Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)

Purpose

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted to provide admissions to M.Sc, Ph.D., and Integrated Ph.D. programs in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Biology, and Neuroscience at various prestigious institutes in India. The exam aims to assess the academic aptitude and skills of candidates to ensure a fair selection process for admissions1.

Conducting Authority

The exam is conducted by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body established through an Act of Parliament.

Eligibility Criteria

• M.Sc. in Physics: Candidates should have an M.Sc. in Physics or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Ph.D. in Physics: Candidates should have an M.Sc. in Physics or equivalent, or B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc./M.E./M.Tech. in disciplines of Applied Physics and Mathematics.
• Theoretical Computer Science: Candidates should have an M.Sc./M.E./M.Tech. in Computer Science or related disciplines.
• Computational Biology: Candidates should have an M.Sc./M.E./M.Tech./M.C.A. in any engineering or science discipline with strong mathematical skills and interest in biological problems.
• Neuroscience: Candidates should have an M.Sc. in Physics/Mathematics or B.E./B.Tech./M.C.A. in Computer Science.

Exam Schedule/Important Dates

• Application Form Release: 1st week of January 2025
• Last Date to Submit Application: 4th week of January 2025
• Correction Facility: 1st week of February 2025
• Release of Admit Card: 2nd week of February 2025
• JEST Exam Date: 23rd February 2025
• Answer Key Release: 2nd week of March 2025
• JEST Results: March/April 2025
• Interviews: April 2025

Application Process

1. Online Application: Candidates need to fill out the online application form available on the official JEST website.
2. Submission: Submit the filled application form along with the required documents and pay the application fee.
3. Correction Facility: Make necessary corrections during the correction window.
4. Admit Card: Download the admit card after it is released.

Application Fee

The application fee varies based on the category of the candidate. It is typically around INR 475 for female applicants belonging to the SC/ST category, INR 475 for SC/ST (male), EWS, differently abled applicants, and INR 950 for all other applicants.

Exam Pattern

• Mode: The exam is conducted in pen and paper mode.
• Structure: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into sections based on Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Computational Biology1.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the JEST exam includes topics from the M.Sc. level for Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Computational Biology1. Specific details can be found in the official prospectus released by JEST.

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Syllabus: Go through the syllabus thoroughly and focus on the important topics.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
3. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation and improve your speed and accuracy.
4. Study Plan: Create a study plan and stick to it. Allocate time for each subject and revise regularly.
5. Stay Updated