Official syllabus · 2026–2027
JEST Physics Syllabus 2026–2027 & Exam Pattern
JEST is the screening test for PhD, Integrated PhD and MSc programmes in Physics at TIFR, IISERs, IMSc, RRI, HRI, NISER, Bose Institute and other research institutes. It is also recognised by ANRF as a National Eligibility Test.
Official JEST Physics syllabus (PDF)
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JEST Physics exam pattern & marking scheme
Conducted by JEST — Organizing Institute IISER Tirupati (JEST 2026)
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration
180 minutes
Questions
40
Total marks
100
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A — MCQ | 10 | +1 each · 10 marks | −1/3 |
| Part B — MCQ | 20 | +3 each · 60 marks | −1 |
| Part C — Numerical answer | 10 | +3 each · 30 marks | None |
- This new pattern was introduced from JEST 2026.
- One common exam for PhD, Integrated PhD and MSc programmes.
JEST Physics detailed syllabus — topic wise
Syllabus from the official JEST Physics syllabus; pattern from the official JEST FAQ (JEST 2026, new pattern). JEST 2027 details will be updated when the official notice is released.
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
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, 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 semiconductor
- p-n junctions, diodes, transistors
- LCR circuits, rectifiers, amplifiers, active filters and oscillators
- basics of OPAMPs and their applications
- basics of digital electronics