NEST 2027, the National Entrance Screening Test 2027, is a national-level entrance exam conducted jointly by NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS (Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai for admission to their 5-year Integrated MSc programme in natural sciences. The exam covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, and only the best three of four section scores count for merit ranking. As of October 2026, the NEST 2027 official brochure and notification have not been released yet — they are expected at nestexam.in in December 2026 or January 2027.
- Notification: NEST 2027 official brochure and notification are expected in December 2026. In 2026, the brochure was released on December 18, 2025, on nestexam.in.
- Application Form: Registration for NEST 2027 is expected to open in January 2027. In 2026, the application form opened on January 5, 2026, with the last date extended to April 8, 2026.
- Exam Date: The NEST 2027 exam is expected in the first week of June 2027. In 2026, the exam was held on June 6, 2026, in CBT mode across around 380 cities in India.
- Result: NEST 2027 result is expected in the last week of June 2027. In 2026, the result was declared on June 24, 2026 — about 18 days after the exam.
What is NEST 2027?
NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test. It is a national-level entrance exam held once every year for admission to the 5-year Integrated MSc programme in natural sciences at two of India’s premier science institutes — NISER, Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai. Both institutes are funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. NISER is affiliated to Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), while UM-DAE CEBS is a joint initiative of the University of Mumbai and the DAE.
NEST is conducted in the first week of June every year as a computer-based test (CBT). It has four sections — Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics — but only the best three of four sections count for merit ranking. This makes NEST unique among science entrance exams in India. The maximum marks for merit are 180 (out of a total 240 across all four sections). Around 257 seats are available combined across NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
Getting into NISER or CEBS through NEST gives students access to world-class faculty, strong research infrastructure, and a DAE scholarship of ₹5,000 per month throughout the programme. Both institutes have a consistent record of students going on to top PhD programmes at national and international universities.
NEST 2027 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2027 |
| Common Name | NEST 2027 |
| Conducting Body | NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Sections | 4 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics) |
| Total Questions | 80 (20 per section) |
| Total Marks | 240 |
| Merit Calculation | Best 3 of 4 sections = 180 marks |
| Marking Scheme | +3 correct, −1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
| Eligibility (General/OBC/EWS) | Class 12 with minimum 60% marks |
| Eligibility (SC/ST/PwD) | Class 12 with minimum 55% marks |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Application Fee (General/OBC male) | ₹1,400 |
| Total Seats | ~257 (NISER: ~200, UM-DAE CEBS: ~57) |
| Official Website | nestexam.in |
NEST 2027 Important Dates
The NEST 2027 official schedule has not been released yet as of October 2026. The official notification is expected in December 2026 on nestexam.in. The expected dates below are based on the NEST 2026 cycle for reference. All dates are tentative until the official brochure is published.
All NEST 2027 dates are expected and subject to change. Refer to nestexam.in for the official schedule once released.
| Event | NEST 2027 Expected Date | NEST 2026 Reference Date |
|---|---|---|
| Official Brochure / Notification Release | December 2026 (Expected) | December 18, 2025 |
| Application Form Opens | January 2027 (Expected) | January 5, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 2027 (Expected) | April 8, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | April 2027 (Expected) | April 12, 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | April 2027 (Expected) | April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2027 (Expected) | ~May 15–18, 2026 |
| NEST 2027 Exam Date | First Week of June 2027 (Expected) | June 6, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Mid-June 2027 (Expected) | June 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Last Week of June 2027 (Expected) | June 24, 2026 |
| EoI / Counselling Registration — NISER | July 2027 (Expected) | Deadline ~July 6, 2026 |
| EoI / Counselling Registration — CEBS | July 2027 (Expected) | Deadline ~July 8, 2026 |
| Seat Allotment and Admission | July–August 2027 (Expected) | July–August 2026 |
NEST 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply for NEST 2027, you must check all the eligibility conditions set by NISER and UM-DAE CEBS. If you do not meet any one of the criteria, your application can be rejected. The eligibility for NEST 2027 is expected to remain the same as in 2026 based on the standard brochure pattern.
Academic Qualification
You must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or Biology as subjects. Students who are appearing in board exams in 2027 can also apply — you do not need to wait for your result before applying. However, you must meet the minimum marks requirement when your result is declared.
Minimum Marks in Class 12
You must have scored the following minimum percentage marks in the Class 12 final board examination:
- General / OBC-NCL / EWS candidates: Minimum 60% marks in Class 12
- SC / ST / PwD candidates: Minimum 55% marks in Class 12
If you are appearing in Class 12 in 2027, you must achieve these marks when the result is declared. Failing to meet the percentage requirement makes you ineligible for admission even if you qualify in the NEST exam.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for NEST 2027. Both NISER and UM-DAE CEBS do not have an age restriction for candidates appearing in the exam or seeking admission. This is different from exams like NEET, which have age-related eligibility rules. You can appear for NEST regardless of your birth year.
Number of Attempts
NEST does not put any limit on the number of times you can appear. You can take the exam in multiple years. However, you must meet the Class 12 eligibility condition at the time of applying. Most students appear for NEST while in Class 12 or immediately after clearing their board exams.
Nationality
You must be an Indian citizen to apply for NEST 2027. OCI and PIO card holders are not eligible under the regular NEST admission process. Some supernumerary seats are reserved for candidates from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh — specific conditions will be mentioned in the official NEST 2027 brochure.
NEST 2027 Application Form and Fees
The NEST 2027 application form is expected to open in January 2027 on the official website nestexam.in. In 2026, the application form was released on January 5, 2026. The entire registration process is online — you cannot apply offline or through any other portal. The application fee is non-refundable.
NEST 2027 Application Fee
The application fee for NEST 2027 is expected to remain similar to NEST 2026. The fee structure based on the 2026 cycle is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee (2026 Reference) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL (Male) | ₹1,400 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹700 |
The fee must be paid online through net banking, debit card or credit card. The exact fee structure — including gender-based fee variations — will be confirmed in the official NEST 2027 brochure when released.
How to Fill NEST 2027 Application Form
You can follow these steps to complete the NEST 2027 application form when the registration window opens:
- Step 1 – Register: Visit nestexam.in and click on the application link. Create a new account using your email ID and mobile number.
- Step 2 – Fill Personal and Academic Details: Enter your name, date of birth, address, Class 12 details, and subject choices accurately.
- Step 3 – Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature in the format and file size specified in the brochure.
- Step 4 – Choose Exam City Preference: Select your preferred exam city from the available list. Allocation is subject to availability.
- Step 5 – Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee online. Keep the payment confirmation receipt for your records.
- Step 6 – Submit and Save: Submit the completed form and download or print the application summary page for future reference.
Check all your personal details carefully before final submission. Errors in name, date of birth or category cannot be corrected after submission and can create problems at the admit card and exam entry stage.
Documents Required for NEST 2027 Application
Keep these documents ready before starting the NEST 2027 application process:
- Recent passport-size photograph (clear background, as per specification)
- Scanned signature on white paper
- Class 10 mark sheet (for date of birth verification)
- Class 12 mark sheet or admit card roll number (if result not yet declared)
- Category certificate — SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, or PwD (if applicable)
- Valid government-issued photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)
NEST 2027 Exam Pattern
The NEST 2027 exam pattern is expected to be the same as in previous years. NEST is a computer-based test (CBT) with four sections — Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. The most important feature is the "best three of four" merit rule — only your top three section scores are used to calculate your merit rank. This gives you the flexibility to skip your weakest subject.
NEST 2027 Exam Structure
| Section | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Physics | 20 | 60 |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 20 | 60 |
| Section 3 | Biology | 20 | 60 |
| Section 4 | Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 4 Sections | 80 | 240 |
| Merit Calculation | Best 3 of 4 Sections | 60 | 180 |
NEST 2027 Marking Scheme
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Wrong answer: −1 mark (negative marking applies to all questions)
- Unattempted question: 0 marks
Key Features of NEST 2027 Pattern
- Mode: Online — Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Language: English only
- Question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) — single correct answer
- Merit scoring: Best 3 of 4 sections (maximum 180 marks for merit)
- Exam cities: Around 380 cities across India
The best-3 rule also means that even if you attempt all four sections, only your three highest-scoring sections count — the weakest section is automatically dropped. However, you must meet the Section Minimum Aggregate Score (SMAS) in each section you want included in your merit calculation. Failing the SMAS in a section disqualifies it from merit consideration even if it is one of your top scores.
NEST 2027 Syllabus
The NEST 2027 syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. The official syllabus is published in the NEST brochure each December at nestexam.in. Since the NEST 2027 brochure is not yet out, candidates can use the NEST 2026 syllabus for preparation — the core topics remain consistent year to year.
Unlike JEE Main or NEET, NEST questions go beyond surface-level recall. They test deeper conceptual understanding and application of NCERT content. You should read your Class 11 and 12 textbooks thoroughly rather than relying only on short notes or formula sheets.
NEST 2027 Physics Syllabus
- Units, dimensions and measurement
- Kinematics and laws of motion (Newton’s Laws, friction)
- Work, energy and power
- Rotational motion and moment of inertia
- Gravitation (Kepler’s laws, orbital motion)
- Properties of matter — elasticity, viscosity, surface tension
- Thermal physics — heat, thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases
- Oscillations and waves (simple harmonic motion, sound waves)
- Electrostatics and capacitors
- Current electricity and circuits (Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws)
- Magnetic effects of current and magnetism
- Electromagnetic induction and AC circuits
- Ray optics and wave optics
- Modern physics — photoelectric effect, atomic structure, nuclear physics
- Semiconductors and basic communication systems
NEST 2027 Chemistry Syllabus
- Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, solutions and colligative properties
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic table trends, s-block and p-block elements, d-block and f-block elements, coordination compounds, metallurgy and extraction
- Organic Chemistry: Basic concepts and nomenclature, hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics), haloalkanes and haloarenes, functional group chemistry (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines), biomolecules, polymers, environmental chemistry
NEST 2027 Biology Syllabus
- Cell biology — cell structure, cell organelles, cell division (mitosis and meiosis)
- Genetics and heredity — Mendelian genetics, DNA replication, transcription, translation, mutations
- Evolution and natural selection
- Plant physiology — photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth and development
- Animal physiology — digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, nervous and endocrine systems
- Reproduction in plants and animals
- Ecology and environment — ecosystem, food chains, biodiversity, environmental issues
- Biotechnology — principles, recombinant DNA, applications
- Biomolecules — carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes
NEST 2027 Mathematics Syllabus
- Sets, relations and functions
- Complex numbers and quadratic equations
- Matrices and determinants
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem and mathematical induction
- Sequences and series (AP, GP)
- Differential calculus — limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives
- Integral calculus — indefinite and definite integrals, area under curves
- Differential equations
- Coordinate geometry — straight lines, circles, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola
- Vector algebra and 3D geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
Always refer to the official NEST 2027 brochure at nestexam.in for the exact updated syllabus once released in December 2026. Minor topic changes can occur between cycles.
NEST 2027 Admit Card
The NEST 2027 admit card is expected to be released in May 2027 on nestexam.in. In 2026, the admit card was released around May 15–18, 2026 — about 2–3 weeks before the exam on June 6. You can download your admit card by logging in with your registered email ID and password.
You must carry a printed copy of the NEST 2027 admit card to the exam centre. Without the admit card, you will not be allowed to enter the hall. The exam centre does not accept a digital copy on your phone — you need a physical printout on A4-size paper.
How to Download NEST 2027 Admit Card
- Step 1: Visit nestexam.in and click on the admit card download link.
- Step 2: Log in using your registered email ID and password.
- Step 3: Your admit card will appear on screen. Download and print it on A4-size paper.
- Step 4: Check all details — your name, photograph, exam centre address, exam date, and reporting time.
If you find any error in your admit card details after downloading, contact the NEST 2027 helpdesk at the email or phone number given on the official website immediately.
Documents to Carry on NEST 2027 Exam Day
- Printed NEST 2027 admit card
- One original valid photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- One passport-size photograph (same as uploaded during registration)
NEST 2027 Answer Key
The NEST 2027 answer key is expected to be released after the exam — typically within 1 to 2 weeks of the exam date. In 2026, the exam was held on June 6 and the answer key was published on nestexam.in in June 2026. The answer key lets you match your responses and estimate your raw score before the official result.
NEST publishes an official answer key, and candidates can raise objections if they believe any answer is incorrect. Objections are submitted online through nestexam.in within a specified window. The final answer key, after reviewing objections, is used to compute all candidate scores. Your result is based on this final version.
How to Check NEST 2027 Answer Key
- Visit nestexam.in after the NEST 2027 exam date
- Look for the "Answer Key" or "Result" link on the homepage
- Download the answer key PDF and cross-check with your responses
- If you believe an answer is wrong, submit an objection during the window provided
Since the NEST 2027 exam is expected in June 2027, the answer key will be available only after the exam is held. Keep checking nestexam.in for updates after the exam date.
NEST 2027 Result
The NEST 2027 result is expected to be declared in the last week of June 2027. In 2026, the result was released on June 24, 2026 — about 18 days after the exam on June 6. You can check your result and download the scorecard from nestexam.in by logging in with your application credentials.
The NEST result includes your section-wise raw scores, the best three section aggregate, your all-India merit rank, and your category rank. Your position on the merit list determines your eligibility for admission at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Only candidates who meet the SMAS and OMAP qualifying criteria appear on the merit list.
How to Check NEST 2027 Result
- Visit nestexam.in on or after the result date
- Click on the "Result" or "Scorecard" link on the homepage
- Log in with your application ID and password
- Your section scores, best-3 aggregate, and rank will appear
- Download and print the scorecard — you will need it for both NISER and CEBS counselling
What the NEST Scorecard Contains
- Section-wise marks — Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics (each out of 60)
- Best three sections aggregate score (out of 180)
- All-India merit rank (overall)
- Category rank (SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD, as applicable)
- Qualification status — whether the SMAS and OMAP criteria are met
Keep multiple printouts of your NEST 2027 scorecard safe until the entire admission process is complete at both NISER and CEBS.
NEST 2027 Cutoff
The NEST 2027 cutoff will be released with the result, expected in June 2027 at nestexam.in. The NEST cutoff has two parts — the qualifying cutoff (minimum to appear on the merit list) and the admission cutoff (the score or rank needed to actually secure a seat at NISER or UM-DAE CEBS).
Understanding NEST Qualifying Cutoff: SMAS and OMAP
To qualify for the NEST merit list, every candidate must meet two minimum thresholds:
- SMAS (Section Minimum Aggregate Score): The minimum marks you must score in each of the three sections counted for merit. If you score below the SMAS in a section, that section is excluded from your best-3 calculation even if it was one of your higher-scoring sections.
- OMAP (Overall Minimum Aggregate Performance): The minimum total marks in your best three sections combined. If your best-3 aggregate is below the OMAP threshold for your category, you do not qualify.
SMAS and OMAP thresholds differ by category — General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST and PwD. These thresholds are announced each year with the result. The 2027 thresholds will be available at nestexam.in once declared.
NEST Qualifying Cutoff — Previous Year Patterns (Historical Reference)
Since the NEST 2027 qualifying cutoff has not been released yet, the table below shows the approximate historical qualifying mark ranges based on previous year trends. These are indicative ranges and not official figures.
| Category | Approximate Qualifying Range (out of 180) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 35–50 marks (approx.) | Must also meet SMAS per section |
| OBC-NCL | 31–45 marks (approx.) | Must also meet SMAS per section |
| EWS | 31–45 marks (approx.) | Must also meet SMAS per section |
| SC | 17–28 marks (approx.) | Must also meet SMAS per section |
| ST | 17–28 marks (approx.) | Must also meet SMAS per section |
| PwD | 17–28 marks (approx.) | Must also meet SMAS per section |
Qualifying cutoff ranges above are approximate historical estimates from third-party sources. Official cutoffs for NEST 2026 and 2027 will be declared at nestexam.in. Do not treat these figures as official.
NEST Admission Cutoff: NISER vs UM-DAE CEBS
To secure a seat at NISER Bhubaneswar in the General category, candidates typically need a best-3 score of around 90–130 marks (out of 180) depending on the subject and paper difficulty. For reserved categories, the required score is lower. UM-DAE CEBS generally has a slightly lower closing rank than NISER in equivalent categories, meaning candidates who just miss NISER may still be admitted to CEBS. However, CEBS seats are limited to around 57, so competition remains significant.
NEST 2027 Marks vs Rank
The NEST merit list is prepared on the basis of the best 3 of 4 section scores, giving a maximum total of 180 marks. The marks vs rank relationship changes every year based on paper difficulty and the number of candidates who appeared and qualified. The table below is a historical reference based on previous NEST cycles.
NEST Marks vs Rank Analysis (Historical Reference)
| Score Range (out of 180) | Expected Rank Range | Admission Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| 130 and above | Top 100 ranks | Strong chance at NISER in choice of subject |
| 100–130 | 100–500 ranks | Good chance at NISER; safe for UM-DAE CEBS |
| 80–100 | 500–1,500 ranks | Possible at NISER (reserved category); CEBS possible for all |
| 60–80 | 1,500–3,000 ranks | Low chance at NISER; CEBS possible (reserved category) |
| Below 60 | 3,000+ ranks | Unlikely unless significant reservation benefit applies |
The marks vs rank table is indicative and based on historical NEST trends. Actual ranks in NEST 2027 will depend on paper difficulty and number of qualifying candidates. A score of around 95+ (out of 180) is generally considered a safe score for NISER General category based on past years.
NEST also follows a tie-breaking rule when two candidates have the same best-3 aggregate. The candidate with the higher score in the 4th (excluded) section gets the better rank. If still tied, priority goes to Physics score first, then Chemistry, then Biology, and finally Mathematics.
NEST 2027 Counselling and Admission Process
After the NEST 2027 result is declared, NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai conduct their own separate admission processes. There is no centralised NEST counselling — you need to apply independently to each institute. The counselling for both typically starts in July and continues through August.
NISER Bhubaneswar Admission Process
NISER uses an Expression of Interest (EoI) submission process for admission. After the result is declared, qualified candidates interested in NISER must submit an EoI through the NISER admissions portal within the deadline. Based on merit rank and EoI submissions, NISER prepares its institute-level merit list and makes seat offers.
- EoI submission deadline: Expected early July 2027 — in 2026, the deadline was July 6
- Admission mode: Online through the NISER admissions portal
- Subjects offered: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics (Integrated MSc)
- Total seats: Around 200 (official seat matrix in NEST 2027 brochure)
- Spot round: If seats remain after regular rounds, spot admissions are held — in 2026, this was around August 18
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai Admission Process
UM-DAE CEBS also runs an independent merit-based admission after the NEST result. Interested candidates submit their EoI to CEBS, and seat allotment is done in multiple rounds.
- EoI submission deadline: Expected July 2027 — in 2026, the CEBS deadline was July 8
- Admission rounds: CEBS typically runs 4–5 merit-based allotment rounds in July–August
- Programme offered: 5-year Integrated BSc (Hons) in Basic Sciences
- Total seats: Around 57 (official seat matrix in NEST 2027 brochure)
- Spot round: Conducted after regular rounds if seats remain vacant
Documents Required for NEST 2027 Counselling
Keep the following documents ready for both NISER and CEBS counselling and admission processes:
- NEST 2027 scorecard (downloaded from nestexam.in)
- Class 10 mark sheet and passing certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12 final mark sheet (not provisional)
- Category certificate — SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or EWS issued by the competent authority
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Transfer certificate and migration certificate from school
- Valid photo identity proof
NISER and CEBS run completely separate admission processes. An offer from one institute does not guarantee consideration at the other. Apply to both separately once the admission portal opens after the NEST 2027 result.
Institutes Accepting NEST 2027 Score
NEST score is accepted only by the two institutes that jointly conduct the exam — NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Both are premier science institutes funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, and offer one of the best integrated science education programmes in the country.
NISER Bhubaneswar
The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is located at Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Established in 2006, NISER is an autonomous institution under the DAE and is affiliated to Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI). It offers a 5-year Integrated MSc in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
- Programme: 5-Year Integrated MSc in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics
- Location: Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Total Seats: Around 200 (subject to revision in 2027 brochure)
- Affiliation: Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), under DAE
- DAE Scholarship: ₹5,000 per month for all admitted students
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
The Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), also known as CBS, is located in Santacruz, Mumbai, on the Kalina campus of the University of Mumbai. It is a joint venture of the University of Mumbai and the DAE, established in 2007.
- Programme: 5-Year Integrated BSc (Hons) in Basic Sciences
- Location: Santacruz (Kalina), Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Total Seats: Around 57 (subject to revision in 2027 brochure)
- Affiliation: University of Mumbai and DAE
- DAE Scholarship: ₹5,000 per month for all admitted students
Subject-wise Seat Matrix at NISER (2026 Reference)
| Subject | General / UR | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | ~27 | ~14 | ~8 | ~4 |
| Chemistry | ~27 | ~14 | ~8 | ~4 |
| Mathematics | ~27 | ~14 | ~8 | ~4 |
| Physics | ~20 | ~12 | ~6 | ~3 |
Note: Seat numbers above are approximate estimates based on third-party references for 2026. The official 2027 seat matrix — including EWS and PwD breakdowns — will be published in the NEST 2027 brochure at nestexam.in.
NEST 2027 Preparation Tips
The NEST 2027 exam is expected in June 2027 — you have around 7–8 months from October 2026 to prepare. Here are key tips to help you score well in NEST 2027 and improve your rank.
Decide Your Three Sections Early
The best-3-of-4 scoring rule is NEST’s defining feature. The first thing you should do is decide which three sections you will focus on. PCM students (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) can skip Biology entirely. PCB students (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) can skip Mathematics. If you study all four subjects, use mock tests to find which three you score highest in — and build your strategy around those.
Start with NCERT, Not Coaching Notes
NEST is fully NCERT-based. Your Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics are the primary and most important study material. Read every chapter thoroughly — do not skip examples, exercises, or in-text questions. NEST questions test conceptual clarity and application, not just formula recall or reaction memorisation.
- Complete all chapters of Class 11 and 12 NCERT for your chosen three subjects
- Solve every exercise question in the NCERT books
- Biology students should pay special attention to diagrams, their labels, and explanations
Practise Previous Year NEST Papers
Previous year NEST question papers are one of the best preparation tools. They reveal the question style, difficulty depth, and how much time each section requires. NEST papers from 2018 to 2026 are available on nestexam.in and on major exam preparation portals.
- Solve at least 5–7 years of previous NEST papers
- Time yourself strictly — 3 hours for 80 questions across four sections
- Analyse every wrong answer to identify weak areas and patterns in mistakes
Manage Negative Marking Smartly
NEST carries a −1 penalty for every wrong answer. Do not attempt a question if you have no idea of the answer. A good strategy is to attempt questions only where you can confidently eliminate at least two of the four options. Reducing guesses on unsure questions improves your overall score more than attempting everything.
Consider Adding Biology as a Fourth Option
If you are a PCM student, consider spending a few weeks on the Biology section. NEST Biology is directly NCERT-based and is relatively straightforward for students who have not studied Biology in Class 12. A reasonable Biology score can replace a weaker Mathematics performance in your best-3 calculation — giving you an extra margin of safety.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests
In the 4–6 weeks before the exam, take full-length CBT mock tests. Several platforms offer NEST-specific mock tests and previous year papers in a simulated online interface. This builds stamina for the 3-hour exam and sharpens your time management. Reviewing each mock test to understand what went wrong is more valuable than just taking more tests.
FAQs
Ques. What is the full form of NEST?
Ans. NEST stands for National Entrance Screening Test. It is conducted jointly by NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS (Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences), Mumbai for admission to their 5-year integrated science programmes.
Ques. When will NEST 2027 notification be released?
Ans. The NEST 2027 official notification and brochure are expected in December 2026 on nestexam.in. In 2026, the brochure was released on December 18, 2025. Keep checking nestexam.in for the official announcement.
Ques. Is there any age limit for NEST 2027?
Ans. No, there is no upper age limit for NEST 2027. Both NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai have no age cap for candidates appearing in the exam or seeking admission. This applies to all categories.
Ques. How many seats are available through NEST 2027?
Ans. Around 257 seats are available through NEST 2027 — approximately 200 at NISER Bhubaneswar and 57 at UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Exact seat numbers by subject and category will be published in the NEST 2027 brochure at nestexam.in.
Ques. How is the NEST merit list prepared?
Ans. The NEST merit list is based on the best 3 of 4 section scores. Each section is out of 60 marks, so the best 3 sections give a maximum of 180 marks for merit. Candidates must also clear the SMAS (Section Minimum Aggregate Score) and OMAP (Overall Minimum Aggregate Performance) thresholds in their category. In a tie, the 4th section score is used as a tiebreaker.
Ques. What is the minimum Class 12 percentage needed for NEST 2027?
Ans. For General, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates, you need a minimum of 60% marks in Class 12. For SC, ST and PwD candidates, the minimum is 55% marks. These marks are required in the final board result, not the qualifying or compartment exam.
Ques. Can PCM students apply for NEST without Biology?
Ans. Yes. NEST is open to students who have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or Biology in Class 12. PCM students can use Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as their three best sections for merit. They can also attempt the Biology section in the exam — the best 3 of all 4 attempted sections will count.
Ques. How many times can I appear for NEST?
Ans. There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEST. You can appear in multiple years. You must meet the Class 12 eligibility requirement at the time of each attempt. Most students appear during Class 12 or in the year immediately after their board exam.
Ques. What is the NEST 2027 application fee?
Ans. Based on NEST 2026, the expected application fee is ₹1,400 for General/OBC-NCL male candidates and ₹700 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. The exact fee for NEST 2027 will be confirmed in the official brochure expected in December 2026 at nestexam.in.
Ques. Is NEST tougher than JEE Main or NEET?
Ans. NEST is NCERT-based but tests deeper conceptual understanding and application than a typical board exam. Many students preparing for JEE Advanced or NEET find NEST manageable with 2–3 months of focused preparation. The Biology section is straightforward for NEET aspirants. The total number of seats (~257) makes it highly competitive, but the exam difficulty is not considered harder than JEE Advanced.
Ques. What scholarship do NISER and CEBS students receive?
Ans. All students admitted to NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai receive a scholarship of ₹5,000 per month from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. This scholarship is provided to all admitted students regardless of their financial background, making the programme financially accessible to everyone.
Ques. Is a calculator allowed in NEST?
Ans. No external or physical calculator is allowed inside the exam hall. NEST is a computer-based test (CBT), and an on-screen virtual calculator may be available through the exam software at the test centre. Do not bring your own calculator to the exam. Check the admit card instructions for the final guidelines on exam day.
Disclaimer: All information about NEST 2027 dates, fees, cutoffs and seat counts on this page is based on previous year patterns and third-party educational sources. The official NEST 2027 brochure has not been released as of October 2026. All dates mentioned are tentative and subject to change. Refer to the official NEST website at nestexam.in for confirmed and updated information.
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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.