Lovely Professional University invites registrations for its National Entrance and Scholarship Test through the official LPU NEST portal
Lovely Professional University (LPU) has initiated registration for the LPU NEST 2026 for B.Tech admissions. The online entrance-cum-scholarship exam offers up to 50% scholarships based on performance. Aspirants can register now on the official portal, lpu.in/nest. The window for applying and booking your exam slot closes on January 15, 2026. The LPU NEST test will be conducted in both Test Centre and Remote Proctored modes in January 2026. Get full details on the exam pattern, fee, and key dates.
The highly anticipated application window for the Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPU NEST) 2026 is officially open. This test is a crucial qualifier for admission to the various B.Tech programs offered by Lovely Professional University (LPU), one of India's largest private universities. More importantly, the LPU NEST serves as the primary mechanism for aspirants to unlock substantial scholarships, significantly reducing the financial burden of their engineering education.
The registration process for the first phase has been active since October 14, 2025. Interested and eligible candidates are strongly advised to visit the official LPU admissions portal, lpu.in/nest, to complete their application. The last date to submit the application form and book an exam slot for this initial phase is fast approaching: January 15, 2026. This is a golden opportunity, not just for admission, but for financial aid, as LPU offers merit-based scholarships of up to 50 % of the tuition fee based on the NEST score. With the flexibility of taking the test from a designated center or via a Remotely Proctored Online Exam from home, LPU NEST 2026 aims to be one of the most accessible entrance exams this year.
Application Deadlines and Flexible Exam Modes
LPU NEST is typically conducted in multiple schedules, offering aspirants flexibility. The initial schedule's timeline is critical for those seeking early admission and higher scholarship brackets.
- Key Dates for LPU NEST 2026 - Schedule I:
- Online Registration Started: October 14, 2025
- Slot Booking Commences: December 10, 2025 (Candidates must book their preferred date and time)
- Last Date to Apply and Book Slot:January 15, 2026
- Entrance Examination Dates:
- Remote Proctored Exam: January 10 to February 5, 2026
- Test Centre Based Exam: January 20 to February 5, 2026
- Result Declaration: February 8, 2026 (Tentative, results are typically declared within 72 working hours)
- Application Fee Details (LPU NEST Kit Cost):
- Soft Copy Application (Online): INR 1,000 for Boys; INR 500 for Girls.
- Printed Application Kit (Offline): INR 1,500 for Boys; INR 1,000 for Girls.
- Eligibility Snapshot (B.Tech):
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Must have passed 10 + 2 or equivalent with 60 % aggregate marks (or equivalent percentage) with Physics, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects. Specific B.Tech programs (like Biotechnology) may require Physics, Chemistry, and Maths or Biology.
- The minimum mark requirement for eligibility and scholarship cut-offs are determined separately.
Exam Pattern and The Scholarship Advantage
The LPU NEST 2026 B.Tech exam follows a non-negative marking scheme, making it a high-attempt paper that rewards broad subject knowledge. The greatest benefit of the test remains its direct link to the LPU Scholarship Scheme.
- LPU NEST 2026 Examination Pattern:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT), offered either at a test center or via remote proctoring.
- Duration: 150 minutes ( 2 hours and 30 minutes).
- Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Total Marks: 400 Marks (4 marks per question).
- Marking Scheme: +4 marks for every correct answer. Crucially, there is no negative marking.
- Subject Distribution: The test is divided into four sections of 25 questions each:
- Section 1: Physics ( 25 Questions)
- Section 2: Chemistry ( 25 Questions)
- Section 3: Mathematics or Biology ( 25 Questions)
- Section 4: English ( 25 Questions)
- The syllabus is generally based on the 11th and 12th grades (CBSE/State Board).
- Scholarship Distribution (Performance-Based):
- LPU provides tiered scholarships based on the rank secured in the LPU NEST 2026 . The scholarship brackets are generally categorized as follows:
- Bracket 1 (Highest Scholarship): For candidates scoring in the top percentile of the LPU NEST exam.
- Bracket 2: For candidates securing the next high percentile.
- Bracket 3: For candidates meeting the minimum qualifying cut-off criteria.
- Securing a high rank in the test is paramount, as the scholarship amount can reach up to 50 % of the program fee, significantly reducing the cost of a B.Tech degree in specialized fields like CSE (Artificial Intelligence), Data Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
- LPU provides tiered scholarships based on the rank secured in the LPU NEST 2026 . The scholarship brackets are generally categorized as follows:
Step-by-Step Online Registration and Slot Booking
To ensure a smooth application process and secure the preferred exam slot, candidates should follow these steps precisely:
- Step 1: Sign Up on LPUADMIT: Visit the official portal ( lpu.in/nest ). Register by providing basic details like Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, State, and Password.
- Step 2: Pay for the NEST Kit: Pay the application fee (INR 1,000 for boys and INR 500 for girls for the soft copy) online using Net Banking, Debit Card, or UPI. This payment activates the application form.
- Step 3: Fill and Submit Application: Log in using the registered credentials and fill in the detailed application form, including personal and academic qualifications.
- Step 4: Book Your Exam Slot: Starting December 10, 2025, the slot booking link will activate. Log in and choose your preferred:
- Date and Time (for both modes).
- Exam Mode (Test Centre Based or Remote Proctored Exam).
- Test Centre (if opting for the physical center mode).
- Step 5: Admit Card Download: Once the slot is booked, the system will generate the e-admit card/hall ticket. Download and print this for examination day.
Candidates must take the exam on the booked date. Missing the deadline for the first schedule will necessitate applying for subsequent schedules, potentially affecting scholarship eligibility.
Conclusion
The opening of LPU NEST 2026 registration marks the first critical step for engineering aspirants aiming for quality education coupled with significant scholarship benefits. With the deadline for application and slot booking set for January 15, 2026, aspirants have a clear window to prepare and perform. The non-negative marking structure rewards preparation and confidence, offering a strong incentive to master the 11th and 12th grade curriculum. Secure your application and prepare diligently to maximize your scholarship potential.
