NEST Selection Process: SMAS, MAP, Merit List, & Seat Matrix

Candidates can check NEST selection process to get familiar with the NISER and CEBS seat allocation process. There is no centralized process for counselling. NEST qualifying students need to apply directly to NISER and CEBS and follow their admission process. Get details on NEST selection process here.

Selection Process for NEST

NEST 2026 Selection Process: NISER and UM-DAE CEBS select the candidates based on their rank in NEST exam 2026. The exam conducting authority considers NEST rank to select the students. Admission is offered to five years integrated MSc program in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Candidates must be familiar with the NEST selection process so that they can prepare to score well and improve their chances of admission. Check the page to know the NEST 2026 selection process 2026.

Steps Involved in NEST 2026 Selection Process

The follow process are involved in the selection of candidates for NISER and CEBS.

• Qualifying NEST exam.
• Inclusion in NEST merit list
• Submit Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Seat Allotment
• Document Verification
• Payment of admission fees.

NEST 2026 Result

NISER and CEBS declared the NEST result 2026 on June 24, 2026. Candidates whose score is more than SMAS (Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score) or section-wise cutoff marks and MAP (Minimum Admissible Percentile) qualify for the exam. Candidates can check SMAS and MAP below.

NEST 2026 SMAS or Section-Wise Cutoff  Mark

Candidates can check NEST SMAS 2026 below

NEST 2026 Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP)

Below is the NEST MAP 2026.

Also Read: NEST 2026 cutoff

NEST 2026 Merit List

NISER and CEBS release separate merit lists online. The exam authority considers SMAS and MAP to prepare the merit list. Candidates whose roll number is mentioned in the merit list will be considered eligible for the admission process. These students need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) through the link shared with them.

How to check the NISER Merit List 2026?

Candidates can follow the process to check NEST merit list by NISER. 

• Go to NISER UG Admission website, niser.ac.in
• Click on "Merit List" option from the menu.
• Merit list page will display.
• Check for your roll number.

How to check UM-DAE CEBS Merit List 2026?

The process to check NEST 2026 merit list by CEBS is mentioned below.

• Go to UM-DAE CEBS Admission website, cbs.ac.in.
• Click on the merit list link
• Check for your roll number.

Also Read: NEST counselling 2026

NEST 2026 Seat Matrix

There are a total of 261 seats, including NISER and CEBS. Candidates must check the NEST seats matrix to know the distribution of seats among various categories. This will help them to understand the probability of getting admission to NISER and CEBS. Below is the NEST seat distribution for NISER and CEBS.

NISER 2026 Seat Matrix (Distribution of Seats)

UM-DAE CEBS 2026 Seat Matrix (Distribution of Seats)

Conclusion

NEST selection process is based on the NISER and CEBS admission process. NEST is the entrance test for admission to five-year integrated M.Sc programmes. Candidates who wish to pursue a postgraduate course at NISER and CEBS need to qualify the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST).  Based on the SMAS and MAP scores, a merit list is prepared. Students with their roll number in NEST merit list receive an email to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Based on the EOI, the admission queue is released. Candidates have to participate in NEST counselling for admission.