The NISER Bhubaneswar will start the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 registration on January 5, 2026 at 10 AM on the official NEST website - nestexam.in. The last date for registration is April 6, 2026. Through NEST 2026, candidates can apply for admission to 5-year integrated MSc programmes offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS.

Only those candidates who score equal to or more than the Section-Wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS) and the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) in NEST 2026 will be selected for admission.

Candidates who are planning to fill out the NEST 2026 registration form can check the steps to fill it out and the NEST 2026 eligibility criteria here. The list of documents required for NEST 2026 is also available here.

NEST 2026 Registration Steps

Refer to the following steps to fill out the NEST 2026 registration form:

  1. Visit the official NEST website – nestexam.in.

  2. Click on the “Registration” option.

  3. Enter your email address and mobile number.

  4. Create a password and save all the details.

  5. Log in again and enter these details: your personal and educational details and address for communication.

  6. Upload your passport-size photo and a scanned copy of your signature.

  7. Pay the application fee online using Net Banking, UPI or credit/debit card.

  8. Submit the application and download its copy as a PDF.

NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Only those candidates who meet the NEST 2026 eligibility criteria can apply for the exam. Check the criteria below:

NEST 2026 Eligibility

Qualification

  • Class 12 pass in Science stream from a recognised state or central board in 2024 or 2025

  • Candidates who are going to appear for the Class 12 final exam in 2026 can also apply for the exam.

  • These candidates need their final scorecard at the time of admission.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

  • 60% marks in Class 12 board exam for general and OBC candidates

  • 55% marks in Class 12 for SC/ST/PwD candidates

Age Limit

  • No age limit

Documents Required for NEST 2026 Registration

Candidates need the following documents and details to fill out the NEST 2026 registration form:

  • Valid Email ID and Mobile Number

  • Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar Card/Passport/PAN Card/Driving License/Voter ID)

  • Class 10 Marksheet (for date of birth proof)

  • Class 12 Marksheet / Passing Certificate (if already passed)

  • Class 12 Admit Card / Hall Ticket (if appearing in current year)

  • Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) issued by a competent authority

  • PwD Certificate (if applicable).

  • Recent Passport-size Photograph

  • Scanned Signature

  • Income Certificate (for fee concession/financial aid, if required)