NEST 2026 Registration Deadline Extended to April 8, Exam Scheduled for June 6
The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) has officially announced an extension of its registration deadline for the 2026 academic session. Originally set to close on April 6, 2026, the registration window will now remain open until April 8, 2026. This crucial entrance examination serves as a gateway for aspiring students seeking admission into prestigious five-year Integrated MSc programs in basic sciences.
Exam Details and Key Dates
The NEST 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. With approximately 140 test centers spread across the country, the exam continues to attract top-performing Class 12 graduates who are passionate about pursuing careers in scientific research and academia. The test is designed to identify and select the brightest minds for advanced studies in fundamental sciences.
Available Seats and Participating Institutions
This year, a total of 261 seats are available for the Integrated MSc programs. The seat distribution is as follows: 202 seats are offered at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), and 59 seats are available at the University of Mumbai’s Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-CEBS). These programs cover essential disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, providing a comprehensive foundation for future scientists.
Step-by-Step Guide to NEST 2026 Registration
Prospective candidates can follow these detailed steps to complete their NEST 2026 registration process efficiently:
- Visit the official website at nestexam.in.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the “NEST Registration 2026” link.
- Register by providing basic personal details to create your login credentials.
- Log in using the newly created credentials to access the application form.
- Fill out the application form with accurate academic and personal information.
- Upload all required documents in the prescribed formats as specified.
- Proceed to pay the application fee online through the available payment gateways.
- Carefully review all entered details for accuracy before final submission.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records.
Candidates are strongly advised to save a copy of the confirmation page for future reference and to avoid any last-minute issues.
Application Fee Structure for NEST 2026
The application fee for NEST 2026 varies based on category and gender. Candidates from the Unreserved (UR) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories are required to pay Rs 1,400. In contrast, applicants from the UR-EWS, SC, ST, Divyangjan categories, as well as all female candidates, benefit from a reduced fee of Rs 700. This fee structure aims to promote inclusivity and support diverse participation in the examination.
Important Reminders for Applicants
All interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to complete their registration before the extended deadline of April 8, 2026. It is essential to stay updated with the latest information by regularly checking the official website, nestexam.in, for any further announcements or changes to the registration process. Proper preparation and timely submission of applications will ensure a smooth experience for aspiring students aiming to secure a seat in these esteemed programs.
