Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2025 is back—and it’s more than just an entrance exam. It’s your passport to institutions like IISc, TIFR, IUCAA, IISERs, NBRC, and more. JEST 2025 is your shot at studying in India’s most elite research institutes. Whether you’re targeting a PhD in Astrophysics or an Integrated PhD in Computational Biology, this exam is your first step.
What is Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)?
The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a national-level exam conducted once a year for admission into:
- MSc in Physics
- PhD Programs
- Integrated PhD Programs
Fields covered include:
- Physics (including Astrophysics, Condensed Matter, High Energy, Quantum Physics)
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Computational Biology
- Neuroscience
- Material Sciences
- Plasma Research, and more
Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2025 Exam Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | 22 June 2025 (Sunday) |
| Time | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | www.jest.org.in |
Eligibility Criteria
There are no strict eligibility criteria to appear for JEST. However, every participating institute sets its own eligibility standards for MSc/PhD admissions. So, even if you ace the test, you must also meet the specific criteria of each institution where you apply.
JEST exam is typically at the MSc level or advanced BSc level in Physics or Computer Science.
Selection Process
- Take the JEST 2025 Exam
- Apply separately to individual institutions of your choice
- Shortlisted candidates based on JEST score will be called for interviews
- Final selection depends on institution-specific criteria
Qualifying JEST does not guarantee admission or fellowship. You must go through each institute’s own admission process.
Institutions Participating in JEST 2025
Over 30+ premier institutions use JEST scores. Some of the top names include:
- IISc Bangalore
- TIFR Mumbai / Hyderabad / NCRA Pune
- IUCAA Pune
- RRI Bengaluru
- IISERs: Berhampur, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati
- NBRC Gurgaon
- ARIES Nainital
- IMSc Chennai
- SINP Kolkata
- VECC Kolkata
- HBNI Mumbai
- PRL Ahmedabad
- HRI Prayagraj
- IOP Bhubaneswar
- DAE/UGC-DAE-CSR Indore
- IGCAR Kalpakkam
- RRCAT Indore
- IIA Bengaluru
- NISER Bhubaneswar
Each institution offers its own PhD / Integrated PhD / MSc programs based on JEST scores.
JEST 2025 Exam Centres (City List)
You can choose from over 40 cities across India including:
- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Sambalpur, Siliguri, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam and many more.
This wide network ensures easy access for candidates across the country.
Recognized by SERB as NET
The Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) recognizes JEST as a National Eligibility Test (NET).
If you’re working in a SERB-supported project and qualify JEST, you’re eligible for a fellowship as per SERB guidelines.
FAQs
Q1: Who can apply for JEST 2025?
Anyone with a strong background in Physics or Theoretical Computer Science at MSc or advanced BSc level.
Q2: Does clearing JEST guarantee admission?
No. JEST is only a qualifying exam. You must apply separately to institutions, and go through their interviews.
Q3: Will I get a fellowship?
Not automatically. Some institutions and SERB may offer fellowships after selection and based on policies.
Q4: Is there an age limit for JEST?
There’s no official age limit, but institutes may have specific eligibility norms. Check their websites.
Q5: What subjects are covered in the JEST syllabus?
Mainly Physics at the MSc level and Theoretical CS topics like algorithms, automata theory, computability, etc.
