NEST Application Form 2026: Registration (Closed), Form Correction (April 18), Details to Edit
National Entrance Screening Test 2026 ( NEST )
Admit Card - 15 May '26
NEST 2026 registration window closed on April 8, 2026. The application form was available online. Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with 60% marks (55% for SC, ST, Divyangjan) in aggregate could apply for the entrance test. NEST application process comprises registration, form filling, uploading documents, and payment of application fee. The form correction window will open on April 18, 2026. Registered candidates can appear for the National Entrance Screening Test on June 6, 2026.
- Things required for NEST 2026 Application
- NEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- Important Instructions while filling the NEST Application Form
- How to Fill NEST 2026 Application Form?
- NEST 2026 Application Fee
- NEST 2026 Application Correction Window
- FAQs on NEST 2026 Application Form
Things required for NEST 2026 Application
The exam authorities have suggested that candidates keep the following information or documents ready before filling the NEST Application Form 2026.
- An active email address and mobile number for the registration process. Since NEST officials will communicate on these, the correct details should be provided.
- A recent passport-sized photograph and signature, scanned and cropped as mentioned in the application portal, should be uploaded.
- The photograph and signature files must not be more than 80 KB each and must be in .JPG or .JPEG format only.
Commonly asked questions
Important things to remember for the NEST 2026 online application are mentioned below:
- The correct email address should be provided. The NEST office communicates with candidates through this e-mail ID only.
- The phone number that is provided during the application should be accessible by the candidate. The NEST office uses this phone number to reach a candidate or to send SMS messages whenever necessary.
- A properly scanned and cropped recent passport-sized photograph should be uploaded. A properly scanned and cropped signature should be uploaded.
- The photograph and signature files must not be more than 80 KB each and must be in. JPG or JPEG format only.
- Applications incomplete in any respect will not be accepted.
Applications can be submitted only through the NEST 2026 website only. There is no other mode of application submission. Login credentials for logging into the application submission and fee payment portals will be provided upon online registration.
NEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NEST 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 14 Apr ' 26 - 06 Jun ' 26 | NEST 2026 Mock Test ONGOING |
| 18 Apr ' 26 - 19 Apr ' 26 | NEST 2026 Application Form Correction Window |
| 15 May ' 26 | NEST 2026 Admit Card |
| 06 Jun ' 26 | NEST 2026 Exam Date |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 05 Jan ' 26 - 08 Jan ' 26 | NEST 2026 Application Process |
| 05 Jan ' 26 - 12 Apr ' 26 | NEST 2026 Application Process |
Important Instructions while filling the NEST Application Form
It is noticed that students make many mistakes while filling the form. Some of them start filling the form without checking the instructions, eligibility and more. This led to the rejection of application form. Below are a few important instructions to follow while filling the NEST application form.
- Check NEST eligibility criteria
- Read the instructions to fill the form.
- Keep a valid email id and mobile number
- Use class 10 admit card to provide the basic details.
- Enter the correct marks.
Read all details carefully before final submission.
Commonly asked questions
The NEST 2026 eligibility criteria are defined on both basis age wise as well education wise.
Admissions in NISER, Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai are done based on a candidate's score in the NEST exam. Candidates who have passed Class 12 from the Science stream are eligible to apply for the NEST exam.
Candidates should pass Class 12 in Science stream from a recognised board in India with at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ ST/ PWD category candidates). Candidates should have passed Class XII either last year or will pass this year.
There is no age limit to appear for NEST.
Yes, PCB students can give the NEST exam. The National Entrance Screening Test is designed for both BiPC and MPC students. The question papers are based on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology of Class 11 & 12. The NEST syllabus is based on the CBSE curriculum (2025-26).
How to Fill NEST 2026 Application Form?
The authority had released the NEST application form on the website, nestexam.in. The eligible candidates had to fill and submit the application form online before the last date. The process to fill the application form of NEST 2026 is mentioned below.
- Go to NEST 2026 website
- Click on the tab Register Now
- Fill up the mandatory fields
- Generate Username and Password
- Login with the registration details
- Fill up the application form and upload documents
- Pay the application fee through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking and UPI modes
- Once the registration form is submitted then students must take a printout and save it for further usage.
NIPER JEE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NEST 2026 eligibility criteria are announced by the conducting body in the information bulletin, which is provided below.
-
The candidates who have cleared the Class 12 examination or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or those who will be appearing for the Class 12 Board exam or equivalent in 2026, irrespective of category and age, will be eligible for NEST 2026.
- Candidates must have studied at least three subjects between Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics in Class 11 and Class 12.
-
Applicants must secure at least 60 per cent marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade) in the Class 12 examination from any recognised Board in India. For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Divyangjan candidates, the minimum requirement is 55 per cent.
- There is no age limit to appear for NEST 2026.
Commonly asked questions
NEST 2026 exam will be conducted in 140 cities across India. Applicants have to select three cities in order of preference. Every effort will be made to allot the centre of first preference. The final decision lies with the authorities. The exam conducting authorities will release the NEST 2026 admit card on May 15, 2026, which will mention the allotted NEST exam centre to the applicants.
The Application fee for the NEST Exam for the upcoming academic session 2026 is notified. The NEST 2026 Application fee for male candidates of the General and OBC categories is INR 1,400. The application fee for candidates in the SC/ST/Divyangjan categories and for all female candidates is INR 700. Payments can be made using credit card/debit card/Netbanking, and UPI modes.
NEST 2026 Application Fee
Candidates need to pay the NEST application fee online. The payment can be made through net banking / credit card / debit card. After the submission of the form fee application will get submitted. NEST application fee varies for each category. Below are the NEST form fees for GEN, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST.
| Category |
Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Male candidates of the Unreserved/ EWS/OBC category |
1,400 |
| Female candidates in the Unreserved/EWS/OBC category |
700 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category candidates |
700 |
Commonly asked questions
Applicants are allowed to fill the three exam city choices while filling the application form of NEST exam. NEST 2026 will be conducted in 140 cities. Candidates have to enter the city names as per their preferential order, near their present address.
For entrance exam since marks from three section are considered hence it can be said that it not compulsory. In the NEST exam your marks will be considered from any of 3 subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. but if you know basics it will help you to secure marks and for further study during campus classes.
In first year after joining NISER you would be taught basic biology. In fact many students who did not have biology in class 12 and did fairly well in the biology exams during first year.
Science exams whose registrations are closing soon
Register now and prepare to increase your chances at top colleges which accept these exams
Apr '26
14 Nov '25 - 22 Apr '26
27 Mar '26 - 24 Apr '26
NEST 2026 Application Correction Window
Candidates must be aware of the registration date for the NEST Exam, along with the application correction window opening and closing dates to make any corrections, as per the official notification on the official site. The online correction window is scheduled from April 17, 2026, to April 18, 2026. Students have the liberty to correct or update the information on the NEST 2026 Application form. The process is given below.
- Visit the official website of NEST 2026
- Log in using the Application or User ID and Password
- In the application account, update the details
- Click on the Submit button and save the updated information
- No separate fee is needed.
Commonly asked questions
Applicants must have the following document to upload while filling NEST application form:
- Class 10 mark sheet/ report card/ certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet/ report card/ certificate
- Digital copy of the photograph
- Scanned signature
The size of photograph and signature will be mentioned in official notification. Applicants are advised to follow the same specifications otherwise their candidature/application form may be rejected by the authorities.
The NEST 2026 application form was released on January 5, and continued till April 8. The application process is completely online. The application correction facility will be provided from April 18 to April 19.
FAQs on NEST 2026 Application Form
Check the NEST Application Form 2026 FAQs here.
The test centres of NEST exam are allotted based on the number of applicants opting for a particular test. It is to be noted that NEST committee reserves the right to cancel or add any of the test cities without prior notice to applicants.
The final allocation of NEST Test Centres will be mentioned on the admit card, Applicants can not make any request to change the address or venue in it once it is decided.
NEST 2026 application process commenced on January 5, 2026. The application form was available online at "nestexam.in". The last date to apply for NEST was April 8, 2026.
Students have to check the NEST admit card to know which exam centre is allotted to them. The exam cities are allotted as per the candidates' preference. Candidates can make their preference for the test cities while filling the NEST application form. NEST exam cities details are mentioned online.
Candidates appearing for NEST exam need to carry admit card and a valid photo id on the exam day. Rest items are prohibited. Check the NEST admit card for prohibited items.
Candidates have to carry any one of the following documents will be considered as valid for appearing in the NEST 2026 examination:
Passport
Aadhaar Card or Enrolment slip
Voter ID
Driver's License
PAN Card
If any student does not have any of these ID cards then they must bring their admit card of class 12 board exam in the examination hall.
While filling the NEST online form, candidates must ensure that they uploaded the photograph in the format prescribed by exam authorities. The digital photograph uploaded by candidates need to be in JPEG format and should not have exceeded 80 KB.
If all the image specifications are correct then also applicants need to check their internet failing which their registration process can be cancelled.
NEST Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
The process to retrieve the NEST password is mentioned below
- Go to NEST 2026 website.
- Click on the Login link.
- Then click on forget password.
- Provide the user id and click on "Get Password".
- Enter new password.
- Click on the Change Password button.
- Use your new password to log in.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The following candidates are eligible to apply for NISER 2026.
- Candidates who have completed class 10+2 from a recognised board with at least three out of four disciplines - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
- Obtained 60% marks (55% for SC, ST and Divyangjan categories) in aggregate.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
There is no option to get NISER with 60 marks. The safe marks in NEST for NISER admission are 120+ marks.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The NEST question paper comprises 4 sections, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Each section carries 20 questions. Each question carries three marks. NEST 2026 total marks are 240.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The authority releases the NEST answer key online. The answer key is released in pdf formation. The process to download the answer key for NEST 2026 is mentioned below.
- Visit NEST website, nestexam.in.
- Click on the Answer key link
- NEST answer key pdf will appear
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NEST question paper comprises 4 sections. Each section has 20 multiple-choice questions. The questions are based on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each question will comprise 3 marks. Negative marking is done for wrong answers.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Based on exam analysis, NEST is of a moderate difficulty level. Students whose conceptual knowledge is good can easily crack the exam. To prepare for the test candidates must follow the exam syllabus.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NEST exam is for admission to 5-year Integrated M.Sc. programme in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical sciences offered at National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NEST 2026 result date will be announed on the official website. The result is expected to release in the last week of June 2026. NEST result link will be updated on online.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, candidates who have passed class 12 with PCM or BiPC can appear for NEST. They alos need to obtain 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/ Divyangjan) in aggregate.
V
Contributor-Level 10
3 Institutes accepting NEST
West Bengal - Other • Public
4.6Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in...
Santacruz East, Mumbai • Public
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