Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)

Introduction

JEST is the screening test for candidates who wish to do Ph.D. Programme in Physics (including Theoretical and Observational Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics in Biology, Plasma Physics and Technology, Atmospheric and Space Sciences, Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science) / Mathematics / Theoretical Computer Science. 
JEST exam is usually held on February -March. Using the JEST results, considered institute will call a limited number of candidates for its further selection procedure depending on its requirements. Traveling allowance will be provided to candidates called for interviews. All selected candidates will receive Research Fellowship from the respective institutions.

Eligibility

For Physics - M.Sc. in Physics, or an M.Sc., M.E., or M.Tech. in related disciplines. Candidates with M.Sc. in Mathematics will also be considered at Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) . At  Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) , a Masters degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, etc., is necessary. Graduates with B.E. or B.Tech. will also be considered at Indian Institute of Astrophysics(IIA), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics(IUCAA), National Centre for Radio Astrophysics(NCRA),Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR),Raman Research Institute(RRI) and The Institute of Mathematical Sciences(IMSc).

For Mathematics -M.Sc. in Mathematics, or an M.Sc., M.E. or M.Tech. in related disciplines.
For Theoretical Computer Science-  M.Sc., M.E., M.Tech., in Computer Science or related disciplines, and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science.
At Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI) candidates with a Bachelor's degree will also be considered for the integrated M. Sc,Ph. D. programme in Mathematics/Physics.
At The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc)- Graduates with a B.Sc., B.E., or B.Tech. degree will also be considered for admission to the M.Sc. (by Research) programmes in Mathematics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Physics, as part of an integrated Ph.D. programme in these disciplines.
At S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) Talented graduates with B.Sc.Physics, B. E., B. Tech. degrees will be considered for the Integrated Ph.D. programme.

Application Procedure

There are separate application forms for Physics, Mathematics, and Theoretical Computer Science.

For Physics, application forms can be obtained by writing to The Coordinator, JEST, Raman Research Institute (RRI), C. V. Raman Avenue, Sadashiva Nagar, Bangalore, 560 080, along with a self-addressed slip (Approximate size 20cm x 15cm) with postage stamps for a requisite amount affixed on the slip itself. (This will be used to mail the application form and the JEST booklet to you). Alternatively, for the Physics, the application form can be downloaded from the RRI Web site, but the filled application form has to be sent back by post to The Coordinator, JEST, RRI ,C. V. Raman Avenue, Sadashivanagar, Bangalore - 560 080, at the above address. E-MAIL applications will not be accepted.

For Mathematics at IMSc and HRI Institutes, application forms can be obtained by writing to, The Registrar, Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Chhatnag Road, Jhunsi, Allahabad 211 019, along with a self-addressed standard size envelope (size 19cm x 27cm or larger) affixed with postage stamp for a requisite amount. Alternatively, for Mathematics, the application forms can be downloaded,  from the respective institute Web site; but the filled application form has to be sent back by post to The Registrar, HRI, at the above address. E-MAIL applications will not be accepted.

For Theoretical Computer Science at IMSc, applications can be obtained by writing to The Registrar, The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), CIT Campus, Chennai 600 113, along with a self addressed envelope (size 25cm x 30cm) affixed with postage stamps for a requisite amount. Alternatively, for Theoretical Computer Science the application forms can be downloaded from the  IMSc website; but the filled application form has to be sent back by post to The Registrar, IMSc, C.I.T campus, Taramani, Chennai 600113. E-MAIL applications will not be accepted.

Exam  centers : Ahmedabad, Aligarh, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nainital, Pants, Pune, Raipur, Roorkee, Silchar, Thiruvananthapuram, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.

The examination centers may vary on each each depending on the participating institutes.