IIT JAM 2026 (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is the national-level entrance exam that opens the door to M.Sc and other postgraduate science programmes at the IITs and IISc. IIT Bombay is the organising institute this year, and the whole admission process runs online through JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System). The exam was held on 15 February 2026 and the result came out on 19 March 2026, so the exam is now in its final admission phase. The latest update is that the JOAPS seat withdrawal window opens today, 3 June 2026, and stays open till 3 July 2026.
- Seat Withdrawal Window: The JOAPS withdrawal option opens on 3 June 2026 and closes on 3 July 2026. If you withdraw an accepted seat in this window, you get a partial refund of the seat booking fee.
- Second Admission List: The second admission list will be released on 8 June 2026 on the JOAPS portal. Seats freed up by withdrawals usually move to candidates lower in the rank list.
- Next Admission Lists: The third list is expected on 16 June 2026 and the fourth list on 27 June 2026. An additional round list, if needed, will come on 3 July 2026.
- Offer Letter: The final offer letter download is expected on 9 July 2026 for candidates who hold a seat after all rounds.
What is IIT JAM 2026?
IIT JAM 2026 stands for the Joint Admission Test for Masters. It is a national-level entrance exam used for admission to M.Sc, M.Sc-Ph.D dual degree, and other postgraduate science programmes at the IITs, and to integrated Ph.D programmes at IISc Bengaluru. For 2026, IIT Bombay is the organising institute.
The exam is conducted jointly by IISc Bengaluru and the IITs at Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee. A JAM 2026 score is used for admission to 89 postgraduate programmes across 22 IITs for the 2026-27 academic year. Around 3,000 seats are offered through this process.
JAM is held in seven test papers. You can choose from Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH). The exam is a 3-hour computer-based test (CBT) carrying 100 marks. After the result, the entire admission process is handled online through JOAPS, the JAM Online Application Processing System.
One thing you should be aware of is that qualifying in JAM does not guarantee admission. The final seat depends on your rank, the choices you fill in JOAPS, the seat matrix, and the minimum educational qualification set by each admitting institute.
IIT JAM 2026 Highlights
Here is a quick snapshot of the most important IIT JAM 2026 details. This makes it one of the most sought-after science entrance exams in India.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) 2026 |
| Organising Institute | IIT Bombay |
| Admission Portal | JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) |
| Exam Level | National (Postgraduate) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Test Papers | 7 (BT, CY, EN, GG, MA, MS, PH) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Programmes Offered | 89 PG programmes across 22 IITs |
| Total Seats | Around 3,000 |
| Official Website | jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
JOAPS Seat Withdrawal Window 2026
The JOAPS seat withdrawal window opens today, on 3 June 2026, and stays open till 3 July 2026. This is the latest update in the IIT JAM 2026 admission cycle. If you have accepted and paid for a seat in an earlier round but want to give it up, you can do it now through the JOAPS portal.
The withdrawal option matters most to candidates who are waiting for a better seat or who have got admission elsewhere. When you withdraw, your seat goes back into the pool and is offered to candidates lower in the rank list through the next admission lists.
If you withdraw within this window (3 June to 3 July 2026), you will get a partial refund of the seat booking fee. Withdrawing after the deadline may mean you lose the refund.
Here is how the JOAPS withdrawal works:
- Log in to the JOAPS portal using your JAM enrolment ID and password.
- Go to the admission section and select the "Withdraw" option against your allotted seat.
- Confirm the withdrawal request before the closing date of 3 July 2026.
- The partial refund of the seat booking fee is processed to your registered bank account as per JAM rules.
You should think carefully before you withdraw. Once you give up a seat, you cannot get it back in the same admission cycle. Withdraw only if you are sure about a better option.
Source: JAM 2026 important dates page, IIT Bombay.
IIT JAM 2026 Important Dates
The IIT JAM 2026 important dates cover the full cycle, from registration in 2025 to the final offer letter in July 2026. The table below lists the upcoming admission events first, followed by the events that are already over.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Seat Withdrawal Window Opens | 3 June 2026 |
| Second Admission List | 8 June 2026 |
| Third Admission List | 16 June 2026 |
| Fourth Admission List | 27 June 2026 |
| Seat Withdrawal Window Closes / Additional Round List (if applicable) | 3 July 2026 |
| Offer Letter Download | 9 July 2026 |
| Registration Window | 5 September - 20 October 2025 (Over) |
| Admit Card Download | 5 January 2026 (Over) |
| JAM 2026 Exam Date | 15 February 2026 (Over) |
| Result Declaration | 19 March 2026 (Over) |
| Scorecard Release | 26 March 2026 (Over) |
| JOAPS Admission Application | 27 March - 15 April 2026 (Over) |
| Choice Freezing Deadline | 6 May 2026 (Over) |
| First Admission List | 25 May 2026 (Over) |
| First List Payment Deadline | 30 May 2026 (Over) |
The dates above are based on the official JAM 2026 schedule and are tentative. IIT Bombay may change the admission list dates, so you should keep checking the JOAPS portal.
Source: jam2026.iitb.ac.in
IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The IIT JAM 2026 eligibility criteria are simple. You need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university to apply. The rules are set by JAM, but each admitting institute also has its own minimum educational qualification (MEQ).
The main eligibility points are:
- You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science subject.
- There is no age limit to appear for JAM.
- Final-year students can also apply. You should submit proof of passing your degree before admission.
- Indian nationals and foreign nationals can both apply.
- You must meet the minimum percentage or grade set by the admitting institute, which varies by category and programme.
The MEQ differs across IITs and across programmes. So before you fill your choices in JOAPS, you should check the eligibility for each programme in the JAM 2026 admission brochure. Some programmes also need specific subjects at the bachelor’s level.
IIT JAM 2026 Application Process and Fees
The IIT JAM 2026 application process was completed online on the JAM 2026 website. Registration opened on 5 September 2025 and closed on 20 October 2025 after an extension. The application required basic details, a valid photo and signature, and the fee payment.
The registration is now closed. But it is useful to know the fee structure, since it shows how the exam is priced for different categories.
| Category | One Test Paper | Two Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,350 |
| General / OBC / EWS (All Others) | Rs 2,000 | Rs 2,700 |
You should note these points about the application and admission fees:
- The exam registration fee is non-refundable.
- Any change in exam city, paper, category, or gender was charged an extra Rs 300.
- After the result, qualified candidates pay a separate JOAPS admission registration fee of Rs 750, which is also non-refundable.
- At the time of seat allotment, you pay a seat booking fee of Rs 10,000 (General/OBC) or Rs 5,000 (SC/ST/PwD).
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern is the same for all seven papers. The exam is a 3-hour online test with 60 questions and 100 marks. The paper has three sections, and all of them are compulsory.
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | MCQ (Multiple Choice) | 30 (10 of 1 mark + 20 of 2 marks) | 50 |
| Section B | MSQ (Multiple Select) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 |
| Section C | NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | 20 (10 of 1 mark + 10 of 2 marks) | 30 |
| Total | MCQ + MSQ + NAT | 60 | 100 |
The marking and negative marking rules are important to understand:
- Section A (MCQ): Has negative marking. You lose 1/3 mark for a wrong 1-mark answer and 2/3 mark for a wrong 2-mark answer.
- Section B (MSQ): No negative marking, but you must select all correct options to get the marks.
- Section C (NAT): No negative marking. You type the answer using a virtual keypad.
The exam is held in two sessions. Session 1 (9:00 AM to 12:00 noon) covers Chemistry, Geology, and Mathematics. Session 2 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) covers Economics, Biotechnology, Physics, and Mathematical Statistics. A virtual scientific calculator is provided in the exam.
IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus
The IIT JAM 2026 syllabus is based mostly on bachelor’s level science topics. Each of the seven papers has its own syllabus, and you should follow the official one for your chosen paper. The syllabus is detailed and topic-wise on the JAM 2026 website.
Here is a short look at the main topics in the popular papers:
- Mathematics (MA): Calculus, real analysis, linear algebra, differential equations, and vector calculus.
- Physics (PH): Mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, modern physics, and mathematical methods.
- Chemistry (CY): Physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry in roughly equal parts.
- Biotechnology (BT): Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics at the 10+2 to bachelor’s level.
- Mathematical Statistics (MS): 40% mathematics and 60% statistics, covering probability, distributions, and estimation.
- Economics (EN): Microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and mathematics for economics.
- Geology (GG): The planet earth, geomorphology, structural geology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and petrology.
You should study the full official syllabus before you start preparing. The exam tests both your concepts and your problem-solving speed.
Source: jam2026.iitb.ac.in
IIT JAM 2026 Admit Card
The IIT JAM 2026 admit card was released on 5 January 2026 on the JAM 2026 website. Candidates downloaded it by logging in with their enrolment ID and password. The admit card was needed to enter the exam hall on 15 February 2026.
The admit card had details like your name, roll number, test paper, exam centre, and the reporting time. Along with the admit card, you also had to carry a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID, or passport.
Since the exam is over, the admit card is no longer active for download. If you need it for record or for the admission process, you should keep a saved copy. JOAPS may ask for your roll number and other exam details during seat allotment.
IIT JAM 2026 Result and Scorecard
The IIT JAM 2026 result was declared on 19 March 2026 on the official website. The result showed your All India Rank (AIR), your marks, and your qualifying status. The scorecard was released a week later, on 26 March 2026.
JAM follows a fixed pattern of about five weeks between the exam and the result. The exam was on 15 February, so the 19 March result date fits that window. The scorecard usually follows within a week, which is exactly what happened in 2026.
You should know these key points about the result and scorecard:
- The result and scorecard are available on the JAM 2026 website using your login.
- The JAM scorecard is valid for one year and applies only to admission for the 2026-27 session.
- The scorecard is needed during the JOAPS admission process.
- Separate merit lists are prepared for each of the seven papers.
Only candidates who qualify in the result can take part in the JOAPS admission process. The number of qualified candidates is much higher than the available seats, which keeps the competition tight.
IIT JAM 2026 Cutoff
The IIT JAM 2026 cutoff has two meanings. The first is the qualifying cutoff, which decides who passes the exam. The second is the admission cutoff, which is the closing rank for each programme during JOAPS seat allotment.
The qualifying cutoff is category-wise. The general category needs the highest marks, and reserved categories have a relaxation. The table below shows the usual relaxation pattern that JAM follows.
| Category | Cutoff Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | Full qualifying marks (no relaxation) |
| OBC-NCL | 90% of the general cutoff |
| SC / ST / PwD | 2/3 (about 66.7%) of the general cutoff |
The admission cutoff is different. It changes every round during JOAPS and depends on the paper, the IIT, the programme, and the category. Popular programmes at older IITs like IIT Bombay, Delhi, and Madras close at much better ranks. As withdrawals happen in the current window, the closing ranks in later lists usually move down a little, which can help candidates with lower ranks.
IIT JAM 2026 Marks vs Rank
The IIT JAM 2026 marks vs rank gives you a rough idea of the rank you can expect for a certain score. The exact link between marks and rank changes each year. It depends on the paper, the difficulty level, and the number of candidates in that paper.
The table below shows an expected marks vs rank trend for a popular paper, based on past-year patterns. You should treat this as a guide, not an exact rule.
| Marks (out of 100) | Expected All India Rank |
|---|---|
| 75 and above | 1 - 50 |
| 65 - 74 | 51 - 200 |
| 55 - 64 | 201 - 600 |
| 45 - 54 | 601 - 1,500 |
| 35 - 44 | 1,500 - 3,500 |
For most papers, a score above 55 to 60 marks usually puts you in a good position for a seat at a top IIT. Papers with fewer candidates, like Geology or Mathematical Statistics, can show a different trend from Mathematics or Physics, which draw far more candidates.
JOAPS: Admission Process and Seat Allotment
JOAPS, the JAM Online Application Processing System, is the single portal that handles the full admission process. After the result, all the steps from filling choices to seat allotment and withdrawal happen on JOAPS. There is no separate offline counselling.
The admission process for 2026 began on 27 March 2026, when qualified candidates started their JOAPS admission application. The last date to apply was 15 April 2026, and the choice freezing deadline was 6 May 2026. The first admission list came out on 25 May 2026.
Here are the main steps of the JOAPS admission process:
- Admission registration: Log in to JOAPS and pay the Rs 750 admission fee.
- Choice filling: Add and order your preferred programmes and IITs.
- Choice freezing: Lock your choices before the deadline.
- Seat allotment: Seats are given based on your rank, your choices, the category, and the seat matrix.
- Seat acceptance: Pay the seat booking fee of Rs 10,000 (or Rs 5,000 for SC/ST/PwD) and choose "Accept & Freeze" or "Accept with Upgrade".
- Withdrawal: Give up your seat in the withdrawal window for a partial refund.
The seat allotment runs in several rounds. The first list was on 25 May 2026. The second list is on 8 June 2026, the third on 16 June 2026, and the fourth on 27 June 2026. The withdrawal window that opens today, 3 June 2026, runs alongside these rounds and closes on 3 July 2026. The final offer letter download is expected on 9 July 2026.
JAM is not conducted by NTA. The qualifying result is released by IIT Bombay, and the admission cutoff and seat allotment are handled through JOAPS by the admitting IITs.
IIT JAM 2026 Seat Matrix and Participating Institutes
The IIT JAM 2026 seat matrix offers around 3,000 seats across 89 postgraduate programmes in 22 IITs. The seats are split paper-wise and programme-wise, and the exact count for each IIT is given in the admission brochure.
The participating institutes that admit students through JAM 2026 include:
- IIT Bombay (organising institute)
- IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Guwahati
- Newer IITs such as IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Patna, IIT Ropar, IIT Mandi, and others
The seats are reserved as per government rules. This means reservation for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD candidates. The seat matrix decides how many seats go to each category in each programme.
You should check the seat matrix for your paper before you fill choices in JOAPS. Knowing how many seats your target programme has helps you order your choices in a smart way.
Source: jam2026.iitb.ac.in
IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Tips
If you are planning to appear for JAM in a future year, good preparation makes a big difference. JAM tests your basics and your speed, so a clear plan helps. Here are some tips that work for most candidates.
- Know the syllabus: Start with the official syllabus for your paper and stick to it.
- Build strong basics: Most questions test core bachelor’s level concepts, so do not skip the basics.
- Practice past papers: Solve previous year JAM papers to understand the question types and the level.
- Take mock tests: Mock tests in the online format help you manage the 3-hour time limit.
- Be careful in Section A: Since Section A has negative marking, avoid blind guessing.
- Revise often: Make short notes and revise formulas and key points regularly.
With a steady study plan and regular practice, you can improve both your accuracy and your speed. Time management in the exam is just as important as knowing the subject.
FAQs
Ques. What is JOAPS in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. JOAPS stands for JAM Online Application Processing System. It is the official online portal used for the full IIT JAM 2026 admission process. You use JOAPS to fill choices, accept seats, pay fees, and withdraw seats.
Ques. When does the IIT JAM 2026 seat withdrawal window open?
Ans. The JOAPS seat withdrawal window opens on 3 June 2026 and closes on 3 July 2026. If you withdraw your accepted seat in this window, you get a partial refund of the seat booking fee.
Ques. Will I get a refund if I withdraw my IIT JAM seat?
Ans. Yes. If you withdraw within the official window of 3 June to 3 July 2026, you get a partial refund of the seat booking fee. The Rs 750 admission registration fee is non-refundable.
Ques. When was the IIT JAM 2026 result declared?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 result was declared on 19 March 2026 on the official website. The scorecard was released on 26 March 2026 and is valid for one year.
Ques. How many seats are offered through IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Around 3,000 seats are offered through IIT JAM 2026. These seats are spread across 89 postgraduate programmes in 22 IITs for the 2026-27 academic year.
Ques. What is the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. The exam is a 3-hour online test with 60 questions and 100 marks. It has three sections: Section A (MCQ), Section B (MSQ), and Section C (NAT). Only Section A has negative marking.
Ques. How many papers are there in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. There are seven test papers in IIT JAM 2026. These are Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics. You can choose up to two papers.
Ques. Is there any age limit for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. No, there is no age limit for IIT JAM 2026. You only need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Final-year students can also apply.
Ques. What is the seat booking fee for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. The seat booking fee is Rs 10,000 for General and OBC candidates. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, it is Rs 5,000. You pay this on JOAPS when you accept a seat.
Ques. When will the IIT JAM 2026 offer letter be released?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 offer letter download is expected on 9 July 2026. It will be available on the JOAPS portal for candidates who hold a seat after all admission rounds.
Disclaimer: The information given above is based on official IIT JAM 2026 sources and is subject to change. You should always check the official JAM 2026 website and the JOAPS portal for the latest updates before taking any action.
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