JEST: Apply online for PhD and integrated PhD programs in science subjects

1030603588
Representative image. Photo: William Potter / Shutterstock

The growing number of engineering colleges in the country has significantly diminished the enrolment of brilliant students who have genuine interest and passion in science research. The leading science institutes under the central government offer many scholarships and opportunities for youngsters who are dedicated to intensive scientific research. Aspirants could even get admission to the integrated MSc and PhD programs at the top institutes in the country.

Online applications are invited for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), a national-level screening test conducted to shortlist candidates for admission to PhD, MSc – PhD and MTech – PhD programs in the physics, theoretical computer science, neuroscience and computational biology. The applications could be submitted until 10 pm on 25 February in the website www.jest.org.in. The application fee of Rs 800 could be paid online. Meanwhile, it is Rs 400 for women and candidates from Scheduled categories. Women who belong to the Scheduled categories need not pay the application fees.

The three-hour-long entrance test that has been scheduled at 10 am on 11 March will be held in around 38 centres including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. The PhD and integrated PhD programs would have a common entrance test.

The score of this test would be considered for admission to more than thirty national institutes like the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital, Bose Institute, Kolkata; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai; Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad; International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru; Indira Gandhi Centre for Theoretical Atomic Research, Kalpakkam; Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru; Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru; Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram; Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; National Brain Research Centre, Gurugram and seven Indian Institute of Science Education and Research including the one in Thiruvananthapuram.

The institutes have unique criteria to determine the eligibility of candidates. The minimum eligibility for admission to integrated PhD courses is BSc Physics/Maths while MSc Physics/ Applied Physics is the eligibility for the regular PhD programs. However, candidates with BTech and MTech – MCA too can apply for these programs in some institutes. Moreover, those who have bachelor’s degrees in Applied Physics, Applied Maths, Electronics, Opto – Electronics, Instrumentation, Astronomy, Chemistry and Biochemistry too have many opportunities at various centres. The details about the courses and the eligibility criteria are available in the websites of the respective institutes.

There is no age limit

Even though the score of JEST would be considered for admission to various courses, there are only two papers – Theoretical Computer Science and Physics – in the qualifying exam. A candidate can attend only one of these papers. Even though there is no minimum marks criterion for applying for JEST, an excellent academic background would be preferred. Some institutes may insist on minimum marks criteria at the time of admission. There is no age limit for applying for JEST. However, the institutions may have their own guidelines regarding age bar.

A candidate could write JEST any number of times. The details regarding research subjects and other guidelines are available on the websites of the respective centers. The model questions too are available in the websites.

The research fellowship is not assured just because you secure a score in JEST. The applications to each institute should be submitted as per their guidelines within the stipulated time. The candidates must note that the JEST score is valid only for up to a year. The JEST score is just a screening test that gives the candidates the eligibility for application.

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhopal will be conducting this year’s JEST. Phone: 0755 2692581/ 6268030939; jest2023@iiserb.ac.in. 

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.