NEST 2026 Application Fee Details Released by NISER Bhubaneswar

The National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, has announced the NEST 2026 application fee for candidates appearing in the National Entrance Screening Test. The fee structure for NEST 2026 remains the same as last year. Candidates planning to apply for the NEST 2026 exam must check the category-wise and gender-wise application fee details before completing the registration process.

NEST 2026 Application Fee for Female Candidates

The application fee for female candidates is the same across all categories. Candidates belonging to General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PWD categories are required to pay a uniform fee. Below is the category-wise fee structure for female applicants.

NEST 2026 Application Fee for Unreserved Male Candidates

For male candidates, the application fee differs based on category. Unreserved category candidates are required to pay a higher fee. The fee details for male candidates from unreserved categories are given below.

NEST 2026 Application Fee for Reserved Male Candidates

Male candidates belonging to reserved categories are required to pay a reduced application fee. The category-wise fee details are provided below.

How to Pay NEST 2026 Application Fee?

The NEST 2026 application process is completely online, and the fee must be paid during the final step of registration. Candidates can pay the application fee using the following online modes:

• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• Net Banking
• UPI

The exam authority has clarified that Mastercard, Visa and RuPay cards along with UPI options are accepted.

NEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure that they fulfil the eligibility conditions before applying. Failure to meet the criteria may lead to cancellation during counselling or admission. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Class 12 passed in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026
• Study of at least three subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics in Classes 11 and 12
• Minimum 60% aggregate marks in Class 12 (55% for SC, ST and PWD categories)
• No age limit for appearing in NEST 2026

Physics and Chemistry are compulsory sections in the exam, while candidates must attempt either Biology or Mathematics.

NEST 2026 Application Process

The NEST 2026 application process is conducted online through the official exam portal. Candidates must:

• Register on the official NEST website
• Generate login credentials
• Fill the application form and upload required documents
• Pay the application fee online
• Save and print the submitted application form

NEST is conducted annually for admission to Integrated MSc programmes offered by NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai.