IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Important Instructions

Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc 2026 ( IIT JAM )

Updated on Feb 17, 2026 12:43 IST
IIT Bombay is the organising institute for IIT JAM 2026 exam. The exam day guidelines for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) are mentioned here. You can also check the dos and don'ts, dress code, and last-minute preparation tips. Students must follow the exam day guidelines to avoid unwanted stress.

IIT Bombay is the organizing institute for IIT JAM 2026 exam. Students can check the exam day guidelines for Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) here.

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Important Instructions

IIT JAM Exam Day Guidelines & Important Instructions

IIT JAM exam day guidelines are major instructions to follow on exam day. Students who are appearing for IIT JAM exam 2026 must follow the exam day guidelines to avoid unnecessary stress. JAM exam day guidelines are mentioned on the hall ticket.

IIT Bombay conducted IIT JAM 2026 exam on February 15, 2026. The exam was conducted in two shifts. JAM exam timing is 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Students who appeared for the JAM exam 2026 had to carry the admit card and a valid photo id to the test centre. Check the article for detailed exam day guidelines for IIT JAM 2026.

Table of contents
  • IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Highlights
  • IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
  • IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Do’s and Dont’s
  • IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Dress Code
  • IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Last Minute Preparation

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Highlights

Particular Details
IIT JAM 2026 exam date February 15, 2026
IIT JAM 2026 exam timing Shift 1: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 
Shift 2: 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Items to carry on exam day Admit card and a valid photo id
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the educational requirements to get enrolled for MSc Biotechnology course via IIT JAM 2026?
A: 

Aspirants can go through the eligibility criteria for MSc Biotechnology IIT JAM test paper in the table below:

Test Paper (Code)

Course

Minimum Educational Qualifications for Admission

Biotechnology (BT)

 

MSc Biotechnology

Any branch/ subject

MSc- PhD Dual Degree in Environmental Science and Engineering

Any one of Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for two years/ four semesters, and any one of the other four subjects for at least one year/ two semesters

Joint MSc- PhD in Molecular Medical Microbiology

BSc/ BS degree (three years/six semesters) with Biology/ Biotechnology/ Botany/ Life Science/ Physiology/ Zoology/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Genetics and molecular biology as Honours/ Major/ Main Subject, and any one of Chemistry/ Physics/ Mathematics as one of compulsory subsidiary subject for at least one year/two semesters

 

Q:   What is the educational requirement for MSc Mathematics course of IIT JAM 2026?
A: 

Here are the list of MSc Mathematics courses offered by participating institutes like IITs & NITs :

Course

Educational Qualifications

MSc in Economics

Mathematics as one of the core subjects

MSc Mathematics

Mathematics for at least two years/ four semesters

MSc Mathematics / Applied Mathematics and Computing

MSc Mathematics/ Mathematics and Computing

MSc Mathematics and Computing

Joint MSc- PhD in Mathematics

Mathematics/Statistics as a subject for at least two years/four semesters

MSc- PhD Dual Degree in Operations Research

MSc- PhD Dual Degree in Environmental Science and Engineering

Any one of Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for two years/four semesters, and any one of the other four subjects for at least one year/two semesters.

Joint MSc- PhD in Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences

Mathematics and Physics and any one of these subjects among Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Application, Geology and Statistics

Q:   What is the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Schedule?
A: 

Check the table for JAM exam schedule.

DatesSessionTest Papers and Codes
February 15, 2026
(Sunday)
Forenoon (FN)
9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Chemistry (CY)
• Geology (GG)
• Mathematics (MA)
 Afternoon (AN)
2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
• Biotechnology (BT)
• Economics (EN)
• Mathematical Statistics (MS)
• Physics (PH)

Student can appear in either ONE or TWO Test Paper (s). However, a candidate can appear in two Test Papers only if they are not scheduled in the same session.         

Q:   Are their any scribes arranged by the examination authority for IIT JAM 2026 examination?
A: 

Scribes were arranged for those PwD candidates who had requested to be provided with a scribe at the time of application.
Qualification of the scribe arranged by test centre will NOT be more than the minimum eligibility criteria of JAM 2026. However, the qualification of the scribe is be matriculation (10th) or above. If there are Y candidates who require a scribe, it will be ensured that a panel of (Y+1) scribes is available at the exam centre so that every candidate can have an alternative scribe to choose for the services.

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Students can check the exam day guidelines for IIT JAM 2026 here.

  • Report to IIT JAM test centre an hour before the commencement of the exam.  Check the admit card for the reporting time.
  • Carry JAM admit card and a valid photo id.
  • After reaching the centre compete the frisking check.
  • Students are allowed to enter the exam hall 30 minutes before the test time.
  • Take your seat immediately after entering the exam hall. Switch on your computer when you are asked to do so.
  • Students are not allowed to leave the exam centre after the commencement of exam. They can leave the hall after the end of test.
  • A scribble pad is given to the students for rough work. Write your roll number and name on the top of scribble pad.
  • A virtual calculator is available for calculation in the computer screen. Students can use it for calculation purposes.
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IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Do’s and Dont’s

Students can check dos and don’ts regarding the IIT JAM 2026 exam here.

Do’s

  • Carry a copy of JAM admit card on exam day. Details mentioned on hall ticket and photo id must be similar.
  • A transparent pen is allowed for calculation.
  • Wear comfortable cloth to avoid discomfort during exam.
  • Follow the instructions of the invigilator properly.
  • Manage your time properly.
  • Inform the invigilator incase of any issue with the computer or any other glitches.

Dont’s

  • Avoid carrying prohibited items.
  • Do not wear jewellery, chain, smart watch.
  • Do not dismantle the system.
  • Avoid talking to other students during the test.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the important topics for Geology subject for the preparation of IIT JAM 2024 (geology) exam?
A: 

IIT JAM preparation for Geology requires aspirants to be thorough with the syllabus. This is important because there is a negative marking in the Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM). Once candidates have completed their entire syllabus for IIT JAM 2023 for Geology course admission then they should consider solving past years’ IIT JAM question papers along with solving mock tests and sample papers to develop an idea of how to appear for a CBT.

Candidates can go through important topics that they should study to score well in the IIT JAM exam for Geology in the table mentioned below:

The Planet Earth

Geomorphology

Structural Geology

Paleontology

Stratigraphy

Mineralogy

Petrology

Economic Geology

Applied Geology

Q:   What are the important topics for Mathematical statistics subject for the preparation of IIT JAM 2026 exam?
A: 

Topics to Study in IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics:

Aspirants can go through important topics that they should study to secure good marks in the IIT JAM exam for Mathematical Statistics below:

Important Topics in Mathematics

Sequences and Series

Differential Calculus

Integral Calculus

Matrices

Important Topics in Statistics

Probability

Random Variables

Standard Distributions

Joint Distributions

Sampling Distributions

Limit Theorems

Estimation

Testing of Hypotheses

Q:   What are some important topics of Biotechnology for the preparation of IIT JAM 2026 examination?
A: 

Candidates seeking admission in MSc Biotechnology courses offered at IITs should consider taking IIT JAM 2026. One of the most sought after courses, Biotechnology, is an extremely technical field and it requires aspirants to be thorough with all the topics at hand. 

IIT JAM exam pattern for Biotechnology course admissions is such that aspirants need to attempt Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

The weightage of questions asked in the IIT JAM Biotechnology paper is as mentioned below:

Subject

Weightage (In percent)

Biology

44

Chemistry

20

Mathematics

18

Physics

18

Q:   What are the JAM 2026 shift timings?
A: 

IIT JAM 2026 aspirants can check the below table for exam day shift timings:

Examination DateSession TimeTest Papers and Code
February 15, 2026
(Sunday)
Forenoon (FN)
9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Chemistry (CY)
• Geology (GG)
• Mathematics (MA)
Afternoon (AN)
2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
• Biotechnology (BT)
• Economics (EN)
• Mathematical Statistics (MS)
• Physics (PH)

 

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IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Dress Code

There is no specific dress code for IIT JAM. But students must follow a decorum. The dress code for IIT JAM 2026 exam is mentioned here.

  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Boys avoid wearing caps or mufflers. Girls can prefer a kurta, tops, or a simple dress.
  • Avoid wearing heavy jewellery, both boys and girls students.
    Wear slippers or sandals.

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IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines:  Last Minute Preparation 

  • Avoid learning new topics. This will create confusion.
  • Use your handy notes or flash card for quick revision.
  • Memories the formula, concepts, shortcuts for solving the questions.
  • In last few days take IIT JAM mock test for self assessment and time management.
  • Focus on IIT JAM important questions.
  • Eat healthy and take a good sleep. Also avoid taking stress.
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Vikash Kumar is a leading subject matter expert, specializing in K–12 education and competitive exam preparation for JEE Mains. With a BTech degree and over 10 years of experience in creating high quality content fo Read Full Bio
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