NEST 2026 Registration Begins @nestexam.in; Know Eligibility, Fees and Steps to Apply

NEST 2026 registration process has started today, January 5, 2026, as announced by the exam officials. Earlier, the officials stated that the application process would begin at 10:00 AM; however, it was later rescheduled to 12:00 PM today. Candidates interested in pursuing a five-year integrated BSc–MSc degree from NISER and UM-DAE CEBS must apply online through the official website, nestexam.in.

Candidates will have an application window of approximately three months to apply for the NEST 2026 exam. Before applying, aspirants are advised to carefully check the NEST 2026 eligibility criteria to avoid losing their candidature at any stage of the admission process. The last date to submit the NEST 2026 application form is April 6, 2026.

The NEST 2026 examination will be conducted on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. There will be only one shift of the exam in 2026. Candidates planning to apply can check all important details related to the NEST 2026 registration form, eligibility criteria, and important dates.

Read this SciAstra article to get complete insights into the NEST 2026 application process, eligibility criteria, important dates, and other details.

What is NEST 2026 Exam Date?

Check out the complete list of important dates of the events from here:

NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

Candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria can apply for NEST 2026:

• Candidates should have at least three out of the four disciplines of basic sciences, namely, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, in classes XI and XII.

• They should have passed the class XII examination from any recognised Board in India in the year 2024 or 2025 or should be appearing for the same in 2026.

• They must secure at least 60% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade in the class XII examination. For candidates belonging to scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), and Divyangjan categories, the minimum requirement of marks is 55% in aggregate or an equivalent grade in the class XII examination.

How to fill out the NEST 2026 Registration Form?

To fill out the NEST registration form, candidates must follow these steps:

1. Go to the official NEST website – https://cdn3.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/1834/97119/Registration.html

2. Click on the “New Registration” option and enter the required details.

3. Once you complete the registration, you will receive your login credentials via email.

4. Now, click on the “LOGIN” option and fill out the application form.

5. Upload your passport-size photo and a scanned copy of your signature.

6. Pay the application fee and submit the form.

NEST 2026 Application Fee

Check out the category-wise NEST 2026 application fees below: