The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by various participating institutes in India for admission to PhD and integrated PhD programs in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Computational Biology. The exam is conducted once a year, and the application process for JEST is conducted online.

In this blog, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to apply for JEST.

Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for JEST, candidates must check the eligibility criteria set by the participating institutes. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the program and the institute.

Here are some general eligibility criteria for JEST:

• For PhD in Physics, candidates must have an M.Sc. degree in Physics or a related field with a minimum of 55% marks. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required are 50%.
• For an integrated PhD in Physics, candidates must have a B.Sc. degree in Physics or a related field with a minimum of 55% marks. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required are 50%.
• Candidates must have an M.Sc./M.E./M for PhD in Theoretical Computer Science. Tech. Degree in Computer Science or related field with a minimum of 55% marks. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required are 50%.
• For PhD in Neuroscience, candidates must have an M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech./MBBS degree with a minimum of 55% marks. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required are 50%.
• For PhD in Computational Biology, candidates must have an M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech./MCA degree with a minimum of 55% marks. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required are 50%.

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Step 2: Register for JEST

The first step in applying for JEST is to register on the official website of JEST. Here are the steps to register:

• Go to the official website of JEST: www.jest.org.in
• Click on the "Registration" button on the top right corner of the homepage.
• Enter your email address and mobile number.
• Create a new password for your JEST account.
• Click on the "Register" button.
• Once registered, you will receive an email and SMS with your JEST user ID and password. Use these credentials to log in to your account.

Step 3: Fill out the JEST Application Form

After logging in to your JEST account, you can complete the JEST application form. Here are the steps to fill out the JEST application form:

• Enter your name, date of birth, gender, nationality, category, and address.
• Select the subject(s) and program(s) you wish to apply for.
• Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
• Enter your educational qualifications, including the institution's name, degree obtained, and percentage of marks obtained.
• Enter your work experience, if any.
• Select your preferred exam centre.
• Review the information entered and make any necessary corrections.
• Click on the "Submit" button.
• After submitting the application form, you will be redirected to the payment page.

Step 4: Pay the JEST Application Fee

The JEST application fee varies depending on the category and number of subjects applied for. The application fee can be paid online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. Here are the JEST application fee details:

• The application fee for General/OBC candidates is Rs. 400 for one subject and Rs. 700 for two subjects.
• The application fee for SC/ST candidates is Rs. 200 for one subject and Rs. 350 for two subjects.
• Here are the steps to pay the JEST application fee:
• Select the payment mode - debit card, credit card, or net banking.
• Enter the payment details and click on the "Pay Now" button.
• After successful payment, a payment receipt will be generated.
• Download and take a printout of the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 5: Download JEST Admit Card

After completing the application process and payment of the application fee, candidates can download the JEST admit card from the official website of JEST. Here are the steps to download the JEST admit card:

• Go to the official website of JEST: www.jest.org.in
• Click on the "Download Admit Card" button.
• Enter your JEST user ID and password.
• Click on the "Submit" button.
• The JEST admit card will be displayed on the screen.
• Download and take a printout of the JEST to admit card for future reference.

Step 6: JEST Exam

The JEST exam is conducted online and is of three hours duration. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is divided into two parts - Part A, and Part B. Part A is common to all subjects, and Part B is subject-specific.

Here are some essential points to remember for the JEST exam:

• The JEST exam is conducted in various cities across India.
• Candidates must reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the exam time.
• Candidates must carry a printed copy of the JEST admit card and a photo identity proof to the exam centre.
• Candidates cannot carry electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, or smartwatches to the exam centre.
• Candidates must follow the instructions given by the exam invigilator during the exam.

Step 7: JEST Result

The JEST result is usually declared in March. Candidates can check their JEST results on their official JEST website using their user ID and password.

After the JEST result is declared, candidates who qualify for the exam will be called for an interview by the participating institutes. The final selection of candidates is based on the combined score of JEST and the interview.

Things to know before applying for a PhD and integrated PhD programs.

Applying for a PhD or integrated PhD program is a significant decision for any student, and it requires careful consideration of various factors. This article will discuss some essential things you should know before applying for a PhD or integrated PhD program in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Computational Biology.

Research Interests:

Before applying for a PhD or integrated PhD program, identify your research interests and determine if they align with the program's research focus. It is crucial to clearly understand your research interests to select the right program and supervisor for your PhD studies. You can review the faculty profiles and research areas of the program's department to determine if their research aligns with your interests.

Eligibility Criteria:

Each PhD program has specific eligibility criteria to meet to be eligible for admission. It is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the program's minimum requirements. The eligibility criteria may include minimum educational qualifications, minimum percentage or grade point average, and required entrance exam scores.

Entrance Exams:

Many PhD programs require applicants to take an entrance exam to qualify for admission. The entrance exams are designed to test the candidate's aptitude, and analytical and problem-solving skills. The most common entrance exams for PhD programs are the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), and National Eligibility Test (NET). It is essential to check the entrance exam requirements for the program you are interested in and prepare accordingly.

Research Experience:

Having research experience in the relevant field is an advantage when applying for a PhD program. If you have prior research experience, it is essential to highlight it in your application. It demonstrates your interest in research and your ability to conduct independent research. You can include details of your research projects, publications, and other research-related activities in your application.

Funding:

PhD programs usually offer their students financial support through fellowships, stipends, or teaching assistantships. It is essential to check the program's funding options and the availability of financial support. The financial support can cover your tuition fees and accommodation expenses and provide a stipend for your living expenses. You should also check if the program offers travel grants or conference funding to support your research activities.

Application Process:

The application process for PhD programs can be quite extensive and time-consuming. You should carefully review the application process and submit all the required documents within the specified deadline. The application process may require you to provide your academic transcripts, entrance exam scores, research statement, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Supervisors:

Your PhD supervisor plays a crucial role in your research and academic journey. You should carefully review the faculty profiles of the program's department and identify potential supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. It is essential to reach out to potential supervisors and discuss your research interests before applying for the program.