North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Nirjuli Campus Life

About North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology - [NERIST] Itanagar

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), established in 1984, is located in Nirjuli, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. It is an autonomous deemed-to-be university fully funded and controlled by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NERIST was founded to develop technical manpower for the North Eastern region and operates under the governance of a Board of Management including representatives from the Ministry of Education and AICTE.

NERIST holds a NAAC accreditation and is NBA accredited, with a consistent NIRF ranking in the 151-200 band under the Engineering category in 2025. The institute offers a range of programs including B.Tech, M.Tech, B.Sc, M.Sc, MBA, and Ph.D. across 11 departments in science, engineering, and management. It has a sprawling 513-acre campus, a faculty strength of over 130, and a student body exceeding 2000, known for its innovative academic structure and strong placement records.

Key Highlights

Overview

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), established in 1984, is located in Nirjuli, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. It is an autonomous deemed-to-be university fully funded and controlled by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NERIST was founded to develop technical manpower for the North Eastern region and operates under the governance of a Board of Management including representatives from the Ministry of Education and AICTE.

NERIST holds a NAAC accreditation and is NBA accredited, with a consistent NIRF ranking in the 151-200 band under the Engineering category in 2025. The institute offers a range of programs including B.Tech, M.Tech, B.Sc, M.Sc, MBA, and Ph.D. across 11 departments in science, engineering, and management. It has a sprawling 513-acre campus, a faculty strength of over 130, and a student body exceeding 2000, known for its innovative academic structure and strong placement records.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admission to undergraduate programmes at NERIST, including BTech, is through the NERIST Entrance Examination (NEE) conducted annually. The institute also admits students via JEE Mains and conducts separate entrance tests for certificate and diploma modules. For M.Tech admissions, candidates must qualify GATE and participate in CCMT counselling. PhD admissions are conducted separately with notifications released on the institute website.

Admission Process

Admission to NERIST Itanagar is primarily entrance-based, with different exams for various programmes including NERIST Entrance Examination (NEE) levels I, II, and III, JEE Main for B.Tech, GATE for M.Tech, and CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT or NEPGET for MBA. Candidates must apply online and qualify the respective entrance exams followed by counselling and fee payment for final admission confirmation.

B.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply online for NEE-II (for direct entry after 10+2 PCM) or NEE-III (for lateral entry after diploma) via the official NERIST website or NEE portal.
2. Alternatively, candidates can apply through JEE Main and participate in JoSAA/CSAB counselling for B.Tech admission.
3. Appear and qualify the respective entrance exam (NEE-II/NEE-III or JEE Main).
4. Participate in the counselling process conducted by NERIST or JoSAA/CSAB for seat allotment.
5. Confirm admission by paying the prescribed fees within the deadline.

M.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online for GATE exam and appear for it.
2. Apply for NERIST M.Tech admission through the official website using GATE score or appear for NEPGET if GATE score is not available.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be called for counselling and document verification.
4. Complete admission by paying the fees schedule.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online for NEPGET or submit valid CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT scores.
2. Appear for NEPGET if not exempted by valid national management entrance scores.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI).
4. Based on combined merit, candidates are selected and must pay fees to confirm admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecard (NEE, JEE Main, GATE, CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT, NEPGET as applicable)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
• Transfer and migration certificates (for final admission)
• Diploma certificate (for lateral entry candidates)

Cutoff 2025

The JEE Main cutoff ranks for NERIST Itanagar in 2025 show that Computer Science Engineering remains the most competitive branch, with closing ranks around 46,694 in the first round and extending up to 144,947 in later rounds for the General category. Cutoffs vary significantly across categories and branches, with ST category cutoffs being notably lower (better ranks) due to reservation. Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering have higher cutoff ranks, indicating relatively lower competition compared to CSE.

Placements 2025

NERIST Itanagar recorded a strong placement performance in 2025 with 182 undergraduate and 77 postgraduate students placed. The median package stood at ₹6 LPA for UG and ₹7 LPA for PG students, while the highest package reached ₹18 LPA. The placement rate ranged between 60-90%, reflecting robust industry engagement across core and IT sectors.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Infosys, Wipro, TCS, IBM, Capgemini, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant

Consulting: PwC, Tata Projects

Core: Oil India Limited, Tata Projects, Godrej, Reliance, Vedanta, Power Grid Corporation, Cummins, Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd.

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Itanagar, is ranked in the 151–200 band in the NIRF 2025 Engineering category and in the 151–200 band in the NIRF 2025 Overall category. It is the second-ranked engineering institute in Arunachal Pradesh in the NIRF 2025 Engineering ranking.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A Grade (Valid till 2027)
• NBA: B.Tech programmes in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering

Scholarships & Financial Aid

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Itanagar, does not offer its own institute-specific scholarships but students can avail various government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and state government schemes. SC/ST students from the North Eastern states receive stipends and scholarships from central and state governments, including support from the North Eastern Council (NEC). PhD candidates have access to specialized fellowships such as the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Nationalized Banks Education Loans: Available at reasonable interest rates for deserving students

Comparison

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) Itanagar is compared with National Institute of Technology Arunachal Pradesh (NITAP) and Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) as all three are premier government-funded technical institutes located in Northeast India, offering engineering education with strong regional and national significance.

Key Strengths

• North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology - [NERIST] Itanagar: Strong focus on regional development with multidisciplinary programs and a large campus of 515 acres, offering diploma to doctoral courses with good industry placements in Northeast India.
• National Institute of Technology Arunachal Pradesh (NITAP): Emerging NIT with modern infrastructure, growing research output, and increasing industry collaborations, providing quality technical education in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati): Premier IIT with top national ranking, cutting-edge research, excellent faculty, and highest placement packages attracting top recruiters globally.

Campus & Infrastructure

NERIST is located in Nirjuli near Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, spread over 513 acres at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The fully residential campus is divided by National Highway 52A and offers a serene environment with extensive academic and residential facilities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Largest library in the state with extensive collections (exact book count not specified)
• Labs: Over 40 specialized labs including Chemistry, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Food Engineering, Remote Sensing & GIS, and more
• Classrooms: Large classrooms equipped with modern teaching aids and smart classroom facilities

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports Complex with Badminton, Basketball, and Tennis courts
• Gymnasium
• Auditorium
• Medical Health Unit
• Faculty and Staff Quarters
• Guest Houses
• Post Office
• Kendriya Vidyalaya and KG School on campus
• Cooperative Stores
• Bank Branch (State Bank of India) with two ATMs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BTech fee structure at NERIST for 2025?

Tuition fee for BTech at NERIST is ₹1,25,000 per year for general category students. Additional charges include hostel fee of ₹31,000 per year and caution money of ₹3,000 (one-time, 50% refundable).

Is hostel compulsory for all students at NERIST?

Yes, NERIST is a fully residential institute and all students must stay in campus hostels. Hostel accommodation is assigned during the admission process itself.

Which entrance exams are accepted for BTech admission at NERIST?

BTech admission is based on JEE Main or NERIST Entrance Exam (NEE-II). Candidates can apply through JEE Main rank or appear in NEE-II after 10+2 with PCM.

What is the minimum percentage required in 12th for BTech at NERIST?

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with PCM and at least 75% aggregate marks from a recognized board to be eligible for BTech admission through NEE-II.

What is the MBA eligibility and selection process at NERIST?

A bachelor’s degree with 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST) is required. Admission is based on CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT score followed by group discussion and personal interview.

How much is the hostel and mess fee per semester at NERIST?

Hostel and mess charges are approximately ₹15,500 per semester, covering accommodation, food, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. This amounts to about ₹31,000 per year.

Does NERIST offer scholarships for BTech students?

NERIST provides merit-cum-means scholarships and central sector scholarships for eligible students. SC/ST/OBC students can also avail government scholarship schemes.

What are the average and highest packages in NERIST placements?

Average package in recent placements is around ₹4.5 lakh per annum. Highest package offered is ₹12 lakh per annum by core and IT companies.

Which companies visit NERIST for campus placements?

Top recruiters include TCS, Wipro, Infosys, L&T, Cognizant, Tech Mahindra, and some core engineering firms. Government PSUs and startups also participate in placement drives.

Is there a placement cell at NERIST and how active is it?

NERIST has a dedicated Training and Placement Cell that organizes pre-placement talks, mock interviews, and training sessions. It coordinates campus recruitment annually.

What is the curriculum structure for BTech at NERIST?

BTech follows a semester system with theory, practicals, mini-projects, and a final year project. The curriculum is updated periodically AICTE norms.

Are there research opportunities for undergraduate students at NERIST?

Yes, BTech students can participate in research projects, technical fests, and innovation challenges. Some departments also offer summer research internships.

How many hostels are there and what is the room occupancy like?

NERIST has 10 hostels: 8 for boys and 2 for girls. Rooms are mostly shared (double or triple occupancy), with separate mess and common facilities in each block.

What is the quality of food in NERIST hostels?

Mess provides three meals a day with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including meat 3 times a week and fish on weekends. Food is affordable but quality varies.

What are the major fests and events held on NERIST campus?

Main events include RACAF (cultural fest), SYNERGY (sports week), and SRISHTI (technical fest). Departmental freshers and general freshers meet are held in August–September.

Is there a gym and sports facility on NERIST campus?

NERIST has a multi-gym with 16 stations, football turf, cricket ground, volleyball and basketball courts, badminton courts, and lawn tennis facilities for students.

Can students stay outside campus or is off-campus stay allowed?

No, NERIST is fully residential and off-campus stay is not permitted for regular students. All admitted students must reside in institute hostels.

Is ragging a problem at NERIST and what anti-ragging measures exist?

Ragging is strictly prohibited. NERIST has an anti-ragging cell, 24x7 monitoring, and a zero-tolerance policy with disciplinary action against violations.

How is the internet and Wi-Fi connectivity in hostels and classrooms?

Wi-Fi is available 24/7 in hostels, library, and academic blocks. Connectivity is generally stable though speed may vary during peak usage hours.

What is the typical daily schedule for a BTech student at NERIST?

Classes usually run from 9 AM to 5 PM with breaks. Labs, tutorials, and self-study follow. Evening hours are free for sports, clubs, and mess meals.

Is a laptop mandatory for BTech students at NERIST?

Laptops are not mandatory but highly recommended for assignments, projects, and online resources. Many courses require computer access for practical work.