About LPUNEST 2026: Exam Dates, Slot Booking, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Admit Card & Result
The Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST) is an all-India entrance examination conducted by Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab. LPUNEST serves as a dual-purpose gateway: it acts as a mandatory qualifying entrance exam for various professional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes (including B.Tech, MBA, Law, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Design, and Hotel Management) and determines eligibility for merit-based scholarships of up to millions in tuition fee waivers.
Candidates can appear for LPUNEST in multiple phases throughout the academic session. The examination offers flexible formats, allowing aspirants to appear either as a Center-Based Computer Based Test (CBT) across designated examination centres nationwide or as a Remotely Proctored Online Examination from home. High performers in LPUNEST qualify for substantial scholarship brackets (Category A, B, C, and D) applicable across all years of study.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Lovely Professional University National Entrance & Scholarship Test (LPUNEST 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Lovely Professional University (LPU) |
| Exam Level | National Level University Entrance & Scholarship Examination |
| Official Websites | nest.lpu.in / admission.lpu.in |
| Offered Courses | B.Tech (CSE, AI, Robotics, etc.), MBA, B.Pharm, Integrated Law (BA LLB / BBA LLB), B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, Design, and Post Graduate courses |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer Based Test (CBT) at Centres OR Remotely Proctored from Home |
| Exam Duration | 150 Minutes (2 Hours 30 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions (B.Tech stream) |
| Total Marks | 400 Marks (4 Marks per question) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct response; No negative marking |
| Frequency & Phases | Multiple Phases (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV, and Subsequent Rounds) |
| Scorecard Validity | Valid for the Academic Session 2026–27 |
Eligibility Criteria (Course-Wise)
Applicants must satisfy basic nationality and course-specific qualifying academic benchmarks as detailed below:
- Nationality: Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply through the standard LPUNEST domestic portal (International candidates apply through the International Admissions Office).
- B.Tech Programmes: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 (Class XII) examination with Physics, Mathematics, and English as mandatory subjects, scoring an aggregate of at least 60% marks from a recognized Board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.).
- B.Tech Biotechnology / Food Technology: Physics, Chemistry, English, and either Mathematics or Biology with minimum 60% aggregate.
- MBA Programmes: Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks, along with qualifying LPUNEST or valid scores in CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, or NMAT followed by an interview.
- Integrated Law (BA LLB / BBA LLB): 10+2 with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks with English as a compulsory subject. CLAT-qualified candidates may also seek direct scholarship/admission mapping.
- Age Limit: There is no strict upper age bar for applying to most undergraduate technical streams; however, candidates should have passed their qualifying examination in the recent academic batches.
Application Fee & Kit Charges
The LPUNEST application kit can be obtained either online (soft copy) or offline from the university campus:
| Application Kit Type | Application Fee | Mode of Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application (Soft Copy Kit) | ₹ 1,000/- | Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI |
| Offline Application (Printed Kit) | ₹ 1,500/- | Cash at University Campus / Designated Centres or DD |
Exam Pattern (B.Tech & General Streams)
The LPUNEST question paper evaluates domain foundations and analytical skills with no penalty for wrong attempts:
| Section / Subject | Number of Questions | Marks Allocated |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Chemistry | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Mathematics OR Biology (Choose 1) | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| English / Aptitude | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Total | 100 Questions | 400 Marks |
LPUNEST Scholarship System
One of the distinctive features of LPUNEST is its transparent merit scholarship mechanism. Candidates who score at or above predetermined thresholds receive scholarship brackets applicable to their tuition fee per semester:
- Category A (Top Bracket): Offers the highest tuition fee waiver (often up to 30% - 50% depending on phase and program group).
- Category B (Second Bracket): Substantial fee waiver for top 10% - 20% meritorious performers.
- Category C & D: Qualifying scholarship tiers ensuring deserving students receive continuous fee assistance.
- Early Phase Benefit: Candidates appearing in Phase I and Phase II typically enjoy higher scholarship percentage slabs compared to later rounds.