JEST 2026 preparation tips are mentioned on this page. Preparation plays a major role in scoring good marks in examinations. JEST preparation can be planned based on the exam syllabus and pattern. During the preparation, priority must be given to the news topics. Students must focus on improving their conceptual knowledge. JEST questions are more conceptually based. Solving the previous year's question paper will help in identifying the high-weightage topics. Students can also self-assess their preparation. JEST 2026 was held on April 12, 2026.
- Know JEST Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
- Follow Best Books For JEST Preparation
- Practise from JEST Question Papers
- JEST Preparation FAQ
Know JEST Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Before starting JEST preparation, students must get familiar with the paper pattern and marking scheme. JEST Physics question paper has three sections. There are 10 MCQs, 20 MCS, and 10 NAT questions. Negative marking is done for wrong answers. Below is JEST paper pattern.
JEST Exam Pattern for Physics:
| Particulars | Pattern |
| Mode of exam | Online |
| Duration of exam | Three hours |
| Types of Questions | MCQs NAT |
| Total questions | 40 questions Part A - 10 questions (MCQs) Part B - 20 questions (MCS) Part C - 10 questions (NAT) |
| Marking Scheme | Part A - 1 mark Part B - 3 marks Part C - 3 marks |
| Negative Marking | Part A: −1/3 marks Part B: −1 mark Part C: No negative marking |
| Total Marks | 100 |
Follow Best Books For JEST Preparation
Books are an important part of preparation. Students must choose the right book for JEST preparation. Many books are suggested by subject experts and toppers. Students can refer a book of their choice, but ensure the content of the books is easy to understand. Avoid books with fancy words. Below are the list of books for JEST preparation.
Best Books for Theoretical Computer Science Subject Preparation
Candidates must go through the following mentioned books for the JEST Computer Science exam preparation.
| Book Name |
Author/Publisher Name |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Data Structures |
Ellis Horowitz & Sartaj Sahni |
| An Introduction to Data Structures |
B.B. Laud |
| The Design & Analysis of Computer Algorithms |
Alfred V. Aho, John E. Hopcroft, and Jeffrey D.Ullman |
| Introduction to Algorithms 3rd Edition |
Al Cormen |
| An Introduction to Data Structure with Applications |
Jean-Paul Tremblay & P.G. Sorenson |
Best Books for Physic Subject Preparation
Candidates must go through the following mentioned books for the JEST Physics exam preparation.
| Name of the Topic | Book Name |
Author/Publisher name |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics |
Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems | Marion and Thomtron |
| Introduction to Classical Mechanics | R.G. Takawale & P.S. Puranik | |
| Electronics | Power Electronics |
P.C. Sen |
| Integrated Circuits |
Botkar |
|
| Digital Principles and Applications |
Leach & Malvino |
|
| Quantum Mechanics | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics |
David J.Griffiths |
| Modern Quantum Mechanics |
J.J.Sakurai |
|
| Quantum Mechanics |
A.Ghatak & S.Lokanathan |
|
| Electrodynamics | Special Theory of Relativity |
Robert Resnick |
| Matrices and Tensors in Physics |
A.W. Joshi |
|
| Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory |
Reitz & Milford |
|
| Statistical Mechanics | Statistical Mechanics |
K. Huang |
| Statistical Mechanics |
Satya Prakash |
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Practise from JEST Question Papers
Candidates must practise the previous year's JEST Question Papers to qualify for the JEST exam. This preparation method will help candidates understand the question paper trends in a better way and also some of the important topics that will be asked in the exam. There are four sections, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology and making a preparation strategy helps candidates to manage their time for each section.
The JEST Merit List will be prepared based on the marks of any three sections with maximum scores and therefore students who are preparing for the JEE Main and NEET Exam are eligible to appear for the JEST Exam.
JEST Preparation FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions For JEST Preparation
Commonly asked questions
JEST exam is conducted to shortlist applicants for PhD and Int. PhD courses. The syllabus of the PhD Physics and Computer Science is vast. Applicants who want to appear in the JEST exam must note that this preparation requires study along with doing PG. Normally applicants who qualify the exam takes around 1 to 1.5 years.
But it varies from one person to another hence candidates should prepare for the exam by following best preparation tips.
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JEST Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
IISER Tirupati has not released the stats regarding JEST 2026. However, it is expected that approximately. 2500 to 35000 students took the JEST 2026 exam.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The JEST syllabus 2026 is available online at "jest.org.in". Candidates can check the Physics syllabus for JEST to know the important topics for preparation.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
JEST exam is conducted for admission to PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc programs in Physics; PhD and Integrated PhD programs in Theoretical Computer Science; and PhD programme in Computational Biology. The exam is a computer test. Joint Entrance Screening Test is conducted once a year.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
JEST exam is conducted computer-based format. The exam duration is three hours. The JEST question paper will have three sections. Part A and C will have 10 questions, while Part B will have 20 questions. There is no negative marking for Part C.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
JEST 2026 exam date was April 12, 2026. The authority had conducted the exam for three hours. JEST was conducted for PHYSICS and THEORETICAL COMPUTER SCIENCE. Candidates must appear for the exam as per the schedule.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted once a year. JEST 2026 was conducted on April 12. The duration of the exam was three hours.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
There are 40 questions in JEST. The question paper has three parts. Part A and C have 10 questions, while Part B has 20 questions.
V
Contributor-Level 10
14 Institutes accepting JEST
4.4
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