JEST 2026 Exam: Final Answer Key, Result (April 30) & Counselling

Joint Entrance Screening Test 2026 ( JEST )

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JEST 2026 Result

30 Apr '26

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma
Updated on Apr 29, 2026 13:07 IST

By Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Overview

JEST 2026 result will be declared on April 30, 2026. The link to check result of JEST 2026 will be updated online. Candidates who qualify the exam can apply for admission to participating institutes. The list of JEST participating institutes is available online. There is no centralised portal for admission. Candidates must apply directly to the participating institutes. 

IISER Tirupati has released JEST answer key 2026 on April 17, 2026. The challenges were accepted till April 19, 2026. Joint Entrance Screening Test was conducted on April 12, 2026.

Table of contents
  • JEST 2026 Result
  • JEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • What is JEST?
  • JEST 2026 Exam Highlights
  • JEST 2026 Application Process
  • JEST 2026 Exam Pattern
  • JEST 2026 Syllabus
  • JEST 2026 Preparation Tips
  • JEST 2026 Exam Centres
  • JEST 2026 Admit Card
  • JEST 2026 Answer Key
  • JEST 2026 Counselling
  • FAQs Regarding JEST Exam 2026
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JEST 2026 Result

DeskCalendarResult: 30 Apr ' 26

The authority will announce JEST result 2026 online. Candidates who appeared for the exam can use their JEST login to check the result. The details like total marks, percentile score, and rank will be mentioned in the result. The process to check the JEST result is mentioned below.

  • Go to JEST 2026 website, jest.org.in.
  • Click on result link.
  • Enter user id and password
  • The result will display.
  • Take a print of the same.

JEST 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of JEST 2026 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
30 Apr ' 26

JEST 2026 Result

DatesPast Exam Dates
12 Apr ' 26

JEST 2026 Exam Date

07 Apr ' 26 - 12 Apr ' 26

JEST 2026 Admit Card

23 Feb ' 26 - 23 Mar ' 26

JEST 2026 Application Window

JEST Logo

What is JEST?

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted by Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB). Those who wish to pursue a PhD and Int. PhD programmes need to clear the JEST screening test and seek admission to various participating institutes in different subjects such as Neuroscience or Computational Biology, Physics and Theoretical Computer Science. The qualifications for admission to the PhD and Int. PhD programmes in different for all the participating institutes. The JEST examination is conducted for two subjects:

  • Theoretical computer science
  • Physics

 

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JEST 2026 Exam Highlights

Students should go through the details about the JEST 2026 exam for exact clarity about the exam:

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

Joint Engineering Screening Test

Conducting Body

Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB)

Exam Level

PhD level

Exam Frequency

Once a Year

Mode of Exam

Computer Based Test, not Internet Based Test (IBT)

Total Number of Test Takers

To be notified

Courses Offered

Integrated MSc / MTech- PhD/ PhD

Exam Fees

INR 1200 for the General category male candidates.

INR 600 for SC/ST/Female candidates.

Exam Duration

180 minutes

Sections and Marks

Three sections with a total of 100 marks

Total no of Questions

50

Marking Scheme of JEST

+1 for each correct answer (Part A)

+3 for each correct answer (Part B)

3 for each correct answer (Part C)

Language of Exam

English

Colleges Accepting JEST score

33 institutes in India

Number of Test Cities

40 cities in India

Official Website 

https://www.jest.org.in/ 

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JEST 2026 Application Process

The authority released the JEST application form 2026 on February 26. Candidates had to apply for Joint Entrance Screening Test by March 25, 2026. Students had to submit their personal information while filling out the application form, such as educational details, uploading documents, signature and photographs, exam centre preference, and college and course details as well. After filling the form, pay the JEST 2026 Application fee via debit card, credit card or net banking.

Students need to register for JEST examination by following these steps:

1. Visit the website of the JEST exam.

2. Create your Registration ID.

3. Fill in all your details.

4. Upload the documents.

5. Pay the application fee.

6. Download the page.

Category-wise Application Fee

Here is the category-wise application fee mentioned below:

Category JEST 2026 Application Fee
SC / ST/ PwD INR 600
All other candidates INR 1200

Note: JEST application fee 2026 is non-refundable. So, candidates are advised to first eligibility criteria before filling out the form.

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JEST 2026 Exam Pattern

JEST exam pattern is available now. Candidates can check JEST 2026 paper pattern to know the structure of questions. The test paper consists of MCQ and it is divided into two parts. There are a total of 50 questions in the Exam pattern for the JEST. The test paper consists of MCQs and is sectioned into two parts. In the JEST exam, students are evaluated out of 100.

No. of Sections Total Questions
Part A 10
Part B 20
Part C 10
Total 50

JEST Marking Scheme 2026

Part

Total Questions

Marks for Correct answer

Marks for the wrong answer

Part A

25

1

1/3

Part B

15

3

1

Part C 10 3 0

JEST 2026 Courses Offered

Courses in which aspirants can secure admission based on their JEST result are as mentioned below:

Course Name

Courses offered 

PhD in Physics

Integrated PhD in Physics

PhD in Theoretical Computer Science

Integrated PhD in Theoretical Computer Science

PhD in Neuroscience

Integrated PhD in Neuroscience

PhD in Computational Biology

Integrated PhD in Computational Biology

 

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JEST 2026 Syllabus

JEST 2026 syllabus has been released. Candidates can check JEST syllabus pdf to know important topics for exam preparation. The syllabus is available for Physics paper. The link to download JEST Physics syllabus is mentioned below.

Download Now: JEST Syllabus for Physics

Download Now: JEST Sample Paper 2026  

There are some important topics related to different subjects like Neuroscience, Physics and Theoretical Computer Science that are also included in the JEST Syllabus and the subjects in which a PhD is offered through JEST at the participating institutes.

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JEST 2026 Preparation Tips

Students need to be aware that PhD courses in their desired subjects and desired university can take six to eight months for preparation for the JEST Exam. Here are a few useful tips outlined below to give a successful preparation of the JEST Exam. 

  • Candidates need to go through their basics and clear their concepts. 
  • Candidates also need to select the proper preparation material for the preparation process. Therefore, candidates need to select the right books and not get carried away with so much other study material to avoid confusion and complication. 
  • Practicing mock tests is one of the best strategies to prepare for competitive exams. Mock tests allow candidates to build confidence in their strong areas of study while mastering weaker areas. Mock tests for preparation also allow for speed-building and practice towards providing the answer in the exact way the question is posed to score the maximum marks within limited time. 

Candidates must read the last-minute preparation tips before they appear for the JEST Exam:

  • Revise Daily: Daily revision is one of the most crucial steps for candidates to prepare effectively, or else they will forget whatever they are reading daily. To remember things for a long period, it is better to revise daily or on alternative days. Reading new topics without remembering the previous one is of no use. 
  • Previous Year Question Papers: It is a great way to prepare for any exam because knowing what is important and what was asked in the previous year's question paper is a smart way of preparation.
  • Work on weak topics: It is good to focus on the weak topics along with the topics you are good at. This will help candidates to prepare well for the JEST Exam and they will feel confident on the day of the exam. 

JEST 2026 Question Paper

The JEST Question Paper will be out by the exam conducting authority and the JEST Exam is a paper-based Test (PBT). Once, the exam is over students are allowed to bring the JEST Question paper out of the exam centre. Those who wish to appear for the JEST 2026 Exam must get the previous year's question papers from the exam takers to prepare for the JEST Exam for the academic session 2026-27. The previous year's question paper will be helpful for those who are preparing for the JEST Exam 2026. 

JEST 2026 Mock Test

JEST 2026 mock test or demo test will release along with the admit card by the exam conducting authorities once the online applications are filled. There are a total of nine questions and there are a total of three questions in each section based on mock test. The navigation system and the JEST 2026 exam format help candidates get exposure, understanding and clarity regarding the exam. Candidates must also solve and practise the sample papers available on the official website.

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JEST 2026 Exam Centres

The authority has released the JEST exam centre online. Candidates can check exam centre list to know test city's name. JEST was conducted in 40 cities across the country. The detailed list of JEST exam centre is mentioned below.

  1. Ahmedabad
  2. Aligarh
  3. Allahabad
  4. Amritsar
  5. Bangalore
  6. Bardhaman
  7. Bhopal
  8. Bhubaneswar
  9. Chandigarh
  10. Chennai
  11. Delhi
  12. Goa
  13. Guwhati
  14. Hyderabad
  15. Indore
  16. Jaipur
  17. Kanpur
  18. Kharagpur
  19. Kochi
  20. Kolkata
  21. Kozhikode
  22. Madurai
  23. Mangalore
  24. Mumbai
  25. Nagpur
  26. Nainital
  27. Patna
  28. Pune
  29. Raipur
  30. Rajkot
  31. Ranchi
  32. Roorkee
  33. Sambalpur
  34. Silchar
  35. Siliguri
  36. Srinagar
  37. Trivandrum
  38. Udaipur
  39. Vijayawada
  40. Vishakhapatnam
Read more
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JEST 2026 Admit Card

The authority has released the admit card online. JEST admit card was available for registered candidates. To download the admit card, candidates had to provide their password and registration number. Every student needs to carry their JEST admit card on the day of the exam. If you have not brought your admit card, then the authorities will not allow you to sit in the exam.

How to Download the JEST Admit Card 2026

To download JEST Admit Card 2026 the students need to go through these tips: 

  • Click on the admit card download link
  • Enter your login details.
  • Download the admit card link.
  • Check Details on the admit card like your name, roll number and other details.
Read more
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JEST 2026 Answer Key

JEST 2026 answer key was released online. The link to download JEST result was updated on the website jest.org.in. The use of JEST answer key is to cross-check answers. Candidates were allowed to challenge the answer key. After verifying the challenge, a final answer key will be released online.

How to access JEST Answer Key 2026?

  • Go to JEST 2026 website.
  • Click on answer key link.
  • Download answer key.

Challenging JEST Answer key 2026

If there is any error in option mentioned in JEST answer key, then submit the objection with the supporting document. This is a chargeable process.

Read more
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JEST 2026 Counselling

The JEST 2026 Counselling process will be conducted by the participating institutions separately. This is the list of colleges for each JEST participating institute . The venue and interview dates, along with the selected candidates, are released via email and SMS by the participating institutes. 

JEST 2026: List of Colleges Accepting Scores (Expected)

JEST exam is conducted to examine whether candidates are deserving of securing admission in PhD and integrated PhD programmes or not. Check out the list of JEST participating colleges mentioned below. 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore

Bose Institute, Kolkata

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal

Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata

International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)-TIFR, Bangalore

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune

Indian Institute of Space Science  and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram

The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai

National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar

Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)-TIFR, Pune

Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar

National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore

Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore

TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TCIS), Hyderabad

Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai

Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata

UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research (UGC-DAE CSR), Indore

Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata

TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TIFR-TCIS), Hyderabad

Also Read: List of colleges & courses for JEST admission

Read more
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FAQs Regarding JEST Exam 2026

Read some of the most frequently asked questions listed for the JEST 2026 Examination.

Q:   Is JEST Online or Offline?
A: 

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is an entrance exam test for admission to PhD and International PhD programme of different participating institutes for two subjects Physics and theoretical Computer Science/Neuroscience.

This exam is conducted in offline mode/ pen-paper mode. This year exam conducting authorities have changed, earlier it used to be Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) but now it has changed to Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). Hence the final validation will be declared along with releasing of notification but as per previous year JEST exam pattern it will be conducted in offline mode only. 

Q:   Which preparation strategy for JEST 2026 one should opt for?
A: 

Create a study plan, priotitise important topics and study according to it, go through syllabus. Solve previous year question paper. Also you can practice mock test to practice to track your progress. And make sure to revise regularly and learn time management during your preparation period.

Q:   What is the cutoff for JEST?
A: 

JEST cut off marks are the minimum marks that applicants need to secure to pass the JEST exam. The cutoff marks will be same for all the categories, hence the cutoff marks would not differ. 

Based on the marks of the applicants the exam conducting authorities will release the merit list.  Applicants who pass the exam will further need to appear in the counselling held by multiple institutes. 

 

Q:   Is JEST only for Physics students?
A: 

No, apart from Physics, JEST is also for those candidates who are interested in pursuing Theoretical Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Computational Biology at the PhD level. Therefore, candidates who wish to appear for the JEST Exam must go through the eligibility criteria in detail before filling out the JEST Application Form. 

Q:   Can I use a friend’s email address for JEST 2026 registration?
A: 

No, you must provide a valid and unique email address, which must maintained throughout the selection process. All the correspondence about JEST 2026 and the information during the selection stages of the respective institutes will be communicated to the JEST 2026 registration email. 

13 Institutes accepting JEST

Ph.D. in Physics
  • 48,550
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Ph.D. in Physics
    • 45,000
    • 3 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    Ph.D. in Nutrition
      • 1.47 Lakh
      • 42 months
      • |
      • Full Time
      Ph.D. in Chemistry
        • 15,000
        • 3 years
        • |
        • Full Time

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