The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is the national-level entrance examination for admission to the five-year Integrated MSc programme at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai. NEST is a computer-based test designed to assess candidates in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The programme is research-oriented and prepares students for higher studies and careers in basic sciences and related fields.
| Full Name | National Entrance Screening Test |
|---|---|
| Short Name | NEST |
| Conducting Body | NEST Committee of NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Category | Science / Research |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Programme | Five-Year Integrated MSc |
| Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics |
| Participating Institutes | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Official Website | https://www.nestexam.in/ |
| Class XI-XII Subjects | Candidates must have studied at least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in Classes XI and XII. |
| Qualifying Examination | Candidates must have passed Class XII or equivalent from a recognised Board within the passing-year window specified for the admission cycle. |
| Minimum Aggregate | Candidates must satisfy the minimum aggregate percentage prescribed for the relevant admission year and category. |
| NEST Merit Rank | Candidates must secure a rank in the NEST merit list for admission. |
| Age Limit | There is no upper age limit for NEST examination and admission provided all other eligibility conditions are satisfied. |
| Board Recognition | The Class XII qualification must be from a recognised Board in India as specified by the official NEST rules. |
| OBC-NCL | OBC-NCL reservation is provided according to Government of India rules and the conditions specified by NEST. |
| SC | SC reservation is provided according to Government of India rules. |
| ST | ST reservation is provided according to Government of India rules. |
| EWS | EWS reservation is provided according to the applicable Government of India rules and institution-specific provisions. |
| Photograph | Recent photograph in the prescribed format. |
| Signature | Signature in the format specified in the application instructions. |
| Class X Certificate | Class X or matriculation certificate may be required for date-of-birth verification during admission. |
| Class XII Marksheet | Class XII marksheet or equivalent qualifying examination document is required at admission. |
| Category Certificate | Valid category certificate must be produced where reservation is claimed. |
| PwD / Divyangjan Certificate | Valid disability certificate is required where applicable. |
| NISER Bhubaneswar | National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, an autonomous institute under the Department of Atomic Energy. |
| UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai | University of Mumbai - Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai. |
| Integrated MSc | NEST provides admission to the five-year Integrated MSc programme at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. |
| Basic Sciences | The programme provides interdisciplinary education and research-oriented training in basic sciences. |
| Scholarship | Students admitted to the Integrated MSc programme may be eligible for the scholarship and internship support specified by the Department of Atomic Energy and applicable schemes. |
The official NEST 2027 information brochure and notification will be released on the NEST website.
NEST 2027 online application start date will be announced officially.
The final date for NEST 2027 application submission will be announced officially.
The application correction and update window will be announced officially.
NEST 2027 admit card download date will be announced officially.
The NEST 2027 examination date will be announced through the official NEST portal.
The schedule for provisional answer keys and challenges will be announced officially.
NEST 2027 result and scorecard dates will be announced officially.
Admission and counselling schedules will be announced by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
| Subject | MCQs | Numerical | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | — | — | — |
| Chemistry | — | — | — |
| Mathematics | — | — | — |
| Physics | — | — | — |
| Computer Based Test | — | — | — |
| Section-wise Scoring | — | — | — |
| Minimum Admissible Percentile | — | — | — |
Read the official NEST 2027 notification, brochure and eligibility requirements.
Create a candidate account on the official NEST application portal.
Enter personal, academic and contact details accurately.
Select examination city preferences according to the options available in the application portal.
Upload the required photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
Pay the applicable application fee through the official payment facility.
Verify the entered information and submit the application before the deadline.
Download and retain the application confirmation and payment receipt.
Download the admit card from the official portal when released.
Appear for the computer-based examination at the allotted test centre.
Candidates meeting the merit and eligibility requirements proceed through the admission process of NISER or UM-DAE CEBS.
| Category | year | status | full_form |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEST 2027 Cutoff | 2027 | TBA | — |
| SMAS | — | — | Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score |
| MAP | — | — | Minimum Admissible Percentile |
| NISER Merit List | — | — | — |
| CEBS Merit List | — | — | — |
Percentile cutoffs shown are for illustration and vary each year based on difficulty and number of candidates.
Stay updated on dates, admit card and results.
