Home ❯ JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test) ❯ JEST 2026 Exam – Syllabus, Dates & Complete Guide

JEST 2026 Exam – Syllabus, Dates & Complete Guide

Manisa Das Sep 12, 2025 1.1K Reads

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a national-level entrance examination for Phd and Integrated PhD programs. Based on the students' eligibility criteria, they can get enrolled in the participating institutions with their examination scores. Shortlisted candidates can apply for MSc, PhD, and Integrated PhD programmes in Physics; PhD and Integrated PhD programmes in Theoretical Computer Science; and PhD programme in Neuroscience and Computational Biology.

ALL About JEST Exam 2025 | JEST 2025 Notification, Exam Date, Eligibility, Apply Online

Students who couldn’t get the cut-off scores in their JEST examinations need not worry. They can still complete their doctoral degree by choosing the online DBA program. A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is year three-year-long online program, which is considered equivalent to the PhD. The individuals can earn a doctoral degree along with the ‘Dr’ title without clearing any entrance examination

Key Highlights

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
Duration of Exam	3 hours
Registration Date	May to June 2026
Exam Date	June 2026
Admit Card (Release)	June 2026
Result	July- August 2026
No. of Questions	50
Exam fee	INR 950 - General category male candidates. INR 475 - SC/ST/male candidates, EWS, PWD INR 475- All females non-SC/ST candidates Free for females belonging to SC/ST.
Sections of Exams	Part A, Part B, Part C
Language	English
Colleges accepting JEST scores	33 institutes

What is the JEST examination?

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) specializes in PhD and Integrated PhD programs. Students who are interested in doing their PhD in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and related subjects can apply to this exam. This entrance exam is conducted by renowned institutes like IISER, NISER, IISC, and more. On clearing the JEST entrance exam, students can take admission in JEST-recognized institutions.

Eligibility for the JEST exam

Students who want to appear for the JEST examination need to ensure their eligibility before applying:

Programme Name	JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD programme in Physics	MSc in Physics (in all participating Institutes). MSc in Mathematics/Applied Physics/Applied Mathematics/Optics and Photonics/Instrumentation/Electronics will also be considered at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore. MSc in Physics/Electronics/Astronomy/Applied Mathematics will be considered at IUCAA and NCRA-TIFR. MSc in Physics, Engineering Physics, or Applied Physics will also be considered at IPR. ME/MTech in Applied Physics will be considered at NISER. An MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Biochemistry will be considered at SNBNCBS. BE or BTech will be considered at IISc, IMSc, ICTS-TIFR, IUCAA, JNCASR, NCRA-TIFR, TIFR-TCIS, RRI, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram. BTech Eng Phys will be considered at TIFR and NCRA-TIFR MSc in Physics/Astronomy/Optics/Photonics/ Biophysics/ Mathematics or ME/M. Tech in Engineering will also be considered at RPI.
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Computational Biology at IMSc	MSc/ME/MTech/MCA in any engineering or science discipline, with good mathematical skills and a strong interest in biological problems.
JEST2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD programme in Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc	MSc/ME/MTech.in Computer Science and related disciplines, and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science.
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Neuroscience at NBRC	MSc (Physics/ Mathematics), BE/BTech/MCA in Computer Science
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated MSc/MTech - PhD Programme (Physics)	BSc (Physics/Mathematics) will be considered at SNBNCBS. BSc (Physics) will be considered at IMSc. BSc (Physics/Mathematics/BE/BTech in Electrical/Instrumentation/Engineering Physics/Electronics and Communications/Computer Science and Engineering/Optics and Photonics will be considered in IIA. BSc (Physics) or BE/BTech in Engineering Physics, with a minimum of first-class marks, will be considered at NISER. BSc (Physics) will be considered at IISER-Pune, ICTS-TIFR, NCRA-TIFR, and TIFR-TCIS.
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated PhD Programme at IISER Thiruvananthapuram	BSc (Physics) or BE/BTech in any discipline.
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated PhD Programme in Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc	BSc/BE/BTech/MCA in Computer Science or related disciplines, and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science.
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Integrated MTech - PhD Programme at IIA	MSc (Physics/Applied Physics/Post-BSc (Hons) in Optics and Optoelectronics / Radio Physics and Electronics.
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria for MSc Programme at HRI	BSc (Physics) or BE/BTech degree in any discipline. HRI started a new MSc programme in Physics in 2021.

JEST courses offered

Students can choose the following courses and apply their JEST scores for higher education:

Course Name	Courses offered
PhD in Physics	Integrated PhD in Physics
PhD in Theoretical Computer Science	Integrated PhD in Theoretical Computer Science
PhD in Neuroscience	Integrated PhD in Neuroscience
PhD in Computational Biology	Integrated PhD in Computational Biology

JEST syllabus

The syllabus of the JEST examination changes every year; it is recommended for students to check the syllabus before applying for the examination to score better marks. Students can refer to the given table to understand the nature of the syllabus.

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
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.

JEST 2026 Registration

Students can register for the JEST examination by following the steps:

Visit the official website of the JEST examination
Create Registration ID
Fill in your details as asked
Upload the required documents
Pay the fees during registration for the exam
Download the confirmation page for future reference

Application fees

Category-wise application fees are mentioned below for students’ reference:

Category-wise	JEST 2026 Application Fee (Non-refundable)
Female applicants belonging to the SC/ST category	Fully waived
Female applicants (non-SC/ST)	INR 475
SC/ST (male), EWS, and differently abled candidates	INR 475
All other candidates	INR 950

Previous year applicants

In the JEST examination 2024, a total of 11,164 students applied for the JEST examination, out of which only 8278 students appeared, and 919 students passed.

Students who couldn’t qualify for their JEST exams need not worry; they can still pursue their PhD through an online DBA program, which is equivalent to the regular PhD.

JEST Exam 2024	Details
Students applied	11, 164 students
Students Appeared	8278 students
Students Qualified	919 students

JEST Exam Pattern and Overview

The JEST entrance examination consists of 50 questions divided into three sections. The first two sections are in MCQ form, and the third section is a descriptive examination. The duration of the examination is three hours, and the mode of exam is pen-and-paper. To understand the pattern of the exam, students can check the previous year's question papers.

JEST Marking Scheme

The total number of questions in the JEST test paper is 50. The exam paper is divided into 3 sections, and the total number of questions is 100.

Students can refer to the marking scheme given below for reference:

JEST Marking Scheme
Sections	Total questions	Correct answers	Incorrect Answers
Paper A	25	1	1/3
Paper B	15	3	1
Paper C	10	3	0

JEST Score 2026

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) doesn’t have any fixed qualifying marks. To take admission, students need to check the eligibility criteria of the specific institutions they want to study at. Each institution has its cut-off marks, and students can match their own JEST exam scores with the institute's cut-offs.

JEST Exam Preparation

Students can prepare for the JEST entrance examination by considering the following-

Students must go through the exam pattern of the JEST examination.
Start by making a study plan according to the subjects
Try solving the previous year’s question papers
Identify your weak points and work on them.
Students can consider signing up for coaching sessions or study groups if they want guidance.

JEST Test Centers

JEST conducts exams in over 39 cities in India. Students can choose up to two centers during their registration based on their preference and convenience.

Students shouldn’t forget their admit cards on the day of their examination; if they fail to do so, they won’t be allowed to enter the examination center.

Here is the list of exam centers for JEST 2026 :

JEST Test Centers
Ahmedabad Aligarh Allahabad Amritsar Bangalore Bardhaman Bhopal Bhubaneswar Chandigarh Kozhikode Madurai Mangalore Mumbai Nagpur Nainital Patna Pune Raipur Rajkot	Delhi Goa Guwhati Hyderabad Indore Jaipur Kanpur Kharagpur Kochi Kolkata Ranchi Roorkee Sambalpur Silchar Siliguri Srinagar Trivandrum Udaipur Vijayawada Vishakhapatnam

Top Universities accepting the score

Here is a list of Universities that accept the JEST score, along with specializations for students' reference:

Participating Institute	Courses/Subject Areas Offered
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital	Astronomy and Astrophysics Atmospheric Physics
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
Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai	PhD & Integrated PhD (refer to the official website for more details)
Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad	Theoretical Physics Astrophysics
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)-TIFR, Bangalore	Astrophysical Relativity Data Assimilation and Dynamical Systems Statistical Physics and Turbulence String Theory and Quantum Gravity
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), 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 Films technology Theoretical physics
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore	Astronomy and Astrophysics Astronomical Instrumentation Optics Atomic Physics
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore	Condensed Matter Physics (Experiments and Theory) Astronomy and Astrophysics (Theoretical) Atomic and Optical Physics (Experimental) Biocrystallography and Bioinformatics High Energy Physics (Theoretical)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), 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
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), 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
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali	Quantum Theory Quantum Information Processing NMR-Methodology Optics Statistical Mechanics Quantum Thermodynamics Non-linear Dynamics String Theory Ultrafast Physics Low Temperature Mesoscopic Physics
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), 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 and Quantum Optics Energy Studies Solar and Plasma Physics Nanosciences Scanning Probe Techniques Semiconductor Physics and Devices
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram	Experimental Condensed Matter: Magnetic Superconducting Materials Nanoscience and Energy Materials Photonics Soft Condensed Matter Semiconductor Physics and Devices Surface Sciences Nano-scale Plasmonics Terahertz Ultrafast Spectroscopy Theory: Cosmology Classical and Quantum Gravity Gravitational Wave Physics Quantum Information Theory Quantum Field Theory and Statistical Physics.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), 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
The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai	Theoretical Physics Theoretical Computer Science Computational Biology
Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar	Physics (Condensed Matter Nuclear and High Energy Physics) Accelerator-based Research
Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar	Physics (Experimental and Theoretical)
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune	Physics Astronomy Astrophysics
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore	Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics Statistical Mechanics Materials Science
National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), 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 and neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer signaling, & Glial tumor biology
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)-TIFR, Pune	Astronomy and Astrophysics
National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar	Theoretical High Energy Physics and Lattice QCD Experimental High Energy Physics Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiment ) Optics and Metamaterials.
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad	Theoretical Physics Astronomy and Astrophysics Solar Physics Space and Atmospheric Sciences Planetary Science and Geo-Sciences
Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), 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
Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore	Astronomy and Astrophysics Light and Matter Physics Soft Condensed Matter Physics (Liquid Crystals, Physics in Biology) Theoretical Physics
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 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)
Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata	Astrophysics and Cosmology Chemical and Biological Physics Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science High Energy Physics and Quantum Field Theory Mathematical Physics Nanosciences Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Statistical Physics Complex Systems
TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TCIS), 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
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai	Astronomy and Astrophysics Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science High Energy Physics Nuclear and Atomic Physics Theoretical Physics
UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research (UGC-DAE CSR), 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
Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata	Accelerator Physics Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Nuclear Physics (Experiments and Theory) Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions (Experiments, Theory, QCD and QGP) Physics of Neutrinos (Experiments)
TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TIFR-TCIS), 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

Documents required on the day of examination

Candidates who will be appearing for the JEST examination 2026 should bring the required documents on the examination day to avoid any hassle. Apart from these documents, the individuals might not be allowed to enter the examination center.
Here is the list of documents that a candidate must bring on their examination day:

Photocopy of JEST admit card
Passport-sized photograph of the candidate (keep an extra photograph)
One original government-issued ID proof (required at the entry of the center)

Jest interview tips

Only appearing for the JEST exam doesn’t lead to admission in any institute for the program. The individuals must apply to the universities that accept the JEST exam scores. There is no centralised admission procedure; each university has its own selection process. The students who have received scoring marks in the exams can apply directly to the university website online for the counselling/interview session.
The university verifies the student's application, based on which they invite the candidates for the interview process. The interview is centred around certain topics, which are -

The candidates will be questioned about the fundamentals of the course in physics.
They should read physics textbooks and learn about the most significant topics.
Concepts and subjects in mechanics can be studied for preparation.
The questions will be based on technical bachelor's topics and master's level science.

If the candidate is selected in the interview/counseling, they are required to submit their documents for the document verification round.

Pursue your PhD through DBA

Each year, many students apply for the JEST examination to pursue their higher education in a Phd. But, only a few individuals are able to crack the examination, for the individuals who are not able to get the cut-off marks can still earn their doctoral degree through the online DBA program. The Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) is an online doctoral program that is equivalent to the regular PhD program. This program is an ideal option for those individuals who are working professionals and want to pursue a PhD without leaving their jobs.

Features of an online DBA:

An online DBA is a three-year program.
Students will get their doctoral degrees from globally recognized universities.
Individuals are not required to appear for any entrance examinations to enroll in an online DBA program.
The individuals will receive the doctoral degree at the end of the program along with the ‘Dr.’ title.
The students will meet their professors online and learn more about their domain.
Students will be able to submit their research within the three-year program.
A DBA specializes in practical knowledge and management.
Students can take up their classes at their convenience
Students will learn practical skills that they can use in both National and international markets.

Eligibility criteria here:

Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience
Master’s degree or equivalent

Online DBA program

Here is the list of Universities that offer online DBA programs with their specialization:

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)

The JEST stands for the Joint Entrance Screening Test.

No, students can’t get into IIT through the JEST exam solely. IITs generally have their own entrance exams and interviews.

The validity of the JEST examination is for 1 year.

Yes, students who have a BSc degree can apply for the JEST entrance exam.

On clearing the JEST exam, students become eligible for a PhD and integrated PhD programs in physics, theoretical computer science, and neuroscience at participating institutions in India.

JEST is considered one of the challenging entrance exams. As it involves a broad range of syllabi, including both BSc and MSc levels of physics.

The duration of the JEST exam is 3 hours in pen-and-paper mode (offline) with 50 questions.

Candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria to apply to the JEST examination. Applicants must have a degree in physics, Mathematics, or related subjects.

The last date for JEST registration is 1st June 2026 .

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted annually in physics and theoretical Computer Science.

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.