The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to the 5-Year Integrated MSc programs offered by National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and UM–DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai.
These institutes were established by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India to provide high-quality education and research opportunities in basic sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
Interested and eligible candidates may read this article and apply online for the NEST 2026 entrance examination.
NEST 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Institutes | NISER Bhubaneswar & UM–DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Course | 5-Year Integrated MSc |
| Total Seats | NISER – 200 | CEBS – 57 |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Academic Session | 2026 – 2031 |
NEST 2026 Exam Date
- Date of Exam: 06 June 2026 (Saturday)
- Exam Time: 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Exam Centres in Assam & North-East
- Dibrugarh
- Guwahati
- Jorhat
- Silchar
- Tezpur
- Naharlagun
- Papum Pare
- Ri-Bhoi
- Tura
- Shillong
NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in the NEST 2026 examination.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class XII from any recognised board in India in 2024 or 2025 or should be appearing in 2026.
- Candidates must have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in Classes XI and XII.
Minimum Marks
- General/OBC: Minimum 60% aggregate in Class XII.
- SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 55% aggregate in Class XII.
NEST 2026 Application Fee
- UR / OBC Male: ₹1400
- UR-EWS / SC / ST / PwD: ₹700
- All Female Candidates: ₹700
Payment Mode: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Visa, MasterCard, RuPay.
How to Apply for NEST 2026?
- Visit the official NEST application portal.
- Click on the Online Application Form link.
- Register with your basic details.
- Fill in personal and educational information.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form.
Important Dates of NEST 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 05 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 15 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 06 June 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
NEST 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Biology | 20 | 60 |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| Section 3 | Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Section 4 | Physics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | — | 80 Questions | 240 Marks |
About the Integrated MSc Program
The Integrated MSc programs offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM–DAE CEBS Mumbai focus on advanced education and research in basic sciences.
Scholarship Benefits
- ₹60,000 per year scholarship under the DISHA program.
- ₹20,000 per year grant for summer internships.
- Students selected for the INSPIRE-SHE program are eligible for INSPIRE scholarships.
Graduates from these institutes often pursue PhD research in India and abroad and build careers in scientific research, academia and industry.