JEST-Syllabus and Exam Instructions
Exam Instructions
Time: 3 Hours, Maximum Marks: 300
Mode of Exam: Online
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL CANDIDATES APPEARING FOR THE PHYSICS PH.D. OR INTEGRATED Ph.D. TEST
• This test consists of Three sections.
• SECTION A comprises 10 questions (MCQ Type).
• SECTION B comprises 20 questions (MCQ Type).
• SECTION C comprises 10 questions (NAT Type).
• The grading scheme will be as follows:
Section A: +1 marks if correct; ‐1/3 mark if incorrect; 0 marks if not attempted.
Section B: +3 marks if correct; -1 marks if incorrect; 0 marks if not attempted.
SYLLABUS
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.