Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc Overview 2027
Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc Overview
IIT JAM 2026 Answer Key Released
IIT Bombay has released the IIT JAM 2026 Provisional Answer Keys for all 7 subjects on 24th February 2026. The keys are available on the official website.
The IIT JAM 2026 Objection Window is now open. Candidates can raise objections against the answer key until February 27, 2026.
- Direct Link to download the IIT JAM 2026 Answer Key and Raise Objection - (Out)
Source – jam2026.iitb.ac.in/
How to Use the Answer Key
Candidates can use the IIT JAM Response Sheet to estimate their scores, accuracy, and qualifying chances before the official results are announced.
- The IIT JAM 2026 results are expected to be declared on March 20, 2026.
- The counselling process is expected to begin in April 2026.
- Only candidates who qualify in the exam will be eligible to participate in the IIT JAM Counselling.
Seats and Participating Institutes
Qualifying in the IIT JAM exam can lead to admission to 3000 seats in various postgraduate programmes.
Participating institutes include IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, and six IITs: IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee.
What is IIT JAM 2026?
The Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM exam) is an all-India level online entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs).
IIT JAM provides admission to MSc and other postgraduate courses at IITs, as well as integrated PhD courses offered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IIT JAM 2026 |
| Full-Form | Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for Masters |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Type | Postgraduate Entrance Exam |
| Frequency | Once a Year |
| Application Mode | Online (via JOAPS Portal) |
| Exam Mode | Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Test Papers | 7 Subjects |
| Medium of Exam | English Only |
| Official Website | jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
| Helpdesk Email | jam2026@iitb.ac.in |
| Helpline Numbers | +91-22-2576 7068 / +91-22-2576 7022 |
IIT JAM Exam Dates Schedule 2026
The table below provides the IIT JAM exam dates, result dates, and counselling dates.
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 18 Feb 2026 (Out) | IIT JAM 2026 Response Sheet |
| Feb 24 2026 | IIT JAM 2026 Provisional Answer Key |
| Mar 2026 | IIT JAM 2026 Final Answer Key (Tentative) |
| 20 Mar 2026 | IIT JAM 2026 Result |
| 13 January 2026 (Out) | IIT JAM 2026 Admit Card |
| 15 Feb 2026 | IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day |
IIT JAM Response Sheet 2026
The IIT JAM 2026 Response Sheet was released on 18 February 2026. Candidates can use it along with the answer key to calculate their probable scores.
IIT JAM Response Sheet 2026
The IIT JAM Response Sheet is an official document that shows the answers marked by candidates in the IIT JAM 2026 exam. It allows candidates to review their recorded responses and compare them with the provisional answer key to estimate their probable score before the final results are declared.
IIT JAM Answer Key 2026
The official provisional answer key is released soon after the response sheets, expected in late February 2026. It is the official document that shows the correct answers to all the questions on the IIT JAM 2026 exam.
It helps candidates verify their responses, calculate their estimated scores, and raise objections (if any) during the challenge window before the final answer key is published.
How to Calculate IIT JAM Scores?
The answer key tells you the correct answers for each question. You match your responses to this key to estimate your likely score. IIT JAM scores are based on the JAM marking scheme:
- Section A: MCQs (1/2 marks; negative marking for wrong answers)
- Section B & C: No negative marks
IIT JAM 2026 Objection Window
After the provisional answer key is released, IIT JAM opens an objection window (also known as the challenge period) for a limited time. During this period, candidates can submit objections against any question or answer they believe is incorrect.
IIT JAM 2026 Score vs Rank
| Score Range (Out of 100) | Expected Rank Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 70–85 marks | Top ~100 ranks |
| 60–70 marks | ~80–170 ranks |
| 50–60 marks | ~170–600 ranks |
| 40–50 marks | ~600–1200 ranks |
| 30–40 marks | ~1200–2400 ranks |
| Below 30 marks | Beyond 2400 ranks |
What is a good score in the IIT JAM exam?
As per IIT Delhi, scoring 75 or above in IIT JAM exam can be considered a very good score (depending upon the subject a candidate appeared for). IIT JAM offers admission to approximately 3,000 seats in various postgraduate programs across 21 IITs.
IIT JAM 2026: Courses and Colleges Accepting JAM Score
Some of the top courses and colleges accepting IIT JAM are:
| Paper Code | Respective Course | List of IITs Accepting Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology(BT) | MSC Biotechnology | IIT Indore, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee |
| MSc-PhD Dual Degree in Environmental Engg | IIT Bombay | |
| Chemistry (CY) | MSc Chemistry | IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Madras, Patna, Roorkee, Ropar, Dhanbad, Madras, Bhilai, Plakad, Varanasi |
| MSc-PhD in Chemistry | IIT Bhubaneshwar, IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc-PhD in Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences | IIT Bhubaneshwar | |
| Geology (GG) | MSc Applied Geology | IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee |
| MSc-PhD Geophysics | IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc-PhD Geology | IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bhubaneshwar | |
| MSc Tech in Applied Geology | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | |
| Mathematics (MA) | MSc Mathematics | IIT Bombay, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Madras, Patna, Roorkee, Ropar |
| MSc Economics | IIT Roorkee | |
| MSc Applied Mathematics and Computing | IIT Hyderabad, IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIT Guwahati, IIT Bhilai | |
| MSc-PhD in Mathematics | IIT Bhubaneshwar, IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc-PhD in Operation Research | IIT Bombay | |
| Mathematics Statistics (MS) | MSc Applied Statistics and Informatics | IIT Bombay |
| MSc Statistics | IIT Kanpur | |
| Physics (PH) | MSc Physics | IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Madras, Patna, Roorkee, Ropar, Dhanbad, Madras, Bhilai, Plakad, Varanasi |
| MSc-PhD Physics | IIT Bhubaneshwar, IIT Kharagpur | |
| MSc Astronomy | IIT Indore |
IIT JAM 2026 Expected Cut-Off: Subject-Wise Marks
The cut-off marks in IIT JAM 2026 would declare the candidate eligible for IITs as well as other esteemed institutes.
IIT JAM 2026: Expected cut-off trends from top IIT’s
Expected IIT JAM 2026 Cut-Off Trends
The expected cut-offs for IIT JAM 2026 are based on factors like competition, institute reputation, and course demand. Cut-offs for high-demand courses such as Physics and Chemistry may increase by 2-3% due to more applicants.
- Institute Reputation: IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi may have 3-5% higher cut-offs due to higher demand.
- Course Impact: Popular courses like Data Science and Mathematics could see cut-offs rise by 4-6%.
- Category-wise Cut-offs: SC/ST/OBC candidates may get a 5% relaxation in cut-offs compared to the general category.
Expected Cut-Off Range by Institute
| Institute | Expected Cut-Off Range (General Category) | Factors Influencing Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | 30 - 35% of total marks | High demand for courses like M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| IIT Delhi | 28 - 32% of total marks | Competitive candidates, especially for M.Sc. Physics |
| IIT Kanpur | 33 - 37% of total marks | Popular courses like M.Sc. in Applied Geology and Mathematics |
| IIT Madras | 32 - 36% of total marks | Strong demand for M.Sc. in Physics and Biological Sciences |
| IIT Kharagpur | 30 - 33% of total marks | Higher cut-offs due to the prestige of the institute |
| IIT Roorkee | 31 - 34% of total marks | Steady demand across engineering-related programs |
| IIT Guwahati | 29 - 33% of total marks | Emerging courses like M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | 28 - 32% of total marks | Focus on new courses and interdisciplinary programs |
IIT JAM Last 3 Years Cut-Off Analysis
IIT JAM cut-off marks change every year based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability. The past three years' cut-off trends help aspirants estimate target scores for IIT JAM 2026.
| Subject | Year | General | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | 2024 | 44.46 | 40.01 | 22.23 |
| Biotechnology | 2023 | 35.25 | 31.73 | 17.62 |
| Biotechnology | 2022 | 35.25 | 31.73 | 17.62 |
| Chemistry | 2024 | 25.38 | 22.84 | 12.69 |
| Chemistry | 2023 | 20.51 | 18.46 | 10.26 |
| Chemistry | 2022 | 27.81 | 25.03 | 13.89 |
| Economics | 2024 | 24.64 | 22.17 | 12.32 |
| Economics | 2023 | 24.56 | 22.1 | 12.28 |
| Economics | 2022 | 29.03 | 26.12 | 14.51 |
| Mathematics | 2024 | 11.22 | 10.09 | 5.61 |
| Mathematics | 2023 | 22.91 | 20.62 | 11.46 |
| Mathematics | 2022 | 27 | 24.3 | 13.5 |
| Mathematical Statistics | 2024 | 23.03 | 20.72 | 11.51 |
| Mathematical Statistics | 2023 | 19.96 | 17.96 | 9.98 |
| Mathematical Statistics | 2022 | 16.39 | 14.75 | 8.2 |
| Geology | 2024 | 33.09 | 29.78 | 16.54 |
| Geology | 2023 | 36.6 | 32.94 | 18.3 |
| Geology | 2022 | 40 | 36 | 20 |
| Physics | 2024 | 19.63 | 17.66 | 9.81 |
| Physics | 2023 | 19.82 | 17.84 | 9.91 |
| Physics | 2022 | 26.05 | 23.45 | 13.03 |
IIT JAM 2026 Results
The results for IIT JAM 2026 will be available online. The result will show whether a candidate is qualified for M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., and other postgraduate programs.
The result will include marks, rank, and qualifying status, which are required for further admission steps. The result-related process is as follows:
IIT JAM 2026 Result
The IIT JAM 2026 result will be made official on the website in March 2026. Candidates can log into their account and check the results using their enrollment ID and password.
The scorecard will show marks, All India Rank (AIR), and qualifying status subject-wise. The outcome will determine if the candidate has surpassed the minimum qualifying marks for a given subject.
- All India Rank (AIR): Candidates will be allocated an AIR based on their cumulative performance.
- Validity of Scorecard: The IIT JAM 2026 scorecard is valid for the current academic year for admissions.
- Counseling Process: Qualified candidates will then be considered for counseling and admission to different IITs and NITs.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria: In case of a tie, the ranking will be done based on candidates' performance in the section on Mathematics for MSc programs.
- Rechecking: If candidates do not like their results, they can demand that the exam paper be rechecked before final admission.
- Merit List: A merit list will appear along with the results, showing students who could qualify for the following rounds of admissions.
IIT JAM 2026 Counselling Process
The IIT JAM 2026 Counselling Process is the procedure through which qualified candidates are given a place in the desired course and institute. It consists of preference filling, seat allotment, and document verification.
Only those candidates are eligible for counseling who qualify and meet the cut-off for the course of their choice. Candidates should register on the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) using their JAM 2026 login details.
| Stages | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Preference Filling | Choose your course and institute of preference as the allotment depends on it. |
| Seat Allotment | Ranking and preference would decide the seating arrangement. Allotment shall be made as soon as seats are available. |
| Seat Acceptance | Pay the acceptance fee to be allocated a seat and confirm attendance in the next phase. |
| Document Verification | Verify your original documents at the verification center that has been allocated to you. |
| Final Admission | After verification, get admitted at the institute in question. |
| Withdrawal/Rejection | Candidates may decline or withdraw the offer, but this will likely reduce their chances in later rounds. |
| Documents Required | The admit card, scorecard, valid ID proof, category certificate (if applied), and educational certificates are needed for verification. |
IIT JAM 2026 Topper's List
As the IIT JAM 2026 is yet to commence, candidates can go through the JAM 2025 Topper's list. The subject-wise topper names for IIT JAM 2025 are given in the table below:
| Test Papers and Codes | Name of the Candidate | Raw Marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | SIDDHANT BHARDWAJ | 90 |
| Chemistry (CY) | SAURABH KUMAR | 91.67 |
| Economics (EN) | MIHIR DEV CHOUDHARY | 70 |
| Geology (GG) | FARHEEN NAAZ | 85.33 |
| Mathematics (MA) | SARTHAK YASH SETHI | 57.33 |
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) | BISHWAYAN GHOSH | 93.33 |
| Physics (PH) | INDUREKHA KUNDU | 84.33 |
IIT JAM 2026 FAQs
What is IIT JAM 2026?
IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is a national-level entrance exam. It is conducted by one of the IITs on a rotational basis.
It is held for admission into M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and other postgraduate science programs at IITs and IISc Bangalore. Scores are also accepted by NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and various universities across India.
Who can apply for IIT JAM 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Science or a relevant subject. Final-year students of Bachelor's degree programs are also eligible.
There is no age limit for appearing in the exam. Candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria of individual institutes or programs during admission.
What is IIT JAM 2026?
IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is a national-level entrance exam. It is conducted by one of the IITs on a rotational basis.
The exam is held for admission into M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and other postgraduate science programs at IITs and IISc Bangalore. Scores are also accepted by NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and various universities across India.
Who can apply for IIT JAM 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Science or a relevant subject. Final-year students of Bachelor's degree programs are also eligible.
There is no age limit for appearing in the exam. Candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria of individual institutes or programs during admission.
Exam pattern for IIT JAM 2026
The exam is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test. The duration is 3 hours.
- Number of Papers: 7 subjects
- Subjects: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Physics
- Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
- Total Marks: 100 marks
How is IIT JAM 2026 different from other MSc entrance exams?
The exam is conducted by IITs. A single exam opens admission to IITs, IISc, NITs, and other top institutes.
It offers wider subject coverage compared to some state or university-level exams. The score is accepted by over 30+ institutes apart from IITs.
Selection process after IIT JAM 2026 result
The selection process follows a set sequence of steps after the result is declared.
- Qualify the exam by scoring equal to or above the cutoff.
- Apply for Centralized Counselling Process (CCMN/IIT JAM Counselling).
- Fill institute and program choices based on preference.
- Seat allotment is done based on rank, category, and seat availability.
- Confirm admission by paying the admission fee and completing document verification.