LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships: Eligibility, Criteria and Fee Waiver Comparison

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships: Lovely Professional University (LPU) has confirmed that students taking LPU NEST 2026 are eligible for a wide range of merit-based scholarships. These scholarships can cover 10 per cent to 65 per cent of the programme fee, depending on performance and programme type.

LPU offers scholarships across engineering, management, law, design, agriculture, and biosciences, while also recognising scores from national exams such as CUET, JEE (Main), NEET, CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GATE, GPAT, CLAT, and NID DAT. Students who do not appear for LPU NEST can still qualify for similar benefits through these alternative exams.

The following sections provide detailed information on LPU NEST 2026 scholarships, their percentile/rank criteria, and comparisons with other exams.

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarship Structure

LPU distributes scholarships across multiple phases (Phase I to Phase V). Each later phase typically has slightly lower scholarship percentages. Here, Phase V is used to illustrate the current structure.

Scholarships are linked to LPU NEST percentiles, with top performers eligible for maximum fee waivers. Percentile slabs mirror national-level exams like CUET, JEE, and NEET.

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for B.Tech (Engineering Programmes)

LPU offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships for B.Tech programmes to attract high-performing students in engineering disciplines. Scholarships are awarded based on LPU NEST 2026 percentiles, and the amount depends on both the branch of study and the Phase in which a student applies.

These scholarships are designed to encourage academic excellence and reduce the financial burden for students who demonstrate strong aptitude in science and mathematics. Both regular B.Tech programmes and specialised tracks, such as international credit transfer programmes and honours courses, are eligible under this scheme.

B.Tech (CSE and Allied Specialisations)

Students pursuing Computer Science-related programmes—including AI & ML, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and VLSI—are eligible for scholarships based on their LPU NEST percentile.

The following table outlines the Phase V scholarship slabs:

B.Tech (Non-CSE Branches & International Credit Transfer Options)

For branches like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Biotechnology, and Semiconductor Technology, LPU provides comparatively higher scholarships.

Students enrolled in 2 + 2 International Credit Transfer Programmes also qualify under these slabs.

B.Tech (CSE-Generative AI and Honours Programmes)

Advanced honours tracks such as CSE – Generative AI, Full-Stack Development, and Applied AI follow slightly lower fee waiver slabs:

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for Law Programmes

Law scholarships are aligned with CLAT and CUET Law categories. The Phase V slabs for undergraduate law programmes are as follows:

For LL.M., Phase V scholarship slabs mirror PG law exams, with the top percentile eligible for 60 percent fee waiver.

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for Management (UG & PG Programmes)

Management scholarships follow a structure similar to CAT, XAT, MAT, and CMAT percentiles, ensuring strong NEST performers can receive up to 50 percent fee waiver.

These scholarships apply to MBA specialisations like Finance, HR, Marketing, and BBA programmes.

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for Design and Architecture Programmes

Design aspirants in B.Des, B.Arch, and M.Des can avail scholarships under NID DAT percentile-based model:

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for Bioengineering, Sciences and Health Sciences

LPU recognises the growing importance of life sciences, healthcare, and bioengineering in the modern academic and professional landscape. To encourage meritorious students in these fields, LPU NEST 2026 scholarships are structured to reward academic excellence and support talent in specialised domains such as biotechnology, biomedical engineering, food technology, nutrition, dietetics, and allied health sciences.

The scholarships are rank and percentile-based, ensuring that students with strong performance in mandatory subjects receive significant fee waivers, helping them focus on their studies and research without financial stress. This model is aligned with national-level benchmarks like NEET and CUET, allowing students to also compare eligibility and benefits if they qualify via those exams.

Students in these programmes can avail up to 60 percent tuition fee waiver, depending on their LPU NEST percentile, and the benefits extend to both undergraduate and postgraduate health and biosciences courses. The system also encourages students to excel in core subjects, as scholarships are awarded based on performance in at least two mandatory subjects relevant to the programme.

Undergraduate Programmes

Modeled on NEET and GPAT rank slabs, scholarships for medical and life-science programmes are:

B.Pharm and Agriculture Programmes

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for Postgraduate Programmes

LPU offers merit-based scholarships for postgraduate programmes to encourage academic excellence and advanced learning across engineering, management, computer applications, agriculture, pharmaceutical sciences, and allied disciplines. These scholarships are designed to recognise strong performance in LPU NEST 2026 or equivalent national-level exams such as GATE, CAT, CMAT, and GPAT.

Scholarships for PG programmes motivate students to pursue higher studies without financial barriers, while rewarding those who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in their respective fields. Early-phase applicants are more likely to receive higher fee waivers, and maintaining good academic standing during the programme ensures continued eligibility.

PG Engineering (M.Tech & MPT)

Management, Agriculture & Pharmaceutical Sciences

MCA (Hons.) and Advanced Computer Applications

LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships for Ph.D. and Research Programmes

Doctoral candidates with top LPU NEST (Ph.D.) scores or valid GATE/GPAT qualifications can earn up to 60 percent of the programme fee.

Comparison: LPU NEST vs CUET, JEE, NEET and CAT Scholarships

The following table shows how LPU NEST compares with national-level exams in terms of fee waiver and programme coverage:

Analysis: LPU NEST offers broader programme coverage and flexible phase-based allocation compared to other exams. Students can also qualify via external exams while still receiving similar scholarship benefits.

Key Points to Remember for LPU NEST 2026 Scholarships

1. Phase-based allocation: Applying in earlier phases maximises scholarship percentage.
2. Score validity: Only percentiles/ranks valid at the time of admission are considered.
3. Subject criteria: Scholarships require a minimum percentile in at least two mandatory subjects.
4. Continuation rule: Students must maintain a minimum CGPA to retain scholarships.
5. Non-transferable: Scholarships apply only to tuition fees and cannot be converted into cash.
6. Cumulative limits: Only one merit-based scholarship can be availed per student at a time.

Also Check: LPU NEST 2026 Application Process

Why Choose LPU NEST for Scholarship Eligibility in 2026

While national exams like CUET, JEE (Main), and NEET attract large applicant pools, LPU NEST provides an institution-specific merit route with comparable or better rewards. Key advantages include:

• Broad programme eligibility across streams
• Flexible application in multiple phases
• Scholarships for international credit transfer programmes
• High-value fee waivers for exceptional performers

Conclusion

The LPU NEST 2026 scholarship framework continues LPU’s focus on merit-based financial support, offering up to 65 percent tuition fee reduction across disciplines. Candidates are encouraged to apply in early phases, maintain strong performance in mandatory subjects, and explore alternative exam scores like CUET, JEE, NEET, and CAT to maximise scholarship opportunities. For the latest updates on admission dates, results, and scholarship phases, students should check the official LPU 2026 admissions portal.