NEST Eligibility Criteria 2026 

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

Eligibility Criteria for NEST 2026

• To appear for NEST 2026, candidates must fulfil certain eligibility requirements defined by the conducting bodies.
• Understanding these criteria is crucial to ensuring that candidates apply within the prescribed guidelines.

Educational Qualification for NEST 2026

• Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in the science stream from a recognized board or university.
• Those who completed their Class 12 in 2024 or 2025 are eligible to apply.
• Students appearing in their Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling the qualification criteria later.

Minimum Marks Criteria for NEST 2026

• General and OBC category candidates must have scored at least 60% marks in aggregate in their qualifying examinations.
• For SC, ST, and PwD categories, a relaxation of minimum marks is provided, and candidates must have scored at least 55% marks aggregate.

Subjects Required in NEST 2026

• Candidates must have studied core science subjects during their Classes 11 and 12:
• Physics and Chemistry are mandatory.
• Additionally, candidates must have studied either Biology or Mathematics (or both). This flexibility allows students with diverse science backgrounds to apply.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit to appear for the NEST 2026 examination. Candidates from all age groups who meet the educational criteria are eligible. However, some older documents mention an age limit condition, but the latest official information suggests no age restriction.

Other Conditions

• Candidates must be Indian citizens.
• They should ensure all NEST 2026 eligibility criteria are met before applying online.
• Candidates should keep supporting documents like Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, certificates, photographs, and identity proofs ready for application and verification processes.

Application Process Related to NEST 2026 Eligibility

• Only candidates who fulfil the mentioned eligibility criteria can register and submit the NEST 2026 application form online.
• The registration involves filling in personal and academic details, choosing exam centers, and uploading specified documents and photographs.

Click Here For NEST 2026 Exam Pattern

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification required for NEST 2026?

Ans. Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with science subjects from a recognized board in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.

Q2. Are there any minimum marks criteria for NEST 2026 eligibility?

Ans. Yes, General and OBC candidates must have at least 60% aggregate marks, while SC/ST/PwD candidates get a relaxation and need 55% minimum marks.

Q3. Is there an age limit for appearing in NEST 2026?

Ans. No, there is no age bar for candidates applying for NEST 2026, according to the latest updates from the conducting bodies.

Q4. Which subjects must a candidate have studied to be eligible for NEST 2026?

Ans. Candidates need to have studied Physics and Chemistry compulsorily, along with either Biology or Mathematics, during their higher secondary education.

Q5. Can candidates appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026 apply for NEST?

Ans. Yes, students appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 can apply provisionally, subject to meeting the qualification criteria subsequently.