The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) 2025 results were announced on July 10, 2025, at 2 PM IST, bringing excitement to thousands of students aiming for a career in science. NEST is a national-level entrance exam for admission to the 5-year integrated M.Sc. programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at two prestigious institutes: the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS), Mumbai. These institutes, established in 2007 by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, focus on training students for advanced scientific research.
NEST 2025 was conducted on June 22, 2025, across approximately 140 cities in India. The results mark a crucial step for students seeking admission to these institutes, which offer excellent academic programs and scholarships. Qualified students receive an annual scholarship of ₹60,000 through the DISHA program and ₹20,000 for summer internships. Graduates often pursue Ph.D. programs at top universities in India and abroad, and top performers can directly appear for the BARC Training School interview.
This article covers everything you need to know about the NEST result 2025, including how to check it, important dates, cut-off scores, the admission process, and answers to common questions. Written in simple language, this guide is easy to understand for students, including those in 8th grade, and is designed to help you navigate the next steps.
What is NEST?
NEST, or the National Entrance Screening Test, is a computer-based exam held once a year. It tests students’ knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The exam is for students who have completed Class 12 and want to join the 5-year integrated M.Sc. program at NISER Bhubaneswar or UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. These institutes are known for their high-quality education and research opportunities. NISER offers 200 seats, including reserved seats for SC/ST/OBC/Divyangjan categories, while UM-DAE CEBS has 57 seats, including two supernumerary seats for students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Key Dates for NEST 2025
The NEST 2025 process followed a clear timeline. Below is a table with all the important dates:
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | February 17, 2025 (10 am) |
| Online Application Closes | May 13, 2025 (12 noon) |
| Correction & Update Window | May 14, 2025 (10 am) – May 16, 2025 (9 am) |
| Mock Test Opens | May 19, 2025 (5 pm) |
| Download Admit Card | June 4, 2025 (1 pm) |
| Examination Date | June 22, 2025 (9 am) |
| Challenge Answer Keys | June 25, 2025 – June 26, 2025 (2 pm) |
| Result Announcement | July 10, 2025 (2 pm) |
These dates help students stay on track with the application, exam, and result process. The answer key was released before June 25, 2025, allowing candidates to raise objections until June 26, 2025.
How to Check NEST 2025 Result
Checking your NEST 2025 result is simple. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official NEST website: www.nestexam.in.
- Click on the “LOGIN” button.
- Enter your Application Number and Password.
- Your result will appear on the screen.
- Download and print your scorecard for future use.
The result shows your personal details, marks, category, qualifying percentile rank, and merit status. Only candidates who qualify can download their scorecards. If you face issues, ensure you’re using the correct login details or contact the NEST helpdesk.
Cut-off and Merit List Details
To qualify for admission, candidates must meet two types of cut-off scores:
- Minimum Admissible Percentile (MAP): The overall percentile required.
- Section-wise Minimum Admissible Score (SMAS): The minimum score in each subject.
Here are the MAP cut-offs for NEST 2025:
| Category | Percentile (MAP) |
|---|---|
| Gen/EWS/JK | 95 |
| OBC | 90 |
| SC/ST/PwD | 75 |
The SMAS cut-offs for each subject are:
| Subject | Gen/EWS/JK | OBC | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 8.652 | 7.7868 | 4.326 |
| Chemistry | 9.646 | 8.6814 | 4.832 |
| Mathematics | 9.83794 | 8.854146 | 4.91897 |
| Physics | 9.81 | 8.829 | 4.905 |
Note: One Mathematics question was dropped, and math scores were scaled up accordingly. Check the official NEST brochure for details on scoring.
Merit lists for admission are available on the institutes’ websites:
- NISER Bhubaneswar: www.niser.ac.in/25admissions
- UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai: www.cbs.ac.in/Academics/admission
Admission Process After NEST 2025
NISER Bhubaneswar
The admission process for NISER Bhubaneswar follows this timeline:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| July 10, 2025 | Merit list uploaded on the NISER admission webpage. |
| July 11, 2025 | Email sent to merit list candidates for Expression of Interest (EoI). |
| July 16, 2025 | Last date to submit EoI form by 4:00 PM. |
| July 18, 2025 | Admission queue published; invitation email with admission form link sent. |
| July 25, 2025 | First-round admission at NISER campus, Jatni, by 9:00 AM. |
Candidates must submit the EoI form by July 16, 2025, or they won’t be considered for admission. On July 25, bring original documents, a hard copy of the admission form, and the invitation email. If you don’t report, your seat may be forfeited. A waiting list will be prepared for future vacancies.
UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai
The admission process for UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai is not yet updated on their website. It’s expected to start in the first week of August 2025, tentatively. Check www.cbs.ac.in for updates. For queries, contact +918657026482 or email admissions@cbs.ac.in.
Why NEST Matters
NEST opens doors to world-class science education. NISER and UM-DAE CEBS offer cutting-edge research facilities and expert faculty. The 5-year integrated M.Sc. program includes minors in subjects like Computer Science, preparing students for diverse careers. The scholarship support and internship opportunities make it financially rewarding. Thousands of students compete for limited seats, making NEST a highly competitive exam.
FAQs
- How can I check my NEST 2025 result?
Visit www.nestexam.in, log in with your Application Number and Password, and download your scorecard. - What are the cut-off percentiles for different categories?
The cut-offs are: Gen/EWS/JK – 95, OBC – 90, SC/ST/PwD – 75. - When will counselling for NEST 2025 start?
NISER’s first-round admission is on July 25, 2025. UM-DAE CEBS details will be updated soon. - What documents are needed for admission?
Bring original documents (like mark sheets and certificates), a hard copy of the admission form, and the invitation email. Check institute websites for specific requirements. - Is there a tie-breaking policy for NEST 2025?
Tie-breaking rules are in the NEST information brochure. Refer to www.nestexam.in for details. - Can I get admission if I don’t meet the overall cut-off but have high marks in some subjects?
No, you must meet both SMAS and MAP cut-offs to qualify. - How many seats are available for NEST 2025?
NISER Bhubaneswar has 200 seats, and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai has 57 seats (tentative). - What benefits do NISER and UM-DAE CEBS offer?
Students get ₹60,000 annually through the DISHA program and ₹20,000 for internships. Graduates can pursue Ph.D.s or join BARC. - How many cities hosted NEST 2025?
The exam was held in around 140 cities across India. - What if I can’t download my scorecard?
Check your login details. If the issue persists, contact the NEST helpdesk or visit www.nestexam.in.
Important Links
- Official NEST Website: www.nestexam.in
- NISER Admission Page: www.niser.ac.in/25admissions
- UM-DAE CEBS Admission Page: www.cbs.ac.in/Academics/admission
Stay updated by checking the official websites for the latest information on NEST 2025 results and admissions.
