JEST 2024: Exam Date, Admit Card (Out), Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)
Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)

JEST 2024: Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2024 is being organized by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)- Thiruvananthapuram. JEST 2024 Examination will be conducted on 3rd March, 2024, forenoon.

Here we will discuss in complete details about JEST exam. We will discuss about JEST syllabus, exam pattern, Participating Institutes, Pattern, Books and Preparation Tips.

JEST 2024 Updates

  • JEST 2024 Admit card released. JEST 2024 Exam will be held on 3rd March 2024.

About JEST

JEST – Joint Entrance Screening Test is a national level examination conducted annually in Physics and Theoretical Computer Science.

The test scores are used by several institutions to shortlist candidates for PhD and Integrated PhD programmes in Theoretical Computer Science and diverse areas related to Physics. Some of these institutions include the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), various IISERs and IITs.

The examination will be at the level of MSc or an advanced BSc in Physics or Computer Science, respectively.

There is no strict eligibility criteria for appearing in JEST. However, each of the participating institutions follow their own individual eligibility and selection process, based on specific requirements and specialization.

Qualifying in JEST does not automatically entitle a fellowship. Candidates should apply separately to PhD programmes in institutions of their choice, as and when advertised. Applicants shortlisted based on their JEST scores may go through an interview before final selection. To know more about specific topics of research, eligibility criteria and selection process, applicants are advised to visit websites of the individual institutions.

The Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) recognizes JEST as a National Eligibility Test (NET). NET qualified fellows working in SERB programmes are eligible for an enhanced fellowship.

JEST 2024 Overview

Exam nameJEST – Joint Entrance Screening Test 2024
Conducted byIndian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)- Thiruvananthapuram
Exam levelNational level
JEST PapersPhysics and Theoretical Computer Science (TCS)
Courses offeredPh.D./ Integrated Ph.D. programmes
Application modeOnline
Exam modeComputer Based Test
Exam Time3 Hours
Exam Date3rd March 2024

JEST Papers

JEST Examination will be conducted for –

  1. Physics
  2. Theoretical Computer Science (TCS)

Courses Offered Based on JEST

The test scores are used by several institutions to shortlist candidates for PhD and Integrated PhD programmes in Theoretical Computer Science and diverse areas related to Physics (Astronomy & Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Computational Biology, Condensed Matter Physics, High Energy Physics, Neuroscience, Plasma Research, Quantum Optics, Quantum Information etc.).

JEST Participating Institutes

Visit the individual institute websites to view the programmes and subject areas being offered by them. Here is the list of Participating Institutes.

  1. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
  2. Bose Institute, Kolkata
  3. International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, TIFR-Bengaluru
  4. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune
  5. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
  6. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur
  7. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata
  8. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali
  9. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune
  10. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram
  11. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
  12. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati
  13. National Brain Research Centre, Gurgaon
  14. Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad (Campuses at Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Mt. Abu)
  15. Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru
  16. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
  17. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad
  18. UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore
  19. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal
  20. Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
  21. S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata
  22. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru
  23. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, TIFR, Pune

Constituent Institutes of Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai

  1. Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad
  2. Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar
  3. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam
  4. Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar
  5. Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata
  6. Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata
  7. National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar
  8. Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore
  9. The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai

JEST Score is also considered in some IITs.

JEST 2024 Test Centres

  1. Ahmedabad
  2. Aligarh
  3. Allahabad
  4. Amritsar
  5. Bangalore
  6. Bardhhaman
  7. Bhopal
  8. Bhubaneswar
  9. Chandigarh
  10. Chennai
  11. Delhi
  12. Goa
  13. Guwahati
  14. Hyderabad
  15. Indore
  16. Jaipur
  17. Kanpur
  18. Kharagpur
  19. Kochi
  20. Kolkata
  21. Kozhikode
  22. Madurai
  23. Mangalore
  24. Mumbai
  25. Nagpur
  26. Nainital
  27. Patna
  28. Pune
  29. Raipur
  30. Roorkee
  31. Sambalpur
  32. Silchar
  33. Siliguri
  34. Srinagar
  35. Trivandrum
  36. Udaipur
  37. Vijayawada
  38. Vishakhapatnam

JEST Physics 2024 Important Dates

EventsDates
Online application formJanuary 2024
Last date to apply31 January 2024
Admit card12 February 2024
Exam date3rd March 2024
Answer key1st week of April 2024
Result2nd week of April 2024

Eligibility for JEST 2024 Physics

  • Please see the websites/advertisements of the participating institutes for their eligibility criteria in details.
  • Listed below are tentative eligibility criteria of admission to M.Sc, Ph.D, and Integrated / M.Sc / M.Tech. – Ph.D programs in the participating institutes.

Ph.D. Physics

  • M.Sc. in Physics (all participating Institutes).

Additionally, some institutes accept B.E. / B.Tech. / M.Sc. / M.E. / M.Tech. in disciplines of Applied Physics and Mathematics, as listed below.

  • M.Sc. in Mathematics / Applied Physics / Applied Mathematics / Optics and Photonics / Instrumentation / Electronics will also be considered at IIA.
  • B.E. or B.Tech. will be considered at IISc, IMSc, ICTS-TIFR, IUCAA, JNCASR, NCRA-TIFR, TIFR-TCIS, RRI, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram.
  • M.Sc. in Physics / Electronics / Astronomy / Applied Mathematics will be cnsidered at  IUCAA and NCRA-TIFR.
  • MSc  in Physics, Engineering Physics or Applied Physics will also be considered at IPR.
  • M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics or Biochemistry will be considered at SNBNCBS.
  • B.Tech Eng. Phys.will be considered at TIFR and NCRA-TIFR..
  • M.E./ M.Tech in Applied Physics  will be considered at NISER.
  • M.Sc. in Physics/Astronomy/Optics/Photonics/Biophysics/Mathematics or ME/M.Tech in Engineering also will be considered at RRI.
  • MSc. in Physics, Chemistry and Bio Physics will be considered at SNBNCBS.

Integrated M.Sc. / M.Tech – Ph.D (Physics)

  • BSc in Physics (Major/Hons), or in Physics and Mathematics (Physics cannot be an allied/subsidiary/minor subject) will be considered at SNBNCBS.
  • B. Sc. (Physics) will be considered at IMSc.
  • B.Sc. (Physics / Mathematics) / B.E. / B.Tech. in Electrical / Instrumentation / Engineering Physics / Electronics and Communications / Computer Science and Engineering / Optics and Photonics will be considered in IIA.
  • B.Sc (Physics) or B.E./B. Tech in Engineering Physics , with a minimum of first class marks, will be considered at NISER.
  • B.Sc. (Physics) will be considered at IISER-Pune, ICTS-TIFR, NCRA-TIFR, and TIFR-TCIS.
  • B. Sc. (Physics / Mathematics) / B.E. / B.Tec. will be considered for Integrated M.Sc – PhD at Bose Institute.
  • B. Sc. (Physics / Mathematics/Computer Science/Electronics) / B.E. / B.Tech. will be considered for Integrated M.Sc – PhD at Bose Institute.

Integrated M.Tech – Ph.D. Programme at IIA

  • M.Sc. (Physics / Applied Physics) / Post-B.Sc. (Hons) in Optics and Optoelectronics / Radio Physics and Electronics.

Integrated Ph.D. Programme at IISER Kolkata and IISER. Thiruvananthapuram.

  • B. Sc. (Physics) or B.E. / B. Tech. in any discipline.

M.Sc. Physics

M. Sc. Programme at HRI.

  • B. Sc. (Physics) or B.E./B.Tech. degree in any discipline
  • HRI is starting a new M.Sc. programme in Physics from 2017. The Integrated Ph.D. programme in Physics at HRI is discontinued from 2017.

Joint SPPU-IUCAA MSc Physics (Astrophysics) programme

  • B. Sc. (Physics and Mathematics) or B.E. / B. Tech. in any branch of engineering, with a minimum of 55% marks. 

Theoretical Computer Science & Others

Theoretical Computer Science 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.

Ph D in Neuroscience at NBRC

  • M.Sc (Physics/ Mathematics), B.E/ B.Tech/ M.C.A in Computer Science

Ph D in Computational Biology at IMSc

  • M.Sc./ M.E. / M.Tech. ​/ MCA  ​in any engineering or science discipline, with good mathematical skills and strong interest in biological problems.

Integrated Ph.D Programme in Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc

  • B.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.C.A. in Computer Science or related disciplines and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science.

Please see advertisements/websites of the particular institutes for available programmes and their eligibility criteria.

JEST 2024 Application Process

  • Applications for JEST 2024 can be submitted online
  • Before filling application form read the instructions carefully. 

JEST 2024 Application Steps

STEP 1: Identity Registration
STEP 2: Email Verification
STEP 3: Complete Your Registration
STEP 4: Photo Upload and Verification
STEP 5: Payment of the Application Fee

Application Fees for JEST 2024

For SC/ST Female applicantsNIL
For SC/ST Male and Non SC/ST Female applicantsRs. 400
For OthersRs. 800
Mode of PaymentOnline

Mode of JEST 2024 Examination

JEST 2024 exam will be conducted online (Computer Based Test).

Pattern of JEST Physics

JEST Paper contains three parts with a total of 100 marks.

  • Part A contains 25 questions, and each carries 1 mark for the correct answer, and -1/3 mark for incorrect answer. Multiple choice questions have only one correct answer out of given options.
  • Part B contains 15 questions, and carries 3 marks each for correct answer, and -1 mark for incorrect answer.
  • Part C contains 10 questions and each carries 3 marks. Answers of these questions are in integers and have to be filled on the OMR by filling in bubbles in the OMR sheet. There are NO NEGATIVE MARKS for these questions.

JEST 2023 (Different Pattern then Previous)

JEST Paper contains two parts with a total of 300 marks.

  • Part A contains 25 questions, and each carries 3 mark for the correct answer, and -1/3 mark for incorrect answer. Multiple choice questions have only one correct answer out of given options.
  • Part B contains 25 questions, and carries 9 marks each for correct answer, and -3 mark for incorrect answer.

JEST Physics 2024 Syllabus

  1. Mathematical Methods
  2. Classical Mechanics
  3. Electromagnetism & Optics
  4. Quantum Mechanics
  5. Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
  6. Electronics

Check full syllabus and Download PDF – JEST Physics Syllabus

JEST Theoretical Computer Science (TCS) 2024 Pattern & Syllabus

The test focusses on the following areas:

  • Analytical Reasoning and Deduction
  • Combinatorics
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Graph Theory
  • Principles of Programming

In each of these areas, familiarity with the basics (including the necessary simple mathematics) is assumed.

There are questions of both types – some requiring short answers as well as some involving detailed problem solving.

Some textbooks which may help you prepare for the test are listed below. You don’t need to read all the books. There is no specified “portion” for the test; rather, the test is designed to check the applicant’s understanding of foundational aspects of computing.

Suggested texts

  • 1. Elements of Discrete Mathematics, C.L. Liu
  • 2. Discrete Mathematical Structures with Applications to Computer Science, Jean-Paul Tremblay and Ram P. Manohar
  • 3. Compilers: Principles, Techniques and Tools, Alfred V. Aho, Ravi Sethi and Jeffrey D. Ullman
  • 4. Fundamentals of Data Structures, Ellis Horowitz and Sartaj Sahni
  • 5. An Introduction to Data Structures with Applications, Jean-Paul Tremblay and P.G. Sorenson
  • 6. Fundamentals of Computer Algorithms, Ellis Horowitz, Sartaj Sahni and S. Rajasekaran
  • 7. The Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms, Alfred V. Aho, John E. Hopcroft and Jeffrey D. Ullman
  • 8. Introduction to Algorithms, Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson and Ronald L. Rivest
  • 9. How to solve it by computer, R.G. Dromey
  • 10. Programming Languages, Concepts and Constructs, Ravi Sethi

JEST Physics Books and Study Material

Choose best Study Material and Books which will be very useful for you in qualifying the exam.

Check Books for JEST Physics Preparation & Study Material

JEST Physics Previous Years Question Paper PDF

Previous years questions papers will be very useful for understanding the exam pattern, finding important topics and for practice.

Here at Zero Vigyan Physics we provide the previous year’s question papers of JEST Physics and Mock Test Papers.

Check here the JEST Physics Previous Years Question Papers

JEST Physics 2024 Admit Card

JEST Physics 2024 Admit Card released.

Download JEST Physics 2024 Admit Card

JEST Physics 2024 Answer Key

JEST Physics 2024 Answer Key will be released after the examination & objection will be invited. Final answer key will be release after considering objections.

JEST Physics 2024 Result

JEST Physics 2024 Result will be available after inviting the objections to answer key. Result will be prepare on the basis of final answer key and the results will be available online.

Important Links

JEST 2024 PosterJEST 2024 Poster
JEST WebsiteJEST Website

Previous Exams

JEST 2023

JEST 2022

JEST 2021