What to Do After IIT JAM? Check Guide for Complete Steps

IIT JAM is a national level admission test conducted by the IITs every year providing you with admission into various programs, such as Master of Science programs (M.Sc), joint PhD dual degree programs, and other postgraduate programs. The IIT JAM exam 2026 has been scheduled for Feb 15, 2026 by IIT Bombay across various test centers in India.

If you are appearing for the exam must note that there are various career options for you after the IIT JAM 2026 exam. If you will clear the exam with graceful marks you can get admission into the top listed IIT colleges. The name IIT attracts best best companies for hiring and is mainly famous for its six-figure salary.

Steps to Follow After IIT JAM Exam?

After the completion of the exam, generally many have a question “What to do After IIT JAM exam?. Thus, the step-by-step guide for those appearing for the IIT JAM examination is provided below for reference.

Relax and Rejuvinate

After appearing for the exam the first thing you should do is relax and clam your mind. Preparing for any exam, especially IIT exam is very tiring for you. Relaxing after the exam will be very helpful for you and your mind.

Analyse Your Performance

After giving a break you must ensure to analyse your performance level. Analysing the examination will help you in gaining the expected range of scores you can achieve based on which you can start planning for further admission steps.

Start Searching for Colleges

You must prepare a proper list of colleges accepting the IIT JAM 2026 scores based on your preferences and requirements. You must check all the factors of the participating colleges and accordingly plan your preference list regarding the colleges.

Check for Results and Answer Keys

After the exam the conducting authority, IIT Bombay will release the answer keys within 1 month on the official website. Further, the IIT JAM result 2026 will also be released by Mar 20, 2026. You must ensure to keep checking the official website to access your IIT JAM 2026 scorecard and learn your marks on time.

Apply for the Counselling Porcess.

Based on the result achieved you will be called for the IIT JAM counselling 2026 process. You must accordingly start registering for the counselling process. The IIT JAM counselling is conducted individually by all the participating colleges as per your prepared schedule.

Complete the Admission Process

If you get qualified in the exam and the counselling process then you must complete the admission process by accepting the seat allotted to you and paying the required admission fees. You must check the seat allotment list and accordingly complete your admission.

Start Preparing for Other Exams

Even after preparing hard for the exam and giving 100% sometimes you fail to achieve good score and qualify the exam. In such situation you can go for preparation of other exams, such as GATE, CSIR NET, DUET, other postgraduate entrance examination in private universities, etc.

Must Read: Options for Students Who are not Able to Qualify IIT JAM Exam

Career Options After IIT JAM

There are various career options for those who appeared and qualified the IIT JAM examination. The options provide students with best salary, facilities, and many other things. The detailed list of career options after IIT JAM exam 2026 has been provided in the section below.

Research and Development (R&D) in Both Public and Private Sector

In the Research and development career the most expected course is IIT JAM. As a Research and Development officer your role will be to conduct researches and experiments, extract the datas achieved, and utilise them for the creation of new technologies or products.

In this sector, you can get job in Public or Private sector based on your scores. Further, you must check the salary range given below.

• Fresher Salary: INR 5 LPA-INR 7 LPA
• Mid-Career (2 to 5 years of experience): INR 6.5 LPA -INR 12 LPA
• Experienced (6 to 10 years of experience): INR 15 LPA- INR 22 LPA

Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries

The Pharmaceutical and Biotech sector offer you with wide range of career opportunities, such as clinical research or trials, discovery and development of drugs, etc. These sector provide biotechnologists with a platform to save human health.

However, working in Pharmaceutical and Biotech sector requires some other understanding and factors as well from you, such as understanding of scientific concepts, communication and listening skills, cooperation skills, etc. Further, the average salary range is INR 2 LPA -INR 9 LPA.

Government Jobs

After the IIT JAM you caan also choose for preparation of various government jobs, such as Civil Services (IPS, IAS, IRS, etc), DRDO, Indian Railways, SSC, and many more. Usually government jobs provide you with stability in job and chances to engage with the society and resolve problems.

Working as a social worker will also develop your interest in other activities, such as Environmental, Agricultural, etc. Further, the average salary range is INR 7 LPA- INR 12 LPA.

Opting for Higer Studies

After the IIT JAM you can also choose for further studies to become a professor or teacher and guide you with the correct way of preparation and career options. Completing PhD in this sector will open doors to you at higer level such as researcher, professor, etc. The average salary after completing the PhD program will range between INR 20 LPA-INR 30 LPA.

Also Read: What is a Good Score in IIT JAM Exam?

The career options after the IIT JAM exam is vast, however, the selection of career completely depends on your interests, goal, and preferences. Whether you pursue for job or higher studies after this you will get diverse options with great salaries.