JEST 2025: Exam Date (Out), Registration (Jan), Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation Tips

Joint Entrance Screening Test 2024 ( JEST )

140.5K Views157 Comments

Exam On: 23 Feb '25

Updated on Jan 8, 2025 10:35 IST

The JEST 2025 Exam Date has been released on the official website of JEST, the JEST Exam 2025 is scheduled for February 23, 2025, for candidates who wish to study a PhD/Integrated PhD Programme in Physics or Neuroscience Theoretical Computer Science or Computational Biology in one of the participating Institutes.

The JEST 2025 Test will be held between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at different exam centres in India. 

The JEST 2025 Registration Process will start in the first week of January 2025, tentatively. The registration process will go on till the last week of January 2025 and the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) Application process will also start with the registration process. The exam conducting body for JEST is the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), previously the exam was conducted by the Science & Engineering Research Board (SEBS). 

The correction window for the JEST 2025 will remain open for the first week of February 2025. The number of candidates who appeared for the previous year's JEST Exam was around 8278 and out of these numbers only 919 candidates passed the JEST Examination. Candidates need to fill in their email ID and password to get access to their scorecard. The highest score for a PhD course in the previous years was 73.6667 and for Int. PhD the score was 72 marks. 

Also Read: PhD in Engineering Colleges in India

The previous year JEST exam was conducted across the country in 38 JEST exam centres. Once, the JEST 2025 Exam is conducted successfully students can go through the JEST exam analysis that helps them understand the exam difficulty level. 

Latest Updates: JEST 2025 Exam Date Out: Check Out JEST 2025 Application Fee and Other Details

Q:   What is the exam analysis of JEST 2024?

A:

The JEST exam analysis comprises the difficulty level of the exam, the average questions attempted by the applicants, whether any question was wrong or mis spelt and expected cutoff etc. It will be out after the conclusion of the exam. By checking the exam analysis, applicants can get to know about the chances of qualifying the exam.

 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What will happen after the declaration of JEST 2024 results?

A:

Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) declared the result of JEST exam 2024 on March 26, 2024. So only those candidates who qualified the exam need to further apply in IITs, IISc, IISERs, NISER, etc. It is to be noted that students should apply to multiple institutions in order to take subjects and institutes of their choice.  

Those who are undergraduate can apply for M.Sc and PhD integrated programmes while those who are post graduate can apply directly for PhD programmes

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   When did JEST 2024 result release?

A:

The JEST 2024 exam was conducted on March 3, 2024. IIST released JEST results on March 26, 2024 in online mode on the official website. 

Along with declaration of the result, IIST also released the scorecard and cutoff marks. The score of JEST 2024 will be valid for admission to the academic year 2024-25 only. Scores and candidate data would be shared with the University where he or she has applied.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   When will JEST provisional answer 2024 key be released?

A:

JEST 2024 provisional answer key was released in online mode on the official website. The authorities released provisional answer key on March 5, 2024.

After releasing the answer key, authorities gave time to raise objections if they have in any question. After taking input from the students IIST will release the final answer key of JEST exam.  

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

What is JEST?

Various renowned institutes like IISERs, NISER, IISc and more conduct the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). Those who wish to pursue PhD and Int. PhD programmes need to clear the JEST screening test and seek admission to various participating institutes in different subjects such as Neuroscience or Computational Biology, Physics and Theoretical Computer Science. The JEST examination is conducted for two subjects, theoretical computer science, and physics. Also, the qualifications for admission to the PhD and Int. PhD programmes in different for all the participating institutes.

 

 

Q:   Is JEST Online or Offline?

A:

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. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How often is the JEST examination typically conducted in a year?

A:

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the primary purpose of the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)?

A:

The primary purpose of the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is to serve as a qualifying examination for candidates seeking admission to various Ph.D. and integrated Ph.D. programs in physics, theoretical computer science, and neuroscience in India.

JEST is an essential examination for students interested in pursuing research careers in these fields, as it helps them gain admission to esteemed research institutions. Successful candidates in the JEST exam can apply for admissions to the participating institutes based on their JEST scores, and they may be called for interviews and other selection processes as per the institute's admission criteria.

In summary, the primary purpose of JEST is to identify and select candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for research in physics, theoretical computer science, and neuroscience, and to facilitate their admission to prestigious research programs in India.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of JEST 2024 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

Jan '25

JEST 2025 Registration Fee End Date

TENTATIVE

Feb '25

JEST 2025 Correction Window

TENTATIVE

Feb '25 - Mar '25

JEST 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

Feb '25 - Mar '25

JEST 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

23 Feb '25

JEST 2025 Exam Date

Mar '25

JEST 2025 Provisional Answer Key

TENTATIVE

Mar '25

JEST 2025 Answer Key Objection

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates

Jan '25

JEST 2025 Application Window

JEST 2025 Exam Highlights

Go through the information related to the JEST Exam 2025.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

Joint Engineering Screening Test

Conducting Body

IIST

Exam Level

PhD level

Exam Frequency

Once a Year

Mode of Exam

Paper-pencil Based Test (PBT) or Offline

Total Number of Test Takers

To be notified

Courses Offered

Integrated MSc / MTech- PhD/ PhD

Exam Fees

INR 800 - General category male candidates.

INR 400 - SC/ST/Female candidates.

Exam Duration

180 minutes

Sections and Marks

Three sections with a total of 100 marks

Total Number of Questions

50

Marking Scheme

+1 for each correct answer (Part A)

+3 for each correct answer (Part B)

-1/3 for each incorrect answer (Part A)

-1 for each incorrect answer (Part B)

Language/Mode of Exam

English

Colleges Accepting JEST score

33 institutes in India

Number of Test Cities

38 cities in India

Official Website 

https://www.jest.org.in/ 

Contact Details info.jest2024@iist.ac.in

Q:   Are there any specific syllabus topics that candidates should prepare for the JEST physics exam?

A:

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the format of the JEST exam, and what types of questions can candidates expect?

A:

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).

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2025 Candidate Statics

Number of Students Applied for the JEST Exam 

Students who want to prepare for JEST 2025, must go through these statistics related to JEST Exam 2024 to know the difficulty level of JEST and to prepare themselves accordingly. 

 

Applied

Attended

 

Female

Male

Others

Total

Female

Male

Total

PhD

2897

3985

0

6882

1966

3033

4999

Int. PhD

1564

2717

1

4282

1141

2138

3279

Total

4461

6702

1

11164

3107

5171

8278

JEST Exam 2024 Cutoff

 

Marks

Percentile

Rank Total

Qualified

PhD

36

90.08

496

517 (109 F + 408 M)

Int. PhD

30.33

88.17

388

402 (74 F + 328 M)

JEST Exam 2024 Top Scores

Course Name

Percentile

PhD

73.6667

Int. PhD

72

JEST 2025 Exam Analysis

In comparison to the previous year, students who appeared for the previous year's JEST Exam found the difficulty level of the exam from moderate to difficult. Most of the questions that came in the JEST Examination were from the postgraduation and master's levels. Most of the questions were asked from the postgraduation and master's level. 

Some questions were based on the wave optics and quantum mechanics topics and then there were topics that came from Hamiltonian air perturbation matrix, flux, electric field, magnetic field, and lagrangian concept, and virtual ground concept related to some direct questions were also asked in the JEST Exam. 

 

JEST 2025 Answer Key

The JEST answer key will be out in the third week of March 2025, tentatively. Once, the JEST Final Answer key is published it can not be modified or changed under any conditions. Candidates who want to calculate their estimated JEST Scores with the help of the Answer Key need to first visit the official website to download the PDF file. In case, a candidate wants to challenge the provisional answer key, they need to visit the official site and then pay a objection fee along with the proof that support their objection. If the proof s valid for the objection then the exam conducting authority will approve the objection and then the Final Answer will be released. 

 

JEST 2025 Question Paper

The JEST Question Paper will be out by the exam conducting authority and the JEST Exam is a paper-based Test (PBT). Once, the exam is over students are allowed to bring the JEST Question paper out of the exam centre. Those who wish to appear for the JEST 2025 Exam must get the previous year's question papers from the exam takers to prepare for the JEST Exam for the academic session 2025. The previous year's question paper will be helpful for those who are preparing for the JEST Exam 2025. 

Science exams you must check out

Exams whose counselling is ongoing

Counselling ongoing
ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling:...

6 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25

AILET Second Provisional Merit...

10 Jan '25

OUAT 2024 Campus Reporting for...

6 Jan '25 - 7 Jan '25

View allScience exams

JEST 2025 Result

The JEST Result 2025 will be out on the official site in the third week of March 2025 by the IIST, the exam conducting authority. Those who appeared for the JEST Exam need to download their scorecard from the official website which includes important information such as section-wise scores, and the candidate's All India Rank (AIR). The selected candidates need to apply to the participating institutes to gain admission.

Q:   What is the best college after qualifying the JEST exam?

A:

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Where can I check the JEST result 2024?

A:

Applicants who secured the minimum passing marks are considered passing as per JEST Results. The result was released on the official website of JEST.

Along with declaration of the result, IIST also released the score card as well as JEST cut off marks. Applicants who appeared in the exam can check their marks in JEST exam. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What will happen after the declaration of JEST 2024 results?

A:

Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) declared the result of JEST exam 2024 on March 26, 2024. So only those candidates who qualified the exam need to further apply in IITs, IISc, IISERs, NISER, etc. It is to be noted that students should apply to multiple institutions in order to take subjects and institutes of their choice.  

Those who are undergraduate can apply for M.Sc and PhD integrated programmes while those who are post graduate can apply directly for PhD programmes

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2025 Cutoff

With the declaration of the JEST Result the exam conducting authorities will also release the JEST cutoff. After filling out the login credentials candidates can get access to their scorecard. The previous year's cutoff mentioned in the table below refers to the minimum scores a candidate needs to score to qualify for the JEST Exam's first round of the admission process. 

Programme JEST Cutoff JEST Cutoff Percentile
PhD 36 90.08
Integrated MSc-PhD 30.33 88.17

 

Q:   What is JEST exam cut off?

A:

Applicants who want to know about the JEST cutoff should note that the cut off is the minimum passing marks one must secure to qualify for taking admission. The JEST cut off is calculated on the basis of total number of seats, difficulty level of exam, marking scheme of exam and the total number of candidates securing that passing marks. 

Since this year there is a change in marking scheme compared to previous year hence the JEST 2024 cut off will be different than previous years. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What will be the JEST 2024 cut off?

A:

The JEST cut off for 2024 was decided on the difficulty level of the exam, and number of applicants who appeared in the exam.

The JEST 2024 cut off marks was released. This year it was released on the official website. For PhD course it was 36 while for Int. PhD it was 30.08

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2204 Exam Centres

The list of JEST Exam 2025 is still not out on the official website however, the list of exam centres from previous years is mentioned in the below table. The information brochure, notification and exam centres list will be released by the exam conducting authority. 

 

List of JEST Exam Centres 

 

Ahmedabad

Aligarh

Allahabad

Amritsar

Bangalore

Bardhaman

Bhopal

Bhubaneswar

Kozhikode

Chandigarh

Chennai

Delhi

Goa

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Indore

Jaipur

Kanpur

Kharagpur

Kochi

Kolkata

Madurai

Mangalore

Mumbai

Nagpur

Nainital

Patna

Pune

Raipur

Roorkee

Sambalpur

Silchar

Siliguri

Srinagar

Trivandrum

Udaipur

 Vishakhapatnam

Vijayawada (subject to availability)

--

 

JEST Preparation Tips

Candidates preparing for the JEST Exam must know that it can take six to eight months to prepare for the JEST Exam to pursue PhD courses in their preferred subjects and preferred university. Read some of the helpful tips mentioned below to prepare well for the JEST Exam.

  • Candidates need to work on their basics and must clear their concepts. 
  • Selecting the right preparation material is also crucial for the preparation process and therefore candidates must choose the right books and avoid getting too much unnecessary study material to avoid confusion and clutter. 
  • One of the most effective ways to prepare for competitive exams is to practise mock tests because mock tests will help candidates gain confidence in their strong areas and get a grip over the weak areas. This preparation method also helps gain speed and the correct way of answering a question within a limited period to get maximum marks. 

Candidates must read the last-minute preparation tips before they appear for the JEST Exam:

  • Revise Daily: Daily revision is one of the most crucial steps for candidates to prepare effectively, or else they will forget whatever they are reading daily. To remember things for a long period it is better to revise daily or on alternative days. Reading new topics without remembering the previous one is of no use. 
  • Previous Year Question Papers: It is a great way to prepare for any exam because knowing what is important and what was asked in the previous year's question paper is a smart way of preparation.
  • Work on weak topics: It is good to focus on the weak topics along with the topics you are good at. This will help candidates to prepare well for the JEST Exam and they will feel confident on the day of the exam. 

JEST 2025 Exam Pattern

There are a total of 50 questions in the Exam pattern for the JEST. The test paper consists of MCQs and the paper is sectioned in two parts. In the JEST exam, students are evaluated out of 100 scores.

No. of Sections Total Questions
Part A 25
Part B 15
Part C 10
Total 50

JEST New Marking Scheme

Part

Total Questions

Marks for Correct answer

Marks for the wrong answer

Part A

25

1

1/3

Part B

15

3

1

Part C 10 3 0

JEST 2025 Courses Offered

Courses in which aspirants can secure admission based on their JEST result are as mentioned below:

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

 

Q:   Is there negative marking in JEST examination?

A:

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the duration of JEST Examination?

A:

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the level of questions in JEST Examination?

A:

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2025 Admit Card

The JEST 2025 Hall Ticket will be out at least 10 days before the commencement of the exam on the official website. The JEST 2025 Admit Card will be made available on the official website for the exam takers before the exam date and candidates can get access to their Hall Tickey by filling in their login credentials like password and registration number. All the exam takers must carry their JEST Admit Card on the day of the exam. The admit card consists of some of the important details such as exam centre address, exam time, exam date, candidate name, roll number, contact number, signature, photograph, and important instructions related to the exam day. 

 

Q:   When can I download JEST Admit Card 2024?

A:

Applicants who have successfully filled the application form will be able to download their admit card of JEST 2024. The admit card can be downloaded by entering the login details. Exam conducting authorities release the admit card at least 15 days before the commencement of the exam.  

The JEST 2024 admit card can be downloaded in PDF format. In case of any discrepancy in the admit card students need to raise it to the exam conducting authorities and get it corrected ASAP. If candidates fail to get it rectified before the exam then candidates won't be able to appear in the exam. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Where can I find the download link for the JEST admit card 2024?

A:

Applicants can find JEST admit card 2024 download link via visiting the official website which is jest.org.in. Sometimes it can happen that the link does not work or the website doesn't open then in that case it is advised to retry after some times as it happens mainly due to heavy load on the website or some server side errors. 

The JEST hall ticket 2024 can be downloaded via entering the login credentials and captcha. After downloading applicants need to carry it to exam centres along with photo copy of one identity proof.  

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What to do If I am unable to download the admit card of JEST exam?

A:

After the release of the admit card, one may experience in difficulty to download for various reasons, some of them are mentioned below:

A) Heavy traffic on website

B) Server side/Technical Issue

C) Poor internet connectivity at user's home. 

For all these issues, applicants are advised to wait for some time and try downloading after some time. 

If you are facing the issue in downloading the JEST 2024 admit card, other than mentioned above then you are advised to get in touch with the coordinators at jest email id by mentioning the issue. 

 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2025 Syllabus

The JEST 2025 syllabus will be released along with the official notification in January 2025, tentatively, by the exam authorities. The exam takers are examined based on various subjects such as Classical Methods, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics and Electronics, Electromagnetism & Optics, and Mathematical Methods. The JEST syllabus has not changed in the previous years. 

Q:   Which fields of study are covered by the JEST examination?

A:

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) primarily covers the following fields of study:

  1. Physics: JEST is most well-known for its coverage of physics-related programs. It serves as a qualifying exam for Ph.D. and integrated Ph.D. programs in various areas of physics, including but not limited to astrophysics, condensed matter physics, high-energy physics, nuclear physics, and theoretical physics.

  2. Theoretical Computer Science: JEST also includes theoretical computer Science as one of its covered fields. It is used for admission to Ph.D. programs in theoretical computer Science and related areas.

  3. Neuroscience: JEST is applicable to Ph.D. programs in neuroscience, allowing candidates interested in this interdisciplinary field to seek admission to prestigious research institutions.

It's important to note that while JEST primarily covers these fields, the participating institutions and their specific programs may have variations in their eligibility criteria and areas of research. Therefore, candidates should check the official JEST website or the websites of the participating institutes for the most up-to-date information on the programs offered and their eligibility requirements.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is JEST syllabus 2025?

A:

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
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

JEST 2025 Mock Test

JEST 2025 mock test or demo test is released along with the admit card by the exam conducting authorities once the online applications are filled. There are a total of nine questions and there are a total of three questions in each section based on the official mock test. The navigation system and the JEST 2025 exam format help candidates get exposure, understanding and clarity regarding the exam. Candidates must also solve and practise the sample papers available on the official website 

JEST 2025 Counselling

The participating institutes conduct the JEST 2025 Counselling process separately. The list of shortlisted candidates by each JEST participating institute is released based on the cutoff marks that follow the interview rounds The venue and interview dates along with the selected candidates are released via email and SMS by the participating institutes. 

JEST 2025: List of Colleges Accepting Scores (Expected)

JEST exam is conducted to examine candidates whether they are deserving to secure admission in PhD and integrated PhD programmes or not. Check out the list of JEST participating colleges mentioned below. 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore

Bose Institute, Kolkata

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal

Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata

International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)-TIFR, Bangalore

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune

Indian Institute of Space Science  and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram

The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai

National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar

Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)-TIFR, Pune

Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar

National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore

Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore

TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TCIS), Hyderabad

Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai

Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata

UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research (UGC-DAE CSR), Indore

Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata

TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TIFR-TCIS), Hyderabad

Also Read: List of colleges & courses for JEST admission

JEST 2025 Application Process

Candidates need to visit the official website to fill in the JEST 2025 Application Form online. Students need to submit their personal information while filling out the application form such as educational details, uploading documents, signature and photographs, exam centre preference, and college and course details as well. Once, the Application Form is filled they need to submit the JEST 2025 Application fee via debit card, credit card or net banking.

 

 

Q:   What is the typical application process for JEST, and where can candidates apply?

A:

The application process for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) typically involves several steps. Please note that the process and requirements may change, so it's essential to refer to the official JEST website or the websites of participating institutions for the most up-to-date information. Here is a general overview of the application process:

  1. Online Registration: Candidates need to visit the official JEST website and complete the online registration process. They will be required to provide personal information, contact details, and academic qualifications during registration.

  2. Payment of Application Fee: After registering online, candidates are usually required to pay the application fee. The fee amount may vary from year to year and can depend on factors such as the category of the candidate (General, SC/ST, etc.). Payment can be made online through various methods such as debit/credit cards or net banking.

  3. Selection of Exam Centers: Candidates can select their preferred exam center (s) from the available options. It's important to choose an exam center that is convenient and accessible to you.

  4. Uploading Documents: Candidates may be required to upload scanned copies of documents, including a recent photograph and signature, as specified in the application instructions.

  5. Completing the Application Form: Candidates should carefully fill out the application form, providing accurate information and ensuring that all mandatory fields are completed.

  6. Submission of Application: After completing the application form and making the payment, candidates must submit the application online. They will receive a confirmation of the successful submission of the application.

  7. Admit Card Download: Subsequently, candidates can download their admit cards from the official website. The admit card contains important information such as the exam date, time, and venue.

Candidates can apply for JEST through the official JEST website. The website typically provides detailed instructions, including the specific documents required, important dates, and any changes to the application process for that particular year.

It's crucial for candidates to keep track of important dates, adhere to the guidelines provided, and regularly check the official JEST website for updates and announcements related to the application process and examination details.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Is JEST Application fee refundable?

A:

The application fee for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is non-refundable in nature. Once a candidate paid the application fee and submitted the application, it was generally not refunded under normal circumstances, even if the candidate did not appear for the exam or if they did not qualify for admission.

However, it's important to note that policies and procedures can change, and different examination authorities may have varying rules regarding fee refunds.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the application fee for JEST Examination?

A:

Here are the typical application fee details for JEST:

  1. General and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: The application fee for General and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates was around INR 400 to INR 500. Please note that this fee amount may vary from year to year.

  2. SC/ST and Physically Challenged (PH) Candidates: SC/ST and Physically Challenged (PH) candidates usually received a reduced application fee, which was typically around INR 200 to INR 250. Again, the fee amount can change, so it's essential to check the latest fee details on the official JEST website.

  3. Female Candidates: In some years, there were concessions for female candidates, with a reduced application fee similar to SC/ST and PH candidates.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

FAQs Regarding JEST Exam 2025

Read some of the most frequently asked questions listed for the JEST 2025 Examination.

Q:   When will JEST 2024 notification be out?

A:

The JEST 2024 notification as well as the application form was released in online mode on January 5, 2024. Applicants who want to fill out the form till January 31, 2024. Earlier the last date to register for JEST 2024 was January 24, 2024.

Candidates are advised to check their eligibility before filling the form. Students before filling the application form must check the application fees. The fees vary for different categories UG, SC/ST and Female applicants. 

The JEST 2024 exam will be conducted on March 3, 2024 in online mode.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   When did JEST 2024 registration start?

A:

Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the examination conducting body for JEST 2024 examination, released the JEST 2024 online application form on January 5, 2024. Aspiring preaparing for JEST 2024 examination must check their eligibility criteria before applying for JEST 2024 application form.

It is important to note that specific dates for the release of the application form and other important deadlines can change from year to year. Therefore, it is highly recommended to visit the official JEST website or regularly checking official notifications and announcements related to the JEST examination for the most up-to-date information regarding the application process and schedule for the year you plan to apply.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Is there any limit to apply for the JEST examination?

A:

No, there is no limit to apply for the JEST exam. There is no restriction on age for appearing in the JEST examination according to information available till now. Though, each participating institute has its own eligibility criteria which applicants need to check before applying for the JEST exam.

It is to be noted that even if you have qualified the JEST exam successfully and you fail in the eligibility criteria decided by participating institutes then you won't be able to take admission.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Is JEST Online or Offline?

A:

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. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What are the participating universities for the JEST 2024 examination?

A:

JEST 2024 exam is conducted for admission to PhD and Int. PhD programmes in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science and Neuroscience or Computational Biology. Several renowned institutions in India participate in JEST for admissions to their PhD. and Integrated PhD programs. The list of participating university is mentioned below:

Participating Institute

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital

Bose Institute, Kolkata

Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai

Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad

International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)-TIFR, Bangalore

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore

Jawaharlal Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram

Indian Institute of Space Science  and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram

The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai

Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar

Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore

National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News
Download Important Dates for Science Exams
qna

JEST Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, you should be able to take the IIT JAM, JEST, and TIFR exams in 2027 if you graduated in August 2024, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each exam

T

Tejas Bodhankar

Contributor-Level 9

13 Institutes accepting JEST

Ph.D. in Biology
  • Total Fees: ₹ 75,000
  • |
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Ph.D. in Physics
  • 4.4

    Placements

    4.0

    Infrastructure

    5.0

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.0

    Crowd & Campus Life

    5.0

    Value for Money

    4.0

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (1)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 48,550
  • |
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Ph.D. in Physics
  • Total Fees: ₹ 45,000
  • |
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Ph.D. in Physics
  • Total Fees: ₹ 15,000
  • |
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

Jan '25: TIFR GS Final Answer
6 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25: ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling: Online Registration, Fee,
6 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25: ICAR JRF SRF 2024 Counselling: Online Registration, Fee,
2 Jan '25 - 1 Feb '25: CUET PG 2025 Application Process
Mar '25 - Apr '25: CMI Entrance Exam 2025 Application Form