Check IIT JAM Answer Key 2026 expected release date, download steps, response sheet details, marking scheme, challenge process, and previous year cutoff trends.
The IIT JAM 2026 answer key will soon be released by the IIT Bombay on the official website of JOAPS. After the answer key, IIT JAM results 2026 will be announced on Mar 20, 2026. It is anticipated that the answer key will be released around the result date only. With the release of the answer key, you will be able to access your IIT JAM 2026 response sheet and also challenge the provisional answer key.
Once the objections are reviewed, the authority will release the IIT JAM 2026 final answer key. With the help of the answer key, you may compare the responses, calculate the approximate scores, and predict chances of being accepted into IIT and NIT.
This article provides the expected release date, how to download the response sheet details, marking scheme, objection procedure, and 2025 answer key data. Moreover, the IIT JAM 2026 exam has been successfully conducted on Feb 15, 2026, and you can check the IIT JAM exam analysis 2026 based on students' and experts' reviews.
IIT JAM Answer Key 2026 Release Date
The IIT JAM 2026 exam was conducted on Feb 15, 2026. And the results will be released on Mar 20, 2026. You can check the IIT JAM answer key 2026 related dates in the table given below.
| Events | Dates |
| IIT JAM 2026 Exam | Feb 15, 2026 |
| IIT JAM 2026 Response Sheet Release Date | To be announced |
| IIT JAM 2026 Provisional Answer Key Release Date | To be announced |
| Answer Key Objection Window | To be announced |
| Final Answer Key Release Date | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | March 20, 2026 (Tentative) |
Related IIT JAM Answer Key 2026 Article Links
How to Download IIT JAM Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can download the IIT JAM 2026 answer key from the official website.
Follow the steps:
- Visit the official IIT JAM website.
- Click on the link – “IIT JAM 2026 Answer Key”.
- Select your paper (MA, PH, CY, MS, BT, GG, EN).
- The provisional answer key PDF will open.
- Download and save it for score calculation.
Along with the answer key, the question paper PDFs will also be made available.
How to Challenge the IIT JAM Answer Key 2026?
If you are not satisfied with the provisional IIT JAM answer key, you will be allowed to raise objections against it through the online challenge facility. The steps to challenge the IIT JAM answer key are given below:
- Visit the JOAPS portal at joaps.iitb.ac.in
- Log in by entering the required credentials
- Click on the tab for the IIT JAM answer key challenge
- Choose your subject
- Choose the question against which you wish to submit the challenge
- Provide relevant reasoning to support your objection
- Submit the answer key challenge fee of Rs. 500
Please note: If your objection is found to be valid, the necessary corrections will be incorporated into the final IIT JAM answer key and your objection fee will be refunded. However, if your challenge is not accepted by the authorities, the fee will not be refunded.
What to Expect in the IIT JAM 2026 Response Sheet?
All of the answers that the candidate marked throughout the exam are shown on the response sheet. Candidates will benefit from the response sheet:
- Use the official answer key to confirm each response.
- Use the approved marking scheme to determine your grades.
- Determine errors and assess performance.
IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme
Candidates can more correctly assess their predicted results using the answer key if they are aware of the marking scheme. It is anticipated that the marking scheme as per the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern would not change from prior years.
| Question Type | Marking Scheme |
| Section A (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQ) | 30 questions (10 of 1-mark, 20 of 2-marks). Only one option is correct. |
| 1-mark question: +1 for correct, -1/3 for incorrect. | |
| 2-mark question: +2 for correct, -2/3 for incorrect. | |
| Section B (Multiple Select Questions - MSQ) | 10 questions (2-marks each). One or more options may be correct. |
| 2-mark question: +2 for correct (must select all correct options) | |
| 0 for incorrect or partially correct. | |
| Section C (Numerical Answer Type - NAT) | 20 questions (10 of 1-mark, 10 of 2-marks). |
| 1-mark question: +1 for correct, 0 for incorrect. | |
| 2-mark question: +2 for correct, 0 for incorrect. | |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 marks. |
How to Calculate IIT JAM 2026 Score Using the Answer Key?
To calculate your grade:
- Compare your answers to the official answer key.
- For every right MCQ, MSQ, or NAT, add a mark.
- Deduct scores for incorrect multiple-choice questions (only).
- Ignore unattempted questions.
How to Challenge the IIT JAM Provisional Answer Key 2026?
If candidates find errors in the provisional key, they may raise objections.
Steps to file an objection:
- Log in to the IIT JAM 2026 candidate portal.
- Select “Challenge Answer Key”.
- Choose the question you want to challenge.
- Upload supporting documents (proof/reference).
- Pay the objection fee (usually INR 500 per question).
- Submit the challenge.
Please Note: If the challenge is correct, the fee is refunded. And a final answer key is released after considering all objections.
What Happens After IIT JAM 2026 Answer Key Release?
Following the release of the IIT JAM answer key, you should prepare for the following steps:
- Final Answer Key: Published after the assessment of objections.
- Results Announcement: Expected to be announced on March 20, 2026.
- Scorecard Download: As soon as the results are available, it will be accessible.
- Submission of the Admission Form: Applicants must complete the Centralized Counselling (CCMN) form in order to be considered for admission to IIT and NIT.
Tips for Candidates After Checking the Answer Key
A few tips for you that you may follow, after you check your IIT JAM answer key 2026, are mentioned below.
- Compare your expected score with the previous year's cutoffs.
- Start shortlisting IITs, NITs, and IISc programmes.
- Prepare necessary documents for counselling.
- Keep checking the official website for updates onthe final answer key and results.
Conclusion
The IIT JAM 2026 answer key will play an important role in helping you evaluate your performance after the exam, which was conducted successfully on Feb 15, 2026. By comparing your responses with the provisional key and using the official marking scheme, you can estimate your probable score and assess your chances of qualifying.
After the objection process and release of the final answer key, IIT Bombay is expected to declare the IIT JAM 2026 results on Mar 20, 2026. Keeping track of these updates will help you plan your next steps for admissions and counselling with clarity and confidence.
-
IIT JAM 2026 exam held on Feb 15, 2026. -
Results expected on March 20, 2026. -
Challenge fee: Rs. 500 per question. -
Negative marking applies only to MCQs.
