IIT JAM 2026
The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) is an annual entrance exam for admission to Master of Science (M.Sc.) and other postgraduate science programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). This exam is organized each year by a different institute on a rotating basis. The organizing institute for IIT JAM 2026 will manage the admission process for the participating institutes, and candidates who qualify for JAM can apply for admission accordingly.
What is IIT JAM?
IIT JAM, or the Joint Admission Test for Masters, is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually in India by one of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the Ministry of Education. This exam is intended for candidates aspiring to join Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Science (Technology) (M.Sc. Tech), and Integrated Ph.D. programs offered by IITs, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and other participating institutions.
IIT JAM exam is computer-based and covers subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Geology, Geophysics, Mathematical Statistics, and Environmental Science. Candidates who pass the JAM exam can apply for admission to postgraduate programs in their chosen subject based on their exam rank and seat availability at the respective institutions.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Details
IIT JAM is a national-level entrance exam is for admission to postgraduate programs across various disciplines offered by IITs, IISc, and other participating institutions. The table below provides detailed information about the IIT JAM Exam:
| IIT JAM Exam Details |
| Particulars |
IIT JAM 2026 |
| Exam Name |
IIT JAM 2026 |
| Conducting Body |
IIT Bombay |
| Application Starts |
5 September 2025 |
| Exam Date |
15 February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card |
5 January 2026 |
| Answer Key |
To be Notified |
| Result |
20 March 2026 |
| Cut Off |
20 March 2026 |
IIT JAM Eligibility
IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria are important for candidates who want to apply for the exam. To appear for IIT JAM exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. There is no age limit, and students from all nationalities can apply. The table below gives complete details about the eligibility requirements.
| IIT JAM Eligibility |
| Criteria |
Details |
| Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students may also apply. |
| Minimum Marks |
55% aggregate marks (or 5.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale) for General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates; 50% (or 5.0 CGPA) for SC/ST/PwD candidates. |
| Nationality |
Open to all nationalities. |
| Age Limit |
No age restriction. |
| Subjects |
Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics, and Physics. |
| Additional Requirements |
Candidates must complete their degree before the admission date and provide proof as required by the admitting institute. |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern
IIT JAM Exam Pattern helps candidates understand the structure of the test. The exam is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and consists of three sections: MCQ, MSQ, and NAT. The table below provides detailed information about the question types, marks, and negative marking.
|
IIT JAM Exam Pattern
|
|
Section
|
Type of Questions
|
Number of Questions
|
Marks per Question
|
Total Marks
|
Negative Marking
|
|
A
|
Multiple Choice (MCQ)
|
30
|
10 questions - 1 mark each
20 questions - 2 marks each
|
50
|
1/3 mark for 1-mark questions
2/3 mark for 2-mark questions
|
|
B
|
Multiple Select (MSQ)
|
10
|
2 marks each
|
20
|
No negative marking
|
|
C
|
Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
|
20
|
10 questions - 1 mark each
10 questions - 2 marks each
|
30
|
No negative marking
|
IIT JAM Syllabus
The IIT JAM Syllabus for all seven subjects is available on the official website. It covers important topics from undergraduate courses to test candidates' knowledge and analytical skills. Below is a subject-wise overview of the syllabus:
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Biotechnology (BT): General Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and more.
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Chemistry (CY): Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry.
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Economics (EN): Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics, and Mathematics for Economics.
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Geology (GG): Earth and Planetary Systems, Structural Geology, and Paleontology.
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Mathematics (MA): Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, and Differential Equations.
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Mathematical Statistics (MS): Probability, Statistics, and Theorems.
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Physics (PH): Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics.
IIT JAM Online Test Series
For students preparing for IIT JAM exams, engaging in an IIT JAM Online Test Series is essential for effective preparation. These test series are designed to help candidates evaluate their performance and familiarize themselves with the exam structure.
Physics Wallah offers comprehensive online test series for IIT JAM, providing a wide range of questions that cover the entire syllabus. Regularly practicing with these PW IIT JAM online test series will improve your time management, target weak areas, and build confidence. Use these resources to help with your preparation and improve your chances of doing well.
IIT JAM Study Materials
Physics Wallah offers IIT JAM Study Materials with easy notes, video lessons, practice questions, and mock tests for different subjects. These help students understand topics better, improve problem-solving skills, and prepare well for the IIT JAM exam.
How to Prepare for the IIT JAM Exam?
Preparing for the IIT JAM exam can be an effective process with the right plan. By following these steps, you can be ready and approach the IIT JAM exam with confidence:
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Review the IIT JAM syllabus and exam format to identify key topics.
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Develop and follow a structured timetable with dedicated time for each subject.
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Utilize recommended books and resources for effective preparation.
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Solve past question papers and take mock tests to familiarize with exam conditions.
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Regularly review notes and focus on weaker areas.
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Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and get sufficient rest.
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Consider additional guidance from PW IIT JAM Online coaching classes.
IIT JAM Previous Years Question Paper
IIT JAM Previous Years Question Papers are essential for thorough IIT JAM preparation. IIT JAM Previous Years Question Paper provides important insights into the exam format, types of questions, and frequently covered topics. Utilizing these question papers helps understand the exam structure, improve time management, and increase accuracy. Including these papers in preparation ensures a comprehensive study approach and helps assess readiness for the IIT JAM exam.
