NEST 2027
NEST Office at NISER Bhubaneswar (Chief Coordinator, NEST) for NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
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Overview
NEST is the online entrance test for the five-year integrated MSc at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai; 2027 cycle dates are not announced yet. NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test, and both institutes were set up by the Department of Atomic Energy to offer integrated MSc programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The 2026-31 intake is 202 seats at NISER and 59 at UM-DAE CEBS, and the NEST site says its NEST 2027 details are yet to be updated.
NEST at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | NEST office at NISER Bhubaneswar, for NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Level | Undergraduate entry after Class XII (five-year integrated MSc) |
| Purpose | Admission to the Integrated MSc programme (2026-31 batch in the latest cycle) at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Frequency | Once a year; a single session on 6 June 2026, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
| Duration | 3 hours; 80 multiple-choice questions, 240 marks |
| Languages | Hindi and English (the English paper is final if the two differ) |
| Application fee (2026) | Rs 700 for female, SC, ST, Divyangjan and UR-EWS applicants; Rs 1,400 for male and other UR and OBC applicants |
| Exam centres (2026) | Proposed list of about 140 cities and towns; candidates choose three in order of preference |
| Seats (2026-31) | NISER 200 and UM-DAE CEBS 57, plus 2 each for candidates from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Official website | nestexam.in |
Important dates (NEST 2027)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | Not announced yet |
| Last date to apply | Not announced yet |
| Correction window | Not announced yet |
| Mock test | Not announced yet |
| Admit card | Not announced yet |
| Exam | Not announced yet |
| Answer key challenge | Not announced yet |
| Result and scorecard | Not announced yet |
Previous cycle: NEST 2026 schedule
| Event | Date (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Online application opened | 5 January 2026 (12 noon) |
| Online application closed | 8 April 2026 (11:30 pm), extended from 6 April; registered candidates could complete the application and payment until 10 April 2026 (10:00 pm) |
| Correction window | 18 April 2026 (10 am) to 19 April 2026 (11:30 pm) |
| Mock test | From 14 April 2026 (10 am); a further mock test link from 19 May 2026 (5 pm) |
| Admit card download | From 24 May 2026 (12 noon) |
| Exam | 6 June 2026 (Saturday), 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
| Answer key challenge | 10 June 2026 (6 pm) to 12 June 2026 (11:30 pm) |
| Result announcement | 24 June 2026 |
| Scorecard download | From 30 June 2026 for qualified candidates; scorecards were reissued on 17 July 2026 after a percentile error and only those are valid |
How the merit list works
Each of the four sections is scored out of 60 (3 marks for a correct answer, minus 1 for a wrong one). A section-wise minimum admissible score (SMAS) is set at 20% of the average of the best 100 scores in that section, with 90% of it for OBC candidates and 50% for SC and ST candidates. A candidate must reach SMAS in at least three sections; the total score is the sum of the three best qualifying section scores. Percentiles are calculated from total scores and a minimum admissible percentile (MAP), announced with the results, also applies. Ties are broken by the sum of the two best section scores, then the best section score, and during counselling by the Class XII and Class X aggregates.
After admission
The integrated MSc programmes are residential and stipendiary. Admitted students are eligible for an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA programme of the Department of Atomic Energy, plus a grant of Rs 20,000 a year for summer internships.
Sources: NEST 2026 information brochure and syllabus; NEST 2026 syllabus; NEST home page. Checked on 5 October 2026.
Conducting Body
NEST Office at NISER Bhubaneswar (Chief Coordinator, NEST) for NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
Category
Management
Level
University
Important Dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application opens | Not announced yet | Awaiting official notice |
| Application closes | Not announced yet | Awaiting official notice |
| Exam date | Not announced yet | Awaiting official notice |
Eligibility Criteria
A candidate must meet all four criteria below. They are from the NEST 2026 brochure and website; the 2027 brochure may change them.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Subjects | At least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in classes XI and XII |
| Qualifying exam | Class XII from a recognised Indian Board passed in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026; the certificate declaring the aggregate must be from a single board |
| Minimum marks | 60% aggregate or equivalent grade in Class XII; 55% for SC, ST and Divyangjan candidates |
| Rank | A rank in the NEST merit list |
| Age limit | No upper age limit |
| Appearing candidates | Candidates appearing for the board exam in 2026 must meet the criteria at the time of admission |
- SC, ST and Divyangjan candidates need 55% instead of 60% in Class XII.
- Reservation follows Government of India norms: OBC-NCL 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5% and Divyangjan 5% in every category.
- Female, SC, ST, Divyangjan and UR-EWS applicants pay Rs 700 instead of Rs 1,400.
Source: NEST 2026 information brochure and NEST home page (2026 cycle).
Exam Pattern
NEST 2026 was a single-session computer-based test of 80 multiple-choice questions carrying 240 marks, taken in 3 hours. Each question has four options with exactly one correct answer.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 20 | 60 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Physics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 80 | 240 |
- Mode: computer-based test at one of about 140 proposed centres; candidates choose three centres in order of preference.
- Duration: 3 hours, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on 6 June 2026; entry is not allowed after 2:30 pm and the earliest exit is 4:00 pm.
- Marking: 3 marks for a correct answer, 1 mark deducted for a wrong answer, no deduction for an unanswered question.
- Sections: a candidate has to attempt at least three sections to be scored; all four can be attempted.
- Language: Hindi and English; the English paper is the standard one if the two differ.
- Aids: rough sheets and pens are provided and a simple on-screen calculator is available; personal calculators and log tables are not allowed. Divyangjan candidates get 20 minutes of compensatory time for each hour.
Source: NEST 2026 information brochure (2026 cycle).
Syllabus
NEST 2026 followed the CBSE curriculum (2025-26) and the NCERT books for classes XI and XII in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; science up to class 10 may also be needed. Units as the official syllabus lists them:
Biology
- Class XI: Diversity of Living Organisms; Structural Organization in Plants and Animals; Cell: Structure and Function; Plant Physiology; Human Physiology.
- Class XII: Reproduction; Genetics and Evolution; Biology and Human Welfare; Biotechnology and its Applications; Ecology and Environment.
Chemistry
- Class XI: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry; Structure of Atom; Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties; Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure; Chemical Thermodynamics; Equilibrium; Redox Reactions; Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques; Hydrocarbons.
- Class XII: Solutions; Electrochemistry; Chemical Kinetics; d- and f-Block Elements; Coordination Compounds; Haloalkanes and Haloarenes; Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers; Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids; Amines; Biomolecules.
Mathematics
- Class XI: Sets and Functions; Algebra; Coordinate Geometry; Calculus; Statistics and Probability.
- Class XII: Relations and Functions; Algebra; Calculus; Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry; Linear Programming; Probability.
Physics
- Class XI: Units and Measurements; Motion in a Straight Line; Motion in a Plane; Laws of Motion; Work, Energy and Power; Rigid System of Particles and Rotational Motion; Gravitation; Mechanical Properties of Solids and of Fluids; Thermal Properties of Matter; Thermodynamics; Kinetic Theory of Gases; Oscillations; Waves.
- Class XII: Electric Charges and Fields; Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance; Current Electricity; Moving Charges and Magnetism; Magnetism and Matter; Electromagnetic Induction; Alternating Current; Electromagnetic Waves; Ray Optics; Wave Optics; Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter; Atoms; Nuclei; Semiconductor Electronics.
Source: NEST 2026 syllabus and NEST home page (2026 cycle).
How to Apply for NEST 2027
- Phase 1, registration: on nestexam.in click New Registration and enter name and date of birth exactly as on the certificate, email id, mobile number and Class X roll number. Login credentials are sent by email.
- Phase 2, application: log in, click Go to Application and fill in the details. The form can be saved partly and finished later. Choose three exam centres and upload the photograph and signature.
- Pay the fee online by credit card, debit card, net banking or UPI (Mastercard, Visa and RuPay cards work).
- Use the short correction window after the closing date (2026: 18 and 19 April).
- Download the admit card from the portal after login and print it; take it with a valid photo ID, carried in a transparent folder.
- Results and scorecards are viewed and downloaded through the same login. Technical issues go through the Helpdesk link after login; no documents are sent to the NEST office.
| Category | Application fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Female applicants (any category) | Rs 700 |
| SC, ST and Divyangjan applicants | Rs 700 |
| UR-EWS applicants | Rs 700 |
| Male and other applicants in UR and OBC | Rs 1,400 |
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature in JPG or JPEG format, each not more than 80 KB.
- A working email id and mobile number; NEST contacts candidates only through them.
- Class X roll number and certificate details for registration.
- Category, EWS or disability certificates to claim reservation; originals are produced at admission.
Source: NEST 2026 information brochure and NEST home page (2026 cycle).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts NEST 2027?
NEST 2027 is conducted by NEST office at NISER Bhubaneswar (Chief Coordinator, NEST) for NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
What is the eligibility for NEST 2027?
A candidate must meet all four criteria below. They are from the NEST 2026 brochure and website; the 2027 brochure may change them. Criterion Requirement Subjects At least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in classes XI and XII Qualifying exam Class XII from a recognised Indian Board passed in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026; the certificate declaring the aggregate must be from a single board Minimum marks 60% aggregate or equivalent grade in Class XII; 55% for SC, ST and…
What is the exam pattern of NEST 2027?
NEST 2026 was a single-session computer-based test of 80 multiple-choice questions carrying 240 marks, taken in 3 hours. Each question has four options with exactly one correct answer. Section Questions Marks Biology 20 60 Chemistry 20 60 Mathematics 20 60 Physics 20 60 Total 80 240 Mode: computer-based test at one of about 140 proposed centres; candidates choose three centres in order of preference. Duration: 3 hours, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on 6 June 2026; entry is not allowed after 2:30 pm and…
What is the syllabus of NEST 2027?
NEST 2026 followed the CBSE curriculum (2025-26) and the NCERT books for classes XI and XII in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; science up to class 10 may also be needed. Units as the official syllabus lists them: Biology Class XI: Diversity of Living Organisms; Structural Organization in Plants and Animals; Cell: Structure and Function; Plant Physiology; Human Physiology. Class XII: Reproduction; Genetics and Evolution; Biology and Human Welfare; Biotechnology and its…
How do I apply for NEST 2027?
Phase 1, registration: on nestexam.in click New Registration and enter name and date of birth exactly as on the certificate, email id, mobile number and Class X roll number. Login credentials are sent by email. Phase 2, application: log in, click Go to Application and fill in the details. The form can be saved partly and finished later. Choose three exam centres and upload the photograph and signature. Pay the fee online by credit card, debit card, net banking or UPI (Mastercard, Visa and…
What is the official website of NEST 2027?
The official website is https://www.nestexam.in/.