IIT JAM Application Process for 2026: Important Dates, Fees, Payment Modes, Documents, and Admit Card Info

There are two major steps in the admission process for IIT JAM 2026:

1. Applying for the exam, and 

2. The counselling after the announcement of the results.

Candidates who are seeking admission to MSc degree or similar postgraduate programs in IITs, IISc, NIITs, and other CFTIs must fulfil the requirements for the admission process, or their applications will be rejected.

Phase 1: Application (Portal JOAPS)

The IIT JAM 2026 application process begins with the online registration of the candidate on the JAM Online Application Processing System website. This is an official portal that is a centralised system which is used for the entire application procedure: filling up the form, saving and uploading the documents, and paying the application fee.

The steps are:

1. Registration: Candidates should register themselves with a valid email ID to stay alert to any new notifications, a mobile number in use, and a password to get a unique enrollment ID.

2. Filling Application Form: Candidates should fill up their details, educational background, and their communication address.

3. Document Upload: Scan photo, signature, category/PwD certificate (if applicable). 

4. Fee Payment: Online by debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

5. Final Submission: Verify details and submit the duly filled form.

Candidates need to keep a hard copy of the application Form filled by them and of the fee receipt for future reference.

Application Correction Window

After the deadline of the application, a short Correction Window is opened to enable candidates to rectify errors (such as discrepancies in photo/signature or paper choice opted). However, changes to category or exam city could be disallowed, so candidates must be very careful while filling out the application initially.

Phase 2: Admission Counselling and Seat Allocation

Only those qualifying in the examination and finding their names in the rank list are being led to the admission process.

The procedure of admission shall be:

1. Submission of Admission Form: Candidates have to submit the JAM Admission Form on the JOAPS portal after the declaration of Results in March 2026 (April 2026). 

2. Choice Filling: Candidates put their Program and Institute Options. 

3. First Round of Allotment: Based on Rank, Category, and Preferences.

4. Accept/Reject/Upgrade Option: Chosen by candidates in each round.

5. Final Admission: After various rounds, candidates who succeed confirm the admission and report to the allotted institute with original documents.

Note: In case a candidate fails to fill out the admission form or misses the deadline, the candidate forfeits the right to participate in seat allocation.

Important Points to Remember

• JAM scores remain valid for admission only for a single academic year.
• Seat allocation depends on rank, category, and program preference.
• Candidates may still be upgraded in the subsequent rounds.
• Once a seat is allotted, candidates must report to the respective institute as per instructions.

Here are the upcoming events and dates of the IIT JAM Admission 2026.

IIT JAM 2026 admit card will be released on the official portal in January 2026, after the final submission of the application form in October 2025. Candidates must carry a hard copy of the admit card on the date of the examination for successful entry into the exam hall.