The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has officially released the examination schedule for the Joint Admission Test for Master’s (IIT JAM) 2026. Candidates who have successfully completed their registration and are preparing for the examination can now check the complete details regarding exam dates, shifts, and timings. As per the official announcement, IIT JAM 2026 will be conducted on February 15, 2026, in two separate shifts across multiple test centres in India.
The examination will take place at 116 designated centres spread across eight IIT zones, including IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee. The forenoon shift is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon shift will run from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
About IIT JAM 2026
The Joint Admission Test for Master’s is one of the most competitive national-level examinations in India for postgraduate science aspirants. It serves as a gateway for admission into prestigious programs such as M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., and M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree courses offered by IITs, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and other participating institutes.
For the year 2026, IIT JAM is being conducted by IIT Bombay, which is responsible for managing the examination process, including registration, admit cards, result declaration, and admissions.
IIT JAM 2026 Overview
The Joint Admission Test for Master’s (JAM) is conducted to facilitate admissions into postgraduate courses. IIT Bombay is the organizing institute for IIT JAM 2026. The examination is scheduled to be held on February 15, 2026, and the official website for updates and information is jam2026.iitb.ac.in.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Schedule and Shifts
The IIT JAM examination will be conducted in a computer-based format. The total duration of the exam is three hours, and it will be held in two shifts on the same day. Shift 1 will take place from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and Shift 2 will be conducted from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates will be allotted shifts based on their chosen subject paper.
IIT JAM 2026 Important Dates
Candidates planning to appear for IIT JAM 2026 should keep track of all key dates to ensure they do not miss any important deadlines. The online application process will begin on October 12, 2025. The admit cards are expected to be released in the second week of January 2026 on a tentative basis. The examination will be held on February 15, 2026, and the results are scheduled to be declared on March 20, 2026.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The IIT JAM 2026 question paper will consist of a total of 60 questions with a maximum of 100 marks. The exam will be conducted online and will include three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C.
The question paper will feature Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Negative marking is applicable only for MCQs, where one-third marks will be deducted for incorrect one-mark questions and two-thirds marks for incorrect two-mark questions. There is no negative marking for MSQs and NAT questions.
Preparation Tips for IIT JAM 2026
Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the syllabus and exam pattern. Regular practice, time management, and solving previous years’ question papers can significantly enhance performance. Staying updated with official notifications from IIT Bombay will also help candidates remain informed about any changes or announcements related to the exam.
