Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is the entrance test conducted for getting entry into the Ph.D. Programmes in three major subjects that are Physics, Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science. This screening test is undertaken by those candidates who are interested in pursuing PhD programmes in these three subjects. Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is usually held in between February and March. The PhD programme in Physics includes Theoretical and Observational Astronomy, Physics in Biology, Plasma Physics, Astrophysics and Technology, Condensed Matter Physics, Atmospheric and Space Sciences and Materials Science. The merits obtained by the candidates in this screening test are used by the participating institutes for calling the candidates for the final selection procedure. The candidates called for the interviews are provided the travelling allowance. And all the selected candidates receive the Research Fellowship from the concerned respective institution. The candidates who are interested in appearing for Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) need to prepare as per the syllabus of 10+2+3 level (of the concerned subject) followed in the major Universities/Boards across the country.

Participating Institutes of Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)
1. ARIES, Nainital
2. IIA, Bangaluru
3. IISc, Bangaluru
4. IISER , Mohali
5. IISER, Pune
6. IUCAA, Pune
7. JNCASR, Bangaluru
8. NCRA, Pune
9. PRL, Ahmedabad
10. RRI, Bangaluru
11. SNBNCBS, Kolkata
12. NISER, Bhubaneswar
13. BARC, Mumbai
14. UGC-DAE CSR, Indore
15. HRI, Allahabad
16. IGCAR, Kalpakkam
17. IMSc, Chennai
18. IOP, Bhubaneswar
19. IPR, Gandhinagar
20. RRCAT, Indore
21. SINP, Kolkata
22. VECC, Kolkata
23. CBS. Mumbai
24. HBNI, Mumbai

Application Forms of Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)
First and foremost, the candidates need to remember that there are different application forms for Mathematics, Theoretical Computer and Physics. The interested candidates can obtain the application forms for Physics programmes by sending a written request and a self-addressed slip to the Coordinator, JEST of the conducting institute that is Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangaluru. Alternatively, the application form can also be downloaded from the official website of this institute. The application form for Theoretical Computer Science programme can be obtained from the The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai. For obtaining this, the candidates need to send a request and a self addressed envelope to The Registrar of the concerned institute. Alternatively, they can also download the application forms from the institute`s official website. Candidates can obtain the application forms for Mathematics by sending a request letter along with a self addressed envelope to The Registrar, IMSc and HRI (Harish-Chandra Research Institute). Alternatively, the forms can also be downloaded from the official website of the concerned institutes.

Eligibility Criteria for Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)
The eligibility requirements differ as per the course programmes selected. For Physics, the minimum requirement is a M. Sc degree in Physics, or M.E., M. Tech degree. For Mathematics programme, M. Sc degree in Mathematics, or M.E/ M. Tech. in related discipline is required. For Theoretical Computer Science programme, M. Sc, M.E. or M. Tech degree in Computer Science or any equivalent discipline is required.

Courses Offered in Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)

• Ph. D Programme (PHYSICS)

• Ph. D Programme (Theoretical Computer Science)

• Integrated M. Sc - Ph.D. Programme

• Integrated M. Tech - Ph.D. Programme

Selection Process of Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)
The final selection of the candidates is entirely based on the performance in the written test that is followed by a personal interview.

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is aptly defined as the mode through which the eligible candidates are selected for the high quality PhD programmes in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science and Mathematics.