What is a Good Score in NEST 2026 for Admission in NISER: Check Application & Counselling Process

A good score in NEST 2026 for admission in NISER varies by category. Scoring around 90-110 marks for the general category and 80-95 marks for OBC, with lower ranges for SC and ST, is considered a good score.

Moreover, beyond a minimum score, candidates also need to meet the Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP) to be eligible for a NEST 2026 merit rank. The cutoff score for the general category is higher, and it is potentially lower for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD categories.

Good Score in NEST 2026 for NISER

The qualifying score of NEST 2026 for NISER may vary each year based on different criteria such as difficulty level and number of applicants. Candidates can check category-wise good scores in NEST for admission into NISER mentioned below.

• General Category: 100-120 or above out of 180 is considered competitive.
• OBC: 90-100 may suffice, depending on the year’s cutoff.
• SC/ST/PwD: The cut-off can range from 60 to 80, but may vary.

Factors Affecting a Good Score in NEST 2026

There are a few important factors that influence a good score in NEST 2026. An overview of these factors is mentioned below.

• The level of competition in a particular year.
• Difficulty of the exam.
• Seat availability at NISER
• Reservation quotas for different categories
• Performance trends across all candidates.

NEST 2026 Exam Pattern Structure and Scoring

To determine a good score, it is important to understand the NEST exam pattern 2026. Candidates can check the details mentioned in the table given below.

Tips to Achieve a Good Score in NEST 2026

To secure a good score in NEST 2026, candidates are advised to take note of the following tips to prepare for the exam.

• Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
• Practice mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions.
• Analyze previous year papers to understand question trends.
• Pay special attention to the General Section as it is compulsory and scoring.
• Choose subject sections wisely based on their strengths.

Time management, consistent practice, and confidence are crucial for success in an exam like NEST.

NEST Cutoff Trends Year-Wise Insights

Examining NEST cut-off 2026 trends over the past few years provides valuable insight into what score to aim for:

• NEST Cutoff 2022 (Approximate)
  • General Category: ~100–105
  • OBC-NCL: ~90
  • SC/ST: ~70
• NEST Cutoff 2021 (Approximate)
  • General Category: ~106
  • OBC-NCL: ~93
  • SC/ST: ~73
• NEST Cutoff 2020 (Approximate)

• General Category: ~104
• OBC-NCL: ~90
• SC/ST: ~65

These figures are indicative and vary slightly based on the official merit lists and institute policies each year.

Admission Process at NISER through NEST 2026

Candidates can check the admission process at NISER through NEST 2026 including the eligibility criteria and NEST application process.

Eligibility Criteria for NISER through NEST 2026

Candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria for NISER through NEST 2026 in the details mentioned below.

• Education Qualification:

• Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent scientific test from a recognized board.
• At least three subjects in 10+2 must be Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics.
• The qualifying examination must have been passed in either the current or the previous year of application..

• Minimum Marks

• General/OBC category: Minimum 60% aggregate marks in Class 12.
• SC/ST/PwD category: Minimum 55% aggregate marks.

• Age Limit

• General and OBC: Born on or after August 1, 2003.
• SC/ST/PwD: Age relaxation of 5 years.

NEST Application Process 2026

The NEST application process 2026 is conducted online from the official website. The application process started on Feb 17, 2026, for this year. The steps for the application process include:

• Candidates will need to create a login ID using their valid email address and phone number.
• Fill out the asked details such as name, academic, and contact details.
• Candidates are required to upload the scanned copies of their photograph and signature.
• Out of four subjects, candidates will have to choose any three subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in addition to the compulsory General section.
• Choose the preferred exam centre.
• Pay the application fee online. (Fees vary depending on category).

Results and Merit List of NEST 2026

The NEST 2026 results are expected to be announced in one or two months from the date of the exam, which will be conducted on June 22, 2026. Candidates are advised to check the key points of the results and merit list given below

• Candidates must score above the section-wise and overall cutoffs.
• The merit list is prepared based on the total score.
• The merit list is category-based; it is different for General, OBC, SC/ST, and PwD.

Admission Counselling Process at NISER

Once the results are announced, the qualified candidates will be called for centralized counselling conducted jointly for NISER Bhubaneshwar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. The steps for NISER admission through NEST 2026 counselling are as follows:

• Online Registration for Counselling
  • Candidates shortlisted in the merit list must register separately for the counselling process through the NEST portal.
• Preference Filling
  • Candidates need to fill out their institute preference between NISER and CEBS at the time of registration.
• Important Documents for Verification
  • 10th and 12th mark sheet and certificate.
  • NEST admit card and scorecard.
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Photo ID and passport-size photograph
• Seat Allocation
  • Seat allocation is based on rank, category, and preference.
  • Provisional admission letters are issued after the document verification process is completed.
• Fee Payment and Admission Confirmation
  • Selected candidates must pay an admission fee to confirm their seat.
  • If a candidate fails to pay the admission fee on time, the seat will be cancelled and passed to the next eligible candidate in line.

Conclusion

The admission process at NISER through NEST is rigorous, transparent, and designed to identify students with strong analytical and scientific thinking. By clearing NEST and following the admission steps carefully, candidates can secure a spot at one of India’s premier research institutes. With the right preparation and timely application, the journey to becoming a top scientist can begin at NISER.