The Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) 2025 application process has been extended till 1 June 2025, giving aspiring candidates additional time to apply for this national-level entrance exam. The exam was previously conducted by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Meanwhile, for the academic session 2025-26, the exam is being conducted by the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). JEST is conducted once a year and serves as a gateway for admission into Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs in Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Computational Biology at various leading research institutes across India.
Application Timeline and Extension Details
Registration for JEST 2025 commenced on May 16, 2025, through the online mode. Students interested in appearing for the exam could easily fill out the application form online. Initially, the last date for submission of applications was May 30, 2025, which was then extended until June 1, 2025, in response to requests from candidates and unforeseen circumstances.
Applicants must ensure that they complete the registration process before the final deadline, as no further extensions are expected. The application fee for JEST 2025 is INR 800 for general category candidates, while SC/ST male and non-SC/ST female applicants are required to pay INR 400. Women applicants belonging to SC/ST categories are exempt from the fee.
Note that the application fee of INR 800 and INR 400, respectively, is nonrefundable.
JEST 2025 Important Dates
JEST 2025 Exam Date and Other Key Events
The JEST 2025 examination is scheduled to be held on June 22, 2025. Candidates who successfully register will be able to download their admit cards in the second week of June 2025. Following the exam, the answer key will be released in the fourth week of June, and results are expected to be announced in July 2025. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to the interview rounds in August 2025.
JEST 2025 Eligibility and Application Process
Candidates interested in applying for JEST 2025 must meet the eligibility criteria set by participating institutes. The exam is recognized as a National Eligibility Test (NET) by SERB, and successful candidates can secure admission to institutions such as NISER, IIST, IISc, and others.
To apply, candidates must visit the official website https://www.jest.org.in/, fill out the online application form, and upload the required documents, including a passport-sized photograph and scanned signature. The application process is considered complete only after the successful payment of the
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for JEST 2025
Step 1: Visit the official JEST website at https://www.jest.org.in
Step 2: Click on the application link and register with your email ID.
Step 3: Fill out the online application form with personal and academic details.
Step 4: Upload required documents, including a passport-sized photo and signature.
Step 5: Pay the application fee online using available payment methods.
Step 6: Submit the application form and save a copy for reference.
Step 7: Wait for the admit card release and download it when available.
