Last Updated on July 20, 2025 by Aman Singh
Planning your postgraduate studies in science? The IIT JAM 2026 exam is your key to a Master’s degree at a top-tier Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). This article is your quick, mobile-friendly guide to all the important details you need to know to get started.
Table of Contents
What is IIT JAM?
The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) is a national-level computer-based test for admission to M.Sc., Ph.D., and other postgraduate science programs. It’s a single exam for all 21 IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs, and other premier institutions across India.
The exam is conducted for seven subjects:
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Chemistry (CY)
- Economics (EN)
- Geology (GG)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mathematical Statistics (MS)
- Physics (PH)
IIT JAM 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
The official notification for IIT JAM 2026 is expected to be released soon, but based on past trends, here’s a timeline to help you plan your preparation.
| Event | Expected Date |
| Official Notification Release | August/September 2025 |
| Application Form Start Date | Early September 2025 |
| Application Last Date | Mid-October 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | January 2026 |
| IIT JAM 2026 Exam Date | First or Second Sunday of February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 |
| Admission Portal Opens | April 2026 |
Disclaimer: These are tentative dates based on previous years’ trends. Always check the official website for the latest updates.
Eligibility for IIT JAM 2026
Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. There is no age limit for IIT JAM 2026.
- Educational Qualification: You must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC-NCL/EWS: 55% aggregate marks or a 5.5 out of 10 CGPA.
- SC/ST/PwD: 50% aggregate marks or a 5.0 out of 10 CGPA.
- Final-Year Students: If you are in your final year of a Bachelor’s program, you are eligible to apply.
How to Apply for IIT JAM 2026: A Quick 4-Step Process
The entire application process is online and takes place on the official JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) portal.
- Register: Visit the official JAM website and register with a valid email ID and mobile number to get your Enrollment ID.
- Fill the Form: Log in to the JOAPS portal. Fill in your personal details, academic information, and choose your preferred exam center cities.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph and signature as per the specifications.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee online.
- Female / SC / ST / PwD: ₹900 (for one paper)
- General/OBC: ₹1800 (for one paper)
You can opt to appear for up to two papers by paying a higher fee.
IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The exam is a 3-hour computer-based test. Each subject has a unique syllabus, covering core topics from your undergraduate studies.
The question paper typically consists of three sections:
- Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
For a detailed, subject-wise breakdown of the syllabus, refer to the official IIT JAM information brochure when it’s released.
Why You Should Consider IIT JAM 2026
A strong performance in the IIT JAM opens doors to unparalleled academic and career opportunities. An M.Sc. degree from an IIT is globally recognized and highly respected. It can lead to:
- A career in research and development.
- Teaching and academia.
- Jobs in top multinational companies.
- Further studies for a Ph.D. at leading universities worldwide.
Start your preparation early, stay focused, and use reliable study materials. Success in IIT JAM 2026 can be the defining moment in your career.
Ready to start your journey? Click here to visit the official IIT JAM website for the latest announcements.
