The first two years of Jesuit formation is defined by its twofold purpose: a time of probation and of formation. It offers a series of experiences and experiments, like, pilgrimages, work among the poor, etc. which expose a man to Jesuit life. Key to this time is the 30-day silent retreat, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, which lead a novice into an encounter with God who calls him. After two years a novice applies for his first-or simple-vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and becomes a Jesuit Scholastic or a Jesuit brother.

[A Scholastic is a Jesuit who is preparing for priesthood, while a brother is one who is not. Though the majority of Jesuits are or will be ordained priests, some Jesuits are not called to sacramental ministry but still wish to serve the Church in the Society. The Jesuit Brothers are fully members of the Society, but have some differences in their formation, since they will not be doing priestly sacramental ministry.]

Coming of his Regency, the Jesuit Scholastic returns to studies to prepare directly for priestly ordination. The four-year theological studies invite the young man to interpret the reality of the world in the light of Christian faith so as to commit himself to a transformation of the world and to the building up of the kingdom. For the scholastics the completion of theological studies leads to his ordination to ministerial priesthood. The two theologates are: Vidya Jyoti, Delhi and Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. Both of them have extension centres known as Regional Theological Centres.