IIT JAM 2026 Cutoff for IIT Bombay MSc Physics: Category-Wise Closing Ranks

IIT JAM 2026 qualifying cutoff for Physics (PH) is 12.04 out of 100 for the General category — down from 14.66 in 2025, reflecting a tougher paper this cycle.

IIT Bombay’s MSc Physics programme is among the most sought-after postgraduate science seats in India. With JAM 2026 conducted by IIT Bombay itself, admissions run through the JOAPS portal over multiple rounds. Clearing the qualifying cutoff places you on the merit list, but securing a seat at IIT Bombay depends on your All India Rank (AIR) relative to the programme-specific closing rank. Based on JAM 2024 official data and 2025 trends, the General category closing rank for IIT Bombay MSc Physics is expected to remain in the range of AIR 35–50.

• JAM 2026 Physics qualifying cutoff (General): 12.04 out of 100
• IIT Bombay MSc Physics expected closing rank (General): AIR 35–50
• Admission process: JOAPS counselling portal; 4 main rounds (May–June 2026)
• JAM 2026 exam date: February 15, 2026; results declared March 20, 2026
• Qualifying cutoff released by: IIT Bombay on March 21, 2026

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JAM 2026 Physics Qualifying Cutoff — Category-Wise

The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to enter the merit list and participate in JOAPS counselling. IIT Bombay released the JAM 2026 qualifying cutoff marks on March 21, 2026, alongside the result. The Physics (PH) paper cutoffs are as follows:

The consistent fall in qualifying cutoffs over three cycles indicates a progressively harder Physics paper. Clearing this threshold makes you eligible for JOAPS counselling — it does not guarantee admission to any IIT. The actual seat at IIT Bombay depends on the closing rank for each programme and round.

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IIT Bombay MSc Physics Expected Closing Ranks 2026

The closing rank is the highest AIR allotted a seat in a given round. The table below shows expected closing ranks for IIT Bombay MSc Physics in JAM 2026, based on JAM 2024 official figures and 2025 counselling patterns. Because the JAM 2026 Physics paper was harder, the distribution of AIRs may be slightly wider, which could marginally ease closing ranks compared to 2024.

All 2026 figures above are expected estimates based on JAM 2024 official data and 2025 trends. Actual 2026 closing ranks for each round are published on the JOAPS portal after each admission list is released.

Closing ranks typically widen across rounds as students who receive an offer decline to pay the seat booking fee. A student allotted a seat in Round 1 who does not respond frees that seat for Round 2, and so on. With four main rounds and a possible additional round in July 2026, the final closing rank can be 10–20 ranks higher than the Round 1 closing rank.

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IIT Bombay MSc Physics Previous Year Closing Ranks

The table below shows official opening and closing ranks for IIT Bombay MSc Physics from JAM 2024, conducted by IIT Madras. This is the most recent fully published official dataset and the primary reference for 2026 expectations.

Source: Official JAM 2024 Opening and Closing Ranks, IIT Madras (jam.iitm.ac.in).

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Factors Affecting the JAM 2026 Cutoff at IIT Bombay

The following factors determine where the final closing rank lands each year at IIT Bombay MSc Physics:

• Paper difficulty: The Physics (PH) qualifying cutoff has fallen from 19.63 in 2024 to 12.04 in 2026, signalling rising difficulty. A harder paper compresses scores at the top and can slightly relax the closing rank at competitive institutes.
• Seat intake: IIT Bombay MSc Physics seat intake is broadly fixed across years, typically around 35–45 seats across all categories. The number of General category seats directly sets the baseline GEN closing rank.
• Organising institute effect: IIT Bombay is both the organising institute and an admitting institute for JAM 2026. Students may fill IIT Bombay as a first preference at a higher rate, which could push closing ranks slightly upward compared to years when another IIT conducted JAM.
• Number of counselling rounds: With 4 main rounds and a possible additional round in July 2026, closing ranks widen progressively as declined seats roll over to subsequent rounds.
• Category-specific demand: Within reserved categories, closing ranks reflect how many eligible OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, or PwD students rank IIT Bombay MSc Physics among their top choices during JOAPS choice filling.