ grants +4 marks.
• Negative marking of -1 mark applies only to incorrect answers in the MCQ section.

NEST 2024 Physics Syllabus

The Physics section is divided into 7 major topics. Questions range from moderate to difficult and involve a lot of basic concepts.

NEST 2024 Physics Syllabus
General Physics
Mechanics
Sound and mechanical waves
Thermal physics
Electricity and magnetism
Optics
Modern physics

NEST 2024 Chemistry Syllabus

The Chemistry section includes questions from all three sub-branches of Chemistry: Physical, Inorganic, and Organic. All three branches hold equal weightage in the section.

Chemistry Sections	NEST 2024 Chemistry Syllabus
Physical Chemistry	Measurements in chemistry
	Mole concept
	Gaseous and liquid states
	Atomic structure and chemical bonding
	Thermodynamics
	Chemical equilibrium
	Electrochemistry
	Chemical kinetics
	Solid-state
	Solutions
	Surface chemistry
	Basic Concepts
Organic Chemistry	Reactive intermediates
	Isomerism
	Nomenclature
	Alkanes
	Alkenes and Alkynes
	Aromatic compounds
	Haloalkanes (Alkyl halides)
	Haloarenes
	Alcohols
	Polymers
	Phenols
	Ethers
	Aldehydes and Ketones
	Carboxylic acids
	Amines
	Carbohydrate
	Amino acids and proteins
	Inorganic Chemistry	Classification of elements and periodicity in properties
Hydrogen
s- Block elements
p- Block elements
d-Block elements
f- Block elements
Coordination compounds
Metals and metallurgy

NEST 2024 Mathematics Syllabus

Mathematics is one of the toughest sections in the exam. Questions are asked from the topics listed below.

Knowledge and application of basic concepts and formulae are necessary to solve problems in the Mathematics section.

Preparation Tips

Physics and Mathematics are considered the toughest sections. Candidates should focus on tricky and formula-based questions while preparing.

NCERT textbooks are a useful tool for NEST 2024 preparation. Solving NEST practice papers can help in understanding the exam pattern and the weightage of topics from all four sections.

NEST 2024 Mathematics Syllabus

The Mathematics section of NEST 2024 covers Algebra and Probability topics. The detailed sub-topics are listed below.

• Algebra: Algebra of complex numbers, addition, multiplication, conjugation, polar representation, properties of modulus and principal argument, triangle inequality, cube roots of unity, geometric interpretations.
• Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Logarithms, and their properties, computation of probability of events using permutations and combinations, formation of quadratic equations with given roots, relations between roots and coefficients solutions of simultaneous linear equations in two or three variables, symmetric functions of roots.
• Arithmetic, Permutations and combinations, geometric and harmonic progressions, arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means, sums of finite arithmetic and geometric progressions, infinite geometric series.
• Probability: Addition and multiplication rules of probability, conditional probability, Bayes Theorem, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices and their properties, independence of events.
• Binomial theorem for positive integral index, properties of binomial coefficients.
• Matrices as a rectangular array of real numbers, equality of matrices, addition, multiplication by a scalar and product of matrices, transpose of a matrix, Determinant of a square matrix of order up to three.

NEST 2024 Biology Syllabus

Questions in the Biology section of NEST 2024 will be asked from seven topics. The topics are given in the table below.

Topic
Cell Biology
Genetics and Evolution
Ecology
Humans and Environment
Biotechnology
Biology of Animal systems
Biology of Plant systems

NEST 2024 Syllabus Based on NCERT

The NEST 2024 syllabus follows the pattern of NCERT. The syllabus PDFs for each subject are provided below.

Subjects	NEST 2024 Syllabus PDF
NCERT Physics Revised Syllabus	Click here
NCERT Chemistry Revised Syllabus	Click here
NCERT Mathematics Revised Syllabus	Click here
NCERT Biology Revised Syllabus	Click here

NEST 2024 Paper Pattern

The exam pattern for NEST 2024 is given below.

• Sections: The exam is divided into four sections with 60 marks each. The five sections are General Aptitude, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Candidates can choose any section.
• Total Marks: The question paper will aggregate to 240 marks.
• Language: The mode of language is English.
• Question Type: The question paper will comprise objective-type questions.
• Calculation: Each correct answering in MCQ will grant you +2.5 marks and +4 marks in MSQ.
• Negative Marking Scheme: There is a provision of negative marking only in MCQ portion of -1 marks per incorrect answers.
• Paper Pattern: The question paper will be CBT based.

NEST 2024 Best Books

Recommended books for the Chemistry and Physics sections of NEST 2024 are listed below.

Subject	Books
Chemistry	IIT Chemistry by O.P Agarwal Organic Chemistry by NCERT Textbook of Chemistry for Class 11th and 12th by NCERT A Textbook of Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE by R.K Gupta Entrance Chemistry by Bhakta
Physics	Optics and Modern Physics by DC Pandey Concepts of Physics – Volume 1 and Volume 2 by H.C. Verma

Recommended Books for NEST Preparation

These are the books suggested for preparing for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST). The list is divided by subject.

Physics Books

• Practice problems in Physics for Engineering Examinations by S.Mishra
• Concepts of Physics by HC Verma
• Objective Physics by Mahesh Jain
• MCQ Question Bank by D Mukherjee

Biology Books

• A Class Book of Botany by A.C Dutta
• Textbook of Biology by S.C Verma
• Elementary Biology for Class 12 by K.N Bhatia
• Textbook of Biology by NCERT
• Biology Guide by Pradeep

Mathematics Books

• Plane Trigonometry by S.L. Loney
• Arihant Series by Dr. SK Goyal
• IIT Mathematics by R.D Sharma
• Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
• Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 by R.S. Aggarwal
• Objective Mathematics Part 1 and Part 2 (NCERT difficulty) by RD Sharma

NEST 2026 Cutoff Released

The NEST 2026 cutoff is officially out. NISER Bhubaneswar published the category-wise qualifying cutoff on June 24, 2026, at nestexam.in. The cutoff covers both institutes — NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.

More than 27,000 students appeared for NEST 2026, held on June 6, 2026. About 2,000 to 2,500 of them have qualified for the combined merit list.

The NEST 2026 qualifying cutoff (MAP) for General and EWS candidates is the 95th percentile. NISER Bhubaneswar counselling is expected to begin in the second week of July 2026.

Key Highlights of NEST 2026 Cutoff

• General and EWS candidates need the 95th percentile or above to qualify.
• OBC-NCL candidates need the 90th percentile or above to make the merit list.
• SC, ST, Divyangjan, and JK candidates qualify at the 75th percentile or above.
• Candidates must also clear the SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) in at least three subject sections.
• NISER Bhubaneswar offers about 200 seats. CEBS Mumbai offers about 59 seats. Together that is roughly 259 seats.
• NISER counselling begins in July 2026. CEBS counselling begins in August 2026.
• The admission cutoff (closing rank at each institute) comes out only after counselling rounds end.

Direct Link to Check NEST Cutoff 2026 (Out)
nestexam.in – NEST 2026 Result and Cutoff

Key Summary

• The NEST 2026 qualifying cutoff (MAP) is out. General and EWS candidates need the 95th percentile or above.
• Candidates must clear both MAP and SMAS. Clearing one alone does not qualify.
• NISER offers about 200 seats and CEBS offers about 59 seats. Total seats across both institutes are roughly 259.
• The admission closing rank at NISER and CEBS will be published after July and August counselling respectively.
• Based on 2025 data, a General candidate scoring 100 or more out of 180 typically qualifies for the merit list.

What is NEST Cutoff 2026?

The NEST cutoff is the minimum threshold a candidate must cross to get a seat at NISER or CEBS. Both offer a 5-year Integrated MSc programme. NISER and CEBS jointly set the cutoff after the exam. Candidates must meet it to appear on the official NEST merit list.

There are two separate cutoffs for NEST. The first is the qualifying cutoff: clear the MAP and SMAS to get on the merit list. The second is the admission cutoff: the rank at which the last seat fills during counselling. This applies separately at NISER and CEBS. Clearing the qualifying cutoff puts a candidate on the merit list. A rank within the admission cutoff is still needed to actually secure a seat.

Previous Year Official NEST Cutoff

NISER publishes the MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile) each year on nestexam.in after the result. The table below shows the official category-wise MAP from 2022 to 2026. These are the minimum percentile thresholds to qualify for the NEST merit list.

Year	General/EWS	OBC-NCL	SC/ST/Divyangjan/JK
2026	95th percentile	90th percentile	75th percentile

NEST Qualifying Cutoff Trend (2022–2026)

The NEST qualifying cutoff is expressed as a percentile. The table below shows the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) required for different categories from 2022 to 2026.

Year	General / EWS	OBC-NCL	SC / ST / PwD / JK
2022	87th percentile	78th percentile	65th percentile
2023	90th percentile	81st percentile	67th percentile
2024	93rd percentile	84th percentile	70th percentile
2025	95th percentile	90th percentile	75th percentile
2026	95th percentile	90th percentile	75th percentile

The General and EWS MAP rose by 8 percentile points from 2022 to 2026. The OBC-NCL threshold rose by 12 percentile points over the same period. The SC and ST threshold rose by 10 percentile points. The 2026 MAP has held steady at the 2025 level, suggesting competition may have stabilised after years of steady rises.

Source: NEST Official Website – nestexam.in

Will the NEST Qualifying Cutoff Keep Rising?

The General MAP was 87th percentile in 2022. By 2025, it reached 95th percentile — a rise of 8 percentile points. In 2026, it stayed at 95th percentile.

Competition may have plateaued. A further rise depends on whether the number of high-scoring students keeps growing.

Qualifying Cutoff vs Admission Cutoff

No. The qualifying cutoff (MAP and SMAS) places you on the merit list. The admission cutoff is the rank at which the last seat fills during counselling at NISER or CEBS.

You need both. Being on the merit list is step one; securing a seat within the admission cutoff is step two.

NEST Cutoff 2026: Important Dates

Use the table below to track the NEST 2026 timeline. Upcoming events are listed first, followed by past events in chronological order.

Event	Date	Status
Full Scorecard and Marks Download	June 30, 2026 onwards	Upcoming
NISER Bhubaneswar Counselling Begins	Second week of July 2026 (tentative)	Upcoming
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai Counselling Begins	Third week of August 2026 (tentative)	Upcoming
NEST 2026 Exam Conducted	June 6, 2026	Over
Provisional Answer Keys Released	June 10, 2026	Over
NEST 2026 Result Declared (Quick Look)	June 24, 2026	Over
Category-Wise Qualifying Cutoff (MAP and SMAS) Published	June 24–25, 2026	Over
QuickLook Scorecard Available for Download	June 25, 2026	Over

Factors Affecting NEST Cutoff 2026

Several factors decide where the cutoff lands each year. Understanding these helps you read the trend and plan your preparation for future attempts.

• Number of candidates appearing: More students in the pool push the percentile cutoff higher. NEST 2026 saw more than 27,000 students appear.
• Difficulty of the paper: A tougher exam brings down average scores across all sections. The SMAS values drop in harder years because even the top 100 scorers do not score as high.
• Total seats at NISER and CEBS: The two institutes together offer about 259 seats. The small seat count keeps the qualifying bar extremely high.
• Category-wise seat distribution: Seats are reserved for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and Divyangjan candidates. Each category has its own MAP threshold based on available seats and candidate performance.
• JK domicile policy: Jammu and Kashmir domicile candidates qualify under the SC and ST MAP threshold. This affects how reserved-category seats fill up during counselling.
• Candidate performance distribution by section: If top-ranking students score unevenly across sections, SMAS values vary by subject. A strong batch in Physics pushes the Physics SMAS higher.

NEST Cutoff 2026: Category-Wise MAP and SMAS

The NEST 2026 qualifying cutoff works on two separate criteria. You must clear both to appear on the merit list.

MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile) is your overall percentile rank among all candidates in your category. SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) is the minimum marks you must score in each section you attempt. You must meet the SMAS in at least three subject sections and also meet the overall MAP.

The table below shows the officially published NEST 2026 MAP by category:

NEST 2026 Cutoff: MAP Percentile by Category

The Minimum Admission Percentile (MAP) is the first cutoff you must clear in NEST 2026. It is the minimum percentile score required in each section of the exam to qualify for admission.

The MAP is different for each category. The table below lists the category-wise MAP for NEST 2026.

Category	MAP – NEST 2026
General / Unreserved (UR)	95th percentile
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)	95th percentile
OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer)	90th percentile
SC (Scheduled Caste)	75th percentile
ST (Scheduled Tribe)	75th percentile
Divyangjan (PwD)	75th percentile
JK Domicile (Jammu and Kashmir)	75th percentile

Source: NEST 2026 Result and Cutoff – nestexam.in

NEST 2026 Sectional Marks: SMAS

The Sectional Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) is the second cutoff you must clear. It is the minimum marks required in each section of the exam.

The SMAS equals one-fifth of the average of the best 100 scores in each section. It changes every year based on topper performance. The table below shows the SMAS from NEST 2025 as the closest reference. The 2026 SMAS follows the same formula and will be in a similar range.

Section (out of 60 marks)	General / EWS	OBC-NCL	SC / ST / PwD / JK
Biology	9.29	8.37	4.65
Chemistry	9.56	8.60	4.78
Mathematics	9.83	8.85	4.91
Physics	9.81	8.83	4.90

The SMAS values above are based on NEST 2025 official data. The 2026 exact values are calculated from 2026 topper scores and will be posted on nestexam.in. These figures show that the SMAS bar is not very high. The real challenge is the MAP. You need to be among the top 5 to 10 of every 100 candidates who appear.

Clearing the SMAS in three sections alone does not qualify you. You must also meet the MAP for your category. Both criteria are mandatory.

NEST Cutoff 2026: NISER and CEBS Admission Cutoff

After qualifying (meeting MAP and SMAS), you must secure a rank within the admission cutoff at NISER or CEBS. The admission cutoff is the NEST merit rank of the last student admitted at that institute. This rank is set after all counselling rounds end.

NISER and CEBS conduct their counselling independently. The NEST 2026 admission cutoff for NISER will come out after July counselling. The CEBS admission cutoff comes after August counselling. The tables below show the previous-year admission cutoffs as a reference.

NISER Bhubaneswar – Overall NEST Merit Rank of Last Admitted Candidate (General AI)

Year	NISER – General AI Closing Merit Rank
2022	~1,650
2023	~1,750
2024	1,852
2025	1,972
2026	TBA – after July 2026 counselling

UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai – Category-Wise Closing Rank (Last Admitted, 2025)

Year	General AI	OBC-NCL	SC	ST
2022	~19	~13	~7	~3
2023	~21	~14	~8	~4
2024	~22	~14	~8	~4
2025	23	15	9	4
2026	TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA

The CEBS General AI closing rank moved from about 19 in 2022 to 23 in 2025. That is a shift of 4 ranks over four years. CEBS has very few seats in each category. The closing rank closely reflects the number of seats available per category.

For NISER, the General AI closing merit rank moved from roughly 1,650 in 2022 to 1,972 in 2025. That is a rise of 322 ranks over four years. Multiple counselling rounds pull candidates deeper into the merit list. Earlier candidates often decline or move to other institutes.

CEBS has only about 59 total seats. Even a category-wise closing rank of 20 to 25 for General AI means the seats are almost entirely filled. Target the top 20 in your category to be safe for CEBS admission.

NEST Previous Year Cutoff Trends

Tracking this trend gives you a clearer picture of how competition has changed. The MAP is the most telling metric. It has risen steadily from 2022 to 2025, then held steady in 2026.

NEST Cutoff Trends: 2022 to 2026

The minimum qualifying percentile for NEST has risen steadily for most categories between 2022 and 2026. The table below shows the category-wise Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) and the NISER closing merit rank for General All India (AI) candidates.

Year	General / EWS MAP	OBC-NCL MAP	SC / ST / PwD / JK MAP	NISER Closing Merit Rank (General AI)
2022	87th percentile	78th percentile	65th percentile	~1,650
2023	90th percentile	81st percentile	67th percentile	~1,750
2024	93rd percentile	84th percentile	70th percentile	1,852
2025	95th percentile	90th percentile	75th percentile	1,972
2026	95th percentile	90th percentile	75th percentile	TBA

The General and EWS MAP rose by 8 percentile points between 2022 and 2026. The OBC-NCL threshold rose by 12 percentile points over the same period. The SC and ST threshold rose by 10 percentile points. These rises show that more students have been scoring in the top ranges every year.

The NISER General AI closing merit rank rose by about 322 ranks from 2022 to 2025. This rise reflects a larger qualifying merit list each year and more counselling rounds needed to fill reserved-category seats. In 2026, the MAP has stayed flat. If qualifying student numbers stay flat, the NISER closing rank may stay near the 2025 level.

For CEBS, the closing rank has risen by just 4 ranks (General AI) over four years. CEBS seat numbers have not changed significantly. The rise in closing rank mainly reflects a growing number of students who accept CEBS offers.

Was NEST Competition Always This High?

No. The General MAP was 85th percentile in 2021. It climbed to 95th percentile by 2025. The rise of 10 percentile points over five years shows how fast competition for NISER and CEBS seats has grown. In 2026, the MAP held at the 2025 level for the first time in five years.

NEST Cutoff: Marks vs Percentile

NEST does not publish a fixed marks-to-rank conversion table. But you can estimate what percentile your score places you at based on typical exam difficulty. The NEST merit list uses a score out of 180 (best three subject sections at 60 marks each). The table below gives a rough guide for General and EWS candidates in recent years.

Total NEST Score (out of 180)	Approximate Percentile	Likely Qualifying Status – General / EWS
140 and above	Above 99th	Comfortably qualifies
120 – 139	97th – 99th	Qualifies (safely)
100 – 119	93rd – 97th	Qualifies (borderline for General / EWS)
80 – 99	85th – 93rd	May qualify for OBC-NCL; does not qualify for General
60 – 79	72nd – 85th	May qualify for SC / ST / JK / PwD
Below 60	Below 72nd	Unlikely to qualify in any category

These percentile ranges are estimates based on NEST exam difficulty in recent years. Your actual percentile depends on how all 27,000-plus students perform in that particular year. A harder paper moves the same score to a higher percentile.

How to Check NEST Cutoff 2026

You can check the NEST 2026 qualifying cutoff and your result on the official website. Follow these steps:

• Visit nestexam.in and click on "Result" or "Check Result" on the homepage.
• Log in using your NEST 2026 application number and password.
• Your result (Quick Look) and qualifying status appear on the screen.
• The full scorecard with section-wise marks is available from June 30, 2026 onwards.
• The category-wise MAP and SMAS cutoff notice is linked on the NEST result page. Check it to compare your percentile with the MAP for your category.
• Clear the MAP for your category. Clear SMAS in three subject sections. You are then on the merit list.
• Watch nestexam.in for the NISER counselling schedule from the second week of July 2026.

Expected Safe Score for NEST 2026

Based on the 2025 and 2026 qualifying cutoffs, here is a scoring guide for NEST 2026.

Category	MAP Required	Safe Score Target (out of 180)	Target for NISER Admission
General / EWS	95th percentile	100 or above	110 or above (to clear counselling rounds)
OBC-NCL	90th percentile	80 or above	90 or above
SC / ST / PwD / JK	75th percentile	60 or above	70 or above

For CEBS admission, the bar is tighter. CEBS has very few seats in each category. For CEBS General AI, you need to be in the top 20 to 25 on the merit list. Students who want CEBS should target a score of 130 or above out of 180.

These are estimates based on historical trends. Your actual safe score can shift depending on exam difficulty each year.

Is a Score of 100 Out of 180 Enough for NISER Admission for a General Candidate?

A score of 100 out of 180 places you in the 93rd to 97th percentile range. This is borderline for General / EWS qualification. For a safer chance at NISER admission, you should target 110 or above to clear counselling rounds.

NEST 2026 Qualifying Cutoff for General Category

The NEST 2026 MAP for General and EWS candidates is the 95th percentile. You must score at or above the 95th percentile on the combined NEST merit list to qualify.

You must also clear the SMAS in at least three subject sections.

What is SMAS in NEST?

SMAS stands for Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score. It equals one-fifth of the average of the best 100 scores in each section.

NISER calculates it after the exam using the top 100 candidates' scores in each subject. The SMAS varies each year. You must meet the SMAS in at least three subject sections to qualify.

NEST 2026 Cutoff for OBC-NCL Candidates

OBC-NCL candidates need the 90th percentile or above to qualify for the NEST 2026 merit list. They must also clear the SMAS in at least three sections.

The OBC-NCL SMAS is set at nine-tenths of the General SMAS in each section.

NEST 2026 Cutoff Announcement Dates

The NEST 2026 qualifying cutoff (MAP and SMAS) was published on June 24–25, 2026. The admission cutoff (closing rank at NISER) will come out after NISER counselling, expected in July 2026.

The CEBS admission cutoff will come out after CEBS counselling, expected in August 2026.

Number of Qualified Students in NEST 2026

More than 27,000 students appeared for NEST 2026. Based on previous years, about 2,000 to 2,500 students qualify for the combined NEST merit list each year.

The exact number for 2026 will be confirmed with the official merit list.

Difference Between NISER and CEBS Admission Cutoffs

NISER has about 200 seats. NISER's admission cutoff is an overall NEST merit rank. In 2025, the last General AI seat filled at rank 1,972.

CEBS has about 59 seats. Its cutoff is the category-specific rank of the last student admitted. For example, the General AI closing rank was 23 in 2025. CEBS is much harder to get into due to its smaller seat count.

Qualifying Marks for SC and ST Candidates

No. SC and ST candidates qualify at the 75th percentile MAP — lower than the 95th percentile needed for General candidates. Their SMAS is also lower — set at half the General SMAS in each section.

Reserved seats at NISER and CEBS are filled from separate sub-lists for each category.

Chances of Getting into NISER Beyond Top 200 Rank

Yes, in most years. NISER fills 200 seats across multiple counselling rounds. Students ranked higher often decline to join (for example, if they prefer IIT or IISc through other exams).

NISER then calls candidates lower on the combined merit list. In 2025, the last General AI seat at NISER was filled by the candidate at overall merit rank 1,972. This means being on the merit list gives you a realistic chance at NISER if you participate in counselling.

Cutoff for NEST 5-year Integrated MSc Programme

NEST is the admission test for the 5-year Integrated MSc programme at NISER and CEBS. Subjects offered are Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

The 2026 MAP is 95th percentile for General and EWS candidates. It is 90th percentile for OBC-NCL, and 75th for SC, ST, PwD, and JK. This is the same programme — NEST does not separate cutoffs by subject within the qualifying round.

How to Check NEST 2026 Qualification Status

Log in to nestexam.in with your application number and password. Your Quick Look result shows whether you have qualified and your merit rank.

Clear the MAP for your category and the SMAS in three sections. Then you are on the merit list. You can also download the full scorecard from June 30, 2026 onwards for section-wise details.

Score of 100 and NEST 2026 Merit List

A score of 100 or above puts a General candidate at or above the 95th percentile. That meets the NEST MAP for 2026.

However, getting on the merit list is not the same as getting a NISER seat. NISER has about 200 seats. The final admission rank depends on how many candidates above you accept or decline. A higher score gives you more safety.

NEST 2026 Qualifying Cutoff

The NEST 2026 MAP for General and EWS candidates is the 95th percentile. You must score at or above the 95th percentile on the combined NEST merit list to qualify. You must also clear the SMAS in at least three subject sections.

Category-wise Qualifying Cutoff (MAP)

Category	MAP (Percentile)
General and EWS	95th
OBC-NCL	90th
SC, ST, PwD, and JK	75th

SC and ST candidates qualify at the 75th percentile MAP. Their SMAS is set at half the General SMAS in each section. Reserved seats at NISER and CEBS are filled from separate sub-lists for each category.

What is SMAS in NEST?

SMAS stands for Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score. It equals one-fifth of the average of the best 100 scores in each section. NISER calculates it after the exam using the top 100 candidates' scores in each subject.

The SMAS varies each year. You must meet the SMAS in at least three subject sections to qualify. The OBC-NCL SMAS is set at nine-tenths of the General SMAS in each section.

Qualifying Cutoff vs Admission Cutoff

No. The qualifying cutoff (MAP and SMAS) places you on the merit list. The admission cutoff is the rank at which the last seat fills during counselling at NISER or CEBS. You need both. Being on the merit list is step one; securing a seat within the admission cutoff is step two.

NISER Admission Cutoff

NISER has about 200 seats. NISER's admission cutoff is an overall NEST merit rank. In 2025, the last General AI seat filled at rank 1,972.

NISER fills 200 seats across multiple counselling rounds. Students ranked higher often decline to join (for example, if they prefer IIT or IISc through other exams). NISER then calls candidates lower on the combined merit list. In 2025, the last General AI seat at NISER was filled by the candidate at overall merit rank 1,972. This means being on the merit list gives you a realistic chance at NISER if you participate in counselling.

CEBS Admission Cutoff

CEBS has about 59 seats. Its cutoff is the category-specific rank of the last student admitted. For example, the General AI closing rank was 23 in 2025. CEBS is much harder to get into due to its smaller seat count.

Trend of NEST Qualifying Cutoff

The General MAP was 85th percentile in 2021. It climbed to 95th percentile by 2025. The rise of 10 percentile points over five years shows how fast competition for NISER and CEBS seats has grown. In 2026, the MAP held at the 2025 level for the first time in five years.

The General MAP was 87th percentile in 2022. By 2025, it reached 95th percentile — a rise of 8 percentile points. In 2026, it stayed at 95th percentile. Competition may have plateaued. A further rise depends on whether the number of high-scoring students keeps growing.

Score Required for NISER Admission

A score of 100 or above puts a General candidate at or above the 95th percentile. That meets the NEST MAP for 2026. However, getting on the merit list is not the same as getting a NISER seat.

NISER has about 200 seats. The final admission rank depends on how many candidates above you accept or decline. A higher score gives you more safety.

NEST 2026 Important Dates

Event	Expected Date
Qualifying cutoff (MAP and SMAS) published	June 24–25, 2026
NISER admission cutoff after counselling	July 2026
CEBS admission cutoff after counselling	August 2026

Number of Qualified Students in NEST 2026

More than 27,000 students appeared for NEST 2026. Based on previous years, about 2,000 to 2,500 students qualify for the combined NEST merit list each year. The exact number for 2026 will be confirmed with the official merit list.

NEST 5-year Integrated MSc Programme

NEST is the admission test for the 5-year Integrated MSc programme at NISER and CEBS. Subjects offered are Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The 2026 MAP is 95th percentile for General and EWS candidates. It is 90th percentile for OBC-NCL, and 75th for SC, ST, PwD, and JK. This is the same programme — NEST does not separate cutoffs by subject within the qualifying round.

How to Check NEST 2026 Result

Log in to nestexam.in with your application number and password. The qualifying status and merit list are available there after the cutoff is published.

What is the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is an entrance exam. Your Quick Look result shows whether you have qualified and your merit rank.

You need to clear the Minimum Admissible Percentage (MAP) for your category and the Sectional Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) in three sections. Then you are on the merit list.

Scorecard and Result Details

You can download the full scorecard from June 30, 2026 onwards. The scorecard provides section-wise details.

The Quick Look result is available before the full scorecard. It gives your qualification status and merit rank.

Qualification Criteria

To qualify, you must clear two separate thresholds. The first is the MAP for your category.

The second is the SMAS in three sections. You must meet both requirements to be placed on the merit list.

Important Dates

• Full scorecard available from: June 30, 2026

What is NEST Result 2026?

The NEST 2026 result is the official score declaration for the National Entrance Screening Test. NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai conduct this exam jointly.

The result decides which students qualify for the 5-year Integrated MSc programme in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics. These two institutions function under India's Department of Atomic Energy.

The result comes as a scorecard with section-wise marks, overall percentile, and All-India merit rank. Only candidates who clear both qualifying thresholds — the Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) and the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) — receive a scorecard. Candidates who do not clear either threshold cannot access a scorecard through the portal.

NEST 2026 Result: Important Dates

NEST 2026 result was declared on June 24, 2026 at the official website nestexam.in. Qualified candidates can log in with their application ID and password to view their scorecard.

Event	Date
Result declaration	June 24, 2026
Scorecard login available	June 25, 2026
Scorecard PDF download opens	June 30, 2026
NISER Expression of Interest (EOI) form deadline	July 6, 2026 (4:00 PM)
CEBS counselling registration	Third week of July 2026

How to Download NEST Result 2026

Visit the official website nestexam.in. The direct link to download the NEST 2026 result is available on the homepage.

• Click on the result link and enter your application ID and password
• View your scorecard on the screen
• Download and print the scorecard for future reference

NEST 2026 Scorecard

The scorecard is issued only to candidates who clear both qualifying thresholds — SMAS and MAP. The scorecard carries section-wise marks, overall percentile, All-India merit rank, and category rank.

To qualify, candidates must clear SMAS in the General section plus at least 3 of 4 subject sections. Candidates must also meet the MAP threshold for their category.

NEST 2026 Qualifying Marks

MAP is the Minimum Admissible Percentile a candidate needs to qualify. The MAP values differ by category.

Category	MAP (Percentile)
General/OBC-NCL	80th
SC/ST	75th
PwD	40th

NEST 2026 Merit List

The NEST merit list is prepared separately for NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. It is based on the candidate's total score in the General section plus the best 3 of 4 subject sections, out of a maximum of 180 marks.

Qualified NISER applicants must submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form online by July 6, 2026 (4:00 PM). CEBS counselling registration takes place in the third week of July 2026.

NEST 2026 Seat Matrix

NEST score is used for admission to two institutions only. The combined intake across both institutions is 257 seats.

Institution	Seats
NISER Bhubaneswar	200
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai	57
Total	257

Key Summary

• NEST 2026 result declared on June 24, 2026 at nestexam.in
• Scorecard login available from June 25; PDF download opens June 30, 2026
• MAP for General/OBC-NCL: 80th percentile; SC/ST: 75th percentile; PwD: 40th percentile
• Combined intake: 257 seats — NISER Bhubaneswar (200) and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (57)
• NISER EOI form deadline: July 6, 2026; CEBS counselling registration: third week of July 2026

NEST 2026 Exam Overview

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The exam is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)
Conducting Bodies	NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
NEST 2026 Exam Date	June 6, 2026
NEST 2026 Result Date	June 24, 2026
Scorecard Download (login)	June 25, 2026 onwards
Scorecard PDF Download	June 30, 2026 onwards
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Official Website	nestexam.in
Admission to	5-year Integrated MSc at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS
Total Seats	257 regular + 4 supernumerary (J&K / Ladakh)
Scholarship	DISHA — Rs. 60,000/year for all 5 years

NEST Result 2026: Important Dates

The table below covers every key event in the NEST 2026 cycle. Upcoming events (as of June 26, 2026) appear first so you know what to act on next.

Event	Date	Status
Scorecard PDF download (qualified candidates)	June 30, 2026	Upcoming
EOI form submission deadline (NISER)	July 6, 2026 (4:00 PM)	Upcoming
NISER admission queue published	July 10, 2026	Upcoming
CEBS registration opens	Third week of July 2026	Upcoming
CEBS first merit list	Third week of July 2026	Upcoming
NISER first round admission (in-person, NISER campus)	July 28, 2026	Upcoming
NISER waitlist announcement	July 29, 2026	Upcoming
CEBS second merit list	First week of August 2026	Upcoming
CEBS third merit list	Second week of August 2026	Upcoming
CEBS spot admissions	Fourth week of August 2026	Upcoming
NEST 2026 Exam	June 6, 2026	Over
Provisional answer key release	June 9, 2026	Over
Answer key objection window	June 10–12, 2026	Over
Final answer key release	June 17, 2026	Over
NEST 2026 result declaration	June 24, 2026	Over
Scorecard available via login (nestexam.in)	June 25, 2026	Over

NEST Result Previous Year Statistics

NEST has grown in participation over the last five cycles, though total seats remain at 257. The table below tracks key metrics across recent years.

Year	Candidates Appeared	Result Date	MAP — General/OBC-NCL	Approximate Qualification Rate
2021	24,328	September 1, 2021	85th percentile	~8–10%
2022	~22,000	July 5, 2022	87–90th percentile	~8–10%
2023	~28,000–30,000	July 10, 2023	90th percentile	~8–10%
2024	27,973	July 10, 2024	90th percentile	~8.5% (~2,378 qualified)
2025	Not published	July 17, 2025	95th percentile	Not published
2026	Not yet published	June 24, 2026	80th percentile	Not yet published

The biggest shift in 2026 is the MAP for General/OBC-NCL candidates dropping sharply from 95th percentile in 2025 to 80th percentile — the lowest qualifying bar in five years. This means more students cleared the threshold in 2026 compared to the previous cycle. Despite the lower MAP, competition for actual seats stays intense: with only 257 seats available and roughly 1 in 12 test-takers qualifying historically, a high merit rank still matters for admission.

The 2026 result also arrived in late June rather than mid-July — about two to three weeks earlier than the 2023–2024 pattern. For context, the 2025 result was re-declared on July 17 after an initial July 10 publication, following a percentile recalculation issue. Always check the final published scorecard rather than relying on the initial portal display.

How to Download NEST Result 2026

You can check your NEST 2026 result by logging in at nestexam.in. The scorecard is issued only to qualified candidates. Follow these steps to access it.

How to Check NEST 2026 Result

Visit nestexam.in to check your NEST 2026 result. The result portal opens on the official website.

1. Go to nestexam.in.
2. Click the "NEST Result 2026" or "Scorecard Download" link on the homepage.
3. Enter your Application ID (or User ID) and Password.
4. Click the login or submit button.
5. Your NEST 2026 scorecard appears on screen. Review your section-wise marks, percentile, and rank.
6. Save the page or download the scorecard. The PDF download option opens on June 30, 2026 — use it to get a printable copy for counselling.

If you log in and do not see a scorecard, it means you did not clear the SMAS or MAP thresholds for your category. Non-qualified candidates do not receive a scorecard through the NEST portal.

Forgot your password? Use the "Forgot Password" option on the login page and enter your registered email ID to reset it. If the registered email is inaccessible, contact NEST support via the helpline details listed on nestexam.in.

NEST 2026 Result FAQ

Can I check my NEST 2026 result without my application ID?

No. The NEST result portal requires your Application ID (or User ID) and password to log in. You can find your Application ID in the confirmation email sent at registration or on your NEST 2026 admit card. If you cannot access either, contact NEST support via nestexam.in.

I qualified but cannot download the PDF scorecard yet. What should I do?

The scorecard PDF download is available from June 30, 2026. If you logged in before that date, you can view your result online but the PDF export may not be active yet. Try again on or after June 30. If the issue persists after June 30, contact NEST support via nestexam.in.

NEST 2026 Scorecard

Your NEST 2026 scorecard is the official document confirming your qualification and merit rank. You will need it at counselling for both NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. It is available only to candidates who clear both SMAS and MAP.

The NEST 2026 scorecard contains the following details:

• Candidate name, date of birth, and photograph
• Roll number and application number
• Category
• Date of examination
• Section-wise marks — General section, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
• Total merit score (General section + best 3 of 4 subject section scores; maximum 180 marks)
• Overall percentile score
• Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) applicable for your category
• SMAS values applicable for your category
• All-India merit rank and category rank
• Number of candidates who appeared and qualified (aggregate statistics)
• Documents required for counselling
• Counselling schedule and venue details

Take a printout of your scorecard and keep the originals of all supporting documents ready before counselling. You can re-download the scorecard from nestexam.in if needed, but a printed copy is easier to carry on the day.

NEST 2026 Qualifying Marks

To qualify in NEST 2026, you must clear two independent thresholds at the same time: the Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) and the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP). A high overall score does not save you if you miss the SMAS in a required section. And meeting every SMAS threshold does not help if your overall percentile falls below the MAP for your category.

Threshold 1 — SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score)

SMAS is the minimum marks required in each individual section. You must clear the SMAS in the General section and in at least 3 of the 4 subject sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics). SMAS equals 20% of the average of the best 100 scores in each section. Note: one question each from Chemistry and Physics was dropped in NEST 2026, and scores were scaled accordingly before SMAS was applied.

Section	General/UR	UR-Divyang	OBC-NCL	OBC-Divyang	SC/ST	SC/ST-Divyang
Biology	8.83	8.39	7.95	7.50	4.41	3.97
Chemistry	11.26	10.70	10.14	9.57	5.63	5.07
Mathematics	9.63	9.15	8.67	8.19	4.82	4.33
Physics	9.44	8.97	8.49	8.02	4.72	4.25

OBC-NCL SMAS = 90% of the General SMAS. SC/ST/PwD SMAS = 50% of the General SMAS.

Threshold 2 — MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile)

MAP is the minimum overall percentile you must achieve across the complete NEST 2026 paper. If your percentile falls below the MAP for your category, you do not qualify regardless of your SMAS performance.

Minimum Admission Percentile (MAP) for NEST 2026

The Minimum Admission Percentile (MAP) is the second qualifying condition in NEST 2026. You must clear both the Subject-wise Minimum Admission Score (SMAS) and the MAP to qualify.

The MAP for NEST 2026 varies by category. The table below lists the required percentile for each category.

Category	MAP for NEST 2026
General / UR / EWS / OBC-NCL	80th percentile
UR-Divyang / EWS-Divyang / OBC-Divyang	40th percentile
SC / ST	75th percentile
SC/ST-Divyang	40th percentile
J&K / Ladakh (supernumerary)	75th percentile

The MAP for General/OBC-NCL candidates came down from 95th percentile in 2025 to 80th percentile in 2026. This is the most accessible qualifying bar since 2021. The conducting bodies made this decision to widen the pool of qualified candidates relative to the available seats.

Qualifying Conditions for NEST 2026

You must clear both SMAS and MAP to qualify for NEST 2026. Meeting one threshold without the other does not make you eligible for the merit list or admission at NISER or UM-DAE CEBS.

You do not need to clear the SMAS in all four subject sections. You must clear the SMAS in the General section plus at least 3 of the 4 subject sections. You can miss the SMAS in one subject section and still qualify, provided all other conditions, including MAP, are met.

NEST 2026 Merit List

The NEST 2026 merit list was released on June 24, 2026, the same day as the result. It ranks all qualified candidates and is the basis for admission at both institutions.

Separate merit lists are prepared for NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. They are hosted at niser.ac.in/admission/ and cbs.ac.in/Academics/admission respectively.

How your merit rank is calculated:

• Merit score = General section marks + your best 3 out of 4 subject section marks
• Maximum possible merit score = 180 marks
• All-India rank is based on this 180-mark merit score, not the full raw paper total
• Ties are broken first by the General section score, then by Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics scores in that order

Your All-India rank on the NEST 2026 scorecard directly reflects your position on the combined merit list. With only 257 total seats, every rank matters. The difference of even a few positions can decide whether you get a seat in your preferred subject at NISER or CEBS.

NEST 2026 Cutoff

NEST cutoff works at two levels. The qualifying cutoff, which is SMAS plus MAP, decides who receives a scorecard. The admission cutoff, which is the actual closing rank for a seat, depends on how many qualified candidates submit the EOI form and report for counselling.

With only 257 total seats, even candidates well above the MAP may not secure a seat depending on their rank and subject preference. The table below shows the year-wise MAP trend for General category candidates.

Year	MAP — General/OBC-NCL	MAP — SC/ST	MAP — PwD
2021	85th percentile	68th percentile	40th percentile
2022	87–90th percentile	70th percentile	40th percentile
2023	90th percentile	65–70th percentile	40th percentile
2024	90th percentile	75th percentile	40th percentile
2025	95th percentile	75th percentile	40th percentile
2026	80th percentile	75th percentile	40th percentile

The 2026 MAP for General/OBC-NCL is the lowest since 2021. This means more candidates qualified this year. This slightly increases competition for actual seats during counselling, since a larger qualified pool chases the same 257 seats.

Based on 2024 data, roughly 2,378 candidates qualified out of about 28,000 who appeared. The top few hundred merit ranks typically fill all General category seats at NISER and CEBS combined.

NEST 2026 Seat Matrix

NEST score is valid only for admission to NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Both offer a 5-year Integrated MSc programme in basic sciences.

The combined intake for NEST 2026 is 257 regular seats plus 4 supernumerary seats reserved for candidates from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Seat Distribution for NEST 2026

NEST 2026 has 257 regular seats across two institutions. NISER Bhubaneswar has 200 seats, and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai has 57 seats.

Category	NISER Bhubaneswar (200 seats)	UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (57 seats)
General / UR	101	23
OBC-NCL (27%)	54	15
SC (15%)	30	9
ST (7.5%)	15	4
EWS	Not applicable	6
PwD / Divyangjan (horizontal)	5% within each category at both institutions
J&K / Ladakh (supernumerary)	2	2

NISER does not offer EWS reservation. EWS candidates compete in the General category there. CEBS Mumbai has 6 dedicated EWS seats.

PwD reservation is horizontal. It is applied as a 5% sub-quota within each vertical category.

All admitted students at both institutions receive the DISHA scholarship of Rs. 60,000 per year for all 5 years. They also get an internship stipend of Rs. 20,000 per year.

Admission Process After NEST 2026 Result

Qualifying in NEST 2026 opens two separate admission tracks. One is for NISER, and the other is for UM-DAE CEBS.

You can apply to both institutions to maximise your options. The two processes run independently; applying to one does not affect the other.

Track 1 — NISER Bhubaneswar

1. Submit the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form at niser.ac.in/admission/ by July 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM. This step is mandatory — qualifying NEST alone does not reserve a seat. Skip the EOI, and you are out of NISER’s process entirely.
2. NISER publishes the admission queue on July 10, 2026. It ranks EOI submitters by merit.
3. Report in person at NISER campus, Bhubaneswar, on July 28, 2026 by 9:00 AM. Carry all original documents and photocopies.
4. If seats remain after the first round, NISER announces a waitlist on July 29, 2026.

Track 2 — UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai

1. CEBS runs a separate registration. It opens in the third week of July 2026 at cbs.ac.in/Academics/admission.
2. CEBS releases three merit lists. The first is in the third week of July, the second in the first week of August, and the third in the second week of August 2026.
3. Spot admissions happen in the fourth week of August 2026 if seats remain after all three lists.
4. Admitted candidates report to CEBS Mumbai for document verification before the academic year starts.

Documents to Carry at Counselling

Carry these documents for both NISER and CEBS counselling:

• Class 12 marksheet and certificate
• Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)
• NEST 2026 scorecard (printed)
• Category certificate if applicable — OBC-NCL (non-creamy layer), SC, ST, EWS, or PwD certificate
• Four recent passport-sized photographs
• Photocopies of all original documents

Can I Apply to Both NISER and UM-DAE CEBS?

Yes. Qualifying NEST 2026 makes you eligible for both institutions. You must submit the EOI form for NISER and separately register for CEBS counselling.

The two processes are independent — no conflict in applying to both. If you secure a seat at one, you can choose whether to accept or wait for the other institution’s list.

DISHA Scholarship Details

The DISHA (Department of Atomic Energy Initiative for Science and Higher Education Advancement) scholarship gives every student admitted to NISER or UM-DAE CEBS through NEST Rs. 60,000 per year for all 5 years of the Integrated MSc.

You also get Rs. 20,000 per year as an internship stipend. The scholarship applies to all admitted students regardless of category — you do not need to apply separately for it.

NEST 2026 Result and Scorecard

The NEST 2026 result was declared on June 24, 2026 at nestexam.in. Scorecards became available for login on June 25, 2026.

The full scorecard PDF download opens on June 30, 2026. Log in at nestexam.in using your application ID and password to access it. Only qualified candidates receive a scorecard.

Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) for NEST 2026

The Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) for NEST 2026 is 80th percentile for General, EWS, and OBC-NCL candidates.

• SC and ST candidates: 75th percentile
• J&K/Ladakh supernumerary candidates: 75th percentile
• PwD candidates across all categories: 40th percentile

Total Seats in NEST 2026

NEST 2026 offers 257 regular seats. NISER Bhubaneswar has 200 seats, and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai has 57 seats.

There are also 4 supernumerary seats for J&K and Ladakh candidates. Each institution gets 2 of these seats.

What is SMAS and MAP in NEST?

SMAS stands for Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score. It is the minimum marks you need in each individual section of the paper. MAP stands for Minimum Admissible Percentile. It is the overall percentile you must achieve across the full paper.

You must clear both SMAS and MAP at the same time. SMAS checks your performance in each section. MAP checks your overall standing among all test-takers.

Age Limit for NEST

There is no upper age limit for NEST. To appear in NEST 2026, you must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or be appearing in Class 12 in 2026.

There is no minimum age restriction beyond the Class 12 eligibility requirement.

Number of Attempts for NEST

There is no cap on the number of attempts. You can appear in NEST every year as long as you passed Class 12 in the year of the exam or in the immediately preceding year.

Courses Offered Through NEST

NEST qualifies you for the 5-year Integrated MSc programme at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Subjects offered include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

Both institutions are under India's Department of Atomic Energy. They are known for their research-intensive environment in basic sciences.

EOI Form for NISER

If you do not submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form at niser.ac.in/admission/ by July 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM, you will not be considered for a NISER seat. Qualifying NEST is a prerequisite, but submitting the EOI is a separate mandatory step for NISER admission.

EWS Reservation at NISER

No. NISER does not have EWS reservation. EWS candidates compete in the General category at NISER.

UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai has 6 EWS seats. If you want to use EWS reservation benefits, apply to CEBS Mumbai through the CEBS admission process.

NEST 2026 Result Declaration Date

The NEST 2026 result was declared on June 24, 2026 at nestexam.in. Scorecards became available for login on June 25, 2026. The full scorecard PDF download opens on June 30, 2026.

How to Check NEST 2026 Result

Log in at nestexam.in using your application ID and password. The scorecard appears after login. The PDF download becomes available from June 30, 2026. Only qualified candidates receive a scorecard.

Can I Check Result Without Application ID?

No. The NEST result portal requires your Application ID (or User ID) and password to log in. You can find your Application ID in the confirmation email sent at registration or on your NEST 2026 admit card. If you cannot access either, contact NEST support via nestexam.in.

Scorecard PDF Download Issues

The scorecard PDF download is available from June 30, 2026. If you logged in before that date, you can view your result online but the PDF export may not be active yet. Try again on or after June 30. If the issue persists after June 30, contact NEST support via nestexam.in.

SMAS and MAP in NEST

SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) is the minimum marks you need in each individual section of the paper. MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile) is the overall percentile you must achieve across the full paper. Both must be cleared at the same time. SMAS checks your section-level performance; MAP checks your overall standing among all test-takers.

Qualification Criteria

You do not qualify if you clear SMAS but miss the MAP. Both SMAS and MAP must be cleared at the same time. Meeting one threshold without the other does not make you eligible for the merit list or admission at NISER or UM-DAE CEBS.

You must clear the SMAS in the General section plus at least 3 of the 4 subject sections. You can miss the SMAS in one subject section and still qualify, provided all other conditions (including MAP) are met.

MAP for NEST 2026

The Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) for NEST 2026 is 80th percentile for General, EWS, and OBC-NCL candidates. For SC and ST candidates and J&K/Ladakh supernumerary candidates, the MAP is 75th percentile. PwD candidates across all categories need 40th percentile.

Seats Available Through NEST 2026

NEST 2026 offers 257 regular seats — 200 at NISER Bhubaneswar and 57 at UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. There are also 4 supernumerary seats for J&K and Ladakh candidates (2 at each institution).

Applying to NISER and UM-DAE CEBS

Yes. Qualifying NEST 2026 makes you eligible for both institutions. You must submit the EOI form for NISER and separately register for CEBS counselling. The two processes are independent — no conflict in applying to both. If you secure a seat at one, you can choose whether to accept or wait for the other institution's list.

EOI Form for NISER

If you do not submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form at niser.ac.in/admission/ by July 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM, you will not be considered for a NISER seat. Qualifying NEST is a prerequisite, but submitting the EOI is a separate mandatory step for NISER admission.

DISHA Scholarship

The DISHA (Department of Atomic Energy Initiative for Science and Higher Education Advancement) scholarship gives every student admitted to NISER or UM-DAE CEBS through NEST Rs. 60,000 per year for all 5 years of the Integrated MSc. You also get Rs. 20,000 per year as an internship stipend. The scholarship applies to all admitted students regardless of category — you do not need to apply separately for it.

Age Limit for NEST

There is no upper age limit for NEST. To appear in NEST 2026, you must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or be appearing in Class 12 in 2026. There is no minimum age restriction beyond the Class 12 eligibility requirement.

Number of Attempts

There is no cap on the number of attempts. You can appear in NEST every year as long as you passed Class 12 in the year of the exam or in the immediately preceding year.

Courses Through NEST

NEST qualifies you for the 5-year Integrated MSc programme at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Subjects offered include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Both institutions are under India's Department of Atomic Energy and are known for their research-intensive environment in basic sciences.

What is the National Entrance Screening Test?

The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is the entrance exam for admission to the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar and the UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS) Mumbai. The exam is held once a year.

EWS Reservation at NISER and CEBS

NISER does not have Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation. Candidates from the EWS category compete in the General category at NISER.

UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai has 6 EWS seats. If you want to use EWS reservation benefits, apply to CEBS Mumbai through the CEBS admission process.