JEST Physics Exam
JEST is a national level examination conducted annually in Physics and Theoretical Computer Science. The test scores are used by several institutions to shortlist candidates for PhD and Integrated PhD programmes in Theoretical Computer Science and diverse areas related to Physics (Astronomy & Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Computational Biology, Condensed Matter Physics, High Energy Physics, Neuroscience, Plasma Research, Quantum Optics, Quantum Information,... to name a few). The examination will be at the level of MSc or an advanced BSc in Physics or Computer Science, respectively. There is no strict eligibility criteria for appearing in JEST. However, each of the participating institutions follow their own individual eligibility and selection process, based on specific requirements and specialization.
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About JEST 2024 Exam
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JEST-2024 examination is scheduled to be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00. p.m..
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Candidates must apply online. A non-refundable application fee of Rs.800 (Rs.400 for SC/ST Male applicants and Non-SC/ST Female applicants) is required to be paid online in order to complete the application. Application Fee is waived for female applicants belonging to SC/ST category.
Participating Institutes
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
Bose Institute, Kolkata
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, TIFR-Bengaluru
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati
National Brain Research Centre, Gurgaon
Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad (Campuses at Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Mt. Abu)
Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad
UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, TIFR, Pune
Harish- Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad
Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam
Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata
Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata
The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai
National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar
​Rala Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore
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Test Centres
​Ahmedabad, Aligarh, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bardhaman, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nainital, Patna, Prayagraj, Pune, Raipur, Roorkee, Sambalpur, Silchar, Siliguri, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Udaipur, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam
JEST Syllabus
JEST Syllabus as per official Website:
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Mathematical Methods
Vector algebra and vector calculus, tensors, curvilinear coordinate systems, linear algebra; Linear differential equations, elements of Sturm–Liouville theory; Special functions; Complex analysis; Fourier series and Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms; Elementary properties of discrete groups; Elements of probability theory, error analysis.
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Classical Mechanics
Newton’s laws, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions; generalized coordinates, principle of least action, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics; Symmetry and conservation laws; central force problem, Kepler problem; Small oscillations and normal modes; special relativity in classical mechanics.
Electromagnetism & Optics
Electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems, multipole expansion; Fields in conducting, dielectric, diamagnetic and paramagnetic media; Faraday’s law and time-varying fields; displacement current; Maxwell’s equations; energy and momentum of electromagnetic fields; Propagation of plane electromagnetic waves, reflection, refraction; Electromagnetic waves in dispersive and conducting media; diffraction, interference, polarization.
Quantum Mechanics
Uncertainty principle; Schrodinger equation; central potentials, hydrogen atom; Orbital and spin angular momenta, the addition of angular momenta; Matrix formulation of quantum theory, unitary transformations, Hermitian operators; Variational principle, time-independent perturbation theory, time-dependent perturbation theory.
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
Laws of thermodynamics, work and heat, thermodynamic potentials; Elements of kinetic theory; Maxwell’s relations; Statistical ensembles; partition function; classical ideal gas, harmonic oscillators; Classical and quantum statistics; Fermi and Bose gases; black body radiation; statistics of paramagnetism
Electronics
Basics of semiconductors; p-n junctions, diodes, transistors; LCR circuits, rectifiers, amplifiers, active filters and oscillators; basics of OPAMPs and their applications; basics of digital electronics.