LIVE NEST 2026 Exam Live Updates: Question Paper Analysis, Difficulty Level, Student Review & Expected Cutoffs

Do students receive scholarships after being admitted to the Integrated MSc programme via NEST?

The candidates admitted to the Integrated MSc programme are eligible to receive an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 through the DISHA programme of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. In addition, the scholarship recipients receive a grant of Rs 20,000/- per annum for summer internships. Candidates selected by DST for the INSPIRE-SHE programme are endorsed for the INSPIRE scholarship by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.

Important Mathematics Topics

The important Maths topics for NEST 2026 are the following:

• Calculus

• Coordinate Geometry

• Algebra

• Probability

• Vectors and 3D Geometry

Important Biology Topics

The following Biology topics hold great significance in the preparation of NEST 2026:

• Genetics

• Human Physiology

• Ecology

• Cell Biology

• Plant Physiology

• Biotechnology

NEST 2026 Documents Required at the Exam 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

• School Photo ID Card

• Voter ID Card (EPIC)

• Driving Licence

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

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

Important Chemistry Topics

The important Chemistry chapters for NEST 2026 are listed below:

• Organic Reaction Mechanisms

• Chemical Bonding

• Thermodynamics

• Coordination Compounds

• Electrochemistry

• Biomolecules

NEST 2026 Physics Important Topics

The important topics for the Physics section of the NEST 2026 exam include the following:

• Mechanics

• Modern Physics

• Current Electricity

• Thermodynamics

• Waves and Oscillations

• Electrostatics

NEST 2026 Seat Intake

Check out the number of seats to which NISER Bhubaneswar and DAE CEBS are offering admissions through NEST 2026:

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:

NEST 2026 Strict Instructions/Guidelines

There are specific mandatory guidelines and instructions that NEST 2026 aspirants must follow to maintain decorum at the examination centres and ensure fairness in the selection process. These guidelines are mentioned below:

• Reach the examination centre at least 60 minutes before the commencement of the exam.

• The examination will begin at 2:00 PM and will be 3 hours long.

• Candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination hall after 2:30 PM.

• Candidates can leave the examination hall only after 4:00 PM, except in cases of medical emergencies.

• The use of log tables and calculators is strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.

• Candidates must carry the following items:

1. A printed NEST 2026 Admit Card, and

2. A School Photo Identity Card or any other valid government-issued photo ID.

• The admit card and ID proof must be carried only in a transparent folder, sleeve, or pouch.

• Any candidate found using unfair means will be expelled from the examination hall, and their results will be withheld.

• The following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall:

1. Pens

2. Pencils

3. Erasers

4. Mobile phones

5. Writing or drawing pads

6. Digital pads/notebooks

7. Bluetooth- or WiFi-enabled wearable devices

8. Any other electronic gadgets

• Opaque water bottles are not allowed inside the examination hall.

NEST 2026 Live Updates: How to Manage Exam Stress

To manage exam-related stress, candidates should eat healthy meals, get adequate sleep, and avoid worrying about the exam results. They are advised to reach the examination centre at least one hour before the commencement of the exam to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

Watch this video from the SciAstra team wishing all IAT and NEST aspirants the very best for their examinations.

Wishing Every Aspirant Success, Confidence & Happiness! 🌟

How to Download NEST 2026 Admit Card

To download the NEST syllabus, use the following steps:

• Go to the official NEST website — nestexam.in.

• Click on the “Login” option.

• Enter your login details: Username/Application Number and Password.

• Your admit card will appear on the screen.

• Click on the download option to save the admit card as a PDF.

NEST 2026 Live Update: Important Admit Card Instruction

NISER and CEBS have strictly instructed candidates to carry the NEST 2026 admit card downloaded on or after May 24, 2026, from nestexam.in.

Any admit card downloaded before the specified date will not be considered valid. Candidates must carry a coloured printout of the admit card on A4-size paper to the examination centre.

NEST 2026 Exam Reporting Time

The NEST 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on June 6, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at various centres across India. The reporting time for candidates is 1:00 PM.