NEST 2026 Exam Day Instructions and Guidelines: The NEST 2026 will be conducted on April 6, 2026 at different NEST test centres in India. The exam authority has released specific instructions that candidates need to follow mandatorily. If candidates fail to follow these instructions, their candidature will be cancelled.

Apart from these instructions, there are some generic guidelines that all the test takers must follow to maintain decorum at the test centres. If you are going to appear for NEST 2026, you must check the NEST 2026 exam day instructions and guidelines to avoid any last-minute rush or the risk of candidature cancellation. This SciAstra article will help you understand all the important instructions and guidelines clearly.

About NEST 2026

National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) is Pan-India level entrance exam which is conducted for admission to Integrated 5-year MSc courses in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and Department of Energy - Centre for Excellence for Basic Sciences (DAE CEBS).

The admission to the following courses is offered through NEST:

NISER Bhubaneswar Courses 2026

Courses

Course Level

  • Integrated 5-year MSc Physics

  • Integrated 5-year MSc Chemistry

  • Integrated 5-year MSc Mathematics

  • Integrated 5-year MSc Biology

UG

  • 2-year MSc Programme in “Medical & Radiological Physics” + 1 Year Internship (MSc MRP)

PG

  • PhD

PhD

  • Integrated PhD in Physical Sciences

  • Integrated PhD in Chemical Sciences

  • Integrated PhD in Biological Sciences

  • Integrated PhD in Mathematical Sciences

Integrated PG

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NEST 2026 Exam Day Schedule/Reporting Time

The NEST 2026 exam will be conducted on April 6, 2026 according to the following schedule:

NEST 2026 Exam Day Schedule

Reporting time

1:00 PM

NEST 2026 exam begins

2:00 PM

Last entry allowed to the exam hall

2:30 PM

Candidates will be allowed to leave the exam hall

4:00 PM

NEST 2026 exam ends

5:00 PM

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

If you are going to appear for NEST 2026, you must know the structure of the question paper based on the exam pattern. Check out the NEST 2026 exam pattern below:

Features

Details

Exam Name

National Entrance Screening Test (NEST)

Exam Conducting Body

  • National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar

  • University of Mumbai – The Department of Atomic Energy, Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai

Exam Level

Undergraduate Level

Courses Offered

  • 5-year Integrated MSc in Physics

  • 5-year Integrated MSc in Chemistry

  • 5-year Integrated MSc in Biology

  • 5-year Integrated MSc in Mathematics

Exam Mode

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Exam Duration

3 hours

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Type of Question

Multiple Choice Question (80 questions)

Marking Scheme

+3 marks for each correct answer

-1 mark for each incorrect answer

0 marks for unattempted question

Official Website

https://www.nestexam.in/

Also Read:

NEST 2026 Exam Day Instructions

The mandatory instructions that candidates must follow on the NEST 2026 exam day are listed below:

  • Candidates are advised to reach the examination venue at least 60 minutes before the start of the examination.

  • They will not be allowed to enter the examination hall any later than half an hour (30 minutes) after the start of the examination.

  • Candidates will be allowed to leave the examination hall no sooner than two hours after the start of the examination (except when required by medical emergencies).

  • Candidates MUST bring their Admit Card and a valid photo Identity Card to the examination hall.

  • Without these documents the candidate may not be allowed to enter the examination centre.

  • These documents must be carried only in a ‘transparent’ folder/ sleeve/ pouch.

  • Use of log tables and calculators in the examination hall is not allowed. Blank pages, pen/pencils for rough work will be provided in the examination hall. A simple on-screen calculator will be provided.

  • Any kind of electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, digital/smart watches, storage devices, Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled wearable devices etc., are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.

NEST 2026 Documents to be carried to Test Centre

To verify their identity and candidature candidates must carry specific documents to the NEST exam centre. These documents are the following:

  1. NEST 2026 Admit Card (printed copy): This is compulsory for entry. You must physically carry the printed admit card; a mobile-only version may not be accepted.

  2. Valid Photo Identity Proof (original): Bring one government-issued photo ID in original. Acceptable IDs include:

  • Aadhar Card (original)

  • Passport

  • PAN Card

  • Voter ID Card (EPIC)

  • Driving Licence

  • Identification affidavit signed by a gazetted officer (in exceptional cases)

Without both admit card + valid photo ID, entry to the exam hall will be denied.

NEST 2026 Guidelines: Dos and Don’ts

There are certain dos and don’ts that candidates must follow to maintain decorum at the NEST 2026 exam centre. Check out the guidelines below:

Dos

Don’ts

  1. Make sure to carry the NEST 2026 admit card to the exam.

  2. Reach the exam centre as per the mentioned reporting time.

  3. Plan commute to the exam centre in advance.

  4. Make sure to carry an original copy of your photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card or Passport).

  1. Do not carry study materials, such as books, sample papers or other types of papers to the exam centre.

  2. Do not keep electronic devices, such as mobile phones, camera, smart watches etc. with you during the exam.

  3. Do not look here and there during the exam. Focus on your computer screen.

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SciAstra’s NEST FOCUS Test Series Features

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  • Helps tracking speed

Correct/incorrect/skipped patterns

  • This feature shows the numbers for the questions you attempt, skip and answer incorrectly.

Accuracy vs speed graph

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Weak area identification

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Conclusion

Being well-prepared for the NEST 2026 exam goes beyond academic readiness—it also requires strict adherence to exam day instructions and guidelines. From reporting on time and carrying the necessary documents to following the dos and don’ts inside the exam hall, every instruction plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth examination process. Candidates are advised to carefully review all guidelines in advance to avoid last-minute stress or the risk of candidature cancellation.