JAM Exam Date 2026 — Complete Schedule, Important Deadlines and Key Updates

IIT Bombay (IIT-B) organizes JAM every year on behalf of the IITs. The exam is your gateway to postgraduate programmes such as MSc, MSc-Tech, MSc-PhD dual degrees, MS (Research) and more. Over the years, JAM has become the de facto route for science and research aspirants aiming for top institutes in India. For 2026, several IITs and allied institutes will accept JAM 2026 scores for admission.

If you have a bachelor’s degree (or are in final year) and a passion for subjects like Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biotechnology, Economics, Geology, or Mathematical Statistics — JAM could be your ticket.

JAM 2026: Key Dates and Timeline

Here’s a snapshot of all the important dates for JAM 2026 so far. Bookmark this section — you don’t want to miss anything.

Event	Date / Deadline
Online application (JOAPS) opens	September 5, 2025
Last date to register (extended)	October 20, 2025
Application correction window	Late October – mid November 2025 (various deadlines)
Admit card release	January 5, 2026
Exam Date — JAM Exam Date 2026	February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
Result announcement	Expected March 20, 2026

Pro tip: Since the registration deadline was extended from October 12 to October 20, don’t wait until the last minute. Server overload or payment failures can cause headaches.

Also note — the correction window gives you a chance to fix category, test paper selection, exam city preferences and more. Don’t skip it if you spot an error.

Session-wise Exam Schedule & Test Papers

On February 15, 2026, JAM will be held in two sessions: forenoon and afternoon. Depending on which paper(s) you choose, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Forenoon (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM):

Chemistry (CY)

Geology (GG)

Mathematics (MA)

Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM):

Biotechnology (BT)

Economics (EN)

Mathematical Statistics (MS)

Physics (PH)

You can appear for one or two test papers — but only if they are scheduled in different sessions. So, for instance, you can’t pick two papers from the forenoon session.

Eligibility Criteria for JAM 2026

To apply for JAM 2026:

You should hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of your undergraduate programme.

There is no age limit for JAM — so whether you’re a fresh graduate or a working professional looking to upskill, you’re eligible.

That makes JAM quite inclusive, giving a fair shot to a broad set of aspirants.

Exam Pattern & Question Types

Understanding the exam pattern early helps in better preparation and time management. Here’s how JAM 2026 is structured:

Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Total Questions: 60

Total Marks: 100

Sections:

Section A — MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): 30 questions; negative marking applies.

Section B — MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): 10 questions; may have one or more correct choices; no negative marking.

Section C — NAT (Numerical Answer Type): 20 questions; answer is numerical and has to be entered (no negative marking).

So, it’s not just about knowing theory — you need accuracy, speed, and planning to handle different question types effectively.

What’s New / What’s Confirmed in JAM 2026

The registration deadline got extended — originally until October 12, now extended to October 20, 2025.

The correction window is confirmed, allowing applicants to update exam city, test paper choice, category etc.

The official exam date, February 15, 2026, has been declared.

Admit cards will be available from January 5, 2026.

These confirmations help you plan — no guesswork anymore!

How to Stay Updated: Official Sources & Notifications

Your go-to place for all updates: the official JAM 2026 website (jam2026.iitb.ac.in) and the official brochure (PDF) published by IIT Bombay.

Check regularly for any changes in date, admit card release, correction windows or result announcements. Many aspirants miss critical updates by relying solely on third-party sites.

Tips to Plan Your Preparation Around JAM 2026 Timeline

Given the schedule:

Use September–October for finalizing registration and documents.

November–December: Mental note — this is when forms get corrected/confirmed, and you can start light revision.

January (after admit card release): ramp up full-fledged prep and plan logistics (travel to exam city, documents, etc.)

Exam day (15 Feb) — treat it like a marathon, not a sprint: manage time across sections.

Also, if you plan to take two papers, choose papers in different sessions and schedule your preparation accordingly.

Conclusion

If you’re aiming for postgraduate or research-level courses in science through JAM 2026, now is the time to get serious. The official JAM exam date — February 15, 2026 — is out, registration is underway (extended till October 20), and key deadlines are within reach. With the full exam schedule, pattern, and eligibility criteria clearly laid out, candidates have a roadmap to plan their preparation and application smartly. Stay alert for announcements, avoid common mistakes, and craft your study schedule around the timeline. You’re in a good position — now it’s all about execution. Good luck!