Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) -2014

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) -2014

Admission to the Ph.D. Programmes in Physics / Theoretical Computer Science / Neuroscience

The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) -2014, for admission to the Ph.D. Programmes in Physics / Theoretical Computer Science / Neuroscience at over 27 participating institutions, will be held from 10 a.m to 1 p.m on February 16, 2014 (Sunday) at Ahmedabad, Aligarh, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bardhaman, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwhati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nainital, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Roorkee, Sambalpur, Silchar, Siliguri, Srinagar, Trivandrum, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.

JEST is a common qualifying test for admissions to the Ph.D. programmes in the research institutes in India listed below. Those interested in admissions may visit the website of the institute for the details of the programmes and subject areas being offered.

ARIES: http://www.aries.res.in/

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital: Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Physics.

HBNI : http://www.hbni.ac.in/

Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai

HRI: http://www.hri.res.in/~physjest/index.html

Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad: Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics

ICTS: http://www.icts.res.in/home/   

International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (TIFR), Bangalore:Astrophysical Relativity, Data Assimilation and Dynamical Systems, Statistical Physics and Turbulence, and String theory and Quantum Gravity.

IGCAR : http://www.igcar.gov.in/

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam: Solid State Phase transformations, Superconductivity, Structure and dynamics of soft condensed matter, Band structure studies, Accelerators based Irradiation induced phenomena, Low-dimensional systems, Physics of interfaces, Nano-materials, Thin films technology and Theoretical physics.

IIA : http://www.iiap.res.in/

Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astronomical Instrumentation, Optics, and Atomic Physics.

IISc : http://www.iisc.ernet.in/

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore: Condensed Matter Physics (Experiments and Theory), Astronomy and Astrophysics (Theoretical), Atomic and Optical Physics (Experimental), Biocrystallography and Bio-informatics, and High Energy Physics (Theoretical).

IISER MOHALI : http://www.iisermohali.ac.in/

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali: Quantum Theory, Quantum Information Processing, NMR-Methodology, Optics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Thermodynamics, Non-linear Dynamics, String Theory, Ultrafast Physics, and Low Temperature Mesoscopic Physics.

IISER PUNE: http://www.iiserpune.ac.in/

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune: Field Theory, Theoretical Particle Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Non-linear Dynamics, Complex Systems and Networks, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Quantum Information Processing, Radio Astrophysics, Atomic Physics and Quantum Optics, Energy Studies, Solar and Plasma Physics, Nanosciences, Scanning Probe Techniques, and Semiconductor Physics and Devices.

IISER THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: http://iisertvm.ac.in/   

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram:Experimental Condensed Matter: Magnetic and Superconducting materials, Nanoscience and Energy materials, Photonics, Soft Condensed Matter, Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Surface Sciences and Nano-scale Plasmonics, Terahertz and Ultrafast Spectroscopy; Theory: Cosmology, Classical and Quantum Gravity, Gravitational Wave Physics, Quantum Information Theory, Quantum Field Theory, and Statistical Physics.

IMSc: http://www.imsc.res.in/

The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai: Theoretical Physics, and Theoretical Computer Science.

IOP: http://www.iopb.res.in/

Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar: Physics (Condensed Matter, Nuclear and High Energy Physics) and Accelerator-based Research.

IPR: http://www.ipr.res.in/

Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar: Physics (Experimental and Theoretical).

IUCAA: http://www.iucaa.ernet.in/

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune: Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics.

JNCASR: http://www.jncasr.ac.in/

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore: Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Statistical Mechanics, and Materials Science.

NBRC: http://www.nbrc.ac.in/

National Brain Research Centre, Manesar:Molecular, Computaional and Systems Neuroscience. Sensory & motor systems, learning & memory, language & speech processing, functional neuroimaging: EEG, MEG, fMRI, MRS, stem cells, developmental neurobiology, neurogenetics, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer signaling& glial tumor biology.

NCRA-TIFR: http://www.ncra.tifr.res.in/ncra

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, TIFR, Pune: Astronomy and Astrophysics.

NISER: http://www.niser.ac.in/

National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar: Theoretical High Energy Physics and Lattice QCD, Experimental High Energy Physics, Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiment), Optics and Metamaterials.

PRL: http://www.prl.res.in/php/Opp/jrf_srf.php

Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad: Theoretical Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Solar Physics, Space and Atmospheric Sciences, Planetary Science and Geo-Sciences.

RRCAT: http://www.cat.gov.in/

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore: Lasers and their Applications, Laser Plasma Interaction, Cold Atom Physics, Condensed Matter Physics (Superconductivity and Magnetism, Crystals and Thin Films), Nanomaterials and Applications, Non-linear and Ultrafast Optical Studies, Beam Physics, and Free Electron Laser.

RRI: http://www.rri.res.in/

Raman Research Institute, Bangalore: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Light and Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Physics (Liquid Crystals, Physics in Biology), and Theoretical Physics.

SINP: http://www.saha.ac.in/cs/www/

Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata: Condensed Matter Physics (Theory and Experiments), Nuclear Physics (Theory and Experiments), High Energy Physics (Theory and Experiments), Astroparticle Physics, Quantum Gravity, String Theory, Mathematical Physics, and Materials Science (Surface Science and Plasma Physics).

SNBNCBS: http://newweb.bose.res.in/

SatyendraNath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata: Astrophysics and Cosmology, Chemical and Biological Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science, High Energy Physics and Quantum Field Theory, Mathematical Physics, Nanosciences, Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Statistical Physics, and Complex Systems.

TIFR-TCIS: http://www.tifrh.res.in/tcis//

TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad:Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science of Non-equilibrium, Soft & Living matter, Fluid Dynamics, Intense Laser-matter interactions, Computational Physics, Statistical physics, NMR of Biophysical & other systems

TIFR: http://www.tifr.res.in/index.php/en/

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science, High Energy Physics, Nuclear and Atomic Physics, Theoretical Physics

UGC-DAE CSR:  http://www.csr.res.in/

UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore: Surfaces, Interfaces, Thin Films and Nanomaterials, Physics at Low Temperatures and High Magnetic Fields, X-ray, Optical and Electron Spectroscopic Studies Using Synchrotron and Laboratory Sources; Electrical, Magnetic and Thermal Properties of Condensed Matter; Condensed Matter studies using Magnetic Neutron Diffraction, Nuclear Technique Based Condensed Matter Physics-Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, Mossbauer Spectroscopy, Experimental Nuclear Physics, Gamma Ray Spectroscopy of Nuclear High Spin States, and Nuclear Reactions.

VECC: http://www.vecc.gov.in/

Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata: Accelerator Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, Nuclear Physics (Experiments and Theory), Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions (Experiments, Theory, QCD and QGP), and Physics of Neutrinos (Experiments).

Qualifying in JEST does not entitle an applicant to get a Research Fellowship. Using the JEST results, each institute will call a limited number of candidates for further selection depending on their requirements. All selected candidates will receive Research Fellowships from the respective institutes

Those desirous of seeking admission to any of these institutes for a Ph. D. Programme in Physics / Theoretical Computer Science / Neuroscience may appear for JEST (written test in Physics or Theoretical Computer Science as applicable) at the test centre chosen by the candidate. JEST examination can be taken in Physics or Theoretical Computer Science but not for both.A common examination is conducted both for Ph. D. and integrated Ph. D. programmes.

The questions are based on the general syllabii of graduation and post-graduation level courses offered by various Indian universities and institutions. JEST question papers are normally not made available. However, some questions from previous year's examinations are available at http://www.jest.org.in/frequently_asked_questions

There is no limit to the number of times one can apply for JEST examination. There is no restriction on age for appearing in JEST examination. However, each participating institute has its own eligibility criteria. For details on the eligibility criteria of the participating institutes candidates should visit their websites.

Applicants who are expected to complete their final examinations by August of each year are also eligible to appear for the JEST exam of that year.

Eligibility :

Ph.D ProgrammePhysics:Applicant should hold M.Sc. in Physics or M.Sc. / M.E. /M.Tech in related disciplines.

M.Sc. in Mathematics / Applied Physics / Applied Mathematics / Optics and Photonics / Instrumentation / Electronics will also be considered at IIA.

B.E or B.Tech will also be considered at IISc, IMSc, ICTS-TIFR, IUCAA, JNCASR, NCRA-TIFR, TIFR-TCIS, RRI, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram and SNBNCBS.

Talented final year B.Sc. and first year M.Sc. in Physics / Electronics / Astronomy / Applied Mathematics students may also apply to be pre-selected for research scholarship at IUCAA.

MSc in Physics, Engineering Physics or Applied Physics will also be considered at IPR.

At TIFR, only B.Tech Eng. Phys. and M.Sc. Physics are eligible.

Theoretical Computer Science/Neuroscience:M.Sc/ M.E / M.Tech / M.C.A in Computer Science and related disciplines, and should be interested in the mathematical aspects of computer science. Visit website of IMSc for further details. M.Sc (Physics/ Mathematics), B.E/ B.Tech/ M.C.A in Computer Science for Ph.D. in Neuroscience at NBRC.

Integrated M.Sc. / M.Tech - Ph.D Programme: At HRI, IISER-Pune, ICTS-TIFR, SNBNCBS, NCRA-TIFR, and TIFR-TCIS candidates with a Bachelor's degree will also be considered for the integrated M.Sc., Ph.D. programme in Physics.

At IMSc, graduates with Bachelor’s degree in Science/ Mathematics/ /Statistics / Computer Science/ Information Technology/Engineering will also be considered for admission in Physics and in Theoretical Computer Science, as part of an integrated Ph.D. programme. All candidates successful in the course work of this programme shall be awarded a M.Sc. degree.

At SNBNCBS, graduates with B.Sc. (Physics) / B.E. / B.Tech degree will be considered for the integrated Post-B.Sc.-Ph.D. programme in subject areas mentioned above. At IIA, graduates with B.Sc. (Physics / Mathematics) / B.E. / B.Tech in Electrical / Instrumentation / Engineering Physics / Electronics and Communications / Computer Science and Engineering / Optics and Photonics will be considered. At NBRC, B.Sc. (Physics/ Mathematics) & B.E/ B.Tech (Computer Science) will be considered for integrated M.Sc-Ph.D in Neuroscience.

Integrated M.Tech - Ph.D. Programme at IIA: Graduates with M.Sc (Physics / Applied Physics) / Post-B.Sc. (Hons) in Optics and Optoelectronics / Radio Physics and Electronics / B.E. / B.Tech degree in subjects mentioned above will be considered. Visit IIA website for details.

Integrated Ph.D. Programme at IISER, Thiruvananthapuram: Graduates with Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Technology/Engineering will be considered for the Int. Ph.D. programme in Physics.

Application Fee: Application fee is Rs. 300 (Rs 150 for SC/ST applicants). This can be paid only online using Debit/Credit card or through Net-banking. Visa and MasterCard, Credit/Debit Cards are accepted. The amount can be remitted through Net banking of the following banks. AXIS, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Central, Corporation, DEUTSCHE, Federal, HDFC, ICICI, IDBI, Indian, Indian Overseas, SBI, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Travancore, Union Bank, United Bank of India, Vijaya, YES, Karnataka, Kotak Mahindra and City Union. Payment by any other mode will not be accepted.

Application Procedure: Applications for JEST- 2014 can be submitted on-line only from November 11, 2013 and will continue up to December 10, 2013. Before filling the online application form, applicants may go through the instructions given at http://www.jest.org.in/

Initially, applicant has to create an account using a valid email-id. This account will remain valid from the time of account creation till one month after the date of declaration of results, for that year. Email-ids are linked to the created account as well as to the application, and will be used for all communications with the applicants. The email-id should be active and must not be changed during this period.

To submit application online, applicants must login to the created account and complete the application form. After submission, a unique submission number will be sent to the applicant’s email-id. This unique submission number must be quoted by the applicant for any communication with the JEST authority.

To register, one has to click on the ‘register to appear for the exam’ link in the Homepage. Applicant will receive an email with account information after registering with a valid email-id. Applicant has to follow the instructions given in the email for resetting his/her password and further login.

In the next step, applicant should Login to the JEST homepage with the username (your email-id) and password. Fill the form and save it, or, modify an already saved form.  Press the ‘Submit Application’ button, only after the applicant has inserted and checked all the mandatory entries.

Next, the applicant should upload jpg files of his/her Passport size photo and scanned signature. Next the applicant has to pay the application fee online (Using Debit/Credit cards/Net-Banking).

After online submission of the application form and successful e-payment of the application fee, the submission procedure will be considered complete. No modification will be allowed after this.

The instructions to be followed as regards the e-Photo and e-Signature are given at the website. On successful submission of the online application form, applicant will receive an e-mail with application data after final submission containing a Unique Submission Number and filled in data. Applicant may save this e-mail for further correspondence with the JEST authority. If the applicant does not receive this e-mail after submission of application form and the successful e-payment of the application fee, he/she should contact JEST authority.

Admit card will be available in the JEST webpage after 25th of January, 2014. Applicant should bring a printout of the downloaded admit card and one photo-id for entry into the examination centre. Admit cards will not be sent by post/email.

For more details, see http://www.jest.org.in/