⚛️ Basic Sciences · DAE · NISER + CEBS · 5-yr Integrated MSc
NEST 2026 — NISER & UM-DAE CEBS LIVE
ഇന്ത്യയിലെ Basic Sciences-ന്റെ ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച ഗവേഷണ ശൃംഖലയിലേക്കുള്ള വഴി — NEST 2026 (National Entrance Screening Test). Department of Atomic Energy, GOI-ന്റെ കീഴിൽ NISER Bhubaneswar (200 Seats) + UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (57 Seats). Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics-ൽ 5 വർഷ Integrated MSc. DAE DISHA Scholarship: ₹60,000/year + ₹20,000 Summer Internship Grant. ഒരു National Exam — ഒറ്റ Application — ISRO, BARC, TIFR, IIT PhD-ക്കുള്ള Gateway! Application Last Date: April 6, 2026 (11:30 PM). Exam Date: June 6, 2026 (2 PM – 5 PM, CBT). Kerala ജില്ലകളിൽ 15 Exam Centres ഉണ്ട്!
Official Notification — NEST 2026 | Source: nestexam.in + NEST 2026 Brochure (Updated 12 Jan 2026)
Applications open since January 5, 2026 (12 noon). Last date to apply: April 6, 2026 (11:30 PM). Payment portal closes: April 12, 2026. Correction window: April 13–14, 2026. Admit card download: May 15, 2026. Exam: June 6, 2026 (Saturday), 2 PM–5 PM. No age limit. 387 exam cities across India.
App. Opened
5 Jan 2026
Last Date
6 Apr 2026
Correction
13–14 Apr
Admit Card
15 May 2026
Exam Date
6 Jun 2026
Total Seats
257
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Why NEST? — India's Premier Basic Science Entrance
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Department of Atomic Energy, GOI
NISER and UM-DAE CEBS are fully funded by DAE, Govt. of India — the same department that runs BARC, ISRO, and TIFR. Established in 2007 with a mandate to build India's pool of research scientists.
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₹60,000/yr Scholarship (All Admitted Students)
All admitted students get ₹60,000 per year under the DAE DISHA Scholarship programme + ₹20,000 per year for summer internship grants. INSPIRE-SHE scholarship also endorsed. Essentially tuition plus stipend.
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Research from Year 1
Curriculum is research-oriented from the very first year. Students get exposure to active research labs at NISER (with HBNI affiliation) and CEBS (with TIFR, BARC, IIT faculty). Over 85% graduates go to PhD programmes at top global universities.
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5-Year Integrated MSc in 4 Sciences
Integrated MSc in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics. Choose your major after Year 1. Add a minor from another science discipline. Degree from HBNI (NISER) or University of Mumbai (CEBS) — both government-recognised.
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Gateway to ISRO, BARC, TIFR, IITs
Graduates from NISER and CEBS are highly sought-after in ISRO, BARC (scientific research), TIFR, IIT/IISc PhD programmes, and international universities in USA, Europe and Japan. Research publication opportunities from Year 2 onwards.
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Kerala Students — 15 Exam Centres!
15 exam centres across Kerala including all major districts: Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kavaratti, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Wayanad.
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About NEST — One Exam, Two Premier InstitutionsNEST is a single common entrance test jointly conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar (off-campus centre of HBNI, a DAE Deemed University) and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (located on University of Mumbai campus, jointly run by DAE and UM — with faculty from TIFR, BARC, IIT Bombay). A single NEST score is used for merit list preparation for both institutes independently. Candidates can apply to one or both institutes — admission to each is based on separate merit lists. NEST 2026 will be conducted at approximately 387 cities across India in a single session on June 6, 2026. Merit list to be posted on nestexam.in by June 25, 2026.
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Two Institutes — NISER Bhubaneswar & UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
257 Total SeatsNISER — National Institute of Science Education & Research
At/PO: Jatni, Khurda, Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Affiliated: HBNI (DAE Deemed Univ.)
Total Seats 2026200 (+ 2 J&K/Ladakh supernumerary)
Unreserved (UR)101 seats
OBC-NCL54 seats (27%)
SC30 seats (15%)
ST15 seats (7.5%)
Divyangjan5% in each category (horizontal)
EWSNot at NISER (only at CEBS)
Degree Awarded ByHBNI (Homi Bhabha National Institute)
ProgrammesInt. MSc — Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics
LocationJatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Websiteniser.ac.in
UM-DAE CEBS — Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences
Vidyanagari Campus, University of Mumbai, Mumbai | Faculty: TIFR + BARC + IIT Bombay
Total Seats 202657 (+ 2 J&K/Ladakh supernumerary)
Unreserved (UR)23 seats
UR-EWS6 seats (EWS only at CEBS)
OBC-NCL15 seats (27%)
SC9 seats (15%)
ST4 seats (7.5%)
Divyangjan5% in each category (horizontal)
Degree Awarded ByUniversity of Mumbai (150-year-old Univ.)
ProgrammesInt. MSc — Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics
LocationVidyanagari Campus, University of Mumbai
Websitecbs.ac.in
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EWS Reservation — Only at UM-DAE CEBS, NOT at NISER
As per the official NEST 2026 brochure: "Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society is allowed in the Unreserved (UR)-EWS category for admission to UM-DAE CEBS only." NISER does not have an EWS reservation category. EWS candidates at NISER apply under the Unreserved (UR) category. EWS candidates should specifically apply to CEBS to avail their category benefit (6 EWS seats available there).
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Important Dates — NEST 2026
Official📋 NEST 2026 — Official Schedule (Source: nestexam.in + NEST 2026 Brochure)
Application Portal Opens5 January 2026, 12 noon ✓
Online Application Closes6 April 2026 (11:30 PM)
Payment Portal Closes (Pending Payments)12 April 2026 (11:30 PM)
Correction & Update Window Opens13 April 2026 (10 AM)
Correction & Update Window Closes14 April 2026 (10 AM)
Mock Test OpensTo be announced (nestexam.in)
Admit Card Download Begins15 May 2026 (10 AM)
Admit Card Download ClosesDay of Exam (June 6, 2026)
🎯 NEST 2026 Examination6 June 2026, Saturday (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Divyangjan Candidates — Extra Time+20 min/hour = 4 hours total (1 hr extra)
Challenge the Answer KeysTo be announced after exam
Result Announcement + Merit List (NEST website)By June 25, 2026 (est.)
Scorecard Download (Qualified Candidates Only)To be announced
Admission / Counselling at NISER & CEBSJuly 2026 (check niser.ac.in / cbs.ac.in)
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Apply Before April 6 — Application Portal Closing Soon!
As of March 10, 2026, the NEST 2026 official website shows the message: "Deadline (April 06) is approaching, candidates may hasten their submission." The application portal is LIVE. Only online application is accepted — no offline mode. After April 6, no new applications can be submitted. Only the correction window (April 13–14) allows editing of specific fields of already-submitted applications.
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Eligibility Criteria — NEST 2026 (All 4 Must Be Satisfied)
1
Science Subjects in Classes XI & XII
Candidates should have studied at least three out of the four disciplines — Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics — in Classes XI and XII.
- E.g., PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) students qualify
- PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) students qualify
- PCMB (all four) students qualify
- Students with only 2 science subjects (e.g., Physics + Chemistry only) do NOT qualify
2
Year of Passing Class XII — 2024, 2025 or 2026
- Passed Class XII from any recognised Board in India in the year 2024 or 2025, OR
- Currently appearing for Class XII exam in 2026 (provisional application allowed)
- The (provisional) certificate declaring aggregate marks must be from a single board
- Candidates appearing in 2026 board exams must satisfy all criteria at the time of final admission
- 2023 pass-out or earlier are NOT eligible — only 2024, 2025, 2026
3
Minimum Class XII Marks — Official
- Unreserved (UR) / OBC-NCL / EWS: Minimum 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) in Class XII
- SC / ST / Divyangjan: Minimum 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) in Class XII
- If only letter grades are available, a Board certificate specifying equivalent percentage is required at admission. In absence, the institute's admissions committee decision is final.
4
Secure a Rank in NEST 2026 Merit List
The candidate must secure a rank in the NEST 2026 merit list after qualifying the SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) and MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile) criteria set for that year. Only candidates who appear in the exam and meet the cut-offs will get a merit rank.
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No Upper Age Limit — Anyone Can Apply!
As per the official NEST 2026 brochure: "There is no upper age limit for appearing in the NEST 2026 examination and admission to either NISER or UM-DAE CEBS provided all the above eligibility criteria are fulfilled." This means students who took a gap year, re-appeared in Class XII, or are 20+ years old can freely apply — as long as they cleared Class XII in 2024, 2025 or are appearing in 2026.
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Exam Pattern — NEST 2026
Official BrochureMode
CBT Online
Computer-Based Test
Sections
4 Sections
Bio, Chem, Math, Phy
Questions
80 MCQs
20 per section
Total Marks
240
60 marks/section
Duration
3 Hours
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Language
Bilingual
Hindi + English
| Action | Marks | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 | One and only correct MCQ option |
| Wrong Answer | −1 | Negative marking — avoid guessing |
| Not Answered / Skipped | 0 | No penalty for leaving blank |
| Minimum Sections to Attempt | ≥ 3 sections | Must attempt at least 3 out of 4 sections to be scored |
| Best Score Counted | Top 3 sections | If all 4 attempted, best 3 section scores count toward total |
🌿 Biology
Questions20 MCQs
Section Marks60 Marks
SyllabusNCERT Class 11–12 Bio
Key TopicsCell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, Human Physiology, Plant Biology
⚗️ Chemistry
Questions20 MCQs
Section Marks60 Marks
SyllabusNCERT Class 11–12 Chem
Key TopicsPhysical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry; Chemical Bonding; Thermodynamics; Electrochemistry
📐 Mathematics
Questions20 MCQs
Section Marks60 Marks
SyllabusNCERT Class 11–12 Math
Key TopicsAlgebra, Calculus, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability, Matrices, Differential Equations
⚡ Physics
Questions20 MCQs
Section Marks60 Marks
SyllabusNCERT Class 11–12 Physics
Key TopicsMechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Modern Physics, Waves & Oscillations
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Merit List Preparation — SMAS + MAP (Official System)
NEST 2026 uses a unique merit preparation system:
- SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score): 20% of the average of the best 100 scores in that section. Must secure SMAS in at least 3 sections to be ranked.
- SMAS for OBC: 90% of UR-SMAS | SMAS for SC/ST: 50% of UR-SMAS | Divyangjan: 5% additional relaxation
- Total Score: Sum of the best 3 section scores (from sections where you cleared SMAS)
- MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile): Announced with results — must cross MAP to get a merit rank
- Tie-breaking: Sum of 2 best sections → best single section → same provisional rank → at counselling: Class XII aggregate → Class X marks
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Syllabus — CBSE / NCERT Class 11–12 + Class 10 Knowledge Required
The official NEST 2026 brochure states: "The syllabus for NEST 2026 primarily follows the CBSE curriculum (2025–26) and NCERT books of classes XI–XII for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The knowledge gained in the science subjects up to class 10 may also be required to answer some of the questions." Full detailed syllabus available at nestexam.in. Also practise previous years' NEST papers (2007–2025) available free on nestexam.in. Bilingual (Hindi + English) question papers available from 2024 onwards.
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Seat Matrix — NISER (200) + UM-DAE CEBS (57)
Official Brochure Data| Category | NISER Seats | UM-DAE CEBS Seats | Reservation % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 101 | 23 | Remaining after reservations |
| UR-EWS | Not available (CEBS only) | 6 | 10% (CEBS only) |
| OBC-NCL | 54 | 15 | 27% (GoI norms) |
| SC | 30 | 9 | 15% (GoI norms) |
| ST | 15 | 4 | 7.5% (GoI norms) |
| Divyangjan (PwD) | 5% within each category horizontally (UR-5, OBC-3, SC-2, ST-1) | 5% within each category | 5% horizontal |
| J&K / Ladakh (Supernumerary) | 2 additional | 2 additional | Above seat count |
| TOTAL | 200 + 2 | 57 + 2 |
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OBC-NCL: Must Be in Central List — Not State SEBC
Per the official brochure: OBC-NCL benefit is available only for classes listed in the Central Government's OBC list (ncbc.nic.in). State SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) as notified by State Governments are not eligible for OBC-NCL reservation at NISER/CEBS unless they also satisfy the Central OBC-NCL criteria. Creamy layer OBC candidates are treated as Unreserved. Relevant valid OBC-NCL certificate must be produced at admission.
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Application Fee — NEST 2026 (Official)
| Category / Gender | Application Fee | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| All Female Applicants (irrespective of category) | ₹700 | All categories — same reduced fee |
| Male SC / ST / Divyangjan | ₹700 | Reduced fee for SC/ST/PwD male candidates |
| Male UR-EWS Applicants | ₹700 | EWS male applicants get reduced fee |
| Male UR / OBC-NCL Applicants | ₹1,400 | Standard fee for General/OBC male candidates |
| Payment Mode | Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking / UPI / Mastercard / Visa / RuPay — via BillDesk payment gateway. Keep Order-ID shown on BillDesk for any complaint. No refund once paid successfully. | |
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DAE DISHA Scholarship — ₹60,000/Year for ALL Admitted Students
Every student admitted to NISER or UM-DAE CEBS is eligible for the DAE DISHA (Developing Integrated Scheme for Honing Aspiring Scientists) Scholarship of ₹60,000 per year + ₹20,000 per year for summer internship grants. This is not merit or income-based — all admitted students receive it. INSPIRE-SHE (DST) scholarship holders are additionally endorsed. This makes the effective net cost of attending NISER/CEBS extremely low — essentially free for most students.
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Kerala Exam Centres — NEST 2026
15 Centres
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All 15 Kerala Exam Centres for NEST 2026 (from Official Brochure)
Kerala students can choose 3 centres in order of preference from the list below. Centre allotment is final as printed on the Admit Card — no request for change will be entertained. Centres may be cancelled if insufficient applicants opt for them.
📍 Alappuzha
📍 Ernakulam
📍 Idukki
📍 Kannur
📍 Kasaragod
📍 Kavaratti (Lakshadweep)
📍 Kollam
📍 Kottayam
📍 Kozhikode
📍 Malappuram
📍 Palakkad
📍 Pathanamthitta
📍 Thiruvananthapuram
📍 Thrissur
📍 Wayanad
Total: 387 exam centres across India (subject to change based on applicant numbers). Centre list also includes cities in TN (Coimbatore, Chennai, Madurai, Nagercoil), Karnataka (Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru), and all other states & UTs. Source: Official NEST 2026 Brochure, Table on Pages 5–8.
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How to Apply — NEST 2026 (3-Phase Process)
1
Phase 1 — Register (New Registration)
Visit nestexam.in → New Registration. Enter: Full Name (exactly as per certificate), Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number, Class X Roll Number. These details cannot be modified after registration — enter carefully. Login credentials are sent to your email within 30 minutes. Keep your email active and check spam. Application portal is powered by TCS-iON and is SSL secured.
2
Phase 2 — Fill Application Form & Pay Fee
LOGIN → "Go to Application" → Fill required details:
- Academic details (Class X, XI, XII — board, year, percentage)
- Category (UR / OBC-NCL / SC / ST / EWS / Divyangjan)
- Institute preference: NISER, CEBS, or both
- 3 exam centre city choices (from official list)
- Upload photo and signature (max 80KB each, JPG/JPEG format only)
3
Phase 3 — Technical Support (If Needed)
For any issues (registration error, payment failure, etc.): LOGIN → click HELPDESK (Priority 1). Select problem type from dropdown, add description, upload screenshot. Alternatively call +91-9513252088 (Mon–Sat, 10:00–13:30 and 14:30–17:00). Resolution may take up to 4 days. For syllabus/eligibility queries, email nest-exam@niser.ac.in or call +91-674-2494017 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–17:00).
4
Correction Window — April 13–14, 2026
After submission, only specific fields can be corrected in the correction window (April 13–14, 2026). Correctable fields include: Name, Date of Birth, Class X roll number, Guardian details, Address, Board details, Percentage, Exam year, Photo & Signature, J&K domicile fields. Category, gender, and payment amount cannot be changed — wrong category = wrong fee = application rejected.
5
Download Admit Card — May 15, 2026
Download Admit Card from nestexam.in using login credentials from May 15, 2026 (10 AM). Admit card is available until the day of exam only. Admit cards will NOT be dispatched physically — only online download. Bring the Admit Card + valid government photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN etc.) in a transparent folder to the exam centre. Reach exam centre at least 60 minutes before 2:00 PM. Entry closes 30 minutes after exam start — i.e., no entry after 2:30 PM.
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After NEST 2026 — Admission Process & What to Expect
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Result — By June 25, 2026 on nestexam.in
NEST 2026 merit list will be published on the NEST website by approximately June 25, 2026. Both NISER and CEBS prepare separate merit lists using the same NEST score. There will be a category-wise merit list for each institute. Scorecards can be downloaded by qualified candidates. Challenge the answer key window is announced separately after the exam.
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Admission / Counselling — July 2026 (Check niser.ac.in & cbs.ac.in)
After the NEST merit list, NISER and CEBS conduct their admission processes separately:
- NISER admissions: check niser.ac.in for counselling schedule (typically July 2026)
- CEBS admissions: check cbs.ac.in for counselling schedule (typically July 2026)
- Candidates must submit original certificates at counselling/admission: Class XII marks, category certificate (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS/PwD), ID proof
- OBC-NCL candidates must produce a valid, recent OBC-NCL certificate (Central list) — not State SEBC
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After Graduation — NISER/CEBS Alumnus Career Paths
A vast majority (85%+) of NISER and CEBS graduates pursue PhD research at IISc, IITs, TIFR, BARC, international universities (Stanford, MIT, Cambridge, Max Planck, etc.). Career paths include: ISRO Scientist (via research + DAE connections), BARC Scientist, academic researcher, professor, data scientist, pharmaceutical R&D, biotechnology, fintech (for Math/Physics graduates). NISER and CEBS alumni have won prestigious KVPY, DST-INSPIRE, and international research fellowships. Some have gone on to become startup founders in biotech, deeptech, and scientific instrumentation.
⚛️ Apply for NEST 2026 — Deadline: April 6, 2026!
Application Open: 5 Jan – 6 Apr 2026 (11:30 PM) at nestexam.in
Exam: June 6, 2026 (Saturday, 2–5 PM) · 257 Seats (NISER 200 + CEBS 57)
₹60,000/yr DAE Scholarship · No Age Limit · 15 Kerala Exam Centres · 387 Cities Pan-India
⚠️ All information sourced directly from the official NEST website (nestexam.in) and the NEST 2026 Information Brochure & Syllabus (Updated 12 January 2026). Seat matrix, eligibility, exam pattern, marking scheme, fee, centre list, scholarship amounts, and merit list methodology are all from these official sources. Dates are subject to change — always verify at nestexam.in before applying. Content is for educational guidance only. Visit careerlokam.blogspot.com for more career updates.