NEST 2026 results, cutoffs, and counseling determine your path to Integrated MSc at NISER Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Understanding these steps early helps set realistic targets like clearing the 95th percentile MAP while tracking trends from past years.
Results appear on nestexam.in (TBA post-June 6 exam, likely late June/early July) as percentile scores from best three sections (out of 180). Download scorecards using application credentials—no physical marksheets. Merit lists rank SMAS-qualified candidates (minimum per section + overall MAP). Check category-wise ranks immediately; top 500-2000 typically qualify for counseling.
Cutoffs split into SMAS (20% of top 100 average per section) and MAP (overall percentile). Only SMAS in 3+ sections + MAP qualifies you—no rank otherwise. Expect variability based on difficulty, applicants (~50,000+), seats (261 total).
| Category | Minimum Percentile |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/JK | ≥95th |
| OBC-NCL | ≥90th |
| SC/ST/Divyangjan | ≥75th |
| Category | Closing Rank Range |
|---|---|
| General | 550-700 |
| OBC-NCL | 1100-1450 |
| SC | 150-300 |
| ST | 90-180 |
Marks vs Rank (General, Best-3): 180-155 (Rank 1-10); 133-121 (51-100); 100-92 (351-550). NISER cutoffs run higher than CEBS due to popularity (200 vs 57 seats).
Separate for NISER/CEBS—online, multi-round via nestexam.in post-results.
Registration: Pay fee (TBA, ~INR 1000), fill institute/program preferences (e.g., Physics at NISER).
Merit-Based Allotment: Round 1 uses ranks; check allotments. Pay seat acceptance (~INR 25,000, adjustable).
Subsequent Rounds: Fill vacancies; waitlisted? Spots open if others withdraw.
Document Verification: Report in-person with Class 12 marksheet (60% min), category certs, NEST scorecard. Admission confirmed post-fee balance.
Supernumerary seats for J&K/Ladakh. Unfilled reserved seats convert (e.g., SC PwD to SC).
Target Score: General—140-160/180 (aim 45+/60 per section). Math/Bio heavy? Drop Physics if needed.
Practice Smart: PYQs show SMAS ~8-12/section (General). Mock 95th percentile weekly.
Category Play: OBC/SC get relaxed SMAS (90%/50%). Verify certs early.
Rank Boosters: Maximize best-three (e.g., skip risky section). Error log cuts silly -1s.
Post-Result Moves: Save scorecard, calculate percentile manually if delay. Join SciAstra/Reddit for live updates.
Tie-Breaker: Class 12 marks, then age (younger preferred).
Revaluation? No—final scores.
Multiple Allotments? Choose one; others auto-cancel.
Missed Counseling? Waitlist only if registered.
Avoid: Assuming uniform cutoffs (varies yearly), ignoring SMAS (kills ranks despite high total).
Stay updated via nestexam.in/nest-exam@niser.ac.in. Consistent prep clears cutoffs—aim high, backup ready!
