The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to MSc, Joint MSc-PhD, and Integrated PhD programs at prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, and other result-sharing institutions. The exam is expected to be officially announced in the second week of July 2025, with the application form likely to be released in the first week of September 2025.
JAM 2026 will offer admissions in 7 existing subjects and one newly introduced subject, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Economics, and Mathematical Statistics. Candidates seeking to pursue postgraduate science programs at IITs should carefully review the official eligibility criteria before applying to ensure they meet all the requirements.
The JAM 2026 notification will provide all key details, including the official website, registration schedule, exam date, and the complete information bulletin.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Highlights
Here is a brief overview of the key details related to the IIT JAM 2026 exam. This section provides important information, including the exam name, conducting body, mode, duration, marking scheme, and colleges that accept JAM scores.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee |
| Exam Level | Postgraduate Exam at National level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered Through Entrance Exam | MSc and Integrated PhD |
| Exam Fees | INR 900 (Female candidates applying for one paper) INR 1,250 (Female candidates applying for two papers) INR 1,800 (All other category candidates applying for one paper) INR 2,500 (All other category candidates applying for two papers) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Papers and Total Marks | Seven papers in total with 100 marks each |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 |
| Marking Scheme | Differential marking scheme carrying 1 mark and 2 marks |
| Language/Medium of Questions | English |
| Colleges Accepting IIT JAM Scores | IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs and CFTIs |
| Total Number of Seats | 2,900 (approx) |
| Number of Exam Cities | 103 |
| Official Website | https://jam2025.iitd.ac.in/about.php |
IIT JAM 2026 Dates
The IIT JAM 2026 exam schedule outlines all the important dates related to the application process, exam, result, and admission. Candidates should keep track of these tentative dates to ensure they do not miss any deadlines during the admission process.
| Particular | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| IIT JAM 2026 Notification | Second week of July 2025 |
| JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS) Website Opens | First week of September 2025 |
| Last Date for Closing Registration | Third week of October 2025 |
| Last date to change the Examination Cities /Test Papers /Category /Gender | Third week of October 2025 |
| Confirmation of Compensatory Time/Scribe Assistance | Third week of December 2025 |
| To upload a valid OBC-NCL/EWS certificate | Third week of November 2025 |
| Availability of JAM Admit Cards on the Online Application Portal (for Download and Printing) | Second week of January 2026 |
| Date of Examination | First week of February 2026 |
| Announcement of the Results | Second week of March 2026 |
| Availability of Scorecards for download | Third week of March 2026 |
| Portal for Admission Opens | First week of April 2026 |
IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility
Before applying for IIT JAM 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the exam authorities. Eligibility requirements include educational qualifications, minimum marks, and nationality requirements. While there is no age limit, candidates must hold a valid bachelor's degree and meet the specific admission criteria of the participating institutions.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | No upper age limit. |
| Nationality | - Indian nationals are eligible to apply.- Foreign nationals may also apply, subject to special eligibility requirements by institutions. |
| Minimum Marks | - At least 55% aggregate marks in the undergraduate degree.- 50% aggregate marks for SC/ ST/ PWD candidates. |
| Educational Qualification | - Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.- Qualifying degree must be obtained in 2023 or by 2026.- No minimum percentage requirement for applying; institute-specific eligibility applies. |
IIT JAM 2026 Application Process
The IIT JAM 2025 application process involves steps such as registration, filling out the form, fee payment, and document upload. Follow the steps below to complete your application smoothly:
Steps to Fill the IIT JAM 2025 Application Form:
Step 1: Visit the official IIT JAM 2025 website and register using the name, email address, and mobile number.
Step 2: After registration, log in using your credentials.
Step 3: Fill in your personal, academic, and course preference details.
Step 4: Upload a passport-size photo, signature, and other documents like category certificates (if applicable).
Step 5: Select your preferred exam cities.
Step 6: Pay the application fee online using a debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
Step 7: Check all the details carefully and submit the form.
Step 8: Download and print a copy of the filled application for future use.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIT JAM 2026 exam has three sections – MCQs, MSQs, and Numerical Answer Type questions. There are 60 questions in total, carrying 100 marks. Section A has 30 MCQs, Section B has 10 MSQs, and Section C has 20 numerical questions. The exam is computer-based.
| Sections | Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 | 10x1 + 20x2 = 50 |
| Section B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 | 10×2 = 20 |
| Section C | Numerical Answer Type | 20 | 10x1 + 10x2 = 30 |
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Syllabus
The IIT JAM 2026 syllabus covers topics based on the chosen subject. It includes core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Each test paper focuses on key areas such as theories, formulas, and applications. The syllabus is designed to test subject knowledge at the undergraduate level.
| Test Paper | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | Biology: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics. |
| Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. | |
| Mathematics: Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability. | |
| Physics: Mechanics, Electricity, and Magnetism. | |
| Chemistry (CY) | Organic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms, Stereochemistry. |
| Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Table, Coordination Chemistry. | |
| Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Quantum Chemistry. | |
| Economics (EN) | Microeconomics: Consumer and Producer Theory. |
| Macroeconomics: Economic Growth, Inflation. | |
| Statistics: Probability, Sampling Distributions. | |
| Mathematics: Optimisation, Integration, Linear Algebra. | |
| Geology (GG) | Structural Geology, Mineralogy, Stratigraphy, Palaeontology. |
| Applied Geology: Economic Geology, Environmental Geology. | |
| Mathematics (MA) | Algebra, Real Analysis, Differential Equations, Numerical Methods. |
| Mathematical Stats | Probability, Inference, Linear Models. |
| Physics (PH) | Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics. |
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Admit Card
The IIT JAM 2026 admit card will be available online on the official website, jam.iitm.ac.in. Only candidates who complete the registration and verification process successfully can download it.
How to Download IIT JAM 2026 Admit Card?
- Visit the official website: jam.iitm.ac.in
- Click on the ‘JOAPS Admit Card’ link
- Log in using your Enrollment ID/Email ID and Password
- Solve the given arithmetic expression
- Click ‘Submit’
- Check the declaration box and enter your full name as a virtual signature
- Click ‘Download Admit Card’ and take a printout
IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Tips
- Know the Syllabus & Pattern: Understand the IIT JAM 2026 syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly to plan your study schedule effectively.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a daily or weekly timetable that covers all topics, allowing sufficient time for revision and practice.
- Focus on Core Concepts: Clear your basics in each subject. IIT JAM 2026 tests conceptual understanding more than memorisation.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past IIT JAM question papers and mock tests to understand the question style and improve speed.
- Revise Regularly: Set aside time for weekly and monthly revisions to retain important formulas, theories, and methods.
- Stay Consistent & Positive: Consistent effort, good time management, and a positive mindset are key to cracking the IIT JAM 2026.
IIT JAM 2026 Result
The results for the IIT JAM 2026 exam will be announced after the exam is completed. Candidates can check their scores on the official JAM website by entering their login credentials. The result will include the scorecard, which displays the candidate’s performance in each section of the exam.
IIT JAM 2026 Answer Key
The IIT JAM 2026 answer key will be released by the organising institute after the exam. It helps candidates check their answers, estimate their scores, and spot any mistakes. This provides them with a clear understanding of their performance and helps them prepare for the next steps in the admission process.
IIT JAM 2026 Counselling
After the IIT JAM 2026 results are announced, counselling will begin for admission to M.Sc. and other PG programs at IITs. The process will be held online through the JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS).
- Qualified candidates must log in to JOAPS to take part in counselling.
- You need to choose your preferred courses and institutes.
- Seat allotment will depend on your rank, choices filled, and seat availability.
- Keep checking the official website for counselling dates and updates.
- Make sure all your documents are ready for online verification during admission.
IIT JAM 2026 Cutoff
The IIT JAM 2026 cut-off will be released after the results. It is the minimum score you need to qualify for admission to your chosen course. Cut-off marks are different for each subject and category (General, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD). You must score equal to or more than the cut-off to move ahead in the admission process.
IIT JAM 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is IIT JAM 2026 and why is it conducted?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 (Joint Admission Test for MSc) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to MSc, Joint MSc-PhD, and Integrated PhD programs at IITs, NITs, and other participating institutions.
Ques. When will the IIT JAM 2026 notification be released?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 notification is expected to be released in the second week of July 2025 on the official website.
Ques. What are the subjects available in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 offers admission in 8 subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Economics, Mathematical Statistics, Geology, and one newly introduced subject.
Ques. Who can apply for the IIT JAM 2026 exam?
Ans. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university are eligible. There is no age limit, and foreign nationals can also apply if they meet institute-specific requirements.
Ques. How can I apply for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. To apply for IIT JAM 2026, visit the official website, register, fill the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit the application online through JOAPS.
Ques. What is the exam pattern for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 will be a computer-based test with 60 questions divided into three sections: MCQs, MSQs, and Numerical Answer Type questions, for a total of 100 marks.
Ques. When will the IIT JAM 2026 admit card be available?
Ans. The admit card for IIT JAM 2026 will be available for download from the second week of January 2026 on the official JOAPS portal.
Ques. How will the IIT JAM 2026 counselling be conducted?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 counselling will be held online through the JOAPS portal, where qualified candidates can choose courses and institutes. Seat allotment is based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Ques. What is the expected result date for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 results will be declared in the second week of March 2026. Candidates can check their scores by logging in to the official website.
Ques. What is the cut-off in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 cut-off is the minimum score required to qualify for admission. It varies by subject and category (General, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD).