The NEST 2026 examination will be conducted on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The official NEST 2026 schedule and key dates were announced on December 15, 2025. Aspirants are advised to carefully verify the eligibility requirements before proceeding with the online application process, as applications will be accepted only through online mode.
NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NEST 2026 eligibility conditions are prescribed by the conducting authority and detailed in the official information bulletin. The criteria are outlined below.
Candidates who have passed the Class 12 examination or its equivalent in 2024 or 2025, as well as those appearing for the Class 12 Board examination or equivalent in 2026, are eligible to apply for NEST 2026, irrespective of age and category.
Applicants must have studied at least three subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in Class 11 and Class 12.
Candidates should have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) in the Class 12 examination from a recognised Board in India. For SC, ST, and Divyangjan candidates, the minimum required aggregate is 55%.
There is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in NEST 2026.
NEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NEST 2026.
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
| 05 Jan 26 - 06 Apr ‘ 26 | NEST 2026 Application Process |
| 05 Jan ' 26 - 12 Apr ' 26 | NEST 2026 Application Process |
| 13 Apr ' 26 - 14 Apr ' 26 | NEST 2026 Application Form Correction Window |
| May ' 26 | NEST 2026 Mock Test Release (Tentative) |
| 15 May ' 26 | NEST 2026 Admit Card |
| 06 Jun ' 26 | NEST 2026 Exam Date |
How to Fill NEST 2026 Application Form?
Registration: 05 Jan ' 26 - 06 Apr ' 26
The NEST 2026 application process must be completed online through the official examination website. The step-by-step procedure is provided below.
- Visit the official website: nestexam.in
- Click on the “Register Now” option
- Enter the required details in the mandatory fields
- Generate your Username and Password
- Log in using the generated credentials
- Complete the application form and upload the required documents
- Pay the application fee using Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
- After successful submission, download and print the application form for future reference
NEST Application Fee
Refer to the table below for details of the NEST 2026 application fee.
| Category | Fees (in INR) |
| Male candidates of the Unreserved/ EWS/OBC category | Rs 1400/- |
| Female candidates in the Unreserved/EWS/OBC category | Rs 700/- |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category candidates | Rs 700/- |
What to Keep Ready Before Filling the NEST Application Form 2026?
Before starting the NEST 2026 application, candidates are advised to keep the following details and documents ready:
- A valid email ID and active mobile number for registration and official communication. All updates from NEST authorities will be sent to these contact details, so accuracy is essential.
- A recent passport-size photograph and signature, scanned and cropped as per the specifications mentioned on the application portal.
- The photograph and signature files should be in .JPG or .JPEG format only, and the file size must not exceed 80 KB each.
NEST 2026 Application Correction Window
Candidates should be aware of the application correction window dates to modify or update details, as per the official notification. The NEST 2026 correction window will be open from April 13 to April 14, 2026. During this period, applicants can edit specific details in their submitted application form. The steps to make corrections are provided below.
- Visit the official NEST 2026 website
- Log in using your Application Number/User ID and Password
- Update or correct the required information in the application dashboard
- Click on the Submit button and save the revised details
No additional fee is required to make corrections during this window.