IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Important Instructions

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

DeskCalelnderCounselling - 27 Mar '26 - 15 Apr '26

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: 

The Test Paper schedule of JAM 2026 is given below:

Examination Date SessionTest 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.         

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.
Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number

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:   Where can I check IIT JAM 2026 opening and closing rank?
A: 

The authority will release the IIT JAM opening and closing ranks 2026 online at jam2026.iitb.ac.in. Candidates whose rank in IIT JAM is within the opening and closing ranks are eligible for admission to the participating institutes.

Q:   Will IIT Bombay release the IIT JAM 2026 Advance City Intimation Slip?
A: 

In advance city intimation slip document candidates will only be intimated about the city where their exam centre has been allotted. The objective of this document is to help candidates prepare in advance regarding exam day travel or commute.

Q:   What are the permissible items at IIT JAM exam centre?
A: 

These items are allowed to be carried inside the IIT JAM 2026 exam centres:

  • IIT JAM 2026 admit card
  • Valid photo identity card
  • Few copies of passport-size photographs
  • Transparent water bottle
  • 50 ml sanitiser bottle
  • Fruits or medicines (only for diabetic candidates)

Explore colleges based on IIT JAM

Bangalore
₹32.00 K
Chennai
₹100.00 K
Kharagpur
₹30.00 K
Kanpur
₹12.00 K

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Roorkee
₹12.00 K
Delhi
₹30.00 K
Rourkela
₹30.00 K
Guwahati
₹20.00 K
Hyderabad
₹48.00 K
Mumbai
₹2.71 L
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

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.

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

CUET PG Provisional Answer Key 2026

4 Apr '26 - 5 Apr '26

Rajasthan Pre PG 2026 Notifica...

11 Apr '26

CCMN 2026 Application Process

14 May '26 - 4 Jun '26

TIFR GS 2026 Session Starts

1 Aug '26

MCAER PG CET 2026 Admit card

14 May '26

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.
Videos you may like
About the Author
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
Download Important Dates for Science Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

1 Aug '26

TIFR GS 2026 Session Starts

Feb '26

TIFR GS 2026 Final Result

1 Oct '23

JUET 2023 results

20 Sep '23

JUET 2023 answer key objection...

5 Jan '26 -

6 Apr '26

NEST 2026 Application Process

5 Jan '26 -

12 Apr '26

NEST 2026 Application Process

20 Feb '26 -

19 Mar '26

MGU CAT 2026 Registration

20 Jun '25

MGU CAT 2026 result

14 Nov '25 -

22 Apr '26

PU CET (UG) 2026 Application F...

24 Apr '26

PU CET (UG) 2026 Registration ...

Sep '26

SPSAT 2026 admit card

Sep '26

SPSAT 2026 exam date

19 Mar '26 -

9 Apr '26

BET 2026 application form

19 Mar '26 -

9 Apr '26

GAT-B 2026 application form

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, BSc students are eligible for IIT JAM 2026. They have to complete their graduation or must be in the final year of graduation while applying for JAM. Admisison is offered to M.Sc., M.Sc. (Tech.), MS (Research), M.Sc. - M.Tech. Dual Degree, Joint M.Sc. - Ph.D., M.Sc. - Ph.D. Dual Degree, and Int

...Read more

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Students who have a score above the JAM qualifying cutoff and are mentioned in the merit list can apply for the counselling process. The counselling will be held online. JAM counselling schedules are available online.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIT JAM 2026 counselling will be held in four rounds, followed by an additional round. Students need to fill the form at the JOAPS portal to participate in the JAM counselling process.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The authority has released the JAM qualifying marks online. Candidates can check cutoff to know the minimum passing marks in each paper. IIT JAM qualifying marks for Economics are mentioned below.

  • GEN -40.63
  • OBC-NCl / EWs -36.56
  • SC/ST/PwD - 20.31

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIT JAM 2026 cutoff was released on March 21, 2026. Candidates can check the cutoff at official website. This is the qualifying cutoff. Candidates who score above the IIT JAM qualifying cutoff can participate in the counselling process.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIT JAM 2026 qualifying cutoff for GEN category vary category wise. Check the table for the JAM qualifying cutoff subject-wise.

Subject Name

GEN Cutoff

Biotechnology

42.3

Chemistry

18.65

Economics

40.63

Geology

25.98

Mathematics

12.65

Mathematics Statistics

13.33

Physics

12.04

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Below is the qualifying cutoff for IIT JAM OBC category.

Subject Name

OBC (NCL) / EWS

Biotechnology

38.07

Chemistry

16.78

Economics

36.56

Geology

23.38

Mathematics

11.38

Mathematics Statistics

11.99

Physics

10.83

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Based on past years exam analysis, IIT JAM is moderately difficult. The questions in the JAM exam are conceptually based. Candidates need to keep their concepts clear and practice JAM question papers regularly for better performance in the exam.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIT JAM counselling process is mentioned below.

  • Go to IIT JAM 20266 website
  • Click on the JOAPS portal
  • Click on counselling link
  • Fill the form, choose the preference order
  • Pay the fees
  • Submit the form

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIT JAM merit list is based on AIR. The authority will consider the total number of seats available in each category, to include the number of candidates in the All India Merit List. Candidates who are included in the merit list will be eligible to apply for admisison.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10