NEST Application Form 2026 

The NEST 2026 (National Entrance Screening Test) is a premier national-level examination conducted jointly by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai's Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS). The NEST 2026 exam is a gateway for admission to a 5-year integrated MSc program in basic sciences.

NEST 2026 Application Process Overview

The application process for NEST 2026 is completely online, aiming to provide an accessible and streamlined registration experience for candidates across India. The NEST application form is typically made available on the official website (nestexam.in) starting from the third week of February 2026, with the submission deadline in the second week of May 2026.

Step-by-Step Process to Fill the NEST 2026 Application Form

• Visit the Official Website: Candidates need to visit the official NEST exam portal, https://www.nestexam.in.
• Registration: Click on the “Apply for NEST 2026” or "Online Application" link on the homepage. Candidates must register by providing their full name, a valid email address, and mobile number. Upon successful registration, a User ID and password are sent via SMS or email for login.
• Login and Fill Application Form: Using the credentials, candidates log in to the candidate portal and fill in their personal, communication, and academic qualification details carefully.
• Upload Documents: Candidates must upload scanned recent passport-sized photographs and signatures in the specified format and size. This step is crucial for successful application submission.
• Select Exam Centers: Applicants must select at least three exam centers from the available choices based on their preferences and convenience.
• Pay Application Fee: The application fee must be paid online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. The registration fee is INR 1400 for General and OBC male candidates, while SC, ST, Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and female candidates pay INR 700.
• Submit and Print Confirmation: After payment confirmation, candidates must submit the application form. It is highly recommended to take a printout of the filled-in application form and payment receipt for future reference.

Important Points to Remember for NEST 2026

• Candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before filling the NEST 2026 application.
• All information should be entered correctly as form correction windows are limited.
• Upload files must adhere strictly to the prescribed format to avoid application rejection.
• Keep a scanned copy of all documents and the final form safely stored.
• The admit card will be issued only to those who successfully complete the NEST 2026 application process within the deadline.

Click Here For NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria

FAQs

Q1. When will the NEST 2026 application form be available?

Ans. The NEST 2026 application form is expected to be released in the third week of February 2026 on the official website.

Q2. How can candidates apply for NEST 2026?

Ans. Candidates must apply online by registering on the official NEST website, filling in details, uploading documents, selecting exam centers, paying the fee, and submitting the form.

Q3. What are the application fees for NEST 2026?

Ans. The application fee is INR 1400 for General and OBC male candidates and INR 700 for SC, ST, Divyangjan, and female candidates. Payment is made online via multiple modes.

Q4. Can candidates choose their exam centers during application?

Ans. Yes, candidates must choose at least three preferred exam centers from the available list when filling out the application form.

Q5. Is it possible to correct mistakes after submitting the NEST application form?

Ans. Correction windows are limited and not guaranteed; hence, candidates should carefully verify all information before final submission.