Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) can be considered similar to NET (National Eligibility Test) examination. By qualifying JEST exam, students can get admission in premier institutes/colleges of the country for research in science and engineering. SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board) is responsible for conducting the JEST examination. SERB comes under the purview of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It was established by an Act of Parliament in 2008. JEST is a national-level examination, which is conducted every year for Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. conducted for admission to the courses.

As you might know, various examinations are conducted to promote higher education in India, and JEST is one of the important examinations. JEST provides an important opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in study and research.

The main objective of this examination is to ensure admission of students in the major research institutes of the country, so that they can contribute maximum in studies and research.

Both NET and JEST examinations are conducted to encourage excellence in research in India. NET is specifically for studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, while JEST is for studies in Science and Engineering.

SERB was established to encourage and support Indian research projects. Its main objective is to encourage research projects in science and engineering in the country. Also, SERB conducts JEST exam, through which students can get admission in premier research institutes.

JEST 2023 Latest Update -

• JEST-2023 is scheduled to be held on 11th March 2023.
• JEST Application Process started on 28th January 2023 and the last date to submit the Applicaiton form is 24th February 2023.

JEST 2023 - Quick Highlights

JEST Exam 2023 Important Dates

The important dates for the JEST 2023 exam are official now. Here is the complete exam schedule.

JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test) is primarily aimed at students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or Integrated Ph.D. program in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and related disciplines in some of the premier research institutes in India.

The eligibility criteria for the JEST exam are:

For Ph.D. in Physics:
M.Sc. in Physics is typically the basic requirement. However, some institutes also accept students with a B.E. or B.Tech. degree, provided they have an adequate academic record and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in Physics.

For Theoretical Computer Science/Neuroscience/Mathematics at IMSc:
M.Sc./ M.E./ M.Tech. in Computer Science and related disciplines, and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science. For Neuroscience, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant branches of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics is usually required. For Mathematics, a M.Sc. in Mathematics is typically necessary.

For Ph.D. in Neuroscience at NBRC:
M.Sc. in Physics or Mathematics, M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science.

For Integrated M.Sc./ M.Tech - Ph.D. Program (at select institutes):
Bachelor's degree in Physics or any related science/engineering field. The specific requirements might vary depending on the institute.

For Integrated Ph.D. Program in Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc:
B.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.C.A. in Computer Science or related disciplines.

For Integrated M.Tech - Ph.D. Program at IIA:
M.Sc. (Physics/Applied Physics)/Post-B.Sc. (Hons) in Optics and Optoelectronics/Radio Physics and Electronics.

For Integrated Ph.D. Program at IISER, Thiruvananthapuram:
Bachelor's degree in any branch of Science. For the stream of Biological Sciences, a minimum of 55% marks in graduation is typically required.