NEST Merit List 2026 Released: Counselling and Admission Timeline

The NEST 2026 result and merit rank have been declared, and institute-level admission rounds have already taken place. As of October 21, the “counselling dates expected soon” update is outdated: UM-DAE CEBS has published 25 merit lists, with its latest dated September 17. NEST is the entrance test for the five-year Integrated MSc programmes at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Each institute publishes its own admission lists and instructions.

NEST 2026: Key Details

What Candidates Should Know

• Check the correct institute page: NEST provides the common entrance test, but admission merit lists are published by NISER and CEBS separately.
• Review your admission status: Use the relevant institute’s official admission page to check lists, selection notices and any reporting instructions.
• Follow the notice for your round: Selection, document verification, fee payment and reporting requirements can differ by institute and admission round.
• Keep documents ready: Candidates offered a seat should follow the institute’s directions for original certificates and eligibility verification.
• Note the scorecard window: The NEST website stated that scorecards could be downloaded until September 30, 2026. That deadline has passed; check the official portal or institute helpdesk for any remaining access options.

NEST 2026 Admission Timeline

Candidates who were not selected in a listed round should check the institute’s admission page for any further notice. Do not rely on old reports saying counselling dates are still awaited: admission activity has already progressed through institute-specific rounds, and the official notices determine whether any further action is available.