The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission into PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc programs in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Neuroscience at prestigious institutes across India. Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for JEST to secure admission into reputed research institutions such as IISc Bangalore, IISERs, NISER, IIA, and several universities.
Students looking for detailed and reliable information about JEST 2026 exam dates, application process, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and registration steps can find complete guidance in this article. Candidates are also advised to regularly check manabadi.co.in for the latest updates and official notifications.
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What is JEST 2026?
The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a prestigious entrance exam conducted to shortlist candidates for advanced studies in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Computational Biology. The exam is jointly coordinated by leading research institutions in India.
Unlike traditional entrance exams, JEST scores are used by multiple institutes, and final admission depends on interviews and institutional requirements.
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 | December 2025 |
| Start of Online Registration | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | February 2026 |
| JEST 2026 Exam Date | February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 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 | ₹800 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | ₹400 |
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