IIT JAM 2026 notification has been released by IIT Bombay, the exam organizing institute. Candidates who wish to do their masters degree from IITs, IISc, NITs and other participating institutes need to meet the IIT JAM eligibility criteria 2026 mentioned by the exam officials.JAM 2026 eligibility criteria has been published by the officials in the information brochure, mentioned on the official website. It outlines the minimum requirements that a candidate needs to satisfy like age limit, subject wise qualification and nationality. Candidates are advised to meticulously check out the eligibility criteria prior filling the IIT JAM 2026 application form.Candidates providing any wrong details against the IIT JAM 2026 eligibility criteria will lead to the disqualification of their candidature. Any national (Indian/Foreign) who has completed their graduation is eligible for IIT JAM 2026.Read this SciAstra article to get complete insight on subject-wise IIT JAM eligibility criteria and other important details here:Latest Update:

IIT JAM 2026 Dates

JAM 2026 exam will be held on February 15, 2026 in CBT mode for the duration of three hours in two IIT JAM shifts. Candidates can check out the important dates on IIT JAM 2026 from here:
EventTentative Date
IIT JAM 2026 Notification Release DateJuly 26, 2025
JAM 2026 Application Form Start Date (JOAPS Portal)September 5, 2025
IIT JAM 2026 Application Form Last DateOctober 12, 2025
Last Date to Change Examination Cities, Candidate Name, Category, or GenderNovember 10, 2025
Availability of JAM Admit Cards (Download and Printing)January 5, 2026
Date of ExaminationFebruary 15, 2026
Announcement of ResultsMarch 20, 2026
Also Read: IIT JAM 2026 Documents Required

IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria 2026

IIT JAM 2026 exam is conducted every year by one of the IITs on a rotational basis. The exam is held to provide admissions to the masters and integrated degree programmes like MSC, MS, MSc-MTech and Integrated PhD programmes.Candidates interested in these programmes need to match the JAM 2026 eligibility for the subjects in Mathematics, Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Geology and Mathematical Statistics. Along with fulfilling the educational requirements, candidates need to meet the age limit and national criteria for the same. Check out the detailed eligibility criteria from here:

IIT JAM 2026 Age Limit: Eligibility Criteria

Any candidate who has completed their graduation degree, irrespective of the year in which one has appeared, gets eligible to appear for the exam.Note: There are no age limit restrictions for the candidates appearing for the IIT JAM 2026.

IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria 2026: Nationality

For the IIT JAM 2026 examination, the eligibility on the basis of nationality is simple: the examination is available to all nationals, both Indian and foreign. Foreign nationals who hold an Indian degree are also eligible to apply, with the specific admission policy of the admitting institute they apply to.They also have to meet any other requirements that the institutes may stipulate, including having a current passport and visa, and submitting official academic records.

JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Educational Requirements

  • The undergraduate programme should have been completed before the date of admission of the respective Admitting Institute. 
  • Proof of having passed the qualifying degree with required eligibility, as specified by the Admitting Institute, should be submitted within the timeline provided by the respective Admitting Institute.
Note: Until the year 2021, the eligibility conditions for IIT JAM were such that candidates must achieve a minimum 55 per cent aggregate or 5.5 CGPA/CPI out of 10 for General/OBC (NCL)/EWS category candidates and 50 per cent aggregate or 5.0 CGPA/CPI for the reserved category candidates. But from 2022 onwards, this condition was made easier. Now, candidates will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject, and no eligibility cut-off exists.

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Biotechnology

Candidates interested in pursuing MSc Biotechnology, can check out the participating institute and course wise educational requirement from here:
InstituteAcademicProgramme(Code)Essential subjectsin Bachelor'sDegree along withminimum duration
IIT Bombay1204 : M.Sc. in Biotechnology Any Branch/Subject.
IIT Bombay1213 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Environmental Science and EngineeringAny 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 and Mathematics for at least one semester.
IIT Delhi1305 : M.Sc. in Biological SciencesA Three or Four year Bachelor’s degree in any branch of STEM
IIT Dharwad3304 : M.Sc. in Molecular MedicineA 3 or 4 years Bachelor’s degree in any branch of STEM.
IIT Indore2204 : M.Sc. in BiotechnologyAny Branch/Subject.
IIT Roorkee1806 : M.Sc. in Bioscience and BioengineeringBachelor’s Degree in any Branch/Subject
Also Read: IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology Syllabus

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Chemistry

Candidates interested in pursuing MSc Chemistry, can check out the participating institute and course wise educational requirement from here:
InstituteAcademicProgramme(Code)Essential subjectsin Bachelor'sDegree along withminimum duration
IIT Bhilai2801 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Bhubaneswar1901 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Bombay1205 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters and Mathematics for one year/two semesters.
IIT Bombay1212 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Energy Science and EngineeringB.Sc. or equivalent of minimum three years duration, with any one of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for two years/four semesters and any one of the remaining two subjects for at least one year/two semesters.
IIT Bombay1213 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Environmental Science and EngineeringAny 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 and Mathematics for at least one semester.
IIT Delhi1305 : M.Sc. in Biological SciencesA Three or Four year Bachelor’s degree in any branch of STEM
IIT Delhi1301 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad2601 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Dharwad3301 : M.Sc. in ChemistryNo Restrictions (candidate to qualify in JAM Chemistry Paper)
IIT Gandhinagar2001 : M.Sc. in ChemistryNo Restrictions.
IIT Guwahati1401 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Hyderabad2101 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Indore2201 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Jammu3201 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Jodhpur2401 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Jodhpur2406 : M.Sc.‐ M.Tech. Dual Degree in Chemistry and Materials EngineeringB.Sc./B.S. degree with Chemistry for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Kanpur1501 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Kharagpur1601 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in ChemistryB.Sc./B.S. degree with at least six Chemistry subjects for six semesters / three years.
IIT Madras1701 : M.Sc. in ChemistryB.Sc./B.S. degree with Chemistry for at least six semesters/three years, along with mathematics for two semesters/one year.
IIT Mandi3101 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Palakkad2901 : M.Sc. in ChemistryJAM (Joint Admission test for Masters) qualified in Chemistry (CY) Bachelor’s degree
IIT Patna2504 : Integrated M.Sc. PhD (Chemistry)Chemistry for three years / six semester
IIT Patna2501 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Roorkee1802 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Ropar2302 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT Tirupati3002 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.
IIT (BHU)Varanasi2701 : M.Sc. in ChemistryChemistry for three years/six semesters.

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Mathematics

Candidates interested in pursuing MSc Mathematics, can check out the participating institute and course wise educational requirement from here:
InstituteAcademicProgramme(Code)Essential subjectsin Bachelor'sDegree along withminimum duration
IIT Bhilai2802 : M.Sc. in Mathematics & ComputingMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Bhubaneswar1905 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in Atmosphere & Ocean SciencesMathematics and Physics at UG Level.
IIT Bhubaneswar1902 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in MathematicsMathematics/ Statistics as a subject for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Bombay1206 : M.Sc. in MathematicsNo Restrictions.
IIT Bombay1214 : M.Sc. in Operations ResearchNo Restrictions.
IIT Bombay1212 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Energy Science and EngineeringB.Sc. or equivalent of minimum three years duration, with any one of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for two years/four semesters and any one of the remaining two subjects for at least one year/two semesters.
IIT Bombay1213 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Environmental Science and EngineeringAny 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 and Mathematics for at least one semester.
IIT Delhi1302 : M.Sc. in MathematicsB.Sc./B.S. degrees, Mathematics for at least two years/four semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad2602 : M.Sc. in Mathematics & ComputingMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Dharwad3302 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters in B.Sc./BS degree. B.Tech./BE degree in any branch of engineering will be considered.
IIT Gandhinagar2002 : M.Sc. in MathematicsNo Restrictions.
IIT Guwahati1404 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Guwahati1402 : M.Sc. in Mathematics & ComputingMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Hyderabad2102 : M.Sc. in Mathematics/ Mathematics & ComputingMathematics for at least two years/four semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Indore2203 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Jodhpur2402 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Jodhpur2404 : M.Sc.‐ M.Tech. Dual Degree in Mathematics‐Data & Computational SciencesMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Kanpur1502 : M.Sc. in MathematicsNo Restrictions.
IIT Kharagpur1603 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in MathematicsMathematics/Statistics subjects for six semesters / three years.
IIT Madras1702 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Mandi3102 : M.Sc. in Applied MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Palakkad2902 : M.Sc. in MathematicsJAM qualified in Mathematics (MA) or Mathematical Statistics (MS) Bachelor’s degree (with at least 3 Mathematics courses as part of the Bachelor’s degree program)
IIT Patna2505 : Integrated M.Sc. PhD in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years / four semester
IIT Patna2502 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Roorkee1804 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Ropar2301 : M.Sc. in MathematicsMathematics for at least two years/four semesters.
IIT Tirupati3004 : M.Sc. in MathematicsBachelor's degree with at least three(3) mathematics courses.
IIT Tirupati3001 : M.Sc. in Mathematics & StatisticsNo Restrictions.
Also Read: IIT JAM 2026 Mathematics Syllabus

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Physics

Candidates interested in pursuing MSc Physics, can check out the participating institute and course wise educational requirement from here:
InstituteAcademicProgramme(Code)Essential subjectsin Bachelor'sDegree along withminimum duration
IIT Bhilai2803 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Bhubaneswar1905 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in Atmosphere & Ocean SciencesMathematics and Physics at UG Level.
IIT Bhubaneswar1903 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for Engineering degrees.
IIT Bombay1202 : M.Sc. in Applied GeophysicsPhysics and Mathematics/ Mathematical Physics for two years/four semesters and at least one of them as subject for three years/six semesters.
IIT Bombay1207 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Bombay1212 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Energy Science and EngineeringB.Sc. or equivalent of minimum three years duration, with any one of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for two years/four semesters and any one of the remaining two subjects for at least one year/two semesters.
IIT Bombay1213 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in Environmental Science and EngineeringAny 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 and Mathematics for at least one semester.
IIT Delhi1303 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad2603 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad2605 : M.Sc.(Tech.) in Applied GeophysicsB.Sc. Degree with physics for three years/six semesters. Mathematics with two semesters/one year and any one subject among Chemistry, Electronics, Statistics, Geology, and Computer Science with two semesters/one year.
IIT Dharwad3303 : M.Sc. in PhysicsBachelor’s degree in Science with at least 2 years (4 semesters) of study in Physics, and 1 year (2 semesters) of study in Mathematics. B.Tech./BE degree in any branch of engineering will be considered.
IIT Gandhinagar2003 : M.Sc. in PhysicsNo Restrictions.
IIT Guwahati1403 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Hyderabad2103 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Indore2205 : M.Sc. in AstronomyB. Sc in Physics / Mathematics / Statistics / Electronics / Computer Science. Or Bachelor’s of Engineering/ Technology in any branch AND Courses in Physics for at least 6 credits or 2 semesters and Mathematics for at least 6 credits or two semesters.
IIT Indore2202 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Jammu3202 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Jodhpur2403 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Jodhpur2405 : M.Sc.‐ M.Tech. Dual Degree in Physics and Materials EngineeringB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Kanpur1503 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Kanpur1505 : M.Sc.‐Ph.D.Dual Degree in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Kharagpur1605 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in GeophysicsB.Sc. degree together with either of the following, with minimum number of subjects in respective domains. (i) Geology subjects for 6 semesters or 3 years, and 2 Physics subjects + 2 Mathematics subjects. (ii)Physics subjects for 6 semesters or 3 years, and 2 Mathematics subjects.
IIT Kharagpur1604 : Joint M.Sc.‐ Ph.D. in PhysicsB.Sc. degree with at least 4 Physics subjects and 2 Mathematics subjects.
IIT Madras1703 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Mandi3104 : Integrated‐ Ph.D in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Mandi3103 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Palakkad2903 : M.Sc. in PhysicsJAM (Joint Admission test for Masters) qualified in Physics (PH) Bachelor’s degree
IIT Patna2506 : Integrated M.Sc. PhD in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematic for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for Engineering Degree.
IIT Patna2503 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Roorkee1805 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degrees, Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Ropar2303 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT Tirupati3003 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
IIT (BHU)Varanasi2702 : M.Sc. in PhysicsB.Sc./B.S. degree with Physics for at least two years/four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/two semesters. No restrictions for engineering degrees.
Also Read: 

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Economics

Candidates interested in pursuing MSc Economics, can check out the participating institute and course wise educational requirement from here:
InstituteAcademicProgramme(Code)Essential subjectsin Bachelor'sDegree along withminimum duration
IIT Delhi1304 : M.Sc. in EconomicsB.A. /B.Sc. /B.Com. / B.Stat. /B.Math. /B.Tech /B.E. or equivalent with minimum of three years of education after completing higher secondary schooling (10+2) or equivalent
IIT Roorkee1803 : M.Sc. in EconomicsB.Sc. (Economics)/B.A. (Economics)/B.Sc. (Statistics)/ BCA and B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. with Mathematics as one of the subjects. No restrictions for engineering degrees.

IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Mathematical Statistics

Candidates interested in pursuing MSc Mathematics Statistics, can check out the participating institute and course wise educational requirement from here:
InstituteAcademicProgramme(Code)Essential subjectsin Bachelor'sDegree along withminimum duration
IIT Bombay1214 : M.Sc. in Operations ResearchNo Restrictions.
IIT Bombay1203 : M.Sc. in StatisticsNo Restrictions.
IIT Kanpur1504 : M.Sc. in StatisticsNo Restrictions.
IIT Palakkad2902 : M.Sc. in MathematicsJAM qualified in Mathematics (MA) or Mathematical Statistics (MS) Bachelor’s degree (with at least 3 Mathematics courses as part of the Bachelor’s degree program)
IIT Tirupati3001 : M.Sc. in Mathematics & StatisticsNo Restrictions.

Conclusion

IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria plays a vital role for the test takers to take admissions to their desired courses in the IITs, NITs, IISc, IISER and other particiapting institutes. Candidates must check out the parameters of the eligibility criteria like age limit, nationality and minimal educationla qualifications to have hassle free admission process.There are around 3000 seats in postgraduate programmes at 22 IITs for the academic year 2026-27. JAM Scores will be used to admit the candidates subject to meeting the Eligibility Requirements (ERs), Minimum Educational Qualifications (MEQs) and any other necessary requirements, without any additional interview or written test.Read More: