05 Sep, 2025 — IIT JAM 2026 registration has begun at jam2026.iitb.ac.in. The last date to apply is October 12, 2025. Check live updates for the latest information.
23 Aug, 2025 — Download IIT JAM previous years' question papers (2025–2019) with answer keys in PDF format for free. Click here to access them.
23 Aug, 2025 — The IIT JAM 2026 syllabus covers seven subjects; you can download subject-wise syllabus PDFs at no cost. Check here for details.
The IIT JAM 2026 Online Application Processing System (JOAPS) portal opens on September 5, 2025. Around 75,000 candidates appeared for JAM last year across both shifts. This exam is the entry route for MSc, joint MSc-PhD and PhD admissions. Below is a concise list of important dates for IIT JAM 2026.
IIT JAM 2026 is offered in seven papers. Each exam lasts three hours and typically includes 30 MCQs, 10 multiple-select questions, and 20 numerical answer type questions. After clearing the exam, candidates must log into the JOAPS portal to complete registration and pay a non-refundable fee of INR 750. Successful candidates can compete for roughly 3,000 postgraduate seats at the IITs.
IIT Bombay is the organizing institute for JAM 2026. The exam is conducted jointly by IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru and six other IITs: Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee.
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The Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM) is an all-India online entrance test managed by the IITs. IIT JAM enables admission to MSc and other postgraduate science programs at the IITs and integrated PhD courses at IISc Bangalore.
The IIT JAM 2026 exam date is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026. The test will be held in two sessions: the forenoon slot from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and the afternoon slot from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
IIT Bombay is the organising institute for JAM 2026. The exam is run by IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru and six IITs: Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee. Visit the official site: https://jam2026.iitb.ac.in/ for full details.
The following table lists application, exam, result and counselling dates for IIT JAM 2026. Refer to it for key timelines.
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IIT Delhi suggests that a score of 75 or more in IIT JAM is an excellent performance (subject to variation by paper). IIT JAM facilitates admission to about 3,000 seats across the 21 IITs for various postgraduate programs.
IIT JAM 2026 will be held in two sessions using the computer-based test (CBT) format at multiple exam centres. Candidates must report at the time and slot mentioned on their admit card.
Before filling out the IIT JAM 2026 application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for JAM 2026, candidates must satisfy the educational and other requirements specified by the conducting authority.
The IIT JAM exam is conducted online and lasts three hours. The paper comprises multiple-choice questions and is evaluated out of 100 marks.
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Some prominent courses and institutes that accept IIT JAM scores include various MSc and integrated PhD programs across IITs and other leading institutes.
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The IIT JAM 2026 syllabus remains consistent with previous years. See the subject-wise syllabus issued by IIT Delhi for the exact topics.
Shift-wise question papers with solutions for IIT JAM 2026 will be released as downloadable PDFs shortly after each exam session concludes for the respective papers.
Cut-off marks for IIT JAM 2026 will determine candidates' eligibility for IITs and other participating institutes.
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IIT JAM cut-offs vary annually depending on paper difficulty, candidate numbers and seat availability. Reviewing the last three years' trends can help aspirants set realistic target scores for JAM 2026.
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Based on past patterns, IIT JAM 2026 is likely to range from moderate to difficult in overall difficulty.
Expected Difficulty Level for IIT JAM 2026
Difficulty fluctuates by paper and year. For instance, Mathematics was notably tough in 2024, while Chemistry and Biotechnology were relatively easier. Physics generally stayed steady, and Geology showed moderate difficulty.
Results for IIT JAM 2026 will be published online, indicating whether candidates qualified for M.Sc., joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., and other postgraduate programs.
Results will include marks, rank and qualifying status, which are necessary for the next steps in admission. The result process proceeds as outlined below.
The IIT JAM 2026 counselling process assigns seats to qualified candidates based on preferences, seat allotment and document verification.
While JAM 2026 is yet to take place, candidates may review the JAM 2025 toppers list to get an idea of past high performers. The subject-wise topper names are provided in the table below.
Many aspirants lose marks on exam day due to avoidable mistakes such as poor time management, incorrect markings, or not following instructions.
To avoid last-minute issues, ensure you have all required documents and supplies ready for the IIT JAM 2026 exam day.
Electronic devices and any books are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Ques. 1. What is IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is a national-level entrance exam organized by an IIT on a rotating basis. It is used for admissions to M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. dual degrees and other postgraduate science programs at IITs and IISc Bangalore. Many NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and universities also accept JAM scores.
Ques. 2. Who can apply for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Science or a related discipline are eligible to apply. Final-year undergraduate students may also appear. There is no age limit to take IIT JAM, though individual institutes may have their own eligibility conditions at admission.
Ques. 3. What is the exam pattern of IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test). Duration: 3 hours. Number of Papers: 7 (Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Physics). Question Types: MCQs, Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT). Total Marks: 100.
Ques. 4. How is IIT JAM 2026 different from other MSc entrance exams?
Ans. Conducted by the IITs, JAM offers national-level recognition and opens admission to multiple premier institutes including IITs and IISc. It covers a broader range of subjects than many university or state-level MSc entrance tests and is accepted by several top institutions.
Ques. 5. What is the selection process after IIT JAM 2026 result?
Ans. Step 1: Clear the exam by meeting or exceeding the cutoff. Step 2: Participate in the centralized counselling (CCMN/IIT JAM counselling). Step 3: Fill in institute and program preferences. Step 4: Seat allotment based on rank, category and seat availability. Step 5: Confirm admission by paying the fee and completing document verification.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IIT JAM 2026 |
| Full-Form | Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for Masters |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Type | Postgraduate Entrance Exam |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Application Mode | Online (via JOAPS portal) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Test Papers | 7 subjects |
| Medium of Exam | English only |
| Official Website | jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
| Helpdesk Email | [email protected] |
| Helpline Numbers | +91-22-2576 7068 / +91-22-2576 7022 |
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 05 Sep 2025 - 12 Oct 2025 | IIT JAM 2026 Application Window |
| 05 Sep 2025 - 12 Oct 2025 | IIT JAM 2026 Application Process |
| 05 Jan 2026 | Admit Card Release |
| 15 Feb 2026 | IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day |
| Feb 2026 | Provisional Answer Key (Tentative) |
| Feb 2026 | Response Sheet Release (Tentative) |
| Mar 2026 | Final Answer Key (Tentative) |
| 20 Mar 2026 | Result Announcement |
| IIT JAM 2026 Shift | IIT JAM 2026 Shift Timing | Exam Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Chemistry, Geology and Mathematics |
| Shift 2 | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM | Biotechnology, Physics, Economics and Mathematical Statistics |
| Category / Gender | One Test Paper | Two Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 1,350 |
| All Others | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 2,700 |
| IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sections | Type of Questions | No of Questions | Total Marks |
| Section A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 | 10×1 + 20×2 = 50 |
| Section B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 | 10×2 = 20 |
| Section C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 20 | 10×1 + 10×2 = 30 |
| Paper Code | Respective Course | List of IITs Accepting Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology(BT) | MSc Biotechnology | IIT Indore, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee |
| MSc-PhD Dual Degree in Environmental Engg | IIT Bombay | |
| Chemistry (CY) | MSc Chemistry | IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Madras, Patna, Roorkee, Ropar, Dhanbad, Madras, Bhilai, Plakad, Varanasi |
| MSc-PhD in Chemistry | IIT Bhubaneshwar, IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc-PhD in Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences | IIT Bhubaneshwar | |
| Geology (GG) | MSc Applied Geology | IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee |
| MSc-PhD Geophysics | IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc-PhD Geology | IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bhubaneshwar | |
| MSc Tech in Applied Geology | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | |
| Mathematics (MA) | MSc Mathematics | IIT Bombay, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Madras, Patna, Roorkee, Ropar |
| MSc Economics | IIT Roorkee | |
| MSc Applied Mathematics and Computing | IIT Hyderabad, IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIT Guwahati, IIT Bhilai | |
| MSc-PhD in Mathematics | IIT Bhubaneshwar, IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc-PhD in Operation Research | IIT Bombay | |
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) | MSc Applied Statistics and Informatics | IIT Bombay |
| MSc Statistics | IIT Kanpur | |
| Physics (PH) | MSc Physics | IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Madras, Patna, Roorkee, Ropar, Dhanbad, Madras, Bhilai, Plakad, Varanasi |
| MSc-PhD Physics | IIT Bhubaneshwar, IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc Astronomy | IIT Indore |
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | Core topics from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics |
| Chemistry (CY) | Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry |
| Geology (GG) | Planet Earth, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Palaeontology, Stratigraphy, Mineralogy, Petrology, Economic and Applied Geology |
| Mathematics (MA) | Sequences and Series, Multivariable Functions, Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Group Theory, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis |
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) | Calculus, Matrices, Differential Equations, Probability, Random Variables, Standard Distributions, Joint & Sampling Distributions, Estimation and Hypothesis Testing |
| Physics (PH) | Mathematical Methods, Mechanics, Waves and Optics, E&M, Kinetic Theory, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Solid State, Devices & Electronics |
| Test Paper | Question Paper Set | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry (CY) | Available | Available |
| Geology (GG) | Available | Available |
| Mathematics (MA) | Available | Available |
| Test Paper | Question Paper Set | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | Download | Available |
| Economics (EN) | Download | Available |
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) | Download | Available |
| Physics (PH) | Download | Available |
| IIT JAM 2024 Question Paper | IIT JAM 2023 Question Paper | IIT JAM 2022 Question Paper |
|---|---|---|
| IIT JAM 2021 Question Paper | IIT JAM 2020 Question Paper | IIT JAM 2019 Question Paper |
| Institute | Expected Cut-Off Range (General Category) | Factors Influencing Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | 30 - 35% of total marks | High demand for programmes such as M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
| IIT Delhi | 28 - 32% of total marks | Strong competition, especially for M.Sc. Physics |
| IIT Kanpur | 33 - 37% of total marks | Popular courses like Applied Geology and Mathematics |
| IIT Madras | 32 - 36% of total marks | High interest in M.Sc. Physics and biological science streams |
| IIT Kharagpur | 30 - 33% of total marks | Elevated cut-offs due to the institute's reputation |
| IIT Roorkee | 31 - 34% of total marks | Consistent demand across engineering-linked programmes |
| IIT Guwahati | 29 - 33% of total marks | Growing interest in environmental and interdisciplinary courses |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | 28 - 32% of total marks | Focus on new and interdisciplinary programmes |
| Subject | Year | General | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | 2024 | 44.46 | 40.01 | 22.23 |
| 2023 | 35.25 | 31.73 | 17.62 | |
| 2022 | 35.25 | 31.73 | 17.62 | |
| Chemistry | 2024 | 25.38 | 22.84 | 12.69 |
| 2023 | 20.51 | 18.46 | 10.26 | |
| 2022 | 27.81 | 25.03 | 13.89 | |
| Economics | 2024 | 24.64 | 22.17 | 12.32 |
| 2023 | 24.56 | 22.1 | 12.28 | |
| 2022 | 29.03 | 26.12 | 14.51 | |
| Mathematics | 2024 | 11.22 | 10.09 | 5.61 |
| 2023 | 22.91 | 20.62 | 11.46 | |
| 2022 | 27 | 24.3 | 13.5 | |
| Mathematical Statistics | 2024 | 23.03 | 20.72 | 11.51 |
| 2023 | 19.96 | 17.96 | 9.98 | |
| 2022 | 16.39 | 14.75 | 8.2 | |
| Geology | 2024 | 33.09 | 29.78 | 16.54 |
| 2023 | 36.6 | 32.94 | 18.3 | |
| 2022 | 40 | 36 | 20 | |
| Physics | 2024 | 19.63 | 17.66 | 9.81 |
| 2023 | 19.82 | 17.84 | 9.91 | |
| 2022 | 26.05 | 23.45 | 13.03 |
| Subject | Expected Difficulty Level | Trend Based on Past Years |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Difficult | Significant drop in cut-off in 2024 |
| Physics | Moderate | Relatively stable trend |
| Chemistry | Moderate to Easy | Cut-off rose in 2024 |
| Geology | Moderate to Difficult | Gradual decline in cut-offs |
| Biotechnology | Easy to Moderate | Highest cut-off recorded in 2024 |
| Mathematical Statistics | Moderate | Competition is increasing |
| Economics | Moderate | Cut-off trend has been steady |
| Subject | 2024 Difficulty Level | 2023 Difficulty Level | 2022 Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Very Difficult | Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Physics | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Geology | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate | Difficult |
| Biotechnology | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Mathematical Statistics | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Economics | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Year | Number of Candidates Appeared | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 75,000 | About a 5% rise from the previous year |
| 2023 | 71,500 | Participation remained largely steady with a slight dip |
| 2022 | 70,000 | Gradual year-on-year increase |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Result Announcement | Results will be published on the official website in March 2026. |
| Result Access | Candidates can log in with their enrollment ID and password to view their results. |
| Scorecard | The scorecard will display marks, All India Rank (AIR) and qualifying status for each subject. |
| Qualifying Marks | Results will indicate whether the candidate has met the minimum qualifying marks for their paper. |
| All India Rank (AIR) | An AIR will be assigned to candidates based on overall performance. |
| Validity of Scorecard | The IIT JAM 2026 scorecard is valid for admissions in the current academic year. |
| Counseling Process | Qualified candidates will be eligible for counselling and admission to IITs, NITs and other participating institutes. |
| Tie-Breaking Criteria | If ranks are tied, ranking may be decided based on performance in the Mathematics section for relevant MSc programs. |
| Rechecking | Candidates unhappy with results can request re-evaluation procedures as per the official guidelines. |
| Merit List | A merit list will be published along with results highlighting candidates selected for further admission rounds. |
| Stages | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Only candidates who qualify and meet the cut-off for their chosen course will be eligible for counselling. |
| Registration on COAP | Register on the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) using your JAM 2026 credentials. |
| Preference Filling | List your preferred institutes and programmes carefully; allotment depends on these choices. |
| Seat Allotment | Seats are allotted based on rank, category and the preferences submitted. |
| Seat Acceptance | Confirm your seat by paying the acceptance fee to secure admission. |
| Document Verification | Attend document verification at the allotted centre with originals and copies as required. |
| Final Admission | After verification, complete the admission formalities at the respective institute. |
| Withdrawal/Rejection | Candidates may withdraw offers, but this could affect chances in subsequent rounds. |
| Documents Required | Carry the admit card, scorecard, valid ID, category certificate (if applicable) and academic documents for verification. |
| Test Papers and Codes | Name of the Candidate | Raw Marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | SIDDHANT BHARDWAJ | 90 |
| Chemistry (CY) | SAURABH KUMAR | 91.67 |
| Economics (EN) | MIHIR DEV CHOUDHARY | 70 |
| Geology (GG) | FARHEEN NAAZ | 85.33 |
| Mathematics (MA) | SARTHAK YASH SETHI | 57.33 |
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) | BISHWAYAN GHOSH | 93.33 |
| Physics (PH) | INDUREKHA KUNDU | 84.33 |
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem? | How to Avoid It? |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving Late at Exam Center | May lead to disqualification or undue stress | Arrive at least 60 minutes before the reporting time |
| Ignoring Exam Guidelines | Could result in rule violations | Carefully read all instructions on the admit card |
| Mismanagement of Time | Leads to incomplete attempts and lost marks | Use a time-bound approach to solve questions |
| Focusing Too Much on One Question | Wastes precious time | Skip and come back later if stuck |
| Not Reviewing Marking Scheme | Can cause negative marking errors | Understand the marking pattern and avoid random guesses |
| Technical Errors in CBT Mode | Can interrupt the exam and waste time | Familiarize yourself with the CBT interface ahead of time |
| Skipping Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | These are often risk-free and can boost score | Attempt NATs early if confident |
| Panic Due to Difficult Questions | Reduces focus and performance | Stay calm and tackle easier questions first |
| Not Carrying Required Documents | May result in denial of entry | Carry admit card, valid ID and other essentials |
