The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a national entrance test in

physics Physics is the scientific study of matter, its Elementary particle, fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. "Physical science is that department of knowledge whi ...

and

theoretical computer science Theoretical computer science is a subfield of computer science and mathematics that focuses on the Abstraction, abstract and mathematical foundations of computation. It is difficult to circumscribe the theoretical areas precisely. The Associati ...

conducted annually in India. The test is utilised by various Indian public

research institute A research institute, research centre, or research organization is an establishment founded for doing research. Research institutes may specialize in basic research or may be oriented to applied research. Although the term often implies natural ...

s to shortlist candidates for admission to

PhD A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, DPhil; or ) is a terminal degree that usually denotes the highest level of academic achievement in a given discipline and is awarded following a course of graduate study and original research. The name of the deg ...

and Integrated PhD programmes with

fellowships A fellow is a title and form of address for distinguished, learned, or skilled individuals in academia, medicine, research, and industry. The exact meaning of the term differs in each field. In learned or professional societies, the term refers ...

in theoretical computer science and areas in physics. JEST has been recognised as a

National Eligibility Test The National Eligibility Test (NET) is a standardised test conducted at the national level by various agencies of the Government of India. It assesses candidates' eligibility for research fellowships, specifically the Junior Research Fellowship ( ...

(NET) by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). As of 2024, there are a total of 33 participating institutes in JEST. Each year, the test is conducted by any one of the institutes as a common test for admission to all participating institutes. A PhD in theoretical computer science is provided only at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Qualification

Ideally, the candidates should hold a

Master of Science A Master of Science (; abbreviated MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master's degree. In contrast to the Master of Arts degree, the Master of Science degree is typically granted for studies in sciences, engineering and medici ...

(MSc) degree in physics from a recognized institute or university. Additionally, certain institutions also accept candidates with a background in

Bachelor of Engineering A Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) is an undergraduate academic degree awarded to a college graduate majoring in an engineering discipline at a higher education institution. In the United Kingdom, a Ba ...

(BE),

Bachelor of Technology A Bachelor of Technology (BTech) is an undergraduate degree that is awarded for a higher education program in engineering. Countries Australia In Australia, the Bachelor of Technology degree is offered by RMIT University, Edith Cowan Univ ...

(BTech),

Master of Engineering A Master of Engineering (abbreviated MEng, ME, M.E. or M.Eng.) is a Professional degree, professional master's degree in the field of engineering. International variations Australia In Australia, the Master of Engineering degree is a research ...

(ME), or

Master of Technology A Master of Engineering (abbreviated MEng, ME, M.E. or M.Eng.) is a professional master's degree in the field of engineering. International variations Australia In Australia, the Master of Engineering degree is a research degree requiring com ...

(MTech) in any disciplines of

applied physics Applied physics is the application of physics to solve scientific or engineering problems. It is usually considered a bridge or a connection between physics and engineering. "Applied" is distinguished from "pure" by a subtle combination of fac ...

and mathematics. Some intitutes also consider candidates with a

Bachelor of Science A Bachelor of Science (BS, BSc, B.S., B.Sc., SB, or ScB; from the Latin ') is a bachelor's degree that is awarded for programs that generally last three to five years. The first university to admit a student to the degree of Bachelor of Scienc ...

(BSc) and

Master of Computer Application A Master of Science in Information Technology (abbreviated M.Sc.IT, MScIT or MSIT) is a master's degree in the field of information technology awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree. The MSIT degree is desi ...

(MCA), while others accept graduates in electronics,

optoelectronics Optoelectronics (or optronics) is the study and application of electronic devices and systems that find, detect and control light, usually considered a sub-field of photonics. In this context, ''light'' often includes invisible forms of radi ...

, and astronomy. JEST is conducted as a paper-based test. There is a fee of ₹800 for general candidates and ₹400 for reserved candidates. The syllabus will be at the level of MSc in physics or computer science. The test is held at centres around the country. Over 33 science institutes participate in the test. There are two core papers—

and

; 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. 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. Fellowships are granted by the respective institutes.

Participating institutes

Currently, there are a total of 33 premium public

s participating in JEST, as of 2023. *

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is a research institute in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India which specializes in astronomy, solar physics, astrophysics and atmospheric science. It is an autonomous body under the ...

(ARIES) *

Bose Institute Bose Institute (or Basu Bigyan Mandir) is a premier public research institute of India for biological sciences and also one of its oldest. The Bose Institute Kolkata is a Tier 1 Natural Science Research Institute in India, sharing the podium wit ...

Harish-Chandra Research Institute The Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI) is an institution dedicated to research in mathematics and theoretical physics, located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in India. Established in 1975, HRI offers masters and doctoral program in affiliatio ...

(HRI) *

Homi Bhabha National Institute The Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) is an Indian deemed university established by the Department of Atomic Energy, which unifies academic programmes of several of its constituent institutions. Deemed universities in India have been divi ...

(HBNI) *

Indian Institute of Astrophysics The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), with its headquarters in Bengaluru, is an autonomous research institute wholly funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. IIA conducts research primarily in the areas of ...

(IIA) *

Indian Institute of Science The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a Public university, public, Deemed university, deemed, research university for higher education and research in science, engineering, design, and management. It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The ...

(IISc) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur (IISER Berhampur) is an autonomous public research and science education institute in Berhampur, Odisha, India. Established in 2016, the institute is one of the 7 IISERs establishe ...

(IISER Berhampur) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal (IISERB or IISER Bhopal) is a prestigious autonomous research institute A research institute, research centre, or research organization is an establishment founded for doing researc ...

(IISER Bhopal) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (known as IISERK or IISER KOLKATA) is an public autonomous research institute in science and education field located in Mohanpur near the town of Kalyani in Nadia, West Bengal, Ind ...

(IISER Kolkata) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IISER Mohali) is an autonomous public research institute established in 2007 at Mohali, Punjab, India. It is one of the seven Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) ...

(IISER Mohali) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER Pune) is an autonomous public university established in 2006. It is one of the seven Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, and was one of the first IISERs to be ...

(IISER Pune) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram (IISER Thiruvananthapuram or IISER-TVM) is an autonomous public university located in Vithura, Kerala, India. The institute is one of the seven Indian Institutes of S ...

(IISER Thiruvananthapuram) *

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati commonly referred as IISER Tirupati, is an autonomous public university in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. It has been established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, now t ...

(IISER Tirupati) *

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is a government-aided institute and deemed university for the study and research of space science in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. IIST was set up in 2007 by the Indian Space Resear ...

(IIST) *

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is one of India's premier nuclear research centres. It is the second largest establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), next to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), located at K ...

(IGCAR) *

Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc) (sometimes also referred to as ''Matscience'') is a research centre located in Chennai, India.R. Jagannathan, ''The Institute of Mathematical Sciences'', Resonance (January 1999) vol. 4, no. 1, pp. ...

(IMSc) * International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) *

Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar is an autonomous research institution of the Department of Atomic Energy (India), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. The institute was founded by Professor Bidhu Bhusan Das, who was Direc ...

(IOP) *

Institute for Plasma Research The Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) is a public research institute in India. The institute conducts research in plasma science, including basic plasma physics, magnetically confined hot plasmas, and plasma technologies for industrial app ...

(IPR) *

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) is an autonomous institution set up by the University Grants Commission of India to promote nucleation and growth of active groups in astronomy and astrophysics in Indian unive ...

(IUCAA) *

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is a multidisciplinary research institute located at Jakkur, Bangalore, India. JNCASR was established by the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of Indi ...

(JNCASR) *

National Brain Research Centre National Brain Research Centre is a research institute in Manesar, Gurugram, India. It is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The institute is dedicated to r ...

(NBRC) *

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics National may refer to: Common uses * Nation or country ** Nationality – a ''national'' is a person who is subject to a nation, regardless of whether the person has full rights as a citizen Places in the United States * National, Maryland, ce ...

(NCRA-TIFR) *

National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is an autonomous research institute in Jatani, Odisha, India, aided by Department of Atomic Energy. The institute is affiliated by Homi Bhabha National Institute. Former Pr ...

(NISER) *

Physical Research Laboratory The Physical Research Laboratory ( PRL; Hindi: भौतिक अनुसंधान प्रयोगशाला, IAST: ''Bhoutik Anusandhan Prayogashala'') is a National Research Institute for space and allied sciences, supported mainly ...

(PRL) *

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology The Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology is a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, engaged in research and development (R&D) in non-nuclear front-line research areas of lasers, particle accelerators and related t ...

(RRCAT) *

Raman Research Institute The Raman Research Institute (RRI) is an institute for scientific research located in Bengaluru, India. It was founded by Nobel laureate Sir C. V. Raman in 1948. Although it began as an institute privately owned by C. V. Raman, it became an ...

(RRI) * Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP) *

S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) is an autonomous research institute dedicated to basic research in mathematics sciences under the Department of Science and Technology of Government of India. It is located in West Beng ...

(SNBNCBS) *

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is a leading research Institute under the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India. It is a public deemed university located at Navy Nagar, Colaba in Mumbai. It also has a centres in ...

(TIFR) * TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TIFR-TCIS) * UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research (UGC-DAE CSR) *

Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) is a premier research and development unit of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The VECC has three campuses located in Kolkata, India and performs research in basic and applied nuclear ...

(VECC)

Research subjects

Programmes include PhD, integrated MSc–PhD and M.Tech–PhD in

neuroscience Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system), its functions, and its disorders. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, ...

, and

computational biology Computational biology refers to the use of techniques in computer science, data analysis, mathematical modeling and Computer simulation, computational simulations to understand biological systems and relationships. An intersection of computer sci ...

. Some of the research subjects for PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc are: * Astronomy and astrophysics *

Atmospheric science Atmospheric science is the study of the Atmosphere of Earth, Earth's atmosphere and its various inner-working physical processes. Meteorology includes atmospheric chemistry and atmospheric physics with a major focus on weather forecasting. Clima ...

Computational biology Computational biology refers to the use of techniques in computer science, data analysis, mathematical modeling and Computer simulation, computational simulations to understand biological systems and relationships. An intersection of computer sci ...

Condensed matter physics Condensed matter physics is the field of physics that deals with the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter, especially the solid and liquid State of matter, phases, that arise from electromagnetic forces between atoms and elec ...

High energy physics Particle physics or high-energy physics is the study of fundamental particles and forces that constitute matter and radiation. The field also studies combinations of elementary particles up to the scale of protons and neutrons, while the stu ...

Neuroscience Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system), its functions, and its disorders. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, ...

* Plasma research *

Quantum optics Quantum optics is a branch of atomic, molecular, and optical physics and quantum chemistry that studies the behavior of photons (individual quanta of light). It includes the study of the particle-like properties of photons and their interaction ...

Quantum information Quantum information is the information of the state of a quantum system. It is the basic entity of study in quantum information theory, and can be manipulated using quantum information processing techniques. Quantum information refers to both t ...

Theoretical computer science Theoretical computer science is a subfield of computer science and mathematics that focuses on the Abstraction, abstract and mathematical foundations of computation. It is difficult to circumscribe the theoretical areas precisely. The Associati ...

References

External links

* {{Official website, www.jest.org.in Standardised tests in India