JEST 2027
JEST Consortium of Research Institutes (JEST 2026 Was Organised by IISER Tirupati)
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Overview
JEST is the screening test for PhD in Physics and Theoretical Computer Science at research institutes. Dates for 2027 are not announced yet. The Joint Entrance Screening Test is run by a consortium of participating institutes, with one institute organising it each year (IISER Tirupati for JEST 2026). Institutes use the score, together with their own eligibility criteria, to shortlist candidates for PhD, Integrated PhD and MSc programmes in Physics, PhD and Integrated PhD programmes in Theoretical Computer Science, and the PhD in Computational Biology at IMSc. The JEST 2026 website lists 31 participating institutes and 42 exam cities, and the 2026 test was held on 12 April 2026; score cards were prepared from the updated Physics answer key and downloaded from the application portal after the results of 30 April 2026. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF, formerly SERB) recognises JEST as a National Eligibility Test (NET) for fellowships.
JEST at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | JEST Consortium; organising institute for JEST 2026: IISER Tirupati |
| Level | Screening test at MSc or advanced BSc level in Physics and Computer Science |
| Subjects | Physics or Theoretical Computer Science (a candidate can appear in only one of them in a given year) |
| Purpose | Shortlisting for PhD, Integrated PhD and MSc programmes at participating institutes |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year (JEST 2026 was held on 12 April 2026, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Application fee (2026 cycle) | ₹1,200 for all other applicants; ₹600 for SC/ST and PwD applicants; non-refundable |
| Exam cities (2026) | 42 cities |
| Score validity | The JEST 2026 score is valid until the declaration of results of JEST 2028 |
| Official website | jest.org.in |
Important dates (JEST 2027)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Not announced yet |
| Applications close | Not announced yet |
| Admit card | Not announced yet |
| Exam | Not announced yet |
| Answer key and challenge window | Not announced yet |
| Result | Not announced yet |
Previous cycle: JEST 2026 dates
| Event | Date (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Application portal opened | 26 February 2026 |
| Application portal closed | 25 March 2026 |
| Admit card download | 7 April 2026 |
| Exam | 12 April 2026 (Sunday), 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Answer keys released | 17 April 2026 (challenges accepted for 48 hours, until noon on 19 April 2026) |
| Results declared | 30 April 2026 |
How JEST scores are used
Each participating institute applies its own eligibility criteria and selection steps on top of the JEST score. Institutes listed on the JEST website include IISc Bangalore, seven IISERs (Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirupati), IMSc Chennai, RRI Bangalore, HRI Prayagraj, NISER Bhubaneswar and TIFR Mumbai. IMSc Chennai is the only institute offering a PhD in Theoretical Computer Science through JEST. Candidates for the Computational Biology PhD at IMSc take the Physics paper. The 2026 exam cities included Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram.
Sources: the JEST 2026 website, JEST FAQ page, JEST 2026 flyer and participating institutes page. Checked on 5 October 2026.
Conducting Body
JEST Consortium of Research Institutes (JEST 2026 Was Organised by IISER Tirupati)
Category
Government
Level
University
Important Dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application opens | Not announced yet | Awaiting official notice |
| Application closes | Not announced yet | Awaiting official notice |
| Exam date | Not announced yet | Awaiting official notice |
Eligibility Criteria
The JEST website states that there are no specific criteria to appear for JEST: there is no age limit and no limit on the number of attempts. Eligibility for admission is set by each participating institute. The JEST 2026 eligibility page lists the tentative criteria below, which candidates should confirm on the institute websites.
| Programme | Qualification (institutes) |
|---|---|
| PhD in Physics | MSc in Physics (all participating institutes); BE or BTech at IISc, IMSc, ICTS-TIFR, IUCAA, NCRA-TIFR, TIFR-TCIS, RRI, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune and IISER Thiruvananthapuram; MSc in Mathematics, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Optics and Photonics, Instrumentation or Electronics at IIA |
| PhD in Theoretical Computer Science | MSc, ME or MTech in Computer Science and related disciplines, with interest in the mathematical aspects of computer science (IMSc) |
| PhD in Computational Biology | MSc, ME, MTech or MCA in any engineering or science discipline, with good mathematical skills and strong interest in biological problems (IMSc) |
| Integrated MSc/MTech-PhD in Physics | BSc in Physics at IMSc, IISER Pune, ICTS-TIFR, NCRA-TIFR and TIFR-TCIS; BSc Physics (Major/Hons) or Physics and Mathematics at SNBNCBS; BSc (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or Electronics) or BE/BTech at Bose Institute; BSc Physics or BE/BTech Engineering Physics with first class at NISER |
| Integrated PhD in Theoretical Computer Science | BSc, BE, BTech or MCA in Computer Science or related disciplines, with interest in the mathematical aspects of computer science (IMSc) |
| Integrated PhD and MSc | BSc Physics or BE/BTech in any discipline (IISER Kolkata, IISER Thiruvananthapuram; MSc at HRI) |
Source: JEST eligibility page and FAQ page, 2026 cycle.
Exam Pattern
| Physics paper | Questions | Type | Correct answer | Wrong answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 10 | Multiple choice | +1 | -1/3 |
| Part B | 20 | Multiple choice | +3 | -1 |
| Part C | 10 | Numerical answer | +3 | No negative marking |
The Physics paper has 40 questions, 100 marks and 180 minutes.
| Theoretical Computer Science paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | 25 multiple-choice questions | 3 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer, 0 if unattempted |
| Part B | 9 questions: attempt three of Questions 1 to 5 (8 marks each) and two of Questions 6 to 9 (13 marks each) | Best three 8-mark and best two 13-mark answers are counted |
- Mode: Computer Based Test at a test centre (not an internet-based test); 180 minutes for the Theoretical Computer Science paper as well, and Part B closes after 105 minutes.
- Level: questions follow the general syllabi of graduation and post-graduation courses at Indian universities and institutions.
- Calculators, books, charts, tables, mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall.
- The JEST website notes that the question pattern changed for JEST 2026.
Source: JEST FAQ page (question pattern), 2026 cycle.
Syllabus
Physics
- Mathematical Methods: vector calculus, tensors, linear algebra, differential equations, special functions, complex analysis, Fourier and Laplace transforms, probability and error analysis
- Classical Mechanics: Newton's laws, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, central forces, small oscillations, special relativity
- Electromagnetism and Optics: electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, diffraction, interference, polarization
- Quantum Mechanics: Schrodinger equation, hydrogen atom, angular momenta, matrix formulation, perturbation theory
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics: laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, ensembles, partition function, quantum statistics, black body radiation
- Electronics: semiconductors, diodes, transistors, LCR circuits, amplifiers, OPAMPs, digital electronics
Theoretical Computer Science
- Analytical Reasoning and Deduction
- Combinatorics
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Discrete Mathematics
- Graph Theory
- Principles of Programming
Source: JEST Physics syllabus and the preparation note for Theoretical Computer Science, which says there is no specified portion and that the test checks understanding of the foundations of computing. 2026 cycle.
How to Apply for JEST 2027
- Keep a valid e-mail ID and mobile number ready. On the JEST application portal, generate an OTP, fill the captcha and enter the OTP sent to your e-mail and mobile number.
- Verify the details in the Declaration section to complete registration; a user ID and password are generated.
- Fill in the form, including the aggregate percentage of marks of the qualifying degree. It can be filled in parts by logging in with the user ID and password.
- Pay the fee online by debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. The payment page is the last step of the application form.
- Download the admit card from the portal a few days before the exam; it is not sent by post or e-mail.
| Category | Application fee (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwD applicants | ₹600 |
| All other applicants | ₹1,200 |
The fee is not refundable. Each candidate needs a unique e-mail ID that stays in use through the selection process, because all correspondence goes to it. Source: JEST FAQ page and the JEST 2026 website, 2026 cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts JEST 2027?
JEST 2027 is conducted by JEST Consortium of research institutes (JEST 2026 was organised by IISER Tirupati).
What is the eligibility for JEST 2027?
The JEST website states that there are no specific criteria to appear for JEST: there is no age limit and no limit on the number of attempts. Eligibility for admission is set by each participating institute. The JEST 2026 eligibility page lists the tentative criteria below, which candidates should confirm on the institute websites. Programme Qualification (institutes) PhD in Physics MSc in Physics (all participating institutes); BE or BTech at IISc, IMSc, ICTS-TIFR, IUCAA, NCRA-TIFR…
What is the exam pattern of JEST 2027?
Physics paper Questions Type Correct answer Wrong answer Part A 10 Multiple choice +1 -1/3 Part B 20 Multiple choice +3 -1 Part C 10 Numerical answer +3 No negative marking The Physics paper has 40 questions, 100 marks and 180 minutes. Theoretical Computer Science paper Questions Marks Part A 25 multiple-choice questions 3 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer, 0 if unattempted Part B 9 questions: attempt three of Questions 1 to 5 (8 marks each) and two of Questions 6 to 9 (13 marks…
What is the syllabus of JEST 2027?
Physics Mathematical Methods: vector calculus, tensors, linear algebra, differential equations, special functions, complex analysis, Fourier and Laplace transforms, probability and error analysis Classical Mechanics: Newton's laws, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, central forces, small oscillations, special relativity Electromagnetism and Optics: electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, diffraction, interference, polarization Quantum Mechanics…
How do I apply for JEST 2027?
Keep a valid e-mail ID and mobile number ready. On the JEST application portal, generate an OTP, fill the captcha and enter the OTP sent to your e-mail and mobile number. Verify the details in the Declaration section to complete registration; a user ID and password are generated. Fill in the form, including the aggregate percentage of marks of the qualifying degree. It can be filled in parts by logging in with the user ID and password. Pay the fee online by debit card, credit card, net banking…
What is the official website of JEST 2027?
The official website is https://www.jest.org.in/.