The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 registration process has officially commenced for students aspiring to pursue five-year Integrated MSc programmes in basic sciences. Eligible candidates can now apply online, with the last date for submission set as April 6, 2026.

🧪 About NEST 2026

NEST is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to prestigious institutes offering advanced education and research opportunities in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Successful candidates secure admission to:

• National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar

• UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai

🗓 Key Dates at a Glance

• Registration Begins: January 2026

• Last Date to Apply: April 6, 2026

• Application Correction Window: Mid-April 2026

• Admit Card Release: May 2026

• NEST 2026 Exam Date: June 2026

📝 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

• Have passed Class 12 or equivalent in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026

• Secure at least 60% marks in Class 12 (55% for SC/ST candidates)

• Have studied Science subjects at the higher secondary level

💻 Exam Pattern Highlights

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 3 hours

• Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

• Medium: English and Hindi

• Test Centres: Multiple cities across India

💰 Application Fee

• ₹1,400 – General/OBC (Male)

• ₹700 – Female candidates, SC/ST, Divyang, and other reserved categories

🎓 Why NEST Matters

NEST is considered one of the most competitive science entrance exams in India, opening doors to world-class research exposure, scholarships, and career pathways in academia, R&D, and innovation sectors.

📌 Aspirants are advised to apply early and carefully review all details before submission to avoid last-minute issues.