What are the important things candidates must remember while filling online application for NEST exam?

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.

Is there any other mode to submit NEST application?

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.

What is the eligibility for NEST exam?

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.

When will the NEST application form 2026 release?

The NEST 2026 application form will be released on January 5, 2026. The last date to fill the form is April 6, 2026. The application process will be completely online, including the fee payment. A correction facility will be provided from April 13 to April 14, 2026.

What are the important documents candidates need to fill the application form for NEST?

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.

How many exam cities can be chosen while filling the NEST 2026 application form?

NEST 2026 exam will be conducted in 140 cities across India. Applicants fill 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.

What is the application fee for NEST exam?

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.

When will NEST 2026 application process start?

The NEST application process will be conducted from January 5, 2026, to April 6, 2026. The application fee has to be paid by April 12, 2026. The National Entrance Screening Test or NEST 2026 application form date has been announced on December 15, 2025. The NEST application process will be online. The fee has to be paid through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking or UPI.

What is the procedure to allot NEST Exam Centres?

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.

What should I do if I am unable to upload my passport-size photograph while filling out the application form for NEST?

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 Application Form 2026 (Jan 5): Eligibility, Document, Fees & Steps to Apply Online

365 Students Q&A

Registration - 5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26

Updated on Dec 15, 2025 21:36 IST

By Sreetama Datta Roy, Manager Content

The NEST 2026 Application Form will be released on January 5, 2026, at 10 AM. The last date of application is April 6, 2026, till 11.30 PM. The NEST 2026 application fee has to be paid by April 12, 2026, by 11.30 PM. Candidates who will submit the form will be allowed to make corrections in the NEST application form between April 13 and April 14, 2026. The NEST Admit Card will be released on May 15, 2026.

NEST 2026 exam will be conducted on June 6, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM. The NEST 2026 important dates were announced on December 15, 2025. Check the eligibility criteria before filling NEST application form. The application process will be held online.

Also Read: NEST 2026 Exam Dates Out; Registration to Begin on January 5

Table of contents

NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
NEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
How to Fill NEST 2026 Application Form?
What to Keep Ready Before Filling the NEST Application Form 2026?
NEST 2026 Application Correction Window
FAQs on NEST 2026 Application Form

NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria

NEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NEST 2026 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
05 Jan ' 26 - 06 Apr ' 26	NEST 2026 Application Process
13 Apr ' 26 - 14 Apr ' 26	NEST 2026 Application Form Correction Window
May ' 26	NEST 2026 Mock Test Release TENTATIVE
15 May ' 26	NEST 2026 Admit Card
06 Jun ' 26	NEST 2026 Exam Date