Founder and faculty of SNBPLC. Qualified CSIR-NET, GATE and JEST in 2016-17. Training students for the past 8 years.
There are common confusions among BSc and BTech students regarding these exams and our courses. Through this article, I aim to address various doubts, misconceptions, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
These are the common misconceptions :
Before we begin, let’s review some basic information about these exams. Please note that this is just a rough overview. For detailed and accurate information, you must refer to the official exam brochures and the admission portals of the respective institutes.
| JEST | TIFR-GS | GATE | CSIR-NET | JAM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (3 Year) | Eligible (For MSc/I-PhD) | Eligible (For I-PhD at TIFR) | Eligible* (For I-PhD at TIFR) IITs will not consider it for MSc | Not Eligible | Eligible (For MSc/I-PhD) TIFR will not consider this |
| BE/BTech (4 Year) | Eligible (For MSc/I-PhD) | Eligible (For I-PhD at TIFR) | Eligible (For MTech, I-PhD or PhD) | Eligible (For PhD) | Eligible (For MSc/I-PhD) TIFR will not consider this |
| MSc | Eligible (For PhD) | Eligible (For PhD) | Eligible (For MTech/PhD) | Eligible (For PhD) | JAM is not for PhD |
Links to eligibility criteria/brochure :
* TIFR-GS is exclusively for TIFR and ICTS. TIFR also considers GATE and JEST for I-PhD/PhD admissions.
* The use of GATE for BSc (3-year) students is limited. However, topers will receive an I-PhD interview call from TIFR/ICTS if they have registered for TIFR-GS.
*Â MSc/I-PhD admissions at IITs are usually through the IIT-JAM or JEST exams. GATE is generally not considered for MSc admissions at IITs.
*Â The JAM exam is not considered by TIFR/ICTS.
* BE/BTech (4-year) graduates can pursue a PhD directly, except at TIFR.
JEST is a common exam for MSc, BSc, and BTech students, with no separate sections in the exam. TIFR-GS consists of two parts: Part A, which is common for all candidates, and a second part that is specific to PhD and I-PhD applicants.
JEST, TIFR, GATE, and CSIR-NET are at the same level, while JAM is slightly at a lower level.
Please compare the syllabi and questions once.
We will discuss JAM at the end of this article.
For ease of discussion, I will divide subjects into two partsÂ
I have added Electronics to Core Fundamentals, keeping the exams in mind, even though it is considered a specialization. It is common to all these exams.
JEST does not have specialization. However, they mentioned Semiconductor Physics in Electronics syllabus and are asking questions on it.
Even though TIFR didn’t mention the syllabus clearly, when we study its questions, it is clear that the syllabus is JEST, GATE level only.
The TIFR common section mainly focuses on Core Fundamental. It will have only a couple of specialization questions. The TIFR I-PhD section also mainly focuses on fundamentals. You may expect two questions on specialization.Â
TIFR PhD section contains fundamentals, few specialization and a couple of experimental questions.Â
Among JEST, TIFR, GATE and CSIR-NET, difficulty level depends on students. However, JEST and TIFR are considered the most difficult, followed by CSIR-NET and GATE. JAM comes thereafter.
As far as core fundamentals are concerned, there is not much difference between JEST, TIFR, GATE, and CSIR-NET. The only difference is the question style, which varies from exam to exam. These exams tests all areas of core fundamentals.
As mentioned, JEST does not have specializations, but they may ask a question on Semiconductor Physics. TIFR will include a few specialization questions, which will be on basic concepts rather than advanced topics.
CSIR-NET and GATE will have a considerable number of specialization questions; however, core fundamentals remain the dominant focus.
In India, there is no standardized BSc or MSc curriculum. For example, the BSc Honors syllabus at Delhi University is close to the MSc syllabus at many state universities and colleges.
From one perspective, all of these exam syllabi and questions are at the UG level, including CSIR and GATE. Only very few questions in CSIR and GATE are truly advanced and at the PG level.
To help clarify this, here’s an example based on textbooks:
The syllabus and questions in the JAM Physics exam are at a lower level compared to other exams. The questions are not as challenging as in other exams but test your basic understanding. You need to score high (50-70%) in JAM to secure IIT seats.
The Electromagnetism syllabus in JAM is almost similar to that of other exams. However, advanced chapters like Potentials and Fields and Radiation are omitted in JAM.
Electronics questions in JAM are also similar to those in other exams, but advanced topics such as flip-flops, counters, and registers can be skipped.
JAM focuses primarily on the introductory part of Quantum Physics (Modern Physics), with frequent questions on Special Theory of Relativity.
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics are not part of the JAM syllabus. In Mechanics, topics like Central Force Problems, Gravitation, Rigid Body Dynamics, Collisions, and Conservation Laws are the primary focus.
Thermodynamics, Optics, Oscillations, and Waves form a dominant part of the JAM syllabus. Mathematics is a considerable component but not as advanced as in other exams.
You can expect one or two questions on Statistical Physics, but they will not be in-depth.
Overall, JAM is in between JEE Advanced to UG level.
The choice of exam depends on the following factors:
If you are a BSc student with decent basic math skills and have a year of time, you can prepare for all exams.Â
If you are a BSc Honors student and have done some of the JEST-level syllabus in your BSc, then you must try all exams.
If you are a BTech graduate with decent math skills and prepared for JEE in Class 12, then you must try all exams.
If you are weak in math and lack problem-solving ability, you can focus on the JAM exam. However, if you have a year of time, you can transform yourself with better math and problem-solving skills.
If you are weak in math and problem-solving and have only 5-6 months, it is better to focus on JAM.
If you are aiming top research institutes, you must prepare for all exams.
Our course primarily targets JEST, TIFR, GATE, and CSIR-NET which are of similar level. Since we cover many basic topics such as Thermodynamics, Physical Optics, Oscillation and certain aspects of Mechanics in our course, we ensure that BSc/BTech students perform well in JAM.
We are committed to deliver high quality Physics so that students be competent in exams. During our courses, pick standard books and chapters that align with exam syllabus. We keep the most difficult exams/questions in mind while teaching and try to lift students up to that level.Â
I have attached links to curriculum.Â
While covering core fundamentals for the JEST, TIFR, GATE, and CSIR-NET exams, we cover topics such as Central Force, Gravitation, Waves and Oscillations, Physical Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Electronics, and Mathematical Physics. We also cover the basics of Atomic Physics, along with some Solid State Physics and Nuclear Physics.
I have attached a JAM syllabus PDF, where the green-highlighted topics are being covered in the current batch. We will extend these topics in the next batch. (Download and check)
You can join if
You should not join us if
-Subrahmanya L. Hegde.
Written by About author Facebook Linkedin How to Solve Standard Textbooks for CSIR-NET, GATE, JEST TIFR-GS Physics ? A guide to ideal method of preperation. This
Written by About author Facebook Linkedin Coaching Notes VS Standard Textbooks : What Truly Prepares You for Exams ? Answers to some comments on our
Written by About author Facebook Linkedin Guidance for BSc and BTech Students : Understanding the difference between JEST, TIFR-GS, GATE, CSIR-NET and IIT-JAM An article