NEST: syllabus, exam pattern & eligibility

National Entrance Screening Test. Admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programme (Biological, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical sciences) at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.

Category
Science & Research
Conducted by
NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai (Department of Atomic Energy)
Level
UG entrance
Frequency
Once a year
Mode
CBT
Languages
English, Hindi
Application fee
₹1400 for male/other UR and OBC applicants; ₹700 for all female applicants, SC/ST/Divyangjan and UR-EWS (2026)

Eligibility

Exam pattern

NEST

180 min · 80 questions · 240 marks

Syllabus

Biology

Diversity of Living Organisms, Structural Organization in Plants and Animals, Cell: Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, Ecology and Environment

Chemistry

Class XI, Class XII

Mathematics

Sets and Functions (XI), Algebra (XI), Coordinate Geometry (XI), Calculus (XI), Statistics and Probability (XI), Relations and Functions (XII), Algebra (XII), Calculus (XII), Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry (XII), Linear Programming (XII), Probability (XII)

Physics

Class XI, Class XII

Important dates (2026)

Selection process

Merit rank from the percentile of the best-three-section total, subject to clearing SMAS in at least three sections and the category-wise MAP. NISER and UM-DAE CEBS publish their own merit lists and run admissions separately.

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Pricing

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Frequently asked questions

What is NEST?

NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test. Admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programme (Biological, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical sciences) at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. It is conducted by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai (Department of Atomic Energy). Level: UG entrance.

Who is eligible for NEST?

Education: At least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics in Classes XI and XII; Class XII passed in 2024 or 2025 or appearing in 2026 from a recognised Indian board; at least 60% aggregate in Class XII (55% for SC/ST/Divyangjan); must secure a rank in the NEST 2026 merit list. Age limit: No upper age limit. Attempts: Limited by the Class XII passing-year window (current year and previous two years).

What is the exam pattern of NEST?

NEST: 180 minutes, 80 questions, 240 marks. Mode: CBT.

How often is NEST held?

Once a year.

When is NEST held?

2026 cycle: Application opens 2026-01-05; Application closes (extended from 2026-04-06) 2026-04-08; Mock test opens 2026-04-14; Correction window 2026-04-18 to 2026-04-19; Admit card 2026-05-24; Exam (2:00–5:00 PM) 2026-06-06.

How are candidates selected through NEST?

Merit rank from the percentile of the best-three-section total, subject to clearing SMAS in at least three sections and the category-wise MAP. NISER and UM-DAE CEBS publish their own merit lists and run admissions separately.

What is the application fee for NEST?

₹1400 for male/other UR and OBC applicants; ₹700 for all female applicants, SC/ST/Divyangjan and UR-EWS (2026).

Compiled from public sources, last checked 2026-09-25. Dates, fees and rules change, so confirm with the official website before you apply.