IIT JAM Counselling 2026 Registration Opens March 27: Dates, Process, and Key Details

The IIT JAM Counselling 2026 registration is set to begin on 27 March 2026. Candidates who qualified in the Joint Admission Test for Master's (JAM) can apply through the official JOAPS portal. The counselling process is conducted for admission to MSc, Joint MSc-PhD, and other postgraduate programmes offered by IITs and participating institutes. As per the official update, the IIT JAM counselling registration 2026 window will remain open from 27 March 2026 to 15 April 2026, and the entire counselling process will continue till June–July 2026 across multiple admission rounds. Key dates include the choice freezing deadline on 6 May 2026 and the release of the first admission list on 25 May 2026. The IIT JAM 2026 counselling process will be conducted online through the JOAPS portal. Only qualified candidates are eligible to apply. The application process involves visiting the portal, logging in using enrolment ID and password, filling in the admission form and course preferences, uploading required documents, and paying the counselling fee. The non-refundable application fee is INR 750. Eligibility criteria require candidates to have qualified for JAM 2026 and meet programme-specific academic requirements. Admission will be granted based on merit, preferences, and seat availability. After registration, the admission process includes choice filling and locking, release of multiple admission lists, seat allotment and fee payment, and document verification. The counselling is crucial for candidates aiming for admission to over 80 postgraduate programmes across IITs and other institutes. Key highlights include registration opening on 27 March 2026, closing on 15 April 2026, mode being online via the JOAPS portal, a fee of INR 750, and the first admission list scheduled for 25 May 2026. Candidates are advised to complete their registration within the deadline and regularly follow updates for a smooth admission process.