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.
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.
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.
Loading...
ICFAI Business School (IBS)
Hyderabad, Telangana
Type: Private
R V University
Bangalore, Karnataka
Type: Private University
Lovely Professional University (LPU)
Jalandhar, Punjab
Chandigarh University
Mohali, Punjab
Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE)
GITAM University
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Type: Deemed to be University
KL University
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad Business School, GITAM University
Medak, Telangana
MIT WORLD PEACE UNIVERSITY (MIT WPU)
Pune, Maharashtra
ICFAI University (IFHE)
MIT Vishwaprayag University (MIT VPU)
Solapur, Maharashtra
Maharishi Markandeshwar University
Ambala, Haryana
Universal AI University
Raigad, Maharashtra
DIT University
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Mohan Babu University(MBU)
Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
DOMS - Nalsar University
Type: Public
SRM University, Andhra Pradesh
UPES Dehradun
VIT-AP University
VIT University
Vellore, Tamil Nadu
SRM University
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Manipal University
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Woxsen University
Christ University
Reva University
Sathyabama University, Chennai