The Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT JAM) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate science programmes at IITs, IISc Bengaluru, NITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).
Below are the most frequently asked questions about IIT JAM 2026, covering eligibility, exam pattern, admission process, counselling, and career prospects.
IIT JAM is a national-level entrance exam for admission to M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.–Ph.D., and related postgraduate science programmes. Scores are accepted by IITs, IISc Bengaluru, NITs, and other CFTIs. Each institute releases its own admission criteria and seat matrix.
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. There is no age limit to appear for JAM. Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
Candidates can apply for a maximum of two test papers in JAM. The combination of subjects must follow official guidelines. Each additional paper requires extra application fees.
The exam consists of 60 questions for 100 marks. It includes MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions. Negative marking applies only to MCQs.
After results are declared, candidates must apply for admission through the JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS). Institutes release admission lists based on rank and preferences. Seat acceptance requires fee payment within deadlines.
Yes, each institute and programme has its own closing rank and cutoff. Cutoffs vary depending on seat availability and competition. Official cutoffs are released during counselling rounds.
Graduates can pursue research, academia, industry roles, or government jobs. Many students continue to Ph.D. programs. IIT and IISc degrees enhance career prospects significantly.
No, admission depends on rank, category, and seat availability. Meeting the qualifying cutoff does not guarantee a seat. Higher ranks improve admission chances significantly.
IIT JAM 2026 is a competitive gateway to prestigious postgraduate science programs in India. Understanding eligibility, exam structure, cutoffs, and counselling procedures helps candidates plan effectively.
Next Step: Review JAM cutoff trends and prepare a realistic admission strategy based on your estimated score.