The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2026 will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST). The purpose of this examination is to check the eligibility of the students who wish to do their PhD and integrated PhDs in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, or Computational Biology.
The JEST examination is conducted once a year. The Jest examination will be conducted in June 2026. The mode of the examination will be pen and paper (offline); students need to visit the exam center on the day of the examination.
Students who wish to get a doctoral degree without appearing for any examination can consider an online DBA program. A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an online program that is considered equivalent to a regular PhD. It is regarded as an ideal choice for working professionals who wish to get their PhD degree without leaving their jobs.
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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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Sections of Exams |
Part A, Part B, Part C |
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Language |
English |
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Colleges accepting JEST scores |
33 institutes |
Exam Key Highlights
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JEST Exam 2026 |
Details |
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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 |
How to register for JEST 2026?
To apply to the JEST examination, students need to register on their official website before the last date of registration. Students are required to fill in their details and upload important documents to register for the examination. The whole process usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Students who wish to apply for this examination need to prepare accordingly, as the Joint Entrance Screening Test is held once a year. Applicants are advised to check the official website of the JEST to avoid missing any important information.
Once the registration for the JEST exam is open, students can follow the steps for registering for the exam.
Steps for registering for the JEST examination:
- Create your registration ID after going through the official website
- Fill in the details asked for in the registration form
Candidates are required to provide the following information for the registration:
- Name
- Gender
- Mobile number
- Date of birth
- Parents'/guardians' details
- Address
- Qualifying exam
- Year of passing
- Programme preference
- College preference
- Test centre preference
Upload the documents asked for
Documents Required:
- Passport-sized photograph: Dimension-
- Minimum: 100 X 125 pixels
- Maximum: 240 x 300 pixels (width x height)
- Signature- Dimension:
- Minimum: 100 X 125 pixels
- Maximum: 150 x 30 pixels (width x height)
- Pay the registration fee, and check the fee required before applying. Students need to pay the registration fee through net banking and credit/debit cards.
- Check your details before submitting the application form.
- Download the confirmation form for future reference.
Eligibility criteria of JEST 2026
Students need to ensure whether they are eligible for the JEST examination. Each institute has its own eligibility criteria; applicants can check with the respective institute.
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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 2026 Eligibility 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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JEST 2026 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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However, students who want to get their PhD degree through an online DBA program can check the eligibility criteria here:
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent
Exam fee for the JEST exam
The exam fee for JEST 2026 is mentioned below for students’ reference:
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Category-wise |
JEST 2026 Application Fee (Non-refundable) |
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Female applicants belonging to the SC/ST category |
Fully waived |
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Female applicants (non-SC/ST) |
INR 475 |
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SC/ST (male), EWS, and differently abled candidates |
INR 475 |
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All other candidates |
INR 950 |
Exam Day Tips
Applicants need to check their admit cards for any instructions. Here are a few exam day tips for students' reference:
- Print out your admit card before the exam day
- Reach the exam center 30 minutes before
- Bring your ID proof along with a passport-size photograph
- Answer the questions with which you are confident.
- Practice time management- do not spend too much time on one question.
Earn your degree through an online DBA program
Each year, many students apply for the JEST exam, but only a few of them get the required marks. Students need not worry; they can now get their doctoral degree from an online DBA program. Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an online program, where students can earn their PhD degree without appearing for any competitive exams. An online DBA is also considered equivalent to the regular full-time PhD degree. It is an ideal choice for working professionals who wish to get their doctorate without leaving their jobs.
Students can check the following key points of the online DBA program:
- An online DBA is a three-year program
- Students will get a chance to do their PhD from globally recognized universities.
- The DBA program focuses on practical knowledge and management, which they can use in both National and International markets.
- Students can take classes based on their convenience.
- Students can submit their research paper within three years.
- An online DBA program offers flexible timings for students to take the classes based on their convenience.
Online DBA program
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Universities Offering DBA |
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