The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has started the application process for IIT JAM 2026 today, September 5, 2025. IIT JAM is a national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate programs like M.Sc., M.Sc.-Ph.D. dual degree, and other courses at IITs and other institutes. Candidates can apply online through the official website.
Important Dates for IIT JAM 2026
Here are the key dates you need to know:
- Online application starts: September 5, 2025
- Last date to apply: October 12, 2025
- Admit card download: January 5, 2026
- Exam date: February 15, 2026
- Result announcement: March 20, 2026
These dates are tentative and may change, so check the official site for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for IIT JAM 2026
To apply, you must meet these basic requirements:
- You should have a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of your qualifying degree.
- There is no minimum percentage needed to apply for the exam.
- No age limit.
- Both Indian and foreign nationals can apply.
For specific subjects, your bachelor’s degree must include certain courses:
- Biotechnology (BT): Any branch in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
- Chemistry (CY): Chemistry for at least three years/six semesters; Mathematics for some programs.
- Economics (EN): Any bachelor’s degree like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., B.Tech., etc., with at least three years after 10+2.
- Geology (GG): Geology for three years/six semesters, plus any two from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biological Sciences.
- Mathematics (MA): Mathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
- Mathematical Statistics (MS): Mathematics or Statistics for at least two years/four semesters.
- Physics (PH): Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters.
Check the official brochure for institute-specific rules.
How to Apply for IIT JAM 2026
Follow these simple steps to apply:
- Visit the official JOAPS portal at jam2026.iitb.ac.in.
- Register with your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in your personal details, education info, and choose test papers (up to two).
- Upload scanned photo, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam is a computer-based test (CBT) lasting 3 hours with 60 questions worth 100 marks. It has three sections:
- Section A: 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – 10 questions (1 mark each), 20 questions (2 marks each). Negative marking applies.
- Section B: 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) – 2 marks each, no negative marking.
- Section C: 20 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions – 10 (1 mark), 10 (2 marks), no negative marking.
The exam is held in two shifts: morning and afternoon.
Subjects in IIT JAM 2026
You can choose from these seven subjects:
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Chemistry (CY)
- Economics (EN)
- Geology (GG)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mathematical Statistics (MS)
- Physics (PH)
You can appear for one or two subjects if their exam times do not clash.
Application Fees for IIT JAM 2026
Fees depend on category and number of papers:
| Category | One Paper | Two Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,000 | ₹1,350 |
| All Others | ₹2,000 | ₹2,700 |
Pay online via net banking, card, or UPI. Extra fees apply for changes later.
Admission Process
Use your JAM score to apply for seats at IITs, IISc, NITs, and other institutes through a common admission portal. There are about 3,000 seats available across programs.
Prepare well and good luck with your application!
