Know this. You need three strong subjects, not four; a weak fourth section can simply be left out, but falling below the minimum in two sections ends your candidacy.
- Run by
- NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (both set up by the Department of Atomic Energy)
- Admits you to
- The five-year Integrated M.Sc in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical sciences at NISER Bhubaneswar (degree via Homi Bhabha National Institute) and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai (degree via University of Mumbai). Admitted students can get the DAE DISHA scholarship.
- Who can sit
- At least three of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in Classes 11 and 12; Class 12 passed in the previous two years or appearing this year; at least 60% aggregate in Class 12 (55% for SC, ST and Divyangjan). There is no upper age limit.
- Pattern
- Computer-based test, 3 hours, in Hindi and English. Four sections (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) of 20 MCQs and 60 marks each; +3 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong one. You must attempt at least three sections and clear a section-wise minimum score in at least three to be ranked. Your total is the sum of your best three section scores.
- When
- Applications usually from January to early April; the exam is held in June; results in late June.
- Limits
- No upper age limit; eligibility runs for the Class 12 year and the two years after it.
Courses it leads to
Sources, checked 2026-09-28: www.nestexam.in · www.nestexam.in