The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 registration deadline has been officially extended to April 8, 2026, offering candidates additional time to apply for the prestigious 5-year Integrated MSc programmes. Aspirants aiming for admission into NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai can complete their application process through the official website nestexam.in. This update is highly relevant for science students across India preparing for careers in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
NEST 2026 Important Dates
The revised schedule for NEST 2026 is as follows:
| Event | Date |
| Application Last Date | April 8, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | April 12, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Mock Test | April 14, 2026 |
| Correction Window | April 17–18, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 15, 2026 |
| Exam Date | June 6, 2026 (2 PM – 5 PM) |
| Answer Key Release | June 10–12, 2026 |
| Result Date | June 24, 2026 |
| Scorecard Download | June 25, 2026 |
NEST 2026 Exam Details
The NEST 2026 exam will be conducted on June 6, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM across approximately 140 exam centres in India. The test is a national-level entrance exam for admission into integrated MSc programmes offered by premier institutes.
Participating Institutes
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar
- University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS)
These institutes are renowned for research-oriented education in basic sciences.
NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must have passed Class 12 with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates).
- Must have studied at least three subjects among:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
NEST 2026 Application Fee
- ₹1,400: Male candidates (General/OBC)
- ₹700: Female candidates, SC/ST, PwD, and EWS candidates
The application fee must be paid online before April 12, 2026.
Application Correction Facility
After the registration deadline, candidates will be able to edit their application forms during the correction window from April 17 to April 18, 2026 (11:30 PM). This is a crucial opportunity to rectify errors in submitted forms.
How to Apply for NEST 2026
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the official website: nestexam.in
- Click on the NEST 2026 Registration link
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and download confirmation
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | NEST 2026 |
| Courses Offered | 5-year Integrated MSc |
| Last Date to Apply | April 8, 2026 |
| Exam Date | June 6, 2026 |
| Admit Card | May 15, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based (as per official notification) |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
Why NEST 2026 is Important
NEST is one of India’s premier entrance exams for students aiming to build careers in scientific research and innovation. Admission through NEST opens pathways to top institutes with excellent faculty, research facilities, and career opportunities in science and technology sectors globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the last date to apply for NEST 2026? |
| The last date to apply is April 8, 2026. |
| When will the NEST 2026 exam be conducted? |
| The exam will be held on June 6, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM. |
| What is the eligibility for NEST 2026? |
| Candidates must have passed Class 12 with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST) and studied science subjects. |
| What is the application fee for NEST 2026? |
| ₹1,400 for General/OBC male candidates and ₹700 for others. |
| When will the admit card be released? |
| The admit card will be available on May 15, 2026. |
| Can I edit my NEST application form? |
| Yes, from April 17 to April 18, 2026. |
| Which institutes accept NEST scores? |
| NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. |
| When will NEST 2026 results be declared? |
| The result will be announced on June 24, 2026. |
The extension of the NEST 2026 registration deadline to April 8 provides a valuable opportunity for students to apply for prestigious integrated MSc programmes. Candidates should complete their applications promptly and prepare strategically for the June 6, 2026 exam. For the latest updates, visit nestexam.in and bookmark this page for continuous guidance and notifications, for more details CLICK HERE
