NEST 2026 Form Out! Everything About NEST 2026, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Exam Date
OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OUT
NEST 2026
National Entrance Screening Test
NISER
National Institute of Science Education and Research
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
(Department of Atomic Energy)
UM-DAE CEBS
Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
(University of Mumbai – DAE Collaboration)
🚀 Why Choose NEST?
The “IIT JEE” of Research & Pure Science
💰 DISHA Scholarship
- ₹60,000 per year stipend directly in your account
- ₹20,000 summer internship grant
- Total: ₹4 Lakhs over 5 years from Government of India
- One of the best scholarship programs for science students
- Financial independence during your studies
🗓️ NEST 2026 Schedule (Official)
Mark these important dates in your calendar
Application Fee
| Male (General/OBC) | ₹1,400 |
| Female / SC / ST / PWD | ₹700 |
Exam Session Details
Timing: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Shifts: Single Shift Only
✅ Eligibility Criteria 2026
🎓 Academic Qualification
- Class 12 Year: Passed in 2024, 2025 OR Appearing in 2026
- Stream: Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics
- Percentage Requirements:
- • General/OBC: Minimum 60% aggregate
- • SC/ST/PWD: Minimum 55% aggregate
- Board: Any recognized board (CBSE, State Boards, etc.)
NO AGE LIMIT
For NEST 2026, the age bar has been completely removed
Candidates of any age can apply
(Verify specific institute rules during final admission)
📝 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Unique “Best of 3” System – Attempt All, Count Best!
Exam Structure
| Total Subjects | 4 Sections – Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
|---|---|
| Can Attempt | You can attempt ALL 4 sections |
| Merit Calculation | Best 3 Sections Count for Final Score! |
| Marks per Section | 60 marks each section |
| Total Maximum | 180 marks (Best 3 × 60) |
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 mark (Negative marking applies)
- Unattempted: 0 marks (no penalty)
- Question Types: MCQ (Multiple Choice) & MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) possible
- Strategy: Answer only when confident due to negative marking
📊 Seats & Competition Analysis
| Institute | Total Seats | Approximate Fees/Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| NISER Bhubaneswar | 202 | ~₹40,000 | Odisha |
| CEBS Mumbai | 59 | ~₹7,000 | Maharashtra |
| TOTAL | 261 | (Lowest seat availability in India) | |
🎯 Competition Statistics
- Total Applicants: ~25,000 – 30,000 students annually
- Seats Available: Only 261 total seats
- Competition Ratio: Approximately 1:100
- Selection Rate: Less than 1% of applicants
🎯 Target Score (Safe Zone)
- Target Percentile: 95%ile+ for General category
- Sectional Cutoff: Minimum ~10 marks in at least 3 subjects
- Strategy: Focus on your strongest 3 subjects
- Previous Trends: Cutoffs vary by category and year
Apply Before 6th April 2026!
Official Website: www.nestexam.in
🧪 NISER Campus Life
Massive 323-acre campus surrounded by forest area
State-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities
Residential campus with excellent hostel facilities
Strong focus on pure sciences and research
🏙️ CEBS Campus Life
Located inside University of Mumbai campus
Metropolitan city advantages and exposure
Close to Atomic Energy Centre facilities
Mumbai’s cultural and academic opportunities
