JEST Preparation 2025: Tips, Strategy & Guide

The level of questions in the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination is generally designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills in their chosen field of study. The level of questions can vary depending on the subject and sub-discipline within the field.

However, it is estimated that the questions are based on the general syllabi of graduation and post-graduation level courses offered by various Indian universities and institutions. JEST question papers usually are not made available. However, some questions from previous year's examinations are available.

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) had a standardized format. Here's the general format of the JEST exam:

1. Examination Type: The JEST exam is a written test, typically conducted in a pen-and-paper format.

2. Duration: The exam usually spans over a duration of three hours.

3. Question Types: JEST primarily consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exact number of questions and distribution across subjects (physics, theoretical computer science, neuroscience) may vary from year to year.

4. Negative Marking: JEST typically employs negative marking for incorrect answers. This means that for each incorrect answer, a fraction of marks is deducted.

5. Sections: The exam may be divided into different sections, with each section focusing on specific topics related to the field of study (physics, theoretical computer science, or neuroscience).

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is an entrance exam test for admission to PhD and International PhD programme of different participating institutes for two subjects Physics and theoretical Computer Science/Neuroscience.

This exam is conducted in offline mode/ pen-paper mode. This year exam conducting authorities have changed, earlier it used to be Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) but now it has changed to Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). Hence the final validation will be declared along with releasing of notification but as per previous year JEST exam pattern it will be conducted in offline mode only. 

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination typically has a duration of three hours. Candidates were allotted this time to complete the exam. However, please keep in mind that the duration of the JEST examination or any other standardized test can change from year to year. Therefore, it's essential to verify the specific duration of the JEST exam for the year in which you plan to appear by referring to the official JEST website or official notifications. Exam duration is an important factor for time management during the test, so candidates should be well-informed about this aspect of the examination.

Yes, candidates appearing for the JEST physics exam should prepare for specific topics that are typically covered in the syllabus. While the syllabus may vary slightly from year to year, the following are some common topics that candidates should be familiar with when preparing for the JEST physics exam:

1. Classical Mechanics: Laws of motion, gravitation, rotational dynamics, and oscillations.

2. Electromagnetism: Electromagnetic waves, electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic radiation.

3. Quantum Mechanics: Wave-particle duality, Schrödinger equation, quantum states, and quantum mechanical operators.

4. Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics: Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, and entropy.

5. Relativity: Special and general relativity, time dilation, and space-time curvature.

6. Mathematical Methods: Complex analysis, linear algebra, differential equations, and Fourier analysis.

7. Atomic and Molecular Physics: Atomic structure, molecular structure, and spectroscopy.

8. Nuclear and Particle Physics: Nuclear structure, elementary particles, and nuclear reactions.

9. Condensed Matter Physics: Crystal structure, semiconductors, and properties of materials.

10. Optics: Wave optics, ray optics, and interference and diffraction phenomena.

11. Electronics: Semiconductor devices, operational amplifiers, and digital circuits.

12. Mathematical Physics: Partial differential equations, vector calculus, and linear algebra.

It's important for candidates to review the specific syllabus provided on the official JEST website or by the participating institutions since the syllabus may be subject to change. Additionally, candidates should focus on their strengths and interests within the field of physics while preparing for the exam.

Hello, if you are planning to appear in the JEST exam, you can check the list of subjects from JEST 2025 syllabus given below that will help you get good marks in the exam:  

• Classical Mechanics
• Mechanical Methods
• Electromagnetism and Optics
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
• Electronics
• Quantum Mechanics

The level of questions in the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination is generally designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills in their chosen field of study. The level of questions can vary depending on the subject and sub-discipline within the field.

However, it is estimated that the questions are based on the general syllabi of graduation and post-graduation level courses offered by various Indian universities and institutions. JEST question papers usually are not made available. However, some questions from previous year's examinations are available.

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) typically employed negative marking for incorrect answers. Negative marking is a practice where a fraction of marks is deducted for each wrong answer. This policy is meant to discourage random guessing and encourage candidates to answer questions they are reasonably confident about.

-1 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer marked in section A and -3 will be deducted in section B.

However, please note that examination policies and procedures can change over time, and specific details, including whether or not negative marking is applied, may vary from one year to another. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the examination pattern, including the presence or absence of negative marking, it is recommend checking the official JEST website or referring to the official notification for the specific year's examination.

Candidates should always stay informed about the latest policies and guidelines related to the JEST examination to prepare effectively and make informed decisions during the exam.

There are many good colleges for pursuing further education (PhD or Integrated PhD) after qualifying JEST exam. The list of such colleges is mentioned below:

1. ICTS-TIFR
2. IISc
3. IISERs
4. NISER
5. IUCAAA
6. IIA
7. HRI
8. RRI
9. HBNI
10. IGCAR
11. TIFR
12. IIST
13. IOP
14. IPR
15. IMSc
16. JNCSAR
17. PRL
18. RRCAT
19. SINP
20. VECC

Applicants are advised to check separate eligibility criteria regarding age, number of marks, date of birth, qualification etc. before applying for these institutes. As in case of failing these details the candidature of students can be rejected at any stage of the admission process.

JEST exam is conducted to shortlist applicants for PhD and Int. PhD courses. The syllabus of the PhD Physics and Computer Science is vast. Applicants who want to appear in the JEST exam must note that this preparation requires study along with doing PG. Normally applicants who qualify the exam takes around 1 to 1.5 years. 

But it varies from one person to another hence candidates should prepare for the exam by following best preparation tips. 

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is typically conducted once a year as per the previous year trend. It usually took place in the starting month of March. However, it's important to note that examination schedules and frequency can change over time, and it's possible that there have been changes to the examination schedule since then.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the frequency and schedule of the JEST examination, candidates are recommended to visit the official JEST website or contacting the organizing authorities of the exam for the latest updates and announcements.