JEST Exam Pattern 2025: Check Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science Pattern & Marking Scheme

Joint Entrance Screening Test 2024 ( JEST )

Ishita Chauhan
Updated on Sep 15, 2025 04:17 IST

By Ishita Chauhan, Retainer

JEST 2025 Exam Pattern helps candidates to make a preparation strategy that can be beneficial to qualify for the JEST Exam 2025. The exam pattern includes some important details such as the scores allotted for each question, total questions, total sections and more such details for candidates to imagine their JEST Question papers before appearing for the exam to get an idea about the exam pattern. 

There are a total of 50 questions in the JEST Exam and it consists of three sections. The negative marking is there in only two sections with MCQs compared to the other sections which are descriptive. Previous year the JEST Exam was conducted for 100 scores, so it may differ for the academic year 2025.

The exam duration is three hours and it is a paper-pencil-based test (PBT). The JEST Exam 2025 is conducted for those candidates who wish to pursue PhD courses in Theoretical Computer Science, Physics, Neuroscience and Computational Biology. The exam language is English and the JEST Syllabus consists of different important topics from post-graduation and graduation levels. 

Table of content
  • JEST 2025 Exam Pattern
  • JEST 2025 Marking Scheme
  • JEST Sample Questions for Physics
  • JEST Sample Questions for Theoretical Computer Science
  • JEST 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
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JEST 2025 Exam Pattern

Candidates must know that the JEST Exam Pattern has been different for the past two years, but still, it is important for candidates to be aware of the exam pattern to prepare well for the exam.  

JEST 2025 Exam Pattern

Total Sections No. of Questions Total Marks
Part A 25 25
Part B 15 45
Part C 10 30
Total 50 100

In this exam pattern, the total marks allotted for the JEST exam were 100 for three sections. 

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which institutes accept JEST scores?
A: 

There are various premier research institutes and universities in India that accept JEST scores for admissions purposes. Each institute has its own eligibility and selection criteria for the exam takers. So, it is advisable for all the applicants to go through the eligibility criteria of the institute if they wish to get admission so that they exactly know whether they are eligible to appear for the exam or not. 

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JEST 2025 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme is different for each section because there is a differential marking technique in the JEST exam. The following table conveys the precise new marking scheme for the JEST 2025 exam.

JEST Exam Marking Scheme

Section Marks for Each Correct Answer Marks for Each Incorrect Answer
Part A +1 -1/3
Part B +3 -1
Part C 1
Maximum Marks 100

* There was no negative marking for wrong answers for Part C questions.

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Who can apply for JEST?
A: 

Candidates with an MSc or an advanced BSc degree in Physics or Computer Science are eligible, based on the programme and the institute's eligibility criteria they want to apply for. So, the best suggestion is to check out the eligiblity criteria of all the institutes a candidates wish to get admission to avoid any sort of confusion. 

Q:   What courses are offered through JEST?
A: 

Here are the list of courses offered by JEST. Candidates who wish to appear for the exam must be aware of the following courses to prepare for the JEST Exam accordingly. 

  • MSc, PhD, and Integrated PhD in Physics
  • PhD and Integrated PhD in Theoretical Computer Science
  • PhD in Neuroscience and Computational Biology
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JEST Sample Questions for Physics

Here is the download link for the JEST 2024 Physics sample paper.
Download Now: Physics Sample Paper 2024

Below is the JEST 2020 sample question for Physics for students' reference. 

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JEST Sample Questions for Theoretical Computer Science

Here is the JEST 2020 sample question for theoretical Computer Science for candidates' who want to appear for JEST 2025 Exam.

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JEST 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions of JEST Exam Pattern

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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:   How to crack JEST Examination?
A: 

Applicants need to follow the below mentioned tips to qualify JEST exam. 

  • Go through the exam pattern and structure of the test.

  • Follow best books for JEST preparation and make short notes.

  • After completing the syllabus, they should take regular mock tests and analyse their performance.

  • Solving JEST previous year question papers will also help them to understand the question trends and types to expect in the actual exam.

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. 

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JEST Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 weeks ago

The JEST Exam is conducted for those students who want to get admission to courses and programmes to complete their PhD and Integrated PhD in theoretical computer science, physics, and neuroscience in India.

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

The JEST exam is only conducted once a year. Also, it is recommended to all the students who want to qualify the JEST exam is to always go through the official website for the latest updates and notices related to the JEST Admission process and exam related dates.

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

The JEST exam is conducted once in a year and the mod eof JEST exam is offline. This exam is an opportunity for students who want to study PhD and International PhD courses in Physics and theoretical computer science/neuroscience.

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

13 Institutes accepting JEST

  • 48,550
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Ashoka University

Sonepat Private

Ashoka Uni
    • 75,000
    • 3 years
    • |
    • Full Time
      • 45,000
      • 3 years
      • |
      • Full Time
        • 15,000
        • 3 years
        • |
        • Full Time

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