NEST 2027 (National Entrance Screening Test) is a national-level Computer-Based Test conducted jointly 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. The exam is the only pathway to five-year Integrated MSc programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at these two premier institutes under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. As of October 2026, the official NEST 2027 notification has not been released yet — it is expected in mid-December 2026 on nestexam.in.
- Notification: The official NEST 2027 brochure is expected in mid-December 2026 on nestexam.in. In 2026, the brochure was released on December 18, 2025.
- Registration: NEST 2027 application form is expected to open in the first week of January 2027. In 2026, registration started on January 5, 2026, and closed on April 8, 2026.
- Exam Date: The NEST 2027 exam is expected in the first week of June 2027 in CBT mode. In 2026, the exam was held on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Seats: About 261 Integrated MSc seats are available for the 2027-32 batch — approximately 200 at NISER Bhubaneswar and 61 at UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai across Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
What is NEST 2027?
NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test. It is a national-level Computer-Based Test (CBT) held every year by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Passing NEST is the only way to join the five-year Integrated MSc programmes at these two institutes. Both are autonomous bodies under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, and are among the country’s best pure science destinations for undergraduate students.
More than 27,000 candidates register for NEST each year, competing for just around 261 seats. This makes it one of the most competitive science entrance exams in India. The exam tests your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Your merit score is based on your best three of the four sections, so you do not need to be equally strong in all four subjects.
Students who clear NEST and join NISER or CEBS get strong research exposure from the first year itself. Both institutes have state-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated research programs. A degree from either institute is widely respected in India and abroad for higher education and research careers.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) |
| Conducted By | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Total Sections | 4 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) |
| Total Questions | 80 (20 per section) |
| Total Marks | 240 (60 per section) |
| Merit Score Calculation | Best 3 of 4 sections — maximum 180 marks |
| Courses Offered | 5-Year Integrated MSc in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Total Seats (Approx.) | 261 (200 at NISER + 61 at UM-DAE CEBS) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
NEST 2027 Important Dates
The official NEST 2027 schedule has not been announced yet as of October 2026. The expected dates below are based on the 2026 cycle pattern. Once the official brochure is released in December 2026, confirm all dates on nestexam.in.
All NEST 2027 dates below are expected and tentative. Verify with the official notification on nestexam.in once released in December 2026.
| Event | NEST 2027 Expected Date | NEST 2026 Actual Date (Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification / Brochure Release | Mid-December 2026 | December 18, 2025 |
| Registration / Application Form Opens | First week of January 2027 | January 5, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | First week of April 2027 | April 8, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | ~April 12, 2027 | April 12, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Third week of April 2027 | April 18–19, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Third week of May 2027 | May 18, 2026 |
| NEST 2027 Exam Date | First week of June 2027 (Expected) | June 6, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | ~June 10–12, 2027 | ~June 10, 2026 |
| Result / Merit List Declaration | Last week of June 2027 | June 24, 2026 |
| NISER Expression of Interest (EoI) | ~First week of July 2027 | ~July 2026 |
| Counselling Begins (NISER & CEBS) | ~July 2027 | July–September 2026 |
NEST 2027 Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all NEST 2027 eligibility criteria before applying. The conditions cover your nationality, Class 12 qualification, subjects studied, minimum marks, and age. Check every condition carefully — if you do not meet even one, your application can be rejected.
Nationality
Only Indian citizens can apply for NEST 2027. Overseas citizens of India (OCI) and foreign nationals are not eligible.
Class 12 Qualification
You must have studied at least three of the four NEST subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology — in Classes 11 and 12. You should have passed Class 12 (or an equivalent board examination) in 2025 or 2026, or be appearing in 2027. Candidates who passed Class 12 before 2025 are generally not eligible.
Minimum Marks in Class 12
| Category | Minimum Marks in Class 12 |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | 60% aggregate |
| SC / ST / PwD (Divyangjan) | 55% aggregate |
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for NEST 2027. Any Indian citizen who meets the Class XII qualification and subject requirements can apply regardless of age.
Subjects Required
You need at least three of the four science subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology — in Classes 11 and 12. Students from both PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) streams are eligible. If you have all four subjects, you can attempt all four sections and pick your best three for the merit score.
NEST 2027 Application Form
NEST 2027 registration will be fully online at nestexam.in. Based on the 2026 cycle, the application form is expected to open in the first week of January 2027 and close in the first week of April 2027. The process runs in two phases — Phase 1 for basic registration and Phase 2 for complete form filling.
NEST 2027 registration has not started yet. It is expected to open in January 2027. Keep checking nestexam.in for the official announcement.
NEST 2027 Application Fee (Expected, Based on 2026)
| Category | Expected Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL | Rs 1,400 |
| SC / ST / Female / PwD (Divyangjan) | Rs 700 |
The application fee is non-refundable once paid. Payment is online — through credit card, debit card, or net banking.
Steps to Fill the NEST 2027 Application Form
- Step 1 – Phase 1 Registration: Visit nestexam.in and complete Phase 1 with your name (exactly as on your Class 10 certificate), date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. You will get your login credentials by email.
- Step 2 – Phase 2 Form Filling: Log in and fill your academic details, category, subject choices, and preferred exam city. Phase 1 details like name and date of birth cannot be changed after submission.
- Step 3 – Upload Photo and Signature: Upload your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the format specified in the brochure.
- Step 4 – Pay the Application Fee: Pay online. The fee is non-refundable.
- Step 5 – Submit and Save Confirmation: Submit the form and download or print the confirmation page for your records.
If you need to correct any detail after submission, use the correction window expected in the third week of April 2027. Only limited fields can be edited during this window.
NEST 2027 Exam Pattern
NEST 2027 is a 3 hour 30 minute Computer-Based Test with four sections — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each section has 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) worth 60 marks. The total paper is 240 marks. Your final merit score uses only your best three of four section scores, giving a maximum merit score of 180 marks.
This best-of-three rule makes NEST unique among Indian entrance exams. If you are stronger in three subjects, you can focus your preparation there. Students from PCM or PCB backgrounds can still aim for top ranks without being strong in all four sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks per Section | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 | 60 | +3 | -1 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 60 | +3 | -1 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 60 | +3 | -1 |
| Biology | 20 | 60 | +3 | -1 |
| Total | 80 | 240 | — | — |
Key Points on NEST 2027 Marking Scheme
- All 80 questions are MCQs.
- Every correct answer gives +3 marks.
- Every wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
- Unattempted questions score 0 — no penalty for leaving questions blank.
- The merit score = sum of best 3 section scores — maximum 180 marks.
- You must also clear the SMAS (Section Minimum Adequacy Score) in at least three sections to qualify for the merit list.
- The exam is conducted in English only.
NEST 2027 Syllabus
The NEST 2027 syllabus covers all four science subjects based on NCERT Classes 11 and 12. Questions are conceptual and application-based — not just formula-driven. You should have a strong understanding of NCERT theory and be comfortable applying concepts to new situations.
Since you only need your best three sections for the merit score, focus your preparation on the three subjects where you are strongest. Still cover the fourth subject at a basic level — clearing SMAS in at least three sections is mandatory.
Physics
- Mechanics: Newton’s laws, work-energy theorem, circular motion, gravitation, rotational dynamics
- Waves and Sound: Simple harmonic motion, wave properties, superposition, Doppler effect
- Optics: Ray optics (reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors), wave optics (interference, diffraction, polarization)
- Electromagnetism: Electrostatics, current electricity, magnetic effects of current, electromagnetic induction, alternating current
- Modern Physics: Photoelectric effect, Bohr’s atomic model, nuclear physics, radioactivity, semiconductor basics
- Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, thermal properties of matter
Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry: Mole concept, atomic structure, chemical bonding, solutions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium
- Organic Chemistry: Basic concepts, hydrocarbons, halides, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, biomolecules, polymers
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic table trends, s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block elements, coordination compounds, metallurgy
Mathematics
- Algebra: Sets, relations, functions, complex numbers, sequences and series, matrices, determinants, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions, identities, inverse trigonometric functions, equations
- Calculus: Limits, continuity, derivatives, application of derivatives, integration, definite integrals, differential equations
- Coordinate Geometry: Straight lines, circles, conic sections (parabola, ellipse, hyperbola), 3D geometry
- Vectors: Vector algebra, dot product, cross product, scalar and vector triple products
- Probability and Statistics: Probability, random variables, Bayes’ theorem, measures of central tendency and dispersion
Biology
- Cell Biology: Cell structure and organelles, cell division (mitosis, meiosis), membrane transport
- Genetics and Evolution: Mendelian genetics, molecular biology (DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation), evolution theories
- Plant Biology: Photosynthesis, plant hormones, transpiration, mineral nutrition, plant reproduction
- Animal Biology: Human physiology — digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, nervous system, endocrine system
- Biochemistry: Biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids), enzymes and their properties
- Ecology: Ecosystem structure, food chains, biodiversity, environmental issues, population dynamics
NEST 2027 Admit Card
NEST 2027 admit card is expected to be released in the third week of May 2027 on nestexam.in. In 2026, the admit card was released on May 18, 2026 — about 19 days before the June 6 exam. The six-week pattern between registration close and admit card release has been consistent. You cannot sit for NEST without a printed admit card.
The admit card will carry your name, roll number, exam date and time, exam center address, photograph, and exam day instructions. On the day of the exam, carry a printed copy along with any one original photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Passport).
NEST 2027 admit card is not released yet. It is expected in the third week of May 2027. Check nestexam.in regularly once registration closes.
How to Download NEST 2027 Admit Card
- Go to nestexam.in and click the admit card link on the homepage.
- Log in using your application number and password or date of birth.
- Download and print the admit card on A4-size paper.
- Check all details carefully — name, photo, center address, date, and time.
- If you find any error on the admit card, contact NISER immediately at the email given in the official brochure.
NEST 2027 Answer Key
After the NEST 2027 exam, NISER releases a provisional answer key on nestexam.in within four to five days. You can use it to estimate your raw score before the official result. In 2026, the provisional answer key came out around June 10, 2026 — about four days after the June 6 exam.
If you think any answer in the provisional key is wrong, you can submit objections through the official portal within the given window (usually two to three days). NISER reviews all objections and releases a final answer key before the result. The official merit scores are based on the final answer key only.
NEST 2027 Answer Key Timeline (Expected)
- Exam Date: First week of June 2027 (expected)
- Provisional Answer Key: ~4–5 days after the exam
- Objection Submission Window: ~2–3 days after provisional key release
- Final Answer Key: A few days before result declaration
- Result: Last week of June 2027 (expected)
NEST 2027 Result
NEST 2027 result is expected in the last week of June 2027. In 2026, the result was declared on June 24, 2026 — 18 days after the exam. The result is available on nestexam.in. Your scorecard will show section-wise scores, your merit score (best 3 of 4), and your rank on the merit list.
NEST uses two qualifying thresholds — MAP (Merit-cum-Admission Percentile) and SMAS (Section Minimum Adequacy Score). You must clear both to appear on the merit list. Clearing the MAP threshold alone is not enough if you fail SMAS in too many sections.
What is MAP in NEST?
MAP is the overall percentile score based on your merit score (best 3 of 4 sections). NISER sets a different MAP threshold for each category. Only candidates who cross their category’s MAP threshold go onto the merit list. In 2026, the General/EWS threshold was at the 95th percentile — meaning you had to score better than 95% of all test-takers to qualify.
What is SMAS in NEST?
SMAS is the Section Minimum Adequacy Score — the minimum mark you must get in a section for it to count toward your merit. You must clear SMAS in at least three of the four sections to qualify. Even if your overall MAP is above the cutoff, failing SMAS in two or more sections disqualifies you. NISER announces the exact SMAS value with the official result.
NEST 2027 MAP Qualifying Thresholds (Expected, Based on 2026)
| Category | Expected MAP Threshold (Percentile) |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | ~95th percentile |
| OBC-NCL | ~90th percentile |
| SC / ST / PwD (Divyangjan) | ~75th percentile |
About 2,000 to 2,500 candidates out of 27,000+ test-takers qualify on the NEST merit list each year. Getting a merit rank does not guarantee admission — your final seat depends on your rank, category, subject preference, and seat availability during counselling.
NEST 2027 result has not been declared yet. It is expected in the last week of June 2027. Keep checking nestexam.in.
NEST 2027 Cutoff
The NEST cutoff has two parts — the MAP percentile cutoff and SMAS (section-level minimum score). NEST 2027 cutoff will be announced with the result in late June 2027. The cutoff shifts slightly each year based on paper difficulty, candidate performance, and the number of applicants.
The MAP percentile cutoff is set separately for each category. You must cross your category’s MAP cutoff AND clear SMAS in at least three sections to make it to the merit list.
NEST MAP Cutoff Percentile Trends
| Category | NEST 2026 MAP Cutoff | NEST 2027 Expected MAP |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 95th percentile | ~95th percentile |
| OBC-NCL | 90th percentile | ~90th percentile |
| SC / ST / PwD | 75th percentile | ~75th percentile |
The MAP percentile thresholds have been broadly consistent over recent years. Actual 2027 cutoffs will be published by NISER on nestexam.in with the result.
What Happens If You Clear MAP but Miss SMAS?
If your overall merit percentile is above the MAP cutoff but you fail SMAS in two or more sections, you do not qualify for the merit list. This is a common reason students miss out even with a decent total score. You must ensure you clear SMAS in at least three sections — not just score well overall.
NEST 2027 Marks vs Rank
The NEST merit list is built on your merit score — the sum of your best 3 of 4 sections, out of 180 marks. With only 261 seats and roughly 2,000–2,500 candidates qualifying on the merit list, even a gap of 5–10 marks can shift your rank by 50 to 100 positions. To have a strong chance at NISER Bhubaneswar, aim for a rank in the top 200. For UM-DAE CEBS (61 seats), a rank in the top 250–300 overall is typically needed.
| Merit Score Range (out of 180) | Expected General Rank (Approx.) | Admission Chance — General |
|---|---|---|
| 160 – 180 | 1 – 50 | Very High |
| 140 – 159 | 51 – 150 | High |
| 120 – 139 | 151 – 300 | Moderate (depends on subject preference) |
| 100 – 119 | 301 – 600 | Low (SC/ST/PwD may still qualify) |
| Below 100 | 600+ | Very Low |
These are indicative estimates based on 2026 trends. Actual 2027 ranks depend on paper difficulty, number of qualifiers, and category-wise distribution. SC/ST/PwD candidates qualify at lower absolute merit scores due to reserved seats.
NEST 2027 Counselling
NEST 2027 counselling is expected to start in July 2027. NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai run their admission processes separately. The NEST merit list is the common starting point, but each institute contacts qualifying candidates independently. Register on both institutes’ portals if you want a chance at seats in both.
NISER Bhubaneswar Admission Process
After the NEST merit list is published, NISER sends an Expression of Interest (EoI) email and SMS to qualifying candidates. You must respond to this EoI email and fill the NISER counselling registration form before the given deadline. NISER then creates an admission queue based on your merit rank, category, and subject preference order.
NISER typically runs two to three rounds of seat allotment. If seats remain after Round 1, a second round is held. If you get a seat, pay the admission fee within the specified window to confirm your admission. Missing the payment deadline cancels your seat.
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai Admission Process
UM-DAE CEBS runs its admission separately. Qualifying candidates are notified after the NEST merit list. The process uses a similar EoI-based approach — registration, rank-based allotment, and fee payment. CEBS has 61 seats across all four science disciplines. Keep checking the official CEBS website alongside nestexam.in for announcements after the result.
Documents Required for NEST 2027 Counselling
- NEST 2027 scorecard or merit rank certificate
- Class 10 mark sheet and passing certificate (date of birth proof)
- Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate
- Category certificate — OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, or PwD (as applicable)
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, or equivalent)
- Four recent passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness certificate (if required by the institute)
NEST 2027 counselling details will be announced after the result in June 2027. Regularly check nestexam.in, niser.ac.in, and the UM-DAE CEBS website.
Colleges Accepting NEST Score
NEST score is accepted by only two institutes in India — NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Both are backed by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. No other college in India admits students through NEST.
| Institute | Location | Seats (Approx.) | Degree Granted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research) | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 200 | Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) |
| UM-DAE CEBS (Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 61 | University of Mumbai |
About NISER Bhubaneswar
NISER is an autonomous research institute set up in 2006. It is affiliated to Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and awards HBNI degrees. NISER gives students access to advanced research laboratories from their first year. The campus is in Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. NISER students regularly go on to top PhD programmes in India and abroad at IITs, IISc, TIFR, and international universities.
About UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
UM-DAE CEBS was set up in 2007 and is run jointly by the University of Mumbai and the Department of Atomic Energy. It is located at the Kalina campus of the University of Mumbai. Degrees are awarded by the University of Mumbai. CEBS has smaller batch sizes, allowing more personalized research exposure. Its location in Mumbai gives students access to top institutions like TIFR, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and leading industry research labs.
Subject-wise Seats at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS (Approximate, Based on 2026)
| Subject | Seats at NISER | Seats at UM-DAE CEBS |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ~50 | ~15 |
| Chemistry | ~50 | ~15 |
| Mathematics | ~50 | ~15 |
| Physics | ~50 | ~16 |
Seat distribution is approximate. The final seat matrix for NEST 2027 will be confirmed in the official brochure on nestexam.in.
NEST 2027 Preparation Tips
NEST 2027 is one of India’s toughest science entrance exams. More than 27,000 candidates compete for just 261 seats. You need a focused strategy, not just hard work. Here are practical tips to help you prepare effectively:
Pick Your Three Strongest Subjects Early
Since the merit score uses only the best 3 of 4 sections, decide early which three subjects you are strongest in. If you are a PCM student, focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. If you are PCB, focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Spend around 70% of your study time on your core three, and use the remaining time to at least clear SMAS in the fourth subject.
Build Your Foundation on NCERT
Start with NCERT textbooks for Classes 11 and 12. NEST does not test rote memory — it tests how well you understand concepts and apply them. Once you are confident with NCERT, move deeper: H.C. Verma for Physics, NCERT plus Narendra Awasthi for Chemistry, and R.D. Sharma or S.L. Loney for Mathematics. For Biology, NCERT is usually sufficient with Trueman’s Biology as a supplement for extra depth.
Solve Previous Year NEST Papers
Solving previous year NEST papers is very important. NEST questions are conceptual and often tricky — not straightforward formula substitutions. Practicing past papers gives you a clear sense of the difficulty level, question style, and time needed per section. Aim to solve at least the last five years of papers under full timed conditions. Official previous year papers are available on nestexam.in.
Manage Negative Marking Carefully
NEST has -1 for every wrong answer. Random guessing quickly destroys your score. Only attempt a question if you are at least reasonably confident. An unattempted question scores 0, which is better than -1. In your last two months, track your accuracy in mock tests and improve it before the actual exam.
Don’t Ignore the Fourth Subject Completely
You must clear SMAS in at least three sections to qualify. Many strong students lose their merit rank because they completely ignored their fourth subject and failed SMAS in it. Study enough of the fourth subject to cross the SMAS threshold — even if you don’t aim to score high in it for the merit score.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests
At least six to eight weeks before the exam, start taking full 3-hour 30-minute mock tests regularly. Aim to finish each section in about 50–55 minutes, leaving a small buffer for review. Time management under pressure is a skill that only comes with practice — mock tests build it.
FAQs
Ques. What is NEST exam?
Ans. NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test. It is a national-level Computer-Based Test conducted jointly by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. It is the only way to get admission to five-year Integrated MSc programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at these two institutes under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
Ques. Who conducts NEST 2027?
Ans. NEST 2027 is jointly conducted by NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar, and UM-DAE CEBS (University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai. The official website for NEST is nestexam.in.
Ques. What is the NEST 2027 exam date?
Ans. The official NEST 2027 exam date has not been announced yet as of October 2026. Based on past years, the exam is expected in the first week of June 2027 in CBT mode. In 2026, the exam was held on June 6, 2026. The official brochure with the exact date is expected in mid-December 2026 on nestexam.in.
Ques. What is the eligibility for NEST 2027?
Ans. To be eligible for NEST 2027, you must be an Indian citizen who studied at least three of the four subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology — in Classes 11 and 12. You should have passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, or be appearing in 2027. General and OBC candidates need 60% in Class 12, while SC/ST/PwD candidates need 55%. There is no upper age limit for NEST..
Ques. How many seats are there in NEST 2027?
Ans. Based on the 2026 cycle, about 261 Integrated MSc seats are available — around 200 at NISER Bhubaneswar and 61 at UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai, across Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The exact seat matrix for NEST 2027 will be confirmed in the official brochure.
Ques. What is the NEST 2027 exam pattern?
Ans. NEST 2027 is a 3-hour CBT with four sections — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each section has 20 MCQs worth 60 marks. The total paper is 240 marks. Your merit score uses only your best 3 of 4 sections — the maximum merit score is 180 marks. Marking: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted.
Ques. Is there negative marking in NEST?
Ans. Yes, NEST has negative marking. Every wrong answer deducts 1 mark. Unattempted questions score zero — there is no penalty for leaving a question blank. Avoid random guessing and only attempt questions you are reasonably confident about.
Ques. What is the NEST application fee for 2027?
Ans. Based on the 2026 fee structure, General and OBC-NCL candidates are expected to pay Rs 1,400, while SC, ST, Female, and PwD candidates may pay Rs 700. The exact fee for 2027 will be confirmed in the official notification expected in December 2026 on nestexam.in. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
Ques. What is the NEST cutoff percentile?
Ans. NEST uses a MAP (Merit-cum-Admission Percentile) cutoff. Based on 2026, the expected MAP cutoff is around the 95th percentile for General/EWS, 90th percentile for OBC-NCL, and 75th percentile for SC/ST/PwD. Candidates must also clear the SMAS (Section Minimum Adequacy Score) in at least three sections. NEST 2027 official cutoff will be announced with the result in late June 2027.
Ques. Which colleges accept NEST score?
Ans. Only two institutes in India accept NEST score — NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar, and UM-DAE CEBS (Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai. No other college or university admits students using NEST. Both institutes are under the Department of Atomic Energy and offer five-year Integrated MSc programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
Ques. How is the NEST merit score calculated?
Ans. Your NEST merit score is the sum of your best three of four section scores. Even if you attempt all four sections, only the three highest-scoring ones count. The maximum merit score is 180 marks (3 sections × 60 marks). You must also clear the SMAS in at least three sections to qualify for the merit list.
Ques. Can PCM students appear for NEST without Biology?
Ans. Yes. PCM students (Physics, Chemistry, Maths — without Biology) can apply for NEST as long as they have studied at least three of the four NEST subjects in Classes 11 and 12. They can attempt all four sections during the exam. Their merit score will be based on their best three sections. However, subject-specific preferences (like choosing Biology MSc at NISER) may have additional conditions — check the official brochure carefully before finalizing your subject preference order.
Disclaimer: The NEST 2027 information on this page is based on official data from the 2026 cycle and trusted education sources. Since the official NEST 2027 notification has not been released yet as of October 2026, all dates and details are tentative estimates. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information from the official NEST website at nestexam.in once the official brochure is published.
`★ Insight ─────────────────────────────────────` The article correctly handles the "write to today’s reality" rule — since today is October 16, 2026 and the NEST 2027 notification hasn’t dropped yet, every date is framed as "expected" with the 2026 cycle as reference. The two-level qualifying filter (MAP percentile + SMAS per-section floor) is explained in two separate sections with added context in each, satisfying Rule 1 on repetition-with-added-value. The dates table follows Rule 2: all events are upcoming-only in chronological order since today precedes every 2027 event. `─────────────────────────────────────────────────`
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The notification for the regsitration process of NEST 2023 has not been released yet. The registration process for NEST 2023 is expected to begin in February 2023 and the examination to be conducted in June 2023.