Established with a vision to cultivate scientific curiosity and academic excellence, NISER blends rigorous academics with cutting-edge research, fostering a vibrant scientific culture among India’s brightest young minds.
Introduction
Founded on 6 September 2007, NISER was envisioned as a centre of excellence in scientific education and inquiry. It functions as an autonomous institute under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, and is affiliated with Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, a deemed research university overseeing academic programs across DAE-associated institutions.
Academic and Research Excellence
NISER combines a flexible, research-oriented curriculum with a strong student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 8:1, ensuring personalised mentoring and deep learning opportunities. The institute offers a range of programmes designed to nurture scientific talent and prepare students for advanced research and careers in science:
- An integrated 5-year M.Sc. programme in the core and emerging branches of basic sciences
- Integrated M.Sc.+ Ph.D programme
- Ph.D. programme
NISER fosters cutting-edge theoretical and experimental research across diverse scientific disciplines. The institute houses seven specialized schools:
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Chemical Sciences
- School of Computer Sciences
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Physical Sciences
Additionally, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences facilitates collaborative research across traditional boundaries, encouraging innovative approaches to complex scientific problems.
Salient Features of M.Sc. (5-Year Integrated) Programme
- After successful completion of the academic requirements, students are awarded a Master of Science degree in one of the four subjects: biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics.
- The curriculum for the first two semesters (first year) is common to all students and specialization begins from the third semester.
- After specialization in second year, students are required to go through a certain number of courses in other disciplines.
- Apart from these, students are required to go through some compulsory courses in humanities, social sciences, technical communication, history of science, environmental and energy sciences.
- The fourth and fifth year of the integrated M.Sc. Programme is devoted to advanced courses in various disciplines.
- The students will be encouraged to undertake projects from fourth year onwards. And every student will undertake a guided research project in their fifth year.
How to Apply?
The admissions for the Integrated 5-year Master’s Programme are conducted via National Entrance Screening Test (NEST), a compulsory online computer-based test for admission to the five-year Integrated MSc programme offered by the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS).
You can view the NEST Syllabus here.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| Female applicants | ₹700 |
| Applicants of SC/ST/Divyangjan | ₹700 |
| Applicants of Unreserved-EWS | ₹700 |
| Male/Other applicants of UR/OBC category | ₹1,400 |
Scholarships
The candidates admitted to the Integrated MSc program are eligible to receive an annual scholarship of ₹60,000 through the DISHA program of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. In addition, the scholarship recipients receive a grant of ₹20,000/- per annum for summer internships.
Important Dates 2026
Source: NEST 2026
Conclusion
NISER, established by the Department of Atomic Energy, strives to become a citadel for basic sciences and allied subjects in terms of teaching and research. Its vision includes imparting high-quality science education in a vibrant academic ambience to the bright, motivated students, by a faculty of distinguished scientists and teachers. The institute’s 5-year Integrated M.Sc. programme across Biological, Chemical, Mathematical, and Physical sciences, with optional minors, provides a strong foundation for future scientists and innovators.
If you’re passionate about science and ready to take the next step in your academic journey, don’t wait — apply today! NEST registrations are now open and will close on 6 April 2026. The National Entrance Screening Test (NEST), scheduled for 6 June 2026, is your gateway to the Integrated M.Sc. programme at NISER and UM-DAE CEBS.
Prepare early, apply before the deadline, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in science!
