The National Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2026 notification has been officially released for students who wish to pursue advanced research programs in Physics and Computer Science at top research institutes in India. The JEST exam is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission into PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc research programs in premier institutions. Candidates interested in research careers can now apply online through the official portal before the application deadline.
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JEST 2026 Notification Released
According to the notification, eligible candidates can submit their applications until March 23, 2026. The examination is conducted for admission into PhD in Physics, Integrated PhD in Physics, MSc programs in Physics, and PhD programs in Theoretical Computer Science and Computational Biology. The JEST 2026 exam will be organized this year by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati. Based on the JEST score, candidates will be shortlisted for admission to more than 30 prestigious research institutions across India, making it one of the most important research entrance exams in India.
Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields are eligible to apply for this examination. The JEST 2026 Entrance Exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026, at 43 exam centers across the country. Candidates who qualify in the exam will be eligible for admission to top research institutes offering PhD programs in Physics and Theoretical Computer Science. For complete details about JEST 2026 Notification, Application Form, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Date, and Research Institute Admissions, candidates can visit the official website www.jest.org.in.
JEST 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Conducting Body | JEST Coordinating Committee |
| Courses Offered | PhD, Integrated PhD, MSc / Integrated MSc |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | jest.org.in |
| Info Portal | manabadi.co.in |
JEST 2026 Exam Dates (Expected)
Candidates should keep track of the important dates related to JEST 2026 to avoid missing deadlines.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Release of JEST 2026 Notification | February 6th, 2026 |
| Start of Online Registration | February 6th, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 23rd, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 6th, 2026 |
| JEST 2026 Exam Date | April 12th, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April 30th, 2026 |
JEST 2026 Registration Process
The JEST 2026 registration process is completely online. Candidates must ensure accurate information while filling out the application form.
Steps to Apply for JEST 2026
- Visit the official JEST website or manabadi.co.in
- Click on JEST 2026 Application Form
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
- Select exam center preferences
- Upload scanned photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the form and download confirmation page
JEST 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | ₹600 |
JEST 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements prescribed for JEST 2026 to apply successfully.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have BSc, BE, BTech, MSc, MTech, or equivalent degree
- Final-year students are also eligible to apply
- Eligibility criteria may vary based on the institute and program
Age Limit
- No upper age limit to apply for JEST 2026
Nationality
- Indian nationals can apply
- Some institutes may allow foreign nationals as per institutional norms
JEST 2026 Syllabus
The JEST syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on Physics and Mathematics at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Physics Syllabus
- Mathematical Methods
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
- Solid State Physics
- Electronics and Modern Physics
Mathematics Topics
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Vector Analysis
- Complex Variables
- Probability and Statistics
Participating Institutes Through JEST
Some of the prominent institutions accepting JEST 2026 scores include:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
- Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT)
- Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI)
JEST 2026 Preparation Tips
- Understand the syllabus thoroughly
- Focus on conceptual clarity
- Practice previous years’ question papers
- Revise formulas and derivations regularly
- Take online mock tests for time management