The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted by the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology. This National-level examination is conducted to check the eligibility of Indian students who wish to apply for a PhD or an Integrated PhD in Physics or Neuroscience, Theoretical Computer Science, or Computational Biology. The examination is conducted once a year. The JEST examination 2026 will be conducted on June 2026. The hall ticket will be provided on the official website of the JEST examination.
Students can pursue a PhD degree through an alternative option by choosing an online DBA program. An online DBA stands for Doctorate in Business Administration, which is considered equivalent to the regular PhD program. An online DBA program also offers a research experience during the three-year program.
Exam Key highlights
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Highlights |
Details |
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Exam Name |
Joint Entrance Screening Test |
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Conducted By |
Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology |
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Official Website |
https://www.jest.org.in/ |
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Given For |
PhD in Physics or Neuroscience, Theoretical Computer Science, or Computational Biology |
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Mode of Examination |
Offline exam |
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Duration of Exam |
3 hours |
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Registration Date |
May to June 2026 |
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Exam Date |
June 2026 |
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Admit Card (Release) |
June 2026 |
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Result |
July -August 2026 |
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No. of Questions |
50 |
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for students appearing for JEST 2026 are:
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Programme Name |
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD programme in Physics |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Computational Biology at IMSc |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD programme in Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Neuroscience at NBRC |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated MSc/MTech - PhD Programme (Physics) |
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JEST 2026Eligibility Criteria for Integrated PhD Programme at IISER Thiruvananthapuram |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated PhD Programme in Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc |
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JEST2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated MTech - PhD Programme at IIA |
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JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for MSc Programme at HRI |
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JEST Exam Date
The exam of the Joint Entrance Screening Test will be conducted in June 2026.. Exams for PhD and Integrated PhD programmes will be conducted on the same date. Students need to check in regularly with the official website for any updates regarding the admit card. Students need to download the hall ticket before their day of examination to avoid any hassles.
However, in an online DBA doctoral program, students need not appear for any entrance examination to get their doctoral degree.
JEST Exam Admit Card
The JEST exam 2026 will be conducted in June 2026. The admit cards for the exam will be available a few days before the exams. Applicants should check whether the admit card is available or not the official website.
Students need to download and print out their Exam hall ticket before the exam day. On getting their admit cards, students should verify their details on the admit card. On the day of the examination, students need to present their admit cards at the entry of the exam center. If any student is unable to present their admit card, they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
In case any missing or false information about the candidate is provided on the admit card, students should contact the exam-conducting authority.
Details mentioned in the admit card
Students need to check the following details in their admit cards:
- Name
- Roll number
- Father's name
- Photograph
- Signature
- Date of birth
- Exam day instructions
- Exam date and Time
- Test centre address
If any of the details are missing in the admit card, the students must send an email to the JEST help desk or contact the number provided on the official website of the JEST examination.
How to download the exam admit card
Students can download their admit card by following these steps.
- Visit the official website of the JEST examination
- Log in with your registration ID and Password
- Check for the admit card 2026
- Download the admit card and make a printout
- Students should carry the admit card to their respective exam centers.
Exam Day Tips
- Students need to reach their respective test centers at least an hour before the commencement of the examination.
- Students shouldn’t forget to take their hall tickets with them
- They should also bring their government-issued ID cards and passport-sized photographs on the day of the examination
- For more details, students should read the manual given along with their admit cards.
Pursue your PhD by choosing an online DBA program
Students who wish to pursue their PhD degree without appearing for any entrance examination can enroll in an online DBA degree. An online Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) is considered equal to a regular full-time PhD program. In an online DBA program, the students can take classes depending on their convenience. The program is ideal for working professionals who can get their dream of earning the “Dr.” title without leaving their jobs.
Features of an online DBA
- An online Doctorate in Business Administration is a three-year program
- Students will get their doctoral degrees from globally recognized universities and may get a chance to visit abroad.
- Students will be able to submit their research within the three-year program
- To enroll in an online DBA program the individuals are not required to appear for any of the entrance exams.
- A DBA specializes in practical knowledge and management.
- Students who are working can take up their classes at their convenience
- Students will be able to use practical skills that they will be learning during their DBA program in the National markets
Eligibility criteria here:
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent in an area related to the topic of research.
Online DBA program
Here is the list of universities offering online DBA programs with their specializations:
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Universities Offering DBA |
Specialization |
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