Hi, the exact data for 2025 is not available. However, in 2024, over 45,000 students registered for the exam and more than 27,000 appeared. The NEST 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on June 6.
Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
Login
NEST Exam Eligibility 2026, Age Limit, Qualification, Marks Required, Courses
NEST Exam Eligibility 2026: The NISAR and UMDAE-CBS have released the NEST 2026 eligibility criteria at nestexam.in. Candidates who are going to appear in the exam must check the NEST eligibility criteria 2026. The NEST eligibility criteria 2026 contain the age limit and academic qualification.
This Story also Contains
- NEST Exam Eligibility 2026
- Who Is Eligible For the NEST Entrance Exam?
- NEST Reservation Criteria 2026
- NEST Courses 2026
The National Entrance Screening Test is a computer-based entrance exam for admission to the five-year Integrated MSc programme in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at the National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai. To know more about the NEST exam eligibility criteria, read the article thoroughly.
NEST Exam Eligibility 2026
There are two important factors on which the eligibility criteria of NEST 2026 depend. First is the educational qualification, and the other is the age limit.
Educational Qualification-
Students should complete their 10+2 education from any recognized institution.
They must have completed their 12th in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
NEST Age Limit- There is no upper age limit to appear for the NEST 2026 exam.
Minimum Marks Required- The minimum mark required for NEST is 60% in the class 12 or its equivalent examination. There is a relaxation of 5% for the candidates belonging reserved category.
NEST Question/Sample Papers
Candidates can download NEST Question/Sample Papers from here.
Download NowWho Is Eligible For the NEST Entrance Exam?
Candidates who fulfill the eligibility requirements for the NEST 2026 are eligible to appear in the entrance exam. Only such candidates can able to take the entrance examination. The non-eligible candidates will not be allowed to take admission in the participating institutions even/they qualify the exam. Students must pass class 12 with a minimum of marks to be eligible for the NEST 2026 exam.
NEST Reservation Criteria 2026
Seats will be reserved for categories like OBC-NCL, SC/ ST, PwD, and Supernumerary Quota seats for candidates who are from Jammu and Kashmir. The percentage for seat reservation differs from one another.
Other Backward Class- Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)
27% seats are reserved for this category.
It is to be noted that students belonging to Other Backward Class (OBC) are not considered under any reservation category. They are grouped under the General category of students.
Only the OBC NCL students are considered eligible for the reservation, as stated by the state government.
Schedule Caste (SC)/ Schedule Tribe (ST)
15% of the total seats are reserved for candidates of the SC category.
7.5% of seats will be reserved for candidates of the ST category.
Person with Disabilities (PWD)
5% of the total seats are reserved for candidates of the PWD category.
Supernumerary Quota seats for students from Jammu and Kashmir
Two seats at both NISER Bhubaneswar and UMDAE-CBS will be reserved for these candidates.
Students should complete their 12th from the State Board of Jammu and Kashmir or from CBSE-affiliated schools that are located in Jammu and Kashmir.
NOTE: Students must present their category certificate during the final NEST admission to avail these benefits.
NEST Courses 2026
There are a total of 6 courses offered at different schools of NISAR and UMDAE-CBS. Here is the list of courses.
| School | Programmes |
|---|---|
School of Mathematical Sciences | M.Sc. Mathematical Science |
School of Physical Sciences | M.Sc.c Physical Science |
School of Chemical Sciences | M.Sc. Chemical Sciences |
School of Computer Sciences | M.Sc. Computer Science |
School of Biological Sciences | M.Sc. Biological Sciences |
School of Environmental Sciences | M.Sc. Environmental Sciences |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the age limit to appear in the NEST exam 2027?
A:
There is no specific age limit to appear in the exam but students have to complete their 12th standard from an recognised institution.
Q: What is the minimum percentage required in class 12 to be eligible for the NEST 2027 exam?
A:
Minimum percentage required differs from category. It is 60% for General and OBC category and 55% for SC/ST/PWD category.
Q: What percentage of total seats is reserved for candidates of PwD category?
A:
The 5% of the total seats will be reserved for candidates who belong to the PwD category.
Q: What are the courses offered through the NEST?
A:
There are 6 courses offered by the NEST viz., M.Sc Mathematical Science, Physical Science, Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Environmental Sciences.
Q: What is NEST exam eligibility?
A:
The eligibility for NISER exam 2027 contains the candidates minimum qualification, NISER age limit and minimum percentage requirement
Articles
Related Stories
|
Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
Popular Courses and Specializations
Popular Branches
Questions related to NEST
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to NEST ?
Hello Dear Student,
You can check, find and access more information here:
-
https://university.careers360.com/articles/nest-result
Hope it helps!
Hello Student,
Can you please tell what your interests are and what are your career aspirations?
Hello,
CEBS has started the NEST 2026 registration process on January 5 at nestexam.in. Candidates can fill and submit the NEST 2026 application form till April 6. The last date to pay the NEST application fee 2026 is April 12.
For NEST Exam Eligibility 2026, Age Limit, Qualification, Marks Required,
If any candidate has lost their NEST exam certificate, they can visit the official website, nestexam.in to request another copy of the certificate.
NEST Notifications
Never miss NEST update
Get timely NEST updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!