JAM

The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) is a prestigious national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis. This computer-based test serves as the gateway for admission to various postgraduate programmes, including Master of Science (M.Sc.), Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and other post-bachelor degree programmes at IITs and Integrated Ph.D. Degree programmes at IISc Bangalore. The examination is recognised as one of the most competitive science entrance tests in India, attracting lakhs of candidates annually who aspire to pursue higher education in science disciplines at premier institutes. The Joint Admission Test for Masters is conducted once a year, typically in February, and tests candidates across seven diverse subjects: Biotechnology; Chemistry; Economics; Geology; Mathematics; Mathematical Statistics; and Physics. The examination follows an objective pattern with a total of 60 questions carrying 100 marks, designed to assess the candidate's comprehension, reasoning ability, and analytical skills in their chosen subject. The three-hour examination is conducted entirely in English, and the results are declared in the form of an All India Rank (AIR) which determines eligibility for admission to approximately 3,000 seats across participating institutes. Top participating institutes include all 23 IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), IISc Bangalore (Indian Institute of Science), NITs (National Institutes of Technology including NIT Tiruchirappalli, NIT Rourkela, NIT Surathkal, and NIT Calicut), and several other Central Government Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs). These institutions offer cutting-edge research facilities, world-class faculty, and excellent placement opportunities, making JAM one of the most sought-after entrance examinations for science postgraduates in the country.