JAM (Joint Admission test for Masters)

4.     There is no age limit to appear for the JAM examination. 

JAM Exam Pattern

The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) exam is a three-hour, computer-based test with 60 questions, totaling 100 marks. It is divided into three sections: Section A (Multiple Choice Questions/MCQs), Section B (Multiple Select Questions/MSQs), and Section C (Numerical Answer Type/NAT). Section A has negative marking, while Sections B and C do not. 

Detailed Exam Pattern 

·         Duration: 3 hours

·         Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)

·         Total Questions: 60

·         Total Marks: 100

·         Medium: English

Sections & Question Types

The paper is divided into three compulsory sections:

·         Section A: Multiple Choice Question (MCQs)

o    Number of Questions: 30 

o    Marks: 50 

o    Marking Scheme: Includes negative marking. 

·         Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

o    Number of Questions: 10 

o    Marks: 20 

o    Marking Scheme: No negative marking, and no partial marks are given. 

·         Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

o    Number of Questions: 20 

o    Marks: 30 

o    Marking Scheme: No negative marking. 

JAM Syllabus

The IIT JAM Syllabus covers seven subjects: Biotechnology (BL), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH). Each subject has a detailed syllabus outlining the topics to be covered for the computer-based JAM exam, and candidates are advised to download the official syllabus from the IIT JAM website for the most accurate information. The syllabus is divided into different sections and covers topics from the undergraduate level for each discipline.  

Subjects and Their Main Areas

The JAM exam is offered in the following seven test papers, each with its own subject-specific syllabus: 

·         Biotechnology (BL): Multidisciplinary, including aspects of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. 

·        Chemistry (CY): Divided into Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. 

·         Economics (EN): Covers topics at the undergraduate level. 

·         Geology (GG): A distinct subject in the JAM exam. 

·         Mathematics (MA): Includes topics like algebra, calculus, and real analysis. 

·         Mathematical Statistics (MS): Focuses on concepts such as sequences, series, calculus, and matrices. 

·         Physics (PH): Covers topics in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and optics. 

How to Apply for JAM Exam

To apply for the JAM exam, you must register and fill out the application form online through the official JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS) portal. For 2026, the application period runs from September 5 to October 12, 2025, and the exam is conducted by IIT Bombay.

Documents and Information needed

Before you begin the application, ensure you have the following ready: 

·         Personal information (name, date of birth, parent's name)

·         Active and valid email address and mobile number

·         Valid photo ID details (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)

·         Educational qualification details (degree, subjects, percentage/CGPA)

·         Your choice of test paper(s) and exam cities

·         Scanned color passport-size photograph (5–200 KB, white background)

·         Scanned signature (5–100 KB, black or dark blue ink on white paper)

·         Scanned copy of your category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) or PwD certificate, if applicable (PDF format)

·         Online payment details (Net-banking, Debit card, Credit card, or UPI)

Step-by-step application process

1.     Register on the JOAPS Portal: Visit the official JAM 2026 website at jam2026.iitb.ac.in and click on the "JOAPS Portal" or "New User Registration" link. Provide your name, a valid email address, mobile number, and create a strong password to complete the initial registration.

2.     Receive Enrollment ID: An enrollment ID and an OTP will be sent to your registered email and mobile number. You will use this enrollment ID and your password to log in to the portal for all future steps.

3.     Fill out the application form: Log in to the JOAPS portal. Fill in all the required details, including personal information, communication address, qualifying degree specifics, and your preferred test paper(s). You can apply for up to two papers, provided they are scheduled in different sessions.

4.     Select exam cities: Choose up to three examination cities in order of preference. The first two choices must be from the same zone, while the third can be from any other zone in India.

5.     Upload documents: Upload your scanned photograph and signature according to the specified format and size. If applicable, upload your category and/or PwD certificate as a PDF.

6.     Pay the application fee: The application fee is calculated based on your category and the number of test papers selected. Pay the fee online using net banking, a debit card, or a credit card.

7.     Submit and print: After making the payment, submit the application form. Download and print a copy of the filled-out form and the fee receipt for your records. 

Important Things to Remember

·         Single application: Submit only one application form. Multiple applications from the same candidate will lead to rejection.

·         Active contacts: Use an email address and mobile number that you check regularly, as all important communication will be sent there.

·         Verification: The name on your application must exactly match the name on your qualifying degree certificate.

·         Application status: You can check the status of your application on the JOAPS portal after submission.

·        Correction window: If you make an error, a correction window will be available after the application deadline, allowing you to edit certain details by paying an additional fee. 

Note :- Always refer to the official website i.e. jam2026.iitb.ac.in for the most current information and instructions.