The IIT JAM 2026 answer key objection window closed on 27 February 2026, completing the challenge phase of the evaluation process. Candidates were allowed to review the provisional answer key and submit objections for a limited period through the official portal. Following the closure of the challenge facility, the examination authority is now expected to prepare the final IIT JAM 2026 answer key, which will likely be released in March 2026 around the time of the result announcement.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam and Answer Key Timeline
The Joint Admission Test for Master's (JAM) 2026 was conducted on 15 February 2026 for admission to postgraduate science programmes offered by IITs and other participating institutes. A few days after the examination, the authorities released the provisional answer key and response sheets to help candidates review their recorded responses. The key events related to the IIT JAM 2026 examination cycle are provided below.
These stages mark the transition from answer key verification to final result preparation.
IIT JAM 2026 Provisional Answer Key and Response Sheet Details
Along with the provisional answer key, the examination authority also published individual response sheets for candidates. These documents allowed candidates to review their answers recorded during the computer-based examination. The response sheet provided detailed information that helped candidates analyse their performance before the final evaluation. Candidates were able to review the following details:
- Question-wise responses recorded during the examination
- Official provisional answers for all seven JAM papers
- Marking scheme for MCQ, MSQ and NAT question types
According to the exam pattern, negative marking applies to selected multiple-choice questions, while numerical answer type questions do not carry negative marks. Using the provisional answer key and response sheet, candidates could estimate their tentative scores.
IIT JAM 2026 Objection Window Closed on 27 February
Candidates were given an opportunity to challenge the provisional answer key through the official candidate login portal. The objection facility was available only for a limited period. To submit a challenge, candidates had to complete the online process before the deadline. The objection process included the following steps:
- Logging in using registered credentials
- Selecting the relevant paper and question number
- Uploading valid academic justification
- Paying the prescribed objection fee
- Submitting the challenge before 27 February 2026
From 28 February 2026, the challenge link has been deactivated, and no further objections are being accepted.
IIT JAM 2026 Final Answer Key and Result Process
After the objection window closure, subject experts will evaluate all submitted challenges. If valid discrepancies are identified, corrections will be incorporated into the final IIT JAM 2026 answer key. The final answer key will be used for preparing the following stages of the admission process:
- IIT JAM 2026 result preparation
- Compilation of the JAM merit list
- Determination of category-wise cut-off marks
- Initiation of MSc admission counselling
The IIT JAM 2026 result is expected around 20 March 2026. After the results are announced, qualified candidates will be able to participate in the postgraduate science admission process at IITs and participating institutes.