Joint Entrance Screening Test

<h2 id="qualification">Qualification</h2>
Ideally, the candidates should hold a <a href="/facts/Master_of_Science/5xKwvXjm">Master of Science</a> (MSc) degree in physics from a recognized institute or university. Additionally, certain institutions also accept candidates with a background in <a href="/facts/Bachelor_of_Engineering/qmqBjQw6">Bachelor of Engineering</a> (BE), <a href="/facts/Bachelor_of_Technology/uBDxBbm0">Bachelor of Technology</a> (BTech), <a href="/facts/Master_of_Engineering/jdkfl2tu">Master of Engineering</a> (ME), or <a href="/facts/Master_of_Technology/jdkfl2tu">Master of Technology</a> (MTech) in any disciplines of <a href="/facts/Applied_physics/47NRAMzF">applied physics</a> and mathematics.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5">5</a> Some intitutes also consider candidates with a <a href="/facts/Bachelor_of_Science/9n3gvDf7">Bachelor of Science</a> (BSc) and <a href="/facts/Master_of_Computer_Application/nFe1Kzlk">Master of Computer Application</a> (MCA), while others accept graduates in electronics, <a href="/facts/Optoelectronics/0SCr9px0">optoelectronics</a>, and astronomy.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6">6</a>
JEST is conducted as a paper-based test. There is a fee of ₹800 for general candidates and ₹400 for reserved candidates.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7">7</a> The syllabus will be at the level of MSc in physics or computer science.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8">8</a> The test is held at centres around the country. Over 33 science institutes participate in the test. There are two core papers—<a href="/facts/Physics/a7aH2y08">physics</a> and <a href="/facts/Theoretical_computer_science/jSkGGuvy">theoretical computer science</a>; candidates can opt for any one. Each year, the test is conducted by any one of the participating institute. There is no age limitation or restriction on number of attempts to write the exam. However, joining institutes may have age restrictions. Some institutes also insist on a high cut-off mark. The JEST score is valid for one year.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9">9</a>
Passing the JEST exam does not guarantee an automatic fellowship. Candidates are required to submit separate applications to PhD programmes in their desired institution, as and when advertised. Shortlisted applicants, based on their JEST scores, may undergo an interview as part of their selection process. Each institute has its own set of research topics, eligibility criteria, and selection processes.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10">10</a> Fellowships are granted by the respective institutes.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11">11</a>

<h2 id="participating-institutes">Participating institutes</h2>
Currently, there are a total of 33 premium public <a href="/facts/Research_institute/h1CjvE4X">research institutes</a> participating in JEST, as of 2023.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12">12</a>

<ul><li><a href="/facts/Aryabhatta_Research_Institute_of_Observational_Sciences/ExUUGmrC">Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences</a> (ARIES)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Bose_Institute/JWR9jmEU">Bose Institute</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Harish-Chandra_Research_Institute/wf39XwBa">Harish-Chandra Research Institute</a> (HRI)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Homi_Bhabha_National_Institute/uyawtAAT">Homi Bhabha National Institute</a> (HBNI)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Astrophysics/esqGPKqT">Indian Institute of Astrophysics</a> (IIA)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science/GNxvFXWn">Indian Institute of Science</a> (IISc)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Berhampur/b8QtUNk1">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur</a> (IISER Berhampur)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Bhopal/JtGjjxhh">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal</a> (IISER Bhopal)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Kolkata/g2Aj3LVW">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata</a> (IISER Kolkata)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Mohali/PWNg4HUK">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali</a> (IISER Mohali)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Pune/uBQ0MKST">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune</a> (IISER Pune)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Thiruvananthapuram/qS8RkcxU">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram</a> (IISER Thiruvananthapuram)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Tirupati/w4r19NYR">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati</a> (IISER Tirupati)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indian_Institute_of_Space_Science_and_Technology/hIj7u5Pk">Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology</a> (IIST)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Indira_Gandhi_Centre_for_Atomic_Research/WvMRLFTu">Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research</a> (IGCAR)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Institute_of_Mathematical_Sciences,_Chennai/Ue2LFkpx">Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai</a> (IMSc)</li>
<li>International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Institute_of_Physics,_Bhubaneswar/wLFUX4ov">Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar</a> (IOP)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Institute_for_Plasma_Research/qyka2m31">Institute for Plasma Research</a> (IPR)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Inter-University_Centre_for_Astronomy_and_Astrophysics/8Nz25bWv">Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics</a> (IUCAA)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Jawaharlal_Nehru_Centre_for_Advanced_Scientific_Research/YzPkVu17">Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research</a> (JNCASR)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/National_Brain_Research_Centre/8vYtmQV3">National Brain Research Centre</a> (NBRC)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/National_Centre_for_Radio_Astrophysics/qvV1GUD1">National Centre for Radio Astrophysics</a> (NCRA-TIFR)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/National_Institute_of_Science_Education_and_Research,_Bhubaneswar/mCRskBTS">National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar</a> (NISER)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Physical_Research_Laboratory/moVevCbB">Physical Research Laboratory</a> (PRL)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Raja_Ramanna_Centre_for_Advanced_Technology/gNt2TujH">Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology</a> (RRCAT)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Raman_Research_Institute/I3BJ0Aue">Raman Research Institute</a> (RRI)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Saha_Institute_of_Nuclear_Physics/vqdkYPYR">Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics</a> (SINP)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/S._N._Bose_National_Centre_for_Basic_Sciences/LqeIUrMR">S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences</a> (SNBNCBS)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Tata_Institute_of_Fundamental_Research/Xetanlpg">Tata Institute of Fundamental Research</a> (TIFR)</li>
<li>TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TIFR-TCIS)</li>
<li>UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research (UGC-DAE CSR)</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Variable_Energy_Cyclotron_Centre/mqQD02yw">Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre</a> (VECC)</li></ul>
<h2 id="research-subjects">Research subjects</h2>
Programmes include PhD, integrated MSc–PhD and M.Tech–PhD in <a href="/facts/Physics/a7aH2y08">physics</a>, <a href="/facts/Theoretical_computer_science/jSkGGuvy">theoretical computer science</a>, <a href="/facts/Neuroscience/o5RV8Cas">neuroscience</a>, and <a href="/facts/Computational_biology/GxgNfwcX">computational biology</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13">13</a> Some of the research subjects for PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc are:<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14">14</a>

<ul><li>Astronomy and astrophysics</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Atmospheric_science/HKjTA3F4">Atmospheric science</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Computational_biology/GxgNfwcX">Computational biology</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Condensed_matter_physics/EBVI5nmL">Condensed matter physics</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/High_energy_physics/YgIuyj2t">High energy physics</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Neuroscience/o5RV8Cas">Neuroscience</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Plasma_(physics)/1d3btMVU">Plasma research</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Quantum_optics/xcvuB9n9">Quantum optics</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Quantum_information/Bl9QIvHj">Quantum information</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Theoretical_computer_science/jSkGGuvy">Theoretical computer science</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="external-links">External links</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.jest.org.in">Official website</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="references">References</h2>

<ol>
<li id="fn:1">JEST (23 November 2023). "Joint Entrance Screening Test - 2024" (PDF). Joint Entrance Screening Test. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:2">"Office Memorandum No.SB/S9/Z-01/2015" (PDF). Science and Engineering Research Board. 7 January 2015. p. 2. Retrieved 26 April 2017. <a href="http://www.serb.gov.in/pdfs/Results/OM-Research%20Fellowship-JRF-SRF-RA.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.serb.gov.in/pdfs/Results/OM-Research%20Fellowship-JRF-SRF-RA.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:3">S., Praveenkumar (7 January 2015). "No.SB/S9/Z-01/2015 - Office Memorandum" (PDF). Visva-Bharati University. Retrieved 24 November 2023. <a href="https://visvabharati.ac.in/files/309120515_Aca-6-3-80-11-05-2015.pdf" target="_blank">https://visvabharati.ac.in/files/309120515_Aca-6-3-80-11-05-2015.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:4">Warrier, B. S. (30 March 2011). "JEST: a passport to science research". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 April 2017. <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/JEST-a-passport-to-science-research/article14967444.ece" target="_blank">http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/JEST-a-passport-to-science-research/article14967444.ece</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:5">India Today Web Desk (24 February 2017). "JEST 2017 exam date extended: Check out the new schedule". India Today. Retrieved 26 April 2017. <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/notification/story/jest-2017-962487-2017-02-24" target="_blank">https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/notification/story/jest-2017-962487-2017-02-24</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:6">Warrier, B. S. (11 November 2019). "Eyeing science research in top institutes? Apply for JEST now". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2019/11/11/science-research-phd-top-institutes-apply-jest.html" target="_blank">https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2019/11/11/science-research-phd-top-institutes-apply-jest.html</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:7">Correspondent (3 March 2023). "JEST 2023 Application window closing today; Apply Now at jest.org.in". Telegraph India. Retrieved 25 November 2023. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help) <a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/edugraph/news/jest-2023-application-window-closing-today-apply-now-at-jest-org-in/cid/1920214" target="_blank">https://www.telegraphindia.com/edugraph/news/jest-2023-application-window-closing-today-apply-now-at-jest-org-in/cid/1920214</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:8">JEST (23 November 2023). "Joint Entrance Screening Test - 2024" (PDF). Joint Entrance Screening Test. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:9">Warrier, B. S. (11 November 2019). "Eyeing science research in top institutes? Apply for JEST now". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2019/11/11/science-research-phd-top-institutes-apply-jest.html" target="_blank">https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2019/11/11/science-research-phd-top-institutes-apply-jest.html</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:10">JEST (23 November 2023). "Joint Entrance Screening Test - 2024" (PDF). Joint Entrance Screening Test. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:11">Warrier, B. S. (30 March 2011). "JEST: a passport to science research". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 April 2017. <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/JEST-a-passport-to-science-research/article14967444.ece" target="_blank">http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/JEST-a-passport-to-science-research/article14967444.ece</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:12">Warrier, B. S. (18 December 2021). "JEST 2022: Apply online by January 18". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2021/12/18/jest-2022-aply-online-january-18.html" target="_blank">https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2021/12/18/jest-2022-aply-online-january-18.html</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:13">Warrier, B. S. (18 December 2021). "JEST 2022: Apply online by January 18". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2021/12/18/jest-2022-aply-online-january-18.html" target="_blank">https://www.onmanorama.com/career-and-campus/top-news/2021/12/18/jest-2022-aply-online-january-18.html</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:14">JEST (23 November 2023). "Joint Entrance Screening Test - 2024" (PDF). Joint Entrance Screening Test. Retrieved 25 November 2023. <a href="https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.jest.org.in/sites/default/files/jest2024-poster-23nov2023.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:14" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
</ol>

Joint Entrance Screening Test open-in-new

Joint Entrance Screening Test