IIT JAM 2026: Notification, Registration, Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

The IIT JAM 2026 Notification is anticipated to be released in the first week of September 2025, with the exam scheduled to be held in the second week of February 2026. Organized by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, IIT JAM is an annual examination conducted on a rotational basis by various IITs. It serves as a gateway for admission into various postgraduate programs such as M.Sc., M.Tech., Dual Degree, Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., etc.

This national-level examination is instrumental in providing admissions to esteemed institutions like IIPE, JNCASR, IISc, and IISER Pune and Bhopal. With exam centres spanning over 100 cities in India, IIT JAM attracts a large pool of candidates. The application process for IIT JAM 2026 will be conducted online, available exclusively on the website. The Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM) is a significant examination facilitating admission to premier institutions across India.

In this article, we have compiled detailed information about IIT JAM 2026, covering various events from the application form to counselling/admission processes.

IIT JAM 2026 Highlights

IIT JAM 2026 is the Joint Admission Test for Masters conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. It serves as a national-level entrance exam for postgraduate courses.

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Dates

The exam dates for IIT JAM 2026 will be released by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. Candidates can check the schedule for the examination.

IIT JAM 2026 Application Form

The IIT JAM 2026 application process is set to commence in the first week of September 2025. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis, IIT JAM serves as a gateway for admission into various MSc and postgraduate programs across prestigious institutions in India. Applicants will need to fill out the application form online through the JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS), providing essential details and documents as per the guidelines. 

• The IIT JAM 2026 application form will be available from the first week of September 2025.
• Candidates can only fill out the application form through online mode; no offline method will be provided.
• Registration will be done on JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) by providing necessary details like name, email address, and mobile number.
• Upon registration, candidates will receive their Enrollment ID and password to access the application form.
• It is advised that candidates refrain from submitting multiple application forms to avoid rejection.
• Upload the required documents such as photographs, signatures, and relevant certificates as per the specified format.
• Before submission, carefully review all the details filled in the form to ensure accuracy.
• After completing the form and fee payment, candidates should take a printout of the application form for future reference.
• Ensure that all steps of the application process are completed within the specified deadlines to avoid any inconvenience.
• Candidates should keep their Enrollment ID and password safe for future reference and correspondence regarding the exam.

IIT JAM 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for IIT JAM 2026 can be conveniently paid through various online modes. Payment options include Net Banking, Debit & Credit Card, and UPI. It’s important to note that the submitted application fee is non-refundable, and any changes in exam cities, test papers, category, or gender will incur an additional fee of Rs. 300.

How to Fill IIT JAM 2026 Application Form?

• Step 1: Visit the Official Website -Navigate to the official website of IIT JAM 2026. The link will be provided on the homepage.
• Step 2: Access Registration Page – Locate and click on the “IIT JAM 2026 Registration” link available on the homepage or designated section.
• Step 3: Register on JOAPS – Begin the registration process on JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) by providing essential information such as your name, email ID, and mobile number.
• Step 4: Receive Enrolment ID – Upon successful registration, an Enrolment ID along with an OTP (Time Password) will be sent to your registered email ID.
• Step 5: Fill out the Application Form – Proceed to fill out the application form with accurate and complete details as required.
• Step 6: Upload Documents – Upload scanned copies of essential documents including your photograph, signature, and any other documents as specified.
• Step 7: Submit Application Fee – Complete the application process by submitting the application fee through the online payment gateway provided.
• Step 8: Review and Verify – Before final submission, carefully review all the details entered in the application form to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Step 9: Print Application Form – After successful submission, take a printout of the completed application form for future reference and correspondence.

IIT JAM 2026 Application Correction

The IIT JAM 2026 application correction facility will be provided by the authority for a limited period, starting from the third week of November 2025. Only registered candidates will have access to this online mode for making changes to their application form.

During the correction period, candidates will be allowed to modify specific details such as gender, category, PWD status, and exam centre. It’s important to note that once the correction window closes, no further changes will be entertained. Hence, candidates are advised to utilize this opportunity to ensure the accuracy of their application details before the stipulated deadline.

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for IIT JAM 2026 are essential for candidates planning to appear for the exam. It outlines the academic qualifications required for admission to various postgraduate programs. Fulfilling these criteria is necessary to ensure eligibility for the examination.

• Physical Fitness: Candidates must possess a physical fitness certificate at the time of admission.
• Nationality: Both Indian and foreign nationals are eligible to apply. Foreign nationals with an Indian degree are also eligible.

Course-wise Eligibility Criteria

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern

The IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern outlines the structure and format of the examination for aspirants seeking admission to various postgraduate programs. It encompasses details such as the mode of the exam, duration, types of questions, and marking scheme, providing candidates with a comprehensive overview of the assessment process. 

• Exam Mode: The IIT JAM 2026 exam will be conducted online, allowing candidates to take the test digitally.
• Medium: The examination will be available only in the English language, ensuring uniformity in communication.
• Duration: Candidates will have a total of 3 hours to complete the exam, providing ample time for each section.
• Subjects: The exam will cover a total of 7 subjects, testing candidates’ proficiency in their respective fields.
• Type of Questions: The test will include Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, diversifying the assessment approach.
• Total Questions: There will be a total of 60 questions in the exam, distributed across the various sections.
• Marking Scheme: Each MCQ will carry 1 mark, MSQs will be awarded 2 marks each, and NAT questions will carry either one or two marks per question.
• Negative Marking: While there will be no negative marking for MSQs and NAT questions, incorrect answers to 1-mark questions will incur a penalty of 1/3 mark, and incorrect responses to 2-mark questions will result in a deduction of 2/3 mark.

Mark Distributions:

IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus

The IIT JAM 2026 syllabus is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics across various disciplines. It is designed to assess candidates’ understanding and proficiency in their respective fields of study. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the syllabus to prepare effectively for the examination.

IIT JAM Preparation Tips

Preparing for the IIT JAM 2026 exam requires strategic planning and diligent effort. Here are some effective preparation tips to help candidates excel in the exam:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus for your chosen subject. Divide it into manageable sections to focus on each topic systematically.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each subject or topic. Set realistic goals and stick to the timetable to ensure consistent progress.
3. Utilize Study Materials: Gather high-quality study materials such as textbooks, reference books, and online resources tailored to the IIT JAM syllabus. Make use of previous years’ question papers for practice.
4. Practice Regularly: Practice solving a variety of questions regularly to enhance your problem-solving skills and speed. Focus on both conceptual understanding and application-oriented problems.
5. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance and identify areas of improvement.
6. Revision Strategy: Allocate time for regular revision sessions to reinforce your learning and retain important concepts. Create concise notes for quick revision before the exam.
7. Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. A healthy body and mind are crucial for effective studying and exam performance.
8. Stay Positive: Stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey. Believe in your abilities and stay focused on your goal of cracking the IIT JAM exam.

IIT JAM 2026 Books

Here are some highly recommended books for IIT JAM preparation across various subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Biology, Mathematical Statistics, and Economics. These books are essential resources to aid candidates in scoring well in the examination.

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Centres

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Centres will be spread across various cities nationwide, providing convenient options for candidates to choose from. These centres are strategically located to ensure accessibility and ease of travel for applicants. Candidates can select their preferred exam centre during the application process, considering factors like proximity and convenience.

IIT JAM 2026 Admit Card

IIT JAM 2026 Admit card will be released in the first week of January 2026. Candidates will be able to download the admit card through online mode. No other mode except online will be available to access it. Candidates will be required to enter the login credentials such as application number and password.

It will consist of details such as name, application number, photograph, signature, exam date, time, venue, address, and other details. To appear for the exam, it will be mandatory for the candidates to keep a hard copy of the admit card. Candidates without a valid admit card will not be allowed to sit inside the exam hall. It should be kept safely until the admission procedure is over.

IIT JAM 2026 Answer Key

IIT Bombay will release the IIT JAM 2026 answer key online, accessible only to candidates who appeared for the entrance examination. Candidates will have the opportunity to download the answer key from the official website and challenge it if they find any discrepancies.

During the challenge window, candidates can raise objections against the answer key through online mode. The answer key will be available in PDF format on the authority’s website. After reviewing all the objections, the final answer key will be published by IIT Bombay.

IIT JAM 2026 Result

The results of IIT JAM 2026 will be declared by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in the fourth week of March 2026. Candidates can access their results online via the JOAPS portal using their login credentials. 

The institute will not send the results via any offline method. Following the release of results, a merit list will be compiled based on the performance of candidates. Qualified candidates will then need to fill out admission forms to take part in the counselling process.

IIT JAM 2026 Cut-Off

The IIT JAM 2026 cutoff is expected to be unveiled in the latter part of March 2026, and it will be exclusively accessible via online platforms. Candidates must navigate to the JOAPS portal to view the cutoff list, which essentially signifies the minimum scores needed for securing admission to premier IITs across India.

Alongside the cutoff marks, the institute will also furnish data regarding the JAM’s opening and closing ranks for various courses, thereby offering candidates valuable insights into the level of competition. The determination of the cutoff is contingent upon several factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, volume of applicants, availability of seats, and trends from preceding years. 

It’s worth noting that each participating institute in IIT JAM will establish its cutoff thresholds, tailored to their specific program requirements and the demand for their offerings.

IIT JAM 2026 Counselling

The counselling process for IIT JAM 2026 is scheduled to commence in the second week of April 2026. Eligible candidates who have qualified in the entrance exam will have the opportunity to participate in the counselling session. During this process, candidates will need to complete the IIT JAM 2026 admission form via online mode.

As part of the form-filling process, candidates will be required to indicate their preferences for institutions and make other necessary choices. Following the conclusion of the counselling session, candidates will have three options to consider: Accept and Freeze, Accept and Upgrade, and Reject and Quit. These options allow candidates to make informed decisions regarding their preferred course of action based on their circumstances.

Documents Required:

• Birth Certificate
• Class 10th & 12th mark sheet
• Class 10th & 12th certificate
• IIT JAM 2026 scorecard
• Identify Proof
• PWD Certificate (if applicable)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate, mark sheet
• Certificate of nationality

Participating Institutes in IIT JAM 2026

The participating institutes in IIT JAM 2026 offer various postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines. These institutes are renowned for their academic excellence and provide candidates with opportunities for advanced studies and research.

IIT JAM 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.