IIT JAM 2026 (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is a national-level Computer-Based Test conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and other postgraduate science programs at 22 IITs, IISc Bengaluru, 20 NITs, and other centrally funded institutes. The exam was held on February 15, 2026, the result was declared in March, and the counselling process is now underway through JOAPS — with the 2nd Admission List released today, June 8, 2026.
- 3rd Admission List: The 3rd JOAPS admission round is scheduled for June 16, 2026. Candidates who selected Float in Round 2 remain eligible for a higher-preference seat. In previous years, round 3 saw significant movement in Mathematics and Physics programs at newer IITs.
- 4th Admission List: The 4th and final regular admission round is scheduled for June 27, 2026. After this round, candidates must either Freeze their allotment or exit the process.
- Additional Round: An additional counselling round is planned for July 3, 2026, if seats remain unfilled after all four main rounds. This round applies only to programs with vacancies.
- Offer Letter Download: Candidates who complete the admission process will be able to download their offer letter from July 9, 2026 on the JOAPS portal. This letter is required for joining formalities at the allotted institute.
What is IIT JAM 2026?
IIT JAM stands for Joint Admission Test for Masters. It is a national-level entrance test conducted jointly by the IITs and IISc Bengaluru on rotation. IIT Bombay is the organizing institute for JAM 2026. The exam gives science graduates access to M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and other postgraduate science programs at 22 IITs, IISc, 20 NITs, IISERs, and several other centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs).
IIT JAM 2026 was held on February 15, 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. More than 75,000 candidates registered across seven test papers — Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics. Each paper is 3 hours long, carries 100 marks, and has 60 questions across three sections.
One important thing to understand about JAM: qualifying the exam only makes you eligible for admissions. It does not automatically give you a seat. After the result, qualified candidates must apply separately through the JOAPS portal, fill their program preferences, and go through a multi-round seat allotment process. For NITs, a separate application through CCMN is required.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay (Organizing Institute for 2026) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT), English only |
| Number of Test Papers | 7 (BT, CY, EN, GG, MA, MS, PH) |
| Total Questions Per Paper | 60 |
| Total Marks Per Paper | 100 |
| Duration | 3 hours per paper |
| Exam Date | February 15, 2026 |
| Admission Portal | JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) |
| Participating Institutes | 22 IITs, IISc Bengaluru, 20 NITs, IISERs, and other CFTIs |
| PG Programs at IITs | 89 postgraduate programs for 2026–27 |
| Official Website | jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
IIT JAM 2026 Latest Updates: 2nd Admission Round Live Today
The IIT JAM 2026 2nd Admission List was released today, June 8, 2026, on the JOAPS portal. This is the second of four regular rounds in the centralized counselling process managed by IIT Bombay for admissions at IITs and IISc.
If you were not allotted a seat in the 1st Admission Round (May 25, 2026), or if you had chosen Float after Round 1, you should log in to JOAPS immediately and check your allotment status for Round 2.
Candidates allotted a seat in the 2nd Admission List must pay the acceptance fee by the specified deadline. Failing to pay on time will cancel your allotment, and you will not be able to reclaim it.
After seeing your Round 2 allotment, you have three options:
- Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and exit all further rounds. Your seat is locked once you pay the fee.
- Float / Upgrade: Accept the current seat but remain in the running for a higher-preference program in Round 3. You will not lose this seat if the upgrade does not come through.
- Reject / Quit: Reject the allotment and permanently exit the JOAPS counselling process. This action cannot be reversed.
Round 3 is scheduled for June 16, 2026. Round 4 follows on June 27, 2026. An additional round, if needed, is planned for July 3, 2026. The final offer letter download opens July 9, 2026.
IIT JAM 2026 Important Dates
Here is the complete IIT JAM 2026 event schedule. Upcoming events appear first. Past events are marked (Over).
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Admission List (JOAPS) | June 8, 2026 | Released Today |
| 3rd Admission List (JOAPS) | June 16, 2026 | Upcoming |
| 4th Admission List (JOAPS) | June 27, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Additional Admission Round (if required) | July 3, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Offer Letter Download | July 9, 2026 | Upcoming |
| JOAPS Portal Opens / Registration Begins | September 5, 2025 | (Over) |
| Registration Last Date (Extended) | October 20, 2025 | (Over) |
| Application Correction Window Closes | November 10, 2025 | (Over) |
| Admit Card Download | January 5, 2026 | (Over) |
| JAM 2026 Exam Date | February 15, 2026 | (Over) |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | February 19, 2026 | (Over) |
| Final Answer Key and Result | March 19–20, 2026 | (Over) |
| Score Card Available for Download | March 26–27, 2026 | (Over) |
| JOAPS Admission Application Window | March 27 – April 15, 2026 | (Over) |
| Choice Freezing Deadline | May 6, 2026 | (Over) |
| 1st Admission List (JOAPS) | May 25, 2026 | (Over) |
| Payment Deadline — 1st Round | May 30, 2026 | (Over) |
| Withdrawal Period Opens | June 3, 2026 | (Over) |
IIT JAM 2026 Counselling Process (JOAPS)
IIT JAM 2026 counselling for IIT and IISc admissions is done fully online through JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) at jam2026.iitb.ac.in. All qualified candidates who want a seat at an IIT or IISc must apply through JOAPS. Admission to NITs is a separate process through CCMN, managed by NIT Warangal.
Steps in the IIT JAM 2026 Admission Process
- Step 1 — Admission Application: After result declaration, qualified candidates log in to JOAPS and fill their program and institute choices. This window was open from March 27 to April 15, 2026.
- Step 2 — Preference List and Choice Freezing: You arrange your preferred programs and institutes in priority order. You can update your choices up to the freeze deadline (May 6, 2026). Once frozen, the list cannot be changed.
- Step 3 — Seat Allotment in Rounds: IIT Bombay runs the JOAPS algorithm to allocate seats based on your rank, category, and preference list. Up to 4 rounds are conducted, with an additional round if vacancies remain.
- Step 4 — Accept, Float, or Reject: After each round, you must log in and choose one of the three options — Freeze, Float, or Reject. You must pay the acceptance fee to retain your seat in the Freeze or Float mode.
- Step 5 — Offer Letter: Once the process ends, your offer letter is available for download from July 9, 2026 on JOAPS.
- Step 6 — Reporting to Institute: Carry your offer letter and original documents to the allotted IIT on the joining date. Eligibility verification happens at the institute level at this stage.
What Do Freeze, Float, and Reject Mean?
| Option | What It Does | Eligible for Next Round? |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze | Accept the allotted seat permanently. Seat is confirmed after fee payment. You exit all further rounds. | No |
| Float / Upgrade | Accept the current seat AND remain in the queue for a higher-preference program in the next round. Current seat is not lost if no upgrade comes. | Yes |
| Reject / Quit | Reject the allotment and permanently exit the JOAPS admission process. This cannot be undone. | No |
Note: Candidates who are not allotted any seat in a given round but have not quit the process are automatically considered in the next round. No extra action is needed from their end.
Admission to NITs Through CCMN
If you want to use your IIT JAM 2026 score for admission at an NIT, you must separately apply through CCMN (Centralized Counselling for M.Sc. Programs at NITs). CCMN is managed by NIT Warangal and has its own schedule, independent of JOAPS. Your JAM score and rank are used directly for NIT seat allotment through CCMN. Check the CCMN portal for its own registration and counselling dates.
IIT JAM 2026 Admission Rounds: Schedule and Status
IIT JAM 2026 conducts up to 4 regular admission rounds through JOAPS, followed by an additional round if seats remain vacant. The 2nd round list is live today. Here is the complete round-wise status:
| Round | List Release Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Admission List | May 25, 2026 | (Over) |
| 2nd Admission List | June 8, 2026 | Released Today |
| 3rd Admission List | June 16, 2026 | Upcoming |
| 4th Admission List | June 27, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Additional Round (if needed) | July 3, 2026 | Upcoming (if vacancies remain) |
| Offer Letter Download | July 9, 2026 | Upcoming |
Candidates who selected Float after Round 1 or who were not allotted a seat should log in to JOAPS today and check their Round 2 allotment at jam2026.iitb.ac.in.
With Round 2 now live, candidates should weigh their options carefully. If you have been allotted your top-preference program, choosing Freeze is the safest move. If you are allotted a program lower on your list and there are still higher-preference programs remaining, Float is the right strategy — your current allotment is retained as a fallback while you stay in the queue for Round 3.
IIT JAM 2026 Result and Score Card
IIT JAM 2026 result was declared on March 19–20, 2026. Candidates can check their result and download their score card through the JOAPS portal at jam2026.iitb.ac.in.
How to Check IIT JAM 2026 Result
- Go to jam2026.iitb.ac.in
- Click on the Result / Score Card link
- Log in with your Enrolment ID (or registered email) and JOAPS password
- Your score, All India Rank (AIR), and qualifying status will appear on screen
- Download and save your score card for future reference and counselling use
What the IIT JAM 2026 Score Card Contains
- Candidate’s name, photograph, and Enrolment ID
- Test paper code and name
- Total score obtained (out of 100)
- All India Rank (AIR) — overall and category-wise
- Qualifying status (Qualified / Not Qualified)
- Category (General / OBC-NCL / EWS / SC / ST / PwD)
The IIT JAM 2026 score is valid only for the 2026–27 academic year. You cannot use this score for admissions in any future year.
Qualifying IIT JAM and appearing on the merit list does not mean automatic admission. Your rank determines whether you get a seat through JOAPS counselling. The number of seats at IITs across all programs is approximately 3,000. More than 75,000 candidates registered for JAM 2026, and only a fraction of them will qualify and eventually get seats at IITs and IISc.
IIT JAM 2026 Cutoff
There are two types of cutoffs in IIT JAM — the qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score needed to appear on the merit list and be eligible for JOAPS counselling. The admission cutoff is the closing score/rank at which the last seat was filled in a specific program at a specific institute — this varies widely across IITs and programs.
IIT JAM 2026 Qualifying Cutoff (Paper-wise)
| Subject Paper | Paper Code | General / EWS | OBC-NCL | SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | BT | 42.30 | 38.07 | 21.15 |
| Chemistry | CY | 18.65 | 16.78 | 9.32 |
| Economics | EN | 40.63 | 36.56 | 20.31 |
| Geology | GG | 25.98 | 23.38 | 12.99 |
| Mathematics | MA | 12.65 | 11.38 | 6.32 |
| Mathematical Statistics | MS | 13.33 | 11.99 | 6.66 |
| Physics | PH | 12.04 | 10.83 | 6.02 |
Source: IIT JAM 2026 Official Result — jam2026.iitb.ac.in
Qualifying Cutoff vs Admission Cutoff
Many candidates confuse these two cutoffs. Here is what you need to know:
- Qualifying Cutoff: The minimum score to be on the merit list. If you score above this, you can apply for admissions through JOAPS. This is relatively low — for Physics, just 12.04 for General category.
- Admission Cutoff: The actual closing score/rank at which the last seat was allotted in a particular M.Sc. program at a particular IIT. This is significantly higher than the qualifying cutoff. For example, getting into M.Sc. Physics at IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi typically requires a top-100 AIR — which corresponds to a much higher score than 12.04.
You should use the JOAPS closing rank data from previous years (available on the official website) to estimate realistic targets for specific programs and institutes. The qualifying cutoff is only the entry ticket — the real competition is at the program-institute level.
Category-wise Seat Reservation in IIT JAM
- OBC-NCL: 27% horizontal reservation across programs
- SC: 15% horizontal reservation
- ST: 7.5% horizontal reservation
- EWS: 10% horizontal reservation
- PwD: 5% horizontal reservation within each category
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
IIT JAM 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). All 7 test papers follow the same pattern. Each paper has 60 questions worth 100 marks and runs for 3 hours. The paper has three sections, each with a different question type and different negative marking rules.
IIT JAM 2026 Section-wise Pattern
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks Each | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | MCQ — Single Correct Answer | 30 (10 × 1-mark + 20 × 2-mark) | 1 or 2 | 50 | Yes: −1/3 for 1-mark; −2/3 for 2-mark |
| Section B | MSQ — One or More Correct Answers | 10 | 2 | 20 | No |
| Section C | NAT — Numerical Answer Type | 20 (10 × 1-mark + 10 × 2-mark) | 1 or 2 | 30 | No |
| Total | — | 60 | — | 100 | — |
Key Rules About IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
- Section A (MCQ): Four options, only one correct. Negative marking applies — do not guess blindly. A wrong 2-mark answer costs you 2/3 marks, meaning three wrong answers wipe out two correct answers.
- Section B (MSQ): Four options, one or more may be correct. You must select all correct options to get full marks. Partial marking is not available. No negative marking — you should attempt all MSQ questions.
- Section C (NAT): No options provided. You enter the numerical answer using a virtual keypad. No negative marking — attempt all NAT questions.
- You cannot bring a physical calculator. A virtual scientific calculator is provided on-screen during the exam.
- You can switch freely between sections any number of times during the 3-hour window.
- Candidates can appear in up to 2 test papers, provided both are in different shifts (morning and afternoon).
Source: IIT JAM 2026 Information Brochure — jam2026.iitb.ac.in
IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus: All 7 Test Papers
IIT JAM 2026 has 7 test papers, each with its own syllabus. You should pick the paper that matches your Bachelor’s degree subject. Here is a high-level overview of the syllabus for each paper.
Physics (PH)
- Mathematical Methods: Vector analysis, Linear algebra, Differential equations, Fourier series
- Mechanics and General Properties of Matter: Newton’s laws, Gravitational law, Rigid body dynamics
- Oscillations, Waves, and Optics: Simple harmonic motion, Superposition, Interference, Diffraction, Polarization
- Electricity and Magnetism: Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law, Electromagnetic induction, Maxwell’s equations
- Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, Boltzmann distribution, Carnot cycle
- Modern Physics: Photoelectric effect, Bohr’s model, de Broglie hypothesis, Nuclear physics basics
- Solid State Physics, Devices, and Electronics: Crystal structure, Band theory, Semiconductors, Logic gates
Chemistry (CY)
- Physical Chemistry: Atomic and Molecular Structure, Gaseous and Liquid States, Solid State, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Adsorption, Spectroscopy
- Organic Chemistry: Basic Concepts and Stereochemistry, Reaction Mechanisms, Synthetic Applications, Aromatic and Heterocyclic Chemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, Qualitative Analysis
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, s-Block and p-Block Elements, d-Block and f-Block Elements, Coordination Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Mathematics (MA)
- Real Analysis: Sequences and series of real numbers, Functions of one variable (continuity, differentiability, integration), Functions of two or three real variables
- Integral Calculus: Line and surface integrals, Green’s, Stokes’, and Gauss’s theorems
- Differential Equations: Ordinary and partial differential equations
- Linear Algebra: Matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues
- Abstract Algebra: Groups, rings, fields, and their basic properties
Biotechnology (BT)
- Biology: Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology and Environment
- Applied Biotechnology: Microbiology, Plant Biology, Animal Biology, Reproductive Biology
- Biotechniques: Biochemical methods, Microscopy techniques, Molecular biology methods, Computational biology, Instrumental techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, chromatography)
- Selected topics from Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics at the Bachelor’s level
Economics (EN)
- Microeconomics: Consumer theory, Production and costs, General equilibrium, Market structures, Game theory, Public goods and externalities
- Macroeconomics: National income accounting, Business cycles, Open and closed economy models, IS-LM model, Inflation and unemployment, Economic growth theories
- Statistics: Probability theory, Statistical distributions, Hypothesis testing, Correlation and regression analysis
- Indian Economy: Economic planning, Post-1991 reforms, Public finance, Labour market, Inequality
- Mathematics: Calculus, Differential equations, Linear algebra, Optimization techniques
Geology (GG)
- The Planet Earth: Origin, age, internal structure, continental drift, plate tectonics
- Geomorphology: Weathering, mass wasting, river systems, glacial and coastal landforms
- Structural Geology: Stress, strain, folds, faults, joints, unconformities
- Palaeontology: Fossils, evolutionary trends, biostratigraphy
- Stratigraphy: Stratigraphic principles, major geological formations of India
- Mineralogy and Petrology: Crystal systems, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic petrology
- Economic and Applied Geology: Mineral deposits, groundwater, engineering geology
Mathematical Statistics (MS)
- Mathematics component: Sequences and series, Differential and integral calculus (one and two variables), Matrices and determinants
- Statistics component: Descriptive statistics, Probability theory (axioms, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem), Univariate and multivariate distributions, Central Limit Theorem, Sampling distributions, Point and interval estimation, Hypothesis testing (t, chi-square, F tests), Nonparametric tests, Stochastic processes
IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria
IIT JAM has straightforward eligibility requirements. You should check your eligibility against the specific test paper and the program you want to apply to before registering.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in a relevant subject from any recognized university |
| Minimum Marks — General / OBC-NCL / EWS | 55% aggregate marks (or 5.5 CGPA out of 10 — no rounding up allowed) |
| Minimum Marks — SC / ST / PwD | 50% aggregate marks (or 5.0 CGPA out of 10 — no rounding up allowed) |
| Final Year Candidates | Eligible to appear; must submit proof of degree completion by September 30, 2026 at the admitting institute |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited |
| Nationality | Indian nationals; foreign nationals are subject to specific conditions per the brochure |
Important: IIT Bombay does NOT verify eligibility at the application stage. Eligibility is checked by the admitting institute at the time of joining. If you are found ineligible, your admission will be cancelled — even after seat acceptance. Always verify your eligibility carefully before applying.
Subject-wise Qualification Requirement for Each Test Paper
Each JAM test paper requires a specific Bachelor’s degree background. A few examples:
- Physics (PH): B.Sc. (Physics) with Mathematics as a main subject up to at least 2 years
- Chemistry (CY): B.Sc. (Chemistry) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- Mathematics (MA): B.Sc. with Mathematics as a main subject for at least 2 years
- Biotechnology (BT): B.Sc. in any life science or B.E./B.Tech. in Biotechnology or allied streams
- Economics (EN): Bachelor’s degree with Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics as subjects
- Geology (GG): B.Sc. (Geology / Earth Sciences) or related degree with relevant content
- Mathematical Statistics (MS): Bachelor’s degree with both Mathematics and Statistics as main subjects
Always check the detailed subject-wise eligibility in the official brochure at jam2026.iitb.ac.in — the brochure specifies the exact percentage of marks required in different subjects of the qualifying degree.
IIT JAM 2026 Application Process and Fees
IIT JAM 2026 registrations opened on September 5, 2025 and closed on October 20, 2025 (after an extension). All applications were submitted online through JOAPS at jam2026.iitb.ac.in. There is no offline application process for IIT JAM.
Steps to Apply for IIT JAM
- Step 1 — Registration: Create an account on JOAPS with your name, email, and mobile number. You receive an Enrolment ID on registration.
- Step 2 — Fill Application Form: Log in and fill personal details, qualifying degree information, and category details.
- Step 3 — Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph (colour, passport size), signature, date of birth proof, and category certificate (OBC-NCL / EWS / SC / ST / PwD if applicable).
- Step 4 — Choose Exam City and Test Paper: Select up to 3 exam city preferences. Choose 1 or 2 test papers (maximum 2, both must be in different shifts).
- Step 5 — Pay Fee and Submit: Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Submit the form and note your Enrolment ID.
- Step 6 — Track Application Status: Log in to JOAPS to track your status — it moves from Received to Under Scrutiny to Accepted (or Defect/Rejected if documents are missing).
IIT JAM 2026 Application Fee
| Candidate Category | 1 Test Paper | 2 Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,000 | ₹1,350 |
| All Others (General / OBC-NCL / EWS — Male) | ₹2,000 | ₹2,700 |
| Application Modification Fee (city / paper / category change) | ₹300 + any applicable fee difference | |
Note: Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. Only one application per candidate is allowed even if you appear in two papers. Any duplicate application will be rejected.
IIT JAM 2026 Admit Card
IIT JAM 2026 admit card was released on January 5, 2026. Candidates downloaded it from the JOAPS portal by logging in with their Enrolment ID and password. No physical admit card was sent by post or courier — only online download was available.
Details Printed on the IIT JAM 2026 Admit Card
- Candidate’s name and photograph
- Enrolment ID
- Exam centre name and full address
- Test paper code and name
- Exam date (February 15, 2026) and shift (morning or afternoon)
- Reporting time and gate closing time
- Important instructions for exam day
Documents Required at the Exam Centre
- Printed copy of the admit card (colour or black and white)
- One original, valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence
- Additional passport-size photographs as specified in the admit card instructions
Candidates without a valid admit card and matching photo ID were not permitted inside the exam hall. No duplicate admit card was issued at the centre. Electronic devices including mobile phones were not allowed inside the exam venue.
Institutes Accepting IIT JAM 2026 Score
IIT JAM 2026 score opens doors to 22 IITs, IISc Bengaluru, 20 NITs (through CCMN), IISERs, and several other centrally funded technical institutes. In all, more than 100 programs across these institutions consider JAM scores for PG science admissions in 2026–27.
22 IITs Offering Admission Through JAM 2026
| S.No. | IIT | S.No. | IIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Bombay | 12 | IIT Bhubaneswar |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | 13 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi |
| 3 | IIT Madras | 14 | IIT Patna |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | 15 | IIT Mandi |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur | 16 | IIT Jodhpur |
| 6 | IIT Roorkee | 17 | IIT Ropar |
| 7 | IIT Guwahati | 18 | IIT Tirupati |
| 8 | IIT Hyderabad | 19 | IIT Palakkad |
| 9 | IIT Indore | 20 | IIT Jammu |
| 10 | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | 21 | IIT Dharwad |
| 11 | IIT Gandhinagar | 22 | IIT Bhilai |
Other Institutes Accepting IIT JAM 2026 Score
- IISc Bengaluru: M.Sc. (Research) programs in various science disciplines; admission through JOAPS
- 20 NITs: Admission through CCMN — includes NIT Calicut, NIT Warangal, NIT Rourkela, NIT Surathkal, Motilal Nehru NIT Allahabad, Malaviya NIT Jaipur, NIT Durgapur, NIT Jamshedpur, and more
- IISERs: Selected Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research accept JAM scores
- IIEST Shibpur: Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
- IIPE Visakhapatnam: Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy
- JNCASR Bengaluru: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
- SLIET Longowal: Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology
For IITs and IISc, apply through JOAPS at jam2026.iitb.ac.in. For NITs and CFTIs, visit the CCMN portal separately. Each institute has its own intake capacity, program-wise. IITs alone offer 89 postgraduate programs for the 2026–27 batch across these 22 institutes.
IIT JAM Preparation Tips
IIT JAM 2026 is over, but if you are planning to appear for JAM 2027, here are proven strategies to prepare effectively for this exam.
Start with the Official Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Download the official syllabus PDF for your chosen test paper from the IIT JAM website before opening any study material. The syllabus tells you exactly what topics are in scope. The exam pattern tells you how marks are distributed — this is critical because Section A carries negative marking, while Sections B and C do not. Your strategy for each section must be different.
Master Section A — Negative Marking Strategy
Section A has 30 MCQ questions worth 50 marks and carries negative marking. A wrong 2-mark answer costs 2/3 of a mark. If you attempt 30 questions and get 10 wrong, you lose the equivalent of nearly 7 marks from your raw score. You should only attempt MCQs where you are at least 70% confident. Skip questions you are guessing.
Maximize Section B and C — Attempt All Questions
Section B (MSQ) and Section C (NAT) have no negative marking. You should attempt every question in these sections. In Section B, remember that partial credit is not available — you must select all correct options to get the 2 marks. Do not leave MSQs blank — even a partially correct guess costs you nothing.
Use Standard University-Level Textbooks
- Physics: Irodov (Problems), Griffiths (Electrodynamics), Krane (Modern Physics), H.C. Verma for basics
- Mathematics: Rudin (Real Analysis), Artin or Herstein (Abstract Algebra), Gilbert Strang (Linear Algebra)
- Chemistry: Atkins (Physical), Morrison Boyd (Organic), Shriver & Atkins (Inorganic)
- Biotechnology: Lehninger (Biochemistry), Alberts (Cell Biology), Lewin (Genes) for the Biology component
Solve Previous Year Papers — Non-Negotiable
Solve at least the last 5 years of previous year papers for your chosen subject. IIT JAM has a consistent question style — certain types of questions appear repeatedly. Previous year papers also help you understand the difficulty level and the kind of numerical calculations expected in Section C.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests Under Exam Conditions
IIT Bombay releases an official practice test (demo test) on the JOAPS portal before the exam each year. Use this to get comfortable with the CBT interface. Also take full 3-hour mock tests regularly — at least twice a week in the final two months. Time management is a real challenge in JAM, especially in papers like Physics and Mathematics where NAT questions can be calculation-heavy.
Know the Realistic Score Target
The qualifying cutoff is between 12 and 43 marks depending on the subject. But to get into top programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, or IIT Madras, you typically need to be in the top 100–200 ranks — which in most papers means scoring above 60–70 marks. Check the JOAPS closing rank data for previous years to set program-specific targets. Your preparation target should be your program cutoff, not the qualifying cutoff.
FAQs
Ques. When was the IIT JAM 2026 result declared?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 result was declared on March 19–20, 2026. Candidates can check their result and download their score card from the JOAPS portal at jam2026.iitb.ac.in by logging in with their Enrolment ID and password. The score card was made available for download from March 26–27, 2026.
Ques. When is the IIT JAM 2026 2nd admission list released?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 2nd Admission List has been released today, June 8, 2026. Candidates who were allotted a seat in Round 1 and chose Float, or those who were not allotted any seat in Round 1, should log in to JOAPS immediately and check their Round 2 allotment status. After Round 2, the 3rd list is due on June 16, 2026.
Ques. How many test papers are there in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 has 7 test papers: Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH). A candidate can appear in a maximum of 2 papers, provided both are scheduled in different shifts — one in the morning session and one in the afternoon session.
Ques. What is the IIT JAM 2026 qualifying cutoff for General category?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 qualifying cutoff (General / EWS category) varies by subject: Physics — 12.04, Mathematics — 12.65, Mathematical Statistics — 13.33, Chemistry — 18.65, Geology — 25.98, Economics — 40.63, and Biotechnology — 42.30. These are the minimum marks needed to appear on the merit list. The actual admission cutoff for programs at top IITs is significantly higher.
Ques. Is there negative marking in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Negative marking applies only in Section A (MCQ). A wrong answer to a 1-mark MCQ deducts 1/3 mark, and a wrong answer to a 2-mark MCQ deducts 2/3 mark. Section B (MSQ) and Section C (NAT) have no negative marking at all — you should attempt all questions in these two sections.
Ques. What is JOAPS in IIT JAM?
Ans. JOAPS stands for JAM Online Application Processing System. It is the official online portal used for all IIT JAM-related processes — registration, application form submission, admit card download, result checking, score card download, and admission counselling for IITs and IISc. The portal is available at jam2026.iitb.ac.in. Admission to NITs through JAM score is managed separately through the CCMN portal.
Ques. Does qualifying IIT JAM guarantee admission to an IIT?
Ans. No. Qualifying IIT JAM only makes you eligible to apply for admissions through JOAPS. Your actual seat depends on your All India Rank, the number of available seats in your chosen programs, your category, and the competition from other qualified candidates. IITs have approximately 3,000 PG science seats in total, while more than 75,000 candidates register for JAM each year — the competition is intense for top programs at older IITs.
Ques. What is the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 is a 3-hour Computer-Based Test with 60 questions worth 100 marks. It has three sections: Section A (30 MCQs — single correct answer, with negative marking), Section B (10 MSQs — one or more correct, no negative marking), and Section C (20 NAT questions — numerical answer, no negative marking). All 7 test papers follow the same pattern.
Ques. Can I use a calculator in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. You cannot bring a physical calculator to the IIT JAM exam centre. However, a virtual scientific calculator is available on-screen during the exam. Physical calculators, mobile phones, smartwatches, and all other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Ques. What is the IIT JAM application fee?
Ans. For one test paper, the fee is ₹1,000 for Female / SC / ST / PwD candidates and ₹2,000 for General / OBC-NCL / EWS male candidates. For two test papers, the fee is ₹1,350 and ₹2,700 respectively. Application fees are non-refundable in all cases. Only one application per candidate is permitted.
Ques. How long is the IIT JAM 2026 score valid?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 score is valid only for the 2026–27 academic year. You cannot carry this score forward to apply for admissions in 2027 or any later year. If you want to take admission in 2027–28, you must appear for JAM 2027.
Ques. What is the difference between Freeze and Float in JOAPS counselling?
Ans. Freeze means you accept the allotted seat permanently and exit all further rounds — your seat is confirmed after fee payment. Float (or Upgrade) means you accept the current allotment but remain eligible to receive a higher-preference seat in the next round. If a better seat is allotted in the next round, your current seat is automatically replaced. If no upgrade is available, you retain your current seat. Reject means you decline the allotment and permanently exit the JOAPS process.
The information provided here is based on official IIT JAM 2026 data published by IIT Bombay at the time of writing. All dates and details are subject to revision by the conducting authority. Always check jam2026.iitb.ac.in for the latest and most accurate information.
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To get admission to a good university through the IIT JAM, start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and focusing on conceptual clarity in your chosen subject. Regularly practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Aim for a high rank, as top IITs and IISc have limited seats. Stay updated on the official website jam.iitm.ac.in, for counseling and admission procedures
If your goal is organic electronics and azo-benzene co-crystals, look for IITs with strong Materials Science, Chemistry, or Organic Electronics research groups, and contact faculty working in azo-benzene functional materials directly. IITs like Delhi, Kanpur, Indore, and Roorkee, as well as IISc Bangalore, offer PhD programs in Materials Science or Chemistry. Admission requires an M.Sc./M.Tech, national exams, and sometimes interviews.
IIT Madras conducts the MSc admission through the IIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc) exam, which is a national-level test for M.Sc., Joint MSc-PhD, and other postgraduate science programs. Preparation involves concept clarity in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology, solving previous year papers, and consistent practice of numerical and theoretical problems.
You can check here for the IIT JAM Question Paper(Available): Question Paper with Answer Key PDFs & Previous year papers
You can check here for the GATE Question Paper(Available): Check GATE Previous Year Question Paper with Solution PDF
Aniline does not undergo Friedel–Crafts reactions because its–NH2 group strongly coordinates with the Lewis acid catalyst (AlCl3), forming a stable complex. This reduces electron density on the benzene ring and deactivates it, preventing electrophilic substitution.
The 2024 IIT JAM cutoff for Physics is expected to be 20–29 for the General Category, 18–25 for EWS and OBC categories, and 10–15 for SC, ST, and PwD categories.
Topics covered in the 2024 IIT JAM Mathematics syllabus include:
Economics
Finite dimensional vector spaces and groups
Sequences and series of real numbers
Matrices
Real analysis
Integral calculus
Functions of one real variable
Linear algebra
Differential equations
For both JEE Advanced and the college counselling process, an EWS certificate is necessary. However, if you can provide documentation in the form of a caste certificate, you can apply for EWS during the April session or counselling.
The following steps are part of the IIT JAM 2024 admissions process:
1. Verify your eligibility. Students must be have a bachelor's degree. A 70–80 is a decent score for Chemistry.
2. Go to the JOAPS website - Students can complete an application by visiting the JOAPS website following the announcement of the results. Information about the category, educational background, grades, and PWD status are required on the form.
3. Examine the initial admissions list – The admissions committee will compile and publish the initial admissions list according to the candidates' academic standing and credentials.
4. Participate in counselling – There are four stages to the online counselling process. Students may apply if their score is at or above the cutoff for their category.
5. Select a choice - Students will be presented with three options during the counselling session:
a) Accept and freeze:: Pay the seat booking costs to reserve a seat.
b) Accept and upgrade: Seek for better choices in upcoming rounds.
c) Reject and quit: Remove your name from the roster.
6. Pay the seat reservation cost.
If a seat is offered, pay the required amount online by the deadline.
You can download the IIT JAM Mathematics question papers for previous years from Collegedunia. The paper code for Mathematics is MA. To download the question papers, please visit to IIT JAM Question Papers.
If you have completed your undegraduate degree in any one Geology, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, you are eligible to register and take IIT JAM 2024. Students who are in the final year of the undergraduate degree are also eligible to apply.
Students belonging to any backward categories can select OBC as their category. Students belonging to the reserved categories will be asked to submit their respective category certificates.
IIT JAM is not conducted for the said subjects. But IIT JAM is conducted for Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Mathematical Statistics, Economics and Physics.
When can I fill the form
The registration process for IIT JAM 2023 has started on 7 September 2022. You can submit your application form online. The last date to submit application forms is 11 October 2022.
IISER Pune accepts IIT JAM, JEST, NBHM for admission to its integrated M.Sc + Ph.D programs. If you have meet the required IIT JAM cut-off you will be able to get admission. However, the institute does not offer integrated Ph.D in Biotechnology. Some of the best IIT JAM Biotechnology preparation books are mentioned below.
IIT JAM 2023 is going to be conducted by IIT Guwahati. To register for this examination you have to register and submit your application form through the registration portal that will be released on the official website of IIT Guwahati.
Yes, IIT JAM cut-offs will be released by the respective IITs for each course. Students seeking admission in the M.Sc programs must meet the respective cut-offs to be eligible for admission.
I want to download previous year question papers for iit jam
You can download IIT JAM previous year question papers from Collegedunia. To download the question papers, please visit to IIT JAM Question Papers. Please sign to your CD profile to download the papers.
There are several books by various authors for IIT JAM preparation. But you can check the list of the books that are recommended by experts and toppers from IIT JAM Preparation Books. You can also download sample/practice papers from IIT JAM Practice Papers.
The overall difficulty level of IIT JAM 2022 paper is moderate to high. You can read the IIT JAM 2022 Paper Analysis to know about the difficulty level of each section.