Good news for students planning to study science after Class 12! The schedule for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2026 has been released. This exam is your way to get into the special five-year Integrated Master of Science (MSc) programs at two top Indian institutes: NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai . Online applications for NEST 2026 will open on January 5, 2026 , at 10 AM .
NEST is held every year. It helps bright students join advanced science courses that combine Bachelor's and Master's degrees into one five-year program. These courses focus on core science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Getting admission to NISER Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai through NEST means you can pursue high-quality science education right after finishing school.
If you are a student aged 15-18 and are keen on a career in basic sciences and research, understanding these dates is very important. Missing any deadline could affect your chance to apply or take the exam.
NEST 2026 Important Dates
Here are the key dates you need to remember for the NEST 2026 exam process:
| Online registration begins | January 5, 2026 (10 AM) |
| Last date to submit application | April 6, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Application correction window | April 13–14, 2026 |
| Admit card release | May 15, 2026 (10 AM) |
| NEST 2026 exam date | June 6, 2026 (2 PM) |
How to Apply for NEST 2026
The application process for NEST 2026 is completely online. You must visit the official NEST website to fill out your application form. The online application link will become active on January 5, 2026 . Make sure to fill in all your details correctly and submit your application before the last date, which is April 6, 2026 . It is always a good idea to apply a few days before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
If you find any errors in your submitted application form, do not worry. NEST will open a special correction window on April 13 and 14, 2026 . During this time, you can log in to the portal and make necessary changes to your application. This ensures that all your information is correct before the admit cards are issued.
Exam Details and Admit Cards
The NEST 2026 examination will be conducted on June 6, 2026 . It will be a single session exam starting at 2 PM . This test is a computer-based exam, meaning you will answer questions on a computer at designated exam centres. These centres will be set up in different cities across India.
Your admit card is essential for taking the exam. You can download it from the official NEST website starting from May 15, 2026 , at 10 AM . The admit card will have important details like your roll number, exam centre address, and exam timings. Remember to print your admit card and carry it, along with a valid photo ID, to the exam centre. Without these, you will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
After the Exam: Answer Key and Results
After the NEST 2026 exam, the organizing body will first release the provisional answer key. This key helps students check their answers. Later, the final results will be declared, followed by the release of individual scorecards. All these updates – the answer key, result declaration, and scorecard details – will be announced separately on the official NEST website.
Students are strongly advised to keep checking the official NEST website regularly. This will ensure you do not miss any announcements about the answer key, results, or further steps in the admission process for the Integrated MSc programs at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai.
