IIT JAM 2026: Selection Process Guide

The IIT JAM examination will take place in February 2026. The exam helps students get into some of the best postgraduate courses available in the country. This article highlights key details about the selection process for the IIT JAM examination. Knowing the process can help students have a good idea of what to expect after the IIT JAM exam concludes and the results are declared next year.

Factors to Be Selected For IIT JAM 2026

Students looking to take part in the IIT JAM examination, must meet the following criteria in order to be selected for top masters’ programs. The factors to be selected for the IIT JAM 2026 examination are as follows:

• Meet the Minimum Education Requirements: All students looking to gain admission through the IIT JAM examination must meet the required education requirements for the paper. They must have completed their graduation or be in the final year of their undergraduate to be eligible for the IIT JAM exam.
• Achieve Minimum Scores: Students must have attained the minimum required score on the IIT JAM examination to be eligible for their universities of choice. Without meeting the minimum cutoff scores, they will not be allowed to gain admission to those colleges.

IIT JAM Selection Overview

Provided below is an overview of the selection process for the IIT JAM 2026 examination. Knowing how the selection process goes about can help students know what to expect and how they are chosen through the IIT JAM exam.

The selection process for IIT JAM is as follows:

1. The Release of the Answer Key: After the IIT JAM examination has taken place, the provisional answer key for the exam will be released around a month after the exam date. Students will be able to calculate their raw scores on the exam. In case of any discrepancies with the answer key, students will be able to raise objections. Raising objections can affect the final answer key.
2. Result Declaration: After the release of the answer key, students will be able to view their results for the IIT JAM examination. They can shortlist their eligible colleges accordingly for the counselling process.
3. Application Submission:After the results have been declared, all qualifying students will be required to submit their applications for counselling through the official JOAPS portal. Students must ensure all details filled in the form are accurate and up-to-date. These include a student’s category, date of birth, gender and IIT JAM scores.
4. Information Verification: Students must double-check to verify if all details of the IIT JAM application form are correct and up-to-date. Any discrepancies in the provided information may lead to a student’s disqualification.
5. Seat Allocation:The seat allotment process for IIT JAM generally consists of a total of 4 rounds. If students are not able to secure a seat during the first round, they can participate in subsequent rounds. If seats remain vacant, spot counseling rounds may be conducted as well. Seats are mainly allotted on the basis of students’ scores and rank on the IIT JAM exam.
6. Options: Upon being allotted a seat, students will have the option to Accept and Freeze, Accept and Upgrade or Reject their allotted seats. Freezing implies students are completely happy with their allotted seat and do not wish to upgrade. Upgrading means that students may accept their current seat but would like to participate in further rounds of counselling for better seats. Rejecting means students are not satisfied with their allotted seat and do not wish to acceptit.

Students Can Also Read: IIT JAM Best Books

IIT JAM Registration Overview

Provided below is a simple step-by-step overview for how students can register for the IIT JAM examination. Students looking to register for the IIT JAM exam should know how to go about the registration process of the examination. Knowing these steps about the registration process for IIT JAM ensures students know what to do and don’t get stuck when registering for the examination.

The registration process for the IIT JAM examination is as follows:

1. Visit the Website: Students must first visit the official IIT JAM website atjam2026.iitb.ac.in
2. JOAPS Registration: After visiting the homepage of the JAM website, students must find and select the JOAPS or JAM Online Application Processing System portal. Students will be required to register by providing important details including their email address, date of birth, phone number as well as setting up a password.
3. Login Credentials: After registering and providing the required details, students will receive their login credentials for the JAM website.
4. Application Form: Students will now be able to login to the JAM website using their newly generated credentials. They will then be required to fill-in the details required on the IIT JAM application form. These details include personal details, academic details, exam paper choice and examination cities of preference.
5. Document Uploading: After filling in the required details, students must upload the required documents for the exam.
6. Application Fees: To complete the registration process for the IIT JAM 2026 exam, students must pay the application fees as per their category. If students do not pay the application fees, their registration will not be considered.

IIT JAM 2026 Important Dates

Provided below is an overview of the important dates for the IIT JAM examination. It is important for students to keep these important dates in mind. Keeping up with these key dates ensures students are updated on all important events and deadlines about the IIT JAM exam.

The dates are as follows:

Also Read: IIT JAM Registration Important Documents