Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (IIT JAM)

What this exam is

IIT JAM — the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. — is a national-level entrance examination that serves as the primary route to postgraduate science and mathematics programmes at India’s Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and a number of other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). It is conducted once a year, in February, by one of the IITs on a rotational basis: IIT Delhi organised the 2025 examination; IIT Bombay is the organising institute for 2026.

The exam was introduced in 2004 with the specific aim of standardising admissions to IIT M.Sc. programmes, which had previously been managed through individual institute-level tests. Over the years its scope has expanded considerably. It now covers seven subjects, admits candidates to approximately 3,000 seats across 22 IITs, and simultaneously serves as a score-sharing instrument for over 2,000 additional seats at IISc, NITs, IISERs, and various CFTIs through the Centralised Counselling for M.Sc. Admission (CCMN) process.

JAM is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Each paper has 60 questions carrying 100 marks and a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes). Questions appear in three formats — Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) — across three compulsory sections. The medium of the exam is English only for all papers.

Candidates may appear for one or two papers in a single cycle. The seven test papers are: Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Physics (PH), Chemistry (CY), Biotechnology (BT), Geology (GG), and Economics (EN).

For students on this site: MSc Mathematics aspirants typically appear for the MA paper. MSc Statistics aspirants appear for the MS paper. MSc Data Science aspirants may appear for MA, MS, or both, depending on the target programme’s requirements. Check the specific Minimum Educational Qualifications (MEQs) published by each admitting institute in the official JAM information brochure before applying.

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Who should take this exam

IIT JAM is for students completing (or who have completed) a Bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field who want to pursue postgraduate study at India’s top science and technology institutions.

Students who benefit most from IIT JAM:

• BSc Mathematics, BSc Statistics, BSc Physics, BSc Chemistry, BSc Economics, BSc Biotechnology, or BSc Geology students seeking a funded MSc at an IIT or IISc.
• Students who want the prestige of an IIT degree at the postgraduate level without competing for IIT-JEE as an undergraduate.
• Final-year undergraduate students: you do not need to have completed your degree to apply; appearing students are eligible.
• Students interested in research: JAM also opens doors to Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programmes at IITs and IISc, which are gateways to full-time research careers.
• Economics graduates: since the addition of the Economics (EN) paper, students from BA Economics or BSc Economics backgrounds can now access M.Sc. Economics at IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, and other IITs.

Choosing your paper: The choice of paper determines which programmes you can apply to. Most programmes have clear subject prerequisites — M.Sc. Mathematics requires MA, M.Sc. Statistics programmes at IITs typically require MS, and programmes in data science and computational mathematics may accept either MA or MS depending on the institute. Candidates can appear for two papers in a single cycle (at an additional fee), which allows flexibility in applying to a wider range of programmes.

Students considering international graduate programmes in mathematics or the sciences may also look at GRE. Those specifically targeting ISI (Indian Statistical Institute) should note that ISI has its own separate entrance — the ISI Admission Test — which is distinct from JAM. Similarly, students targeting the Delhi School of Economics’ MA Economics programme need the DSE Entrance rather than JAM.

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Exam pattern and structure

IIT JAM is conducted as a Computer-Based Test. The same broad pattern applies to all seven papers. The exam has three compulsory sections (A, B, and C), each with different question types and marking rules.

Section-wise breakdown

Section	Question Type	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Negative Marking
A	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)	30	10 × 1 mark; 20 × 2 marks	Yes: −1/3 per wrong 1-mark Q; −2/3 per wrong 2-mark Q
B	Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)	10	2 marks each	No
C	Numerical Answer Type (NAT)	20	10 × 1 mark; 10 × 2 marks	No
Total		60	100 marks

Section A — MCQs: Each question has exactly four choices; only one is correct. Standard negative marking applies here: one-third of the question’s marks are deducted for a wrong answer. Since negative marking only applies here, Section A requires the most caution.

Section B — MSQs: Each MSQ has four choices but may have one or more correct answers. The candidate must select all correct choices and no incorrect choices to earn full marks. There is no partial credit and no negative marking. These questions are typically the hardest, requiring high conceptual confidence.

Section C — NAT: The answer is a signed real number entered via an on-screen virtual keypad. No choices are shown; no keyboard is available. No negative marking. These questions test precise analytical computation.

Overall exam characteristics:

• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours). No sectional time limit.
• Language: English only.
• Virtual calculator: Provided on-screen. No personal calculators allowed.
• No physical OMR; all responses recorded digitally.
• Rough work: A physical scribble pad is provided. It must be returned at the end of the exam (you can request a second pad after returning the first).

Total marks distribution by type:

• Section A: 50 marks (10×1 + 20×2)
• Section B: 20 marks (10×2)
• Section C: 30 marks (10×1 + 10×2)

This distribution matters for strategy: Section C (NAT) contributes 30% of total marks with zero negative risk. Candidates who are numerically confident should maximise attempts in Section C.

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Syllabus overview

Each JAM paper tests undergraduate-level mastery of its subject. The syllabus is broadly equivalent to a standard three-year BSc curriculum. IIT Delhi (2025) and IIT Bombay (2026) publish the full syllabus on the official JAM website each cycle. Key details for the papers most relevant to this site’s readers are below.

Mathematics (MA)

The MA paper is taken by students aiming at MSc Mathematics and related programmes (MSc Mathematics and Computing, MSc Applied Mathematics, MSc Operations Research). The syllabus covers:

• Sequences and Series: Convergence and divergence, Cauchy sequences, series with non-negative terms, absolute convergence, Leibnitz’s test, power series and radius of convergence.
• Functions of One Variable: Limits, continuity, differentiability, Rolle’s theorem, Lagrange’s mean value theorem, L’Hôpital’s rule, Taylor series, maxima and minima, points of inflection.
• Functions of Two Variables: Partial derivatives, total derivatives, chain rule, Euler’s theorem, Jacobians, maxima/minima of functions of two variables, Lagrange multipliers for constrained optimisation.
• Integral Calculus: Fundamental theorems, Leibnitz rule, differentiation under integral sign, improper integrals, Beta and Gamma functions, double integrals, change of order of integration, change of variables.
• Vector Calculus: Gradient, divergence, curl, line integrals, surface integrals, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem, Gauss’s divergence theorem.
• Differential Equations: First-order ODEs (separable, exact, linear), second-order linear ODEs with constant coefficients, variation of parameters, power series solutions, Laplace transforms.
• Linear Algebra: Vector spaces, linear independence, basis and dimension, rank and nullity, linear transformations, matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation, Cayley-Hamilton theorem.
• Abstract Algebra: Groups, subgroups, cyclic groups, Lagrange’s theorem, normal subgroups, quotient groups, group homomorphisms; rings, fields, integral domains.
• Real Analysis: Open and closed sets, completeness, compactness, connected sets in metric spaces, sequences and series of functions, uniform convergence, Riemann integration.

The MA paper is widely considered one of the more competitive JAM papers by raw score, partly because the Mathematics qualifying cutoff (19.90 for General in 2025) reflects the exam’s difficulty relative to the candidate pool.

Mathematical Statistics (MS)

The MS paper is taken by students aiming at MSc Statistics and associated programmes. It is unique among JAM papers in being explicitly split: approximately 40% of the syllabus is Mathematics, and 60% is Statistics.

Mathematics component (Sections 1–3):

• Sequences and series of real numbers (convergence tests, power series)
• Differential calculus of one and two variables, including partial derivatives, maxima/minima with and without constraints
• Integral calculus (single and double), Beta/Gamma functions, improper integrals
• Linear algebra: vector spaces, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, quadratic forms

Statistics component (Sections 4–12):

• Descriptive Statistics and Probability: Measures of central tendency and dispersion, moments, skewness, kurtosis; bivariate data, correlation (Pearson, Spearman), regression; probability axioms, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, independence.
• Univariate Distributions: CDF, PMF, PDF; standard distributions (Bernoulli, Binomial, Poisson, Geometric, Negative Binomial, Hypergeometric, Uniform, Exponential, Gamma, Beta, Normal, Cauchy); MGF and its properties; Markov and Chebyshev inequalities.
• Multivariate Distributions: Joint distributions, marginal and conditional distributions, independence, multinomial distribution, bivariate normal distribution and its properties.
• Limit Theorems: Convergence in probability, almost sure convergence, convergence in distribution; Weak and Strong Laws of Large Numbers; Central Limit Theorem (i.i.d., finite variance case).
• Sampling Distributions: Chi-square, t, and F distributions (definition, derivation, properties, interrelations); order statistics.
• Estimation: Unbiasedness, sufficiency, completeness; Rao-Blackwell and Lehmann-Scheffé theorems; UMVUE; Cramér-Rao inequality; maximum likelihood estimation and its invariance; method of moments; confidence intervals for normal and exponential parameters.
• Hypothesis Testing: Type I and II errors; critical region; size, power, and p-value; Neyman-Pearson Lemma; UMP tests; likelihood ratio tests for normal distribution parameters.
• Nonparametric Methods: Runs test, empirical distribution function, Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-sample test, sign tests, Mann-Whitney test.
• Stochastic Processes: Discrete-time Markov chains (transition matrix, Chapman-Kolmogorov equation, classification of states, stationary and limiting distributions); Poisson process (properties, interarrival times, waiting times).

The MS paper has historically had among the lowest qualifying cutoffs (8.75 for General in 2025), which reflects the smaller applicant pool rather than reduced difficulty — the statistics-heavy syllabus is demanding for students without strong probability foundations.

Physics (PH), Chemistry (CY), Biotechnology (BT), Geology (GG), Economics (EN)

The remaining five papers each cover their respective undergraduate science curricula. The Physics paper tests mathematical methods, mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Chemistry covers physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry at BSc level. Biotechnology is interdisciplinary, drawing from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Geology covers Earth science including structural geology, mineralogy, stratigraphy, and applied geology. Economics (added in 2019, replacing Biological Sciences) covers micro- and macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics, and the mathematics relevant to economic analysis.

Full subject-wise syllabuses are published on the official JAM website each cycle and should be downloaded directly from the organising IIT’s website.

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Eligibility and registration

Academic eligibility

To sit JAM, candidates must hold (or be in the final year of) a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution. The minimum marks required are:

• General / OBC (NCL) / EWS: 55% aggregate marks (or 5.5 out of 10 CGPA) in the qualifying degree.
• SC / ST / PwD: 50% aggregate marks (or 5.0 out of 10 CGPA).

There is no age limit for JAM. Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals are eligible to appear.

Each programme at each admitting institute has additional Minimum Educational Qualifications (MEQs) — these specify which subjects a candidate must have studied in their Bachelor’s degree. For example, M.Sc. Mathematics at some IITs requires the candidate to have studied Mathematics as a major/core subject for at least two or three years. These MEQs are listed in Annexure II of the official JAM information brochure. Qualifying JAM is a necessary but not sufficient condition for admission to a specific programme — candidates must also satisfy the MEQ for that programme.

Final-year students: Candidates currently in the final year of their qualifying degree are eligible to appear for JAM. If selected for admission, they must provide proof of completing the degree and meeting the minimum marks requirement before a deadline specified by the admitting institute (typically September 30 of the admission year).

Registration and application process

Registration is conducted through JOAPS — the JAM Online Application Processing System — hosted on the official JAM website for that cycle.

Step-by-step:

1. Register on JOAPS with a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Fill in personal, academic, and communication details.
3. Select test paper(s) (one or two) and three preferred exam cities within the same zone.
4. Upload a recent photograph and signature.
5. Upload a valid category certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS, SC, ST, or PwD), if applicable. Note: OBC-NCL certificates must be of the current year.
6. Pay the application fee and submit.

Application fee (JAM 2026, IIT Bombay cycle):

• Female / SC / ST / PwD — One paper: ₹900; Two papers: ₹1,250 (JAM 2025 fees were similar at ₹900/₹1,250)
• All others — One paper: ₹1,800; Two papers: ₹2,500

A fee of ₹300 applies if any correction (exam city, test paper, category, or gender) is made during the correction window.

Admission application fee (JOAPS counselling): Separate from the exam fee. After results, qualified candidates pay ₹750 to apply for admission through JOAPS. Candidates who accept a seat then pay a seat booking fee of ₹15,000 (General/OBC-NCL/EWS) or ₹7,500 (SC/ST/PwD), which is adjusted against institute fees at admission.

Typical annual timeline:

• Registration opens: Early September
• Registration closes: Mid-October
• Admit card release: Early January
• Exam date: February (first or second Sunday)
• Results: Mid-to-late March
• JOAPS admission portal opens: Early April

For 2026 specifically: IIT Bombay is the organising institute. Registration ran September 5 to October 12, 2025. Exam date: February 15, 2026 (two shifts: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM for CY/GG/MA; 2:30–5:30 PM for BT/EN/MS/PH). Result expected: March 20, 2026.

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Cutoffs and score interpretation

JAM operates with two distinct types of cutoffs:

1. Qualifying cutoff (to appear in JOAPS)

This is the minimum score a candidate must achieve to be considered qualified. It is released by the organising IIT after results. Qualifying the exam does not guarantee admission — it only makes the candidate eligible to apply through JOAPS.

JAM 2025 qualifying cutoffs (General category):

Paper	General	OBC-NCL/EWS	SC/ST/PwD
Mathematics (MA)	19.90	17.91	9.95
Mathematical Statistics (MS)	8.75	7.87	4.37
Physics (PH)	14.66	13.19	7.33
Chemistry (CY)	25.83	23.24	12.91
Biotechnology (BT)	24.46	22.01	12.23
Geology (GG)	21.06	18.95	10.53
Economics (EN)	42.55	38.29	21.27

OBC-NCL/EWS cutoffs are 90% of the General cutoff; SC/ST/PwD cutoffs are 50%.

2. Admission cutoffs (opening and closing ranks at each IIT)

Qualifying JAM with 20 marks in MA does not get you into IIT Bombay’s M.Sc. Mathematics. Admission is determined by rank, and top IITs have far higher effective cutoffs. The general picture for the MA and MS papers:

Mathematics (MA) — rank vs. admission chances:

• Score 75+: Top 100–200 ranks; very high probability at top IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur).
• Score 60–75: Ranks 100–500; strong chances at IITs; some variability by year.
• Score 50–60: Ranks 500–1,000; borderline IIT chances; good NIT chances (NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal).
• Score 45–55: Ranks 800–1,500; NITs, IISERs possible; limited IIT options.
• Score below 45: Rank 1,500+; mainly NITs and CFTIs.

In the MA paper, only about 10–12% of candidates score above 55 marks in a given year; top scores typically range from 85 to 95.

For the MS paper, note that the absolute qualifying cutoff is low (8.75 for General in 2025), but admission to top IIT M.Sc. Statistics or Mathematical Statistics programmes requires considerably higher scores. The MS candidate pool is smaller than the MA pool.

Score validity

A JAM scorecard is valid for the admission cycle of the year in which the exam is taken. Scores are not carried forward to future admission cycles — candidates must re-appear if they want admission in a subsequent year.

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Colleges and programmes that accept this exam

IITs (direct admission through JOAPS)

All 22 IITs participate in JAM admissions. Around 3,000 seats across approximately 89 postgraduate programmes are available through JOAPS for the 2026–27 academic year. No additional written test or interview is required for these seats — admission is purely rank/score-based, subject to MEQ satisfaction.

Major IITs and representative M.Sc. programmes available via JAM:

• IIT Bombay: M.Sc. Mathematics (38 seats), M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Biotechnology.
• IIT Delhi: M.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Economics.
• IIT Madras: M.Sc. Mathematics (49 seats), M.Sc. Physics (54 seats), M.Sc. Chemistry (67 seats).
• IIT Kanpur: M.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Statistics.
• IIT Roorkee: M.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Applied Geology, M.Sc. Biosciences.
• IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Indore, IIT Bhilai: Multiple M.Sc. programmes across maths, physics, chemistry, and biotechnology.
• IIT Jodhpur: M.Sc.-M.Tech. Dual Degree Mathematics-Data and Computational Sciences; M.Sc.-M.Tech. Dual Degree Physics and Materials Engineering.

For MSc Mathematics students, virtually all IITs are accessible via the MA paper. For MSc Statistics students, the MS paper opens IIT Kanpur (one of the strongest statistics departments in the country), IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and several others. For MSc Data Science aspirants, IIT Jodhpur’s dual-degree Mathematics-Data and Computational Sciences programme, IIT Hyderabad’s Mathematics/Computing programme, and IIT Indore’s Astronomy/Mathematics combinations may be relevant, though some have additional subject-specific MEQs.

IISc Bangalore (result-sharing)

IISc uses JAM scores for admission to four Integrated Ph.D. programmes and two M.Sc. programmes. IISc’s research environment and faculty-to-student ratio make these among the most sought-after JAM-accessible programmes; effective score requirements are extremely high.

NITs and CFTIs (via CCMN)

Over 2,000 seats at NITs and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions are filled using JAM scores through CCMN. The list of participating NITs includes NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Calicut, NIT Rourkela, NIT Karnataka (Surathkal), Malaviya NIT Jaipur, VNIT Nagpur, IIEST Shibpur, DIAT Pune, and around 25 others.

IISERs and other institutes

IISER Pune, IISER Bhopal, IISER Tirupati, JNCASR, and IIPE also use JAM scores for admissions. Candidates must apply directly to these institutes; the processes are independent of JOAPS.

Shiv Nadar University and some other private universities also use or accept JAM scores for certain M.Sc. admissions — candidates should check admissions pages directly each cycle, as policies vary.

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How to prepare

Understand the paper structure

Before beginning preparation, download the full syllabus PDF from the official JAM website for your chosen paper. The syllabus is exactly what will be tested. The three-section structure (MCQ/MSQ/NAT) should drive your practice methodology: Section A requires precision because of negative marking; Section B (MSQ) is unforgiving but high-value; Section C (NAT) is the safest high-return section for candidates who are computationally strong.

Mathematics (MA) preparation

The MA syllabus is broadly the BSc Mathematics curriculum across three years. Candidates from BSc Mathematics programmes who have studied real analysis, linear algebra, abstract algebra, and differential equations have natural alignment with the syllabus.

Key areas to prioritise:

• Calculus (single and multivariable): Typically 25–30% of the paper. Practise differentiation, integration, and optimisation problems until they are reflexive.
• Linear Algebra: Matrices, eigenvalues, vector spaces — highly reliable marks if well-prepared.
• Real Analysis: Often the differentiator at high scores. Open/closed sets, metric spaces, and uniform convergence require conceptual depth, not just formula recall.
• Abstract Algebra: Group theory questions appear regularly. Cyclic groups, Lagrange’s theorem, and homomorphisms are standard topics.
• ODE: Standard equation types and methods (separable, exact, linear, variation of parameters) are consistently tested.

Previous years’ papers (available through the official JAM website and NTA archives) are the single best preparation resource. The question type and difficulty level are highly consistent year to year.

Mathematical Statistics (MS) preparation

The MS paper’s 40:60 Mathematics-Statistics split means candidates must be strong in both areas. Students from BSc Statistics programmes who studied courses in probability theory, inference, and sampling distributions have natural alignment.

Critical areas:

• Probability distributions: Know all standard distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal, Gamma, Beta, Chi-square, t, F), their moments, MGFs, and interrelations. This spans both Sections 4–6 of the syllabus.
• Estimation: UMVUE, Rao-Blackwell theorem, MLE, confidence intervals — this is heavily represented in NAT questions.
• Hypothesis testing: Neyman-Pearson Lemma applications and likelihood ratio tests are standard.
• Mathematics component: Linear algebra (eigenvalues, quadratic forms) and multivariable calculus (partial derivatives, double integrals) are reliably tested.

For the MS paper, the mathematics component is often where candidates lose marks — many statistics students underinvest in the Section 1–3 material. Allocating 40% of study time to the mathematics portion (matching its exam weight) is advisable.

General preparation advice for all papers

• Previous papers are primary: IIT JAM papers from the past 8–10 years are publicly available and should form the backbone of preparation, especially for NAT question practice.
• Mock tests at IIT JAM website: Official free mock tests are released before each exam cycle and replicate the CBT interface, including the virtual calculator and keypad.
• Prioritise NAT practice: Most candidates underperform in Section C because they are unfamiliar with entering decimal or signed answers without visible choices. Deliberate NAT practice builds the habit.
• Section B caution: Attempting an MSQ incorrectly yields zero, not negative marks — but a partially correct selection (some right choices + one wrong choice) also yields zero. Only attempt MSQs where you are confident of all correct answers.
• Avoid selective syllabus coverage: Because the JAM paper rotates slightly each year in terms of emphasis, and because NAT questions can probe any topic numerically, extensive coverage of the syllabus reduces risk more than deep mastery of a narrow subset.

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Key dates and timeline

The following reflects the JAM 2026 cycle (IIT Bombay) and the general annual pattern:

Event	JAM 2026 Date
Official website launch	July 2025
Registration opens	September 5, 2025
Registration closes	October 12, 2025
Category/paper/city corrections	November 2025
Admit card release	January 5, 2026
Exam date	February 15, 2026
Results declared	March 20, 2026
Scorecard available	~March 25, 2026
JOAPS admission portal opens	Early April 2026

Exam day schedule (JAM 2026):

• Forenoon session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA)
• Afternoon session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Biotechnology (BT), Economics (EN), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Physics (PH)

Candidates appearing for two papers must check that their two chosen papers are in different sessions, as appearing in two papers in the same session is not possible.

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Related exams

Students researching IIT JAM often also evaluate these alternatives:

• GRE — Relevant for students considering graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) programmes at universities in the United States, United Kingdom, or elsewhere. The GRE General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing; subject GREs exist for Mathematics and Physics.
• ISI Admission Test — The Indian Statistical Institute’s own entrance for M.Stat, M.Math, and related programmes at ISI Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore. A distinct exam from JAM with a different and, in mathematics, arguably more demanding problem-solving style.
• DSE Entrance — Delhi School of Economics’ entrance exam for the MA Economics programme, one of the most competitive economics postgraduate programmes in India. DSE does not use JAM scores.

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Sources Used

1. IIT JAM 2026 Official Website (IIT Bombay) — https://jam2026.iitb.ac.in/
2. IIT JAM 2025 Syllabus Page (IIT Delhi) — https://jam2025.iitd.ac.in/syllabus.php
3. IIT JAM 2026 Mathematical Statistics Syllabus PDF (IIT Bombay) — https://jam2026.iitb.ac.in/files/syllabus_MS.pdf
4. IIT JAM 2025 Application Fees Page (IIT Delhi) — https://jam2025.iitd.ac.in/fee.php