Content Writer | Updated On - Jan 28, 2026
Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) exam dates have been declared on the official website. Interested candidates can check the details below.
The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST 2026) exam dates have been officially announced on the official website, jest.org.in. The JEST examination has been scheduled on April 12, 2026. Interested candidates who wish to pursue admission to a doctoral, Integrated PhD, and M.Sc programs at the participating scientific and research institutes across India.
In 2026, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Tirupati) is one of the participating institutes that will be organising JEST 2026. To process further with the JEST 2026 application process, interested candidates have to pay the application fee of INR 600 for SC, ST, and PwD applicants and INR 12,000 for all other applicants.
JEST 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal will be online on | To be announced soon |
| Date for JEST 2026 | April 12, 2026 |
The Joint Entrance Screening Test is a national-level exam conducted annually in Physics and Theoretical Computer Science at different exam centres. The JEST score is acceptable in participating institutes for shortlisting candidates based on their score and eligibility criteria for PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc programs in Physics; PhD and Integrated PhD programs in Theoretical Computer Science; and PhD program in Computational Biology.
Read more: IISER Tirupati Ph.D: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility
JEST 2026 Exam Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2026 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Organising Institute | IISER Tirupati |
| Mode of Exam | Online / Computer-based |
| Purpose | Shortlisting for PhD, Integrated PhD, and MSc programs at participating institutes |
| Eligibility to Appear | Anyone can take the exam; no strict degree requirement |
| Use of Score | Screening for admissions; final selection depends on institute-specific criteria |
Anyone can appear for JEST 2026, as there’s no strict degree requirement to take the exam. Qualifying for the test does not guarantee admission, since each institute sets its own rules for PhD, Integrated PhD, or MSc programs. Candidates should check the eligibility of their chosen program before applying.
Participating Institutes in JEST 2026
| Participating Institutes | ||
|---|---|---|
| ARIES | IISER Bhopal | IMSc Chennai |
| Bose Institute | IISER Kolkata | IOP Bhubaneswar |
| HRI Prayagraj | IISER Mohali | IPR Gandhinagar |
| HBNI Mumbai | IISER Pune | IUCAA Pune |
| IIA Bangalore | IISER Thiruvananthapuram | NCRA-TIFR Pune |
| IISc Bangalore | IISER Tirupati | NISER Bhubaneswar |
| IIST Thiruvananthapuram | PRL Ahmedabad | RRCAT Indore |
| RRI Bangalore | SINP Kolkata | RRI Bangalore |
| SNBNCBS Kolkata | TIFR Mumbai | TIFR-TCIS Hyderabad |
| UGC-DAE CSR Indore | VECC Kolkata | - |
| Apply Here: JEST 2026 Application Form (To be Available Soon) |
Candidates are advised to check the official website of the JEST Exam 2026 and collegedunia.com for the latest updates.
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