jest pattern syllabus and preparation guide

Home ❯ JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test) ❯ JEST 2026 Syllabus - Subject-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern

JEST 2026 Syllabus - Subject-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern

Manisa Das Sep 11, 2025 1K Reads

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted by the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST). The exam is conducted for students who are interested in pursuing a PhD and an integrated PhD program in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, or Computational Biology.

The JEST 2026 will be conducted in June. Students need to check the exam syllabus and prepare accordingly. Here is a list of disciplines and the subjects students can apply to.

For students who do not wish to appear for any entrance examination can have is an alternate option of pursuing a PhD through an online DBA program. An online DBA stands for Doctorate in Business Administration, is considered equivalent to a regular PhD.

Key Highlights of JEST 2026

Highlights	Details
Exam Name	Joint Entrance Screening Test
Conducted By	Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology
Official Website	https://www.jest.org.in/
Given For	PhD in Physics or Neuroscience, Theoretical Computer Science, or Computational Biology
Mode of Examination	Offline exam (Pen and Paper)
Duration of Exam	3 hours
Registration Date	May to June 2026
Exam Date	June 2026
Admit Card (Release)	June 2026
Result	June- August 2026

JEST Exam Syllabus

Here is a list of syllabi according to the disciplines:

Dicipline	Subjects
Mathematical Methods	Vector algebra and vector calculus Tensors Curvilinear coordinate systems linear algebra Linear differential equations elements of Sturm–Liouville theory Special functions Complex analysis Fourier series and Fourier transforms Laplace transforms Elementary properties of discrete groups Elements of probability theory Error analysis.
Classical Mechanics	Newton’s laws Conservation of energy and momentum, collisions Generalized coordinates\ Principle of least action Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics Symmetry and conservation laws Central force problem Kepler problem\ Small oscillations and normal modes Special relativity in classical mechanics.
Electromagnetism & Optics	Electrostatics and magnetostatics boundary value problems multipole expansion Fields in conducting Dielectric diamagnetic and paramagnetic media Faraday’s law and time-varying fields displacement current Maxwell’s equations energy and momentum of electromagnetic fields Propagation of plane electromagnetic waves, reflection Refraction Electromagnetic waves in dispersive and conducting media Diffraction Interference polarization.
Quantum Mechanics	Uncertainty principle Schrodinger equation central potentials hydrogen atom Orbital and spin angular momenta addition of angular momenta Matrix formulation of quantum theory unitary transformations Hermitian operators Variational principle Time-independent perturbation theory Time-dependent perturbation theory.
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics	Laws of thermodynamics work and heat thermodynamic potentials Elements of kinetic theory Maxwell’s relations Statistical ensembles partition function classical ideal gas harmonic oscillators Classical and quantum statistics Fermi and Bose gases; black body radiation Statistics of paramagnetism
Electronics	Basics of semiconductor p-n junctions Diodes Transistors LCR circuits Rectifiers Amplifiers active filters and oscillators Basics of OPAMPs and their applications basics of digital electronics.

Participating Universities

There are around 40 participating universities that accept the JEST score marks. Here are a few mentioned universities with their syllabus during the program.

Participating Universities
ARIES	Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital Specialization: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Atmospheric Physics.
Bose Institute	Bose Institute, Kolkata: Atmospheric sciences Biophysics Complex systems and networks Condensed matter physics and materials science High-energy physics and astroparticle physics Quantum physics and quantum information, Nuclear and radiation physics
HBNI	Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai
HRI	Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad: Theoretical Physics Astrophysics
ICTS	International centre for theoretical sciences (TIFR), Bangalore: Astrophysical Relativity Data Assimilation and Dynamical Systems Statistical Physics and Turbulence String theory Quantum Gravity.
IGCAR	Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam: Solid State Phase Transformations, Superconductivity Structure and dynamics of soft condensed matter Band structure studies Accelerators based Irradiation induced phenomena Low-dimensional systems Physics of interfaces Nano-materials Thin film technology Theoretical physics
IIA	Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore: Astronomy: Astrophysics Astronomical Instrumentation Optics Atomic Physics.
IISc	Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore: Condensed Matter Physics (Experiments and Theory) Astronomy and Astrophysics (Theoretical), Atomic and Optical Physics (Experimental), Biocrystallography Bio-informatics High Energy Physics (Theoretical).
IISER BHOPAL	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal: Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiment), Soft Matter Physics (Theory) Biophysics Laser Plasma Interactions Ultrafast Physics (Experiment), Astrophysics and Cosmology High Energy Physics (Theory, Phenomenology, and Experiment) Non-linear Optics
IISER BERHAMPUR	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur: Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiment) Electronic Materials & Devices High energy physics (Theory, Phenomenology, Experiment) Nuclear Structure Photonics Quantum Theory Quantum Information.
IISER KOLKATA	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata: Condensed Matter Physics Field Theory Classical & Quantum Gravity Cosmology Solar Science High Energy Physics Non-linear dynamics Statistical Physics Soft Matter Optics & Spectroscopy Atomic physics Biophotonics Spintronics Nanoscience NMR Quantum Information
IISER MOHALI	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali: Quantum Information (Experiment and Theory) Complex systems & Networks Theoretical Astrophysics & Cosmology, Particle Physics and Field Theory Statistical physics Quantum thermodynamics Condensed Matter (Theory and Experiment), NMR-Methodology Ultra-fast Physics low temperature physics.
IISER PUNE	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune: Field Theory Theoretical Particle Physics Condensed Matter Physics Non-linear Dynamics Complex Systems and Networks Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Quantum Information Processing Radio Astrophysics Atomic Physics Quantum Optics Energy Studies Solar and Plasma Physics Nanosciences Scanning Probe Techniques Semiconductor Physics and Devices.
IISER THIRUVANANTHAPURAM	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram: Experimental: Magnetism Superconductivity Nanoscience Photonics Semiconductor physics Surface sciences Nanoscale plasmonics Ultrafast spectroscopy Nonlinear Optics. Theory: Cosmology Quantum information Statistical physics Condensed matter String theory & Nonlinear dynamics.
IISER TIRUPATHI	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupathi: Theoretical Astrophysics Observational Astronomy Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics Soft Matter Physics Nonlinear Physics Experimental High Energy Physics Atomic and Molecular Physics
IIST	Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram Astronomy and Astrophysics Atmospheric Sciences Applied and Adaptive Optics Atomic and Molecular Physics Condensed Matter Physics Nanotechnology Nonlinear Dynamics Photonics Quantum Information Statistical Physics
IMSc	The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai: Theoretical Physics Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Biology
IOP	Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar: Physics (Condensed Matter, Nuclear and High Energy Physics) Accelerator-based Research.
IPR	Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar: Physics (Experimental and Theoretical).
IUCAA	Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune: Physics Astronomy and Astrophysics.
JNCASR	Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore: Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics Statistical Mechanics Materials Science.
NBRC	National Brain Research Centre, Manesar: Molecular: Computational and Systems Neuroscience Sensory & motor systems learning & memory language & speech processing functional neuroimaging: EEG MEG fMRI MRS stem cells developmental neurobiology Neurogenetics neurodegenerative neurodevelopmental disorders cancer signaling glial tumor biology.
NCRA-TIFR	National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, TIFR, Pune: Astronomy Astrophysics.
NISER	National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar: Theoretical High Energy Physics and Lattice QCD Experimental High Energy Physics, Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiment) Optics Metamaterials.
PRL	Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad: Theoretical Physics Astronomy and Astrophysics Solar Physics Space and Atmospheric Sciences Planetary Science Geo-Sciences.
RRCAT	Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore: Lasers and Their Applications Laser Plasma Interaction Cold Atom Physics Condensed Matter Physics (Superconductivity and Magnetism, Crystals and Thin Films) Nanomaterials and Applications Non-linear and Ultrafast Optical Studies Beam Physics Free Electron Laser.
RRI	Raman Research Institute, Bangalore: Astronomy & Astrophysics Light & Matter Physics Soft Condensed Matter and Theoretical Physics Signal Processing Imaging and Instrumentation.
SINP	Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata: Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiments) Nuclear Physics (Theory and Experiments), High Energy Physics (Theory and Experiments) Astroparticle Physics Quantum Gravity String Theory Mathematical Physics Materials Science (Surface Science and Plasma Physics).
SNBNCBS	Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata: Astrophysics Cosmology Chemical and Biological Physics Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science High Energy Physics Quantum Field Theory Mathematical Physics Nanosciences Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Statistical Physics Complex Systems.
TIFR-TCIS	TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad: Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science of Nonequilibrium Soft & Living matter Fluid Dynamics Intense Laser-matter interactions Computational Physics Statistical physics NMR of Biophysical & other systems
TIFR	Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai: Astronomy Astrophysics Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science High Energy Physics Nuclear and Atomic Physics Theoretical Physics
UGC-DAE CSR	UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore: Surfaces Interfaces Thin Films and Nanomaterials Physics at Low Temperatures and High Magnetic Fields X-ray Optical and Electron Spectroscopic Studies Using Synchrotron and Laboratory Sources Electrical Magnetic and Thermal Properties of Condensed Matter; Condensed Matter studies using Magnetic Neutron Diffraction Nuclear Technique-Based Condensed Matter Physics-Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, Mossbauer Spectroscopy Experimental Nuclear Physics Gamma Ray Spectroscopy of Nuclear High Spin States Nuclear Reactions.
VECC	Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata: Accelerator physics Condensed matter physics & materials science Nuclear physics (Experiment and Theory), Relativistic heavy ion collisions QCD Phase transition (Experiment and Theory)

Earn your doctoral degree through an online DBA program

Students who wish to pursue their PhD without appearing for any entrance exams can now pursue their doctoral degree through an online DBA program. An online DBA (Doctor in Business Administration) offers flexibility to the students to take the classes based on their preferences.

Key highlights of the online DBA program:

The duration of the online DBA is three years
To enroll in an online DBA program, students are not required to appear for any entrance examination.
An online DBA offers practical knowledge to the students, which they can use in the National and International markets
Students can submit their research papers within three years of their program.
The flexible class timings make it easy for working professionals to complete their PhD without leaving their jobs.
Students can get their PhD degree from globally recognized universities.
In an online DBA, students will get their dream of earning the “Dr.” title.
Eligibility criteria here:
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent

Online DBA programs

Students can check the universities that offer online DBA programs along with their specializations:

Universities Offering DBA	Specialization
Birchwood Online University DBA Online	Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Generative AI Human Resource Emerging Technology Data Science Business Data & Analytics Finance Management Supply Chain Management Marketing Management Healthcare Management Leadership and strategy International Business Sustainability Accounting Cyber Security Information Technology Computer Science Project Management Social Impact Management Digital Leadership Big Data Tourism and hospitality Strategic Marketing General Management Cloud Computing Blockchain Management and Technology Big Data and Robots FinTech Performing Arts Management Digital Transformation Public Policy Digital Marketing Electric and Hybrid Vehicles AR and VR Circular Economy Internet of Things Product Life Cycle Talent Management Quantum Computing E-commerce Customer Behaviour Management Corporate Governance Green Energy Robotics and Automation Real Estate Management Public Relations Risk management
Golden Gate University DBA Online	Generative AI Finance Marketing Emerging Technology Business Data & Analytics Leadership & Strategy Digital Leadership
Rushford Business School DBA Online	International Business Finance Healthcare Management HR Management Marketing Supply Chain Management Big Data Data Science Sustainabilty Business Analytics General Management
ESGCI International School of Management Paris DBA Online	Online DBA course
EIMT Online DBA	HR Finance Logistics & Supply Chain Toursim & Hospitality Generative AI Strategic Marketing Machine Learning AI Data Science Emerging Technology Green Energy
Swiss School of Business Management DBA Online	Business Analytics Finance management HR Management Marketing Management Healthcare Management Machine Learning Supply Chain Management Data Science Accounting Cyber Security Technology Entrepreneurship Project Management Social Impact Management Operations Management Strategic Management IT Management Crisis Management International Business Leadership AI Big Data Public Policy Product Life Management Digital Marketing
Edgewood College DBA Online	Leadership Finance Healthcare

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Students who wish to appear for JEST 2026 can start their preparations by understanding the syllabus first. Then, giving mock tests and solving the previous Year’s question papers for a better understanding of the pattern.

The participating Universities have their own criteria for admission to PhD. However, the basic criteria for students applying for the JEST examination are having a BSc degree.

On clearing the JEST exam, students will be eligible to pursue their PhD and Integrated PhD from the participating universities.

No, a common examination is conducted for a PhD and an integrated PhD program.

No, there is no limit on the number of times one can apply for the JEST examination.

Students will be getting an MSc degree upon completing the first 2 years of the program. And will receive the PhD degree on completing the remaining years of the program.

Applicants need to pay the application fee through net banking, UPI or via credit/debit card.

Students need to visit the official website of the JEST examination. The admit card will be available on the official website to download a few days before the examination.

No, there is no age limit to take the JEST examination. However, the participating universities have their own eligibility criteria. Students can refer to the University website for such eligibility criteria.

The questions asked in the JEST examination are based on the syllabus of graduation and post-graduation levels offered by the various Indian universities.

By Manisa Das

3 Years of experience/ academic writer/ freelance writer

Academic writing expert and freelancer with 3 years of experience, specializing in law, business, and social sciences. I deliver clear, well-researched, and high-quality content with a strong foundation in social science and business studies.