IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: In accordance with the JAM 2026 information, IIT Bombay will administer the IIT JAM 2026 test in two shifts, morning and afternoon, on February 15, 2026. Applications for admission to master's degree programmes will be evaluated on candidates' domain knowledge in the subject matter during the online JAM 2026 exam. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi will release the IIT JAM exam pattern 2026. According to the previous IIT JAM exam pattern, the question paper consists of 60 questions which carry 100 marks. The JAM 2026 question paper will have three sections as per the IIT JAM exam pattern 2026 viz Section A, Section B and Section C. Section A consists of 30 MCQs ((Multiple choice questions), Section B 10 MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) and Section C 20 NAT (Numerical Answer Type) Questions.
The JAM 2026 exam will be conducted to enroll candidates for seven papers- Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Economics, and Geology. Each paper will be divided into three sections- Section A, Section B, and Section C. The IIT JAM 2026 exam will be conducted for 3 hours (180 minutes) and will comprise a total of 60 questions for 100 marks. The JAM 2026 exam will be conducted to enroll candidates in MSc and integrated PhD programmes in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Biotechnology, and Mathematical Statistics courses in IITs, and other universities that accept IIT JAM scores like NITs, DIAT, IIEST, IISER Pune, IISER Bhopal, IIPE, JNCASR, SLIET through CCMN (Centralised Counselling for M.Sc/M.Sc (Tech) Admission. The candidates who want to pursue an MSc degree from IITs must fill out the
IIT JAM application form 2026
on the official website- jam2026.iitd.ac.in.
Also Read:
IIT JAM 2026 Marks vs Rank Analysis
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
The table below gives a thorough understanding of the IIT JAM exam pattern 2026 and question paper structure.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Mode | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | Three hours |
Test Language | English |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
Subjects | Biotechnology (BL), Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG), Economics (EN), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS) and Physics (PH) |
Total Questions | 60 |
Total Marks | 100 marks |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 - Basic Guidelines
Here are few general guidelines for IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern listed below:
Candidates may use an online calculator during the IIT JAM 2026 entrance exam
Only English will be used to administer the test
Candidates can take the IIT JAM 2026 mock exam to gain a better understanding of the IIT JAM exam pattern in 2026
When taking the IIT JAM 2026 exam, candidates are required to bring their admit cards and other required documentation to the testing location
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Marking Scheme Division
Here is the section-by-section breakdown of the IIT JAM exam marking scheme 2026:
Sections/Types | Section A | Section B | Section C |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of Questions | 30 | 10 | 20 |
Duration | Three hours | ||
Marks | 10 questions - 1 mark 20 questions - 2 marks | 2 marks for each question | 10 questions - 1 marks 10 questions - 2 marks |
Negative Marking | For each question worth one mark, one-third of a mark will be deducted For each question worth two points, two-thirds of a mark will be deducted | No negative marking | No negative marking |
Types of Question | Multiple Choice | Multiple Choice | No options will be displayed |
Mode of Exam | Online | Online | Online |
Total number of Question | 60 | ||
Total Marks | 100 | ||
There are two sessions for the IIT JAM exam.The first session begins at 9:30 a.m., and the second at 2:30 p.m. Applicants should be aware of which papers fall under these two sessions. The IIT JAM papers are listed below, along with information about the session and timing.
Also Read: What is Good Score & Rank in IIT JAM 2026?
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise Sessions and Timings
The table below lists the subject sessions and timings for the IIT JAM exam pattern 2026:
Papers | Session | Timings |
|---|---|---|
Biotechnology | Session II | 2:30 PM to 5.30 PM |
Chemistry | Session I | 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM |
Geology | Session I | 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM |
Mathematical Statistics | Session II | 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM |
Mathematics | Session I | 9.30 AM to 12.30 AM |
Physics | Session II | 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM |
Economics | Session II | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
Also Read: IIT JAM 2026 Mock Test
IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus
Candidates are given information about each of the test subjects by the IIT JAM syllabus 2026. In order to raise their exam scores, they can prioritise those topics. The syllabus for each of the IIT JAM 2026 papers varies. The candidate must become familiar with the exam's syllabus and adjust their study schedule accordingly. They can cover every topic in every paper and ensure that none is overlooked in this way. The
IIT JAM syllabus 2026
will serve as a crucial training resource for applicants.
Biotechnology, Economics, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics will be covered in the syllabus. The syllabus for IIT JAM 2026 is based on the 10+2+3 level.
IIT JAM Subjects | IIT JAM Syllabus Topics |
|---|---|
IIT JAM Biotechnology Syllabus | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics |
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus | Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry |
IIT JAM Geology Syllabus | The Earth, Stratigraphy, Mineralogy, Petrology, Economic Geology, Applied Geology, Structural Geology, and Palaeontology |
IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus | Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Group Theory, Functions of Two Real Variables, Sequences and Series of Real Numbers, Differential Equations |
IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Syllabus | Mathematics and Statistics |
IIT JAM Physics Syllabus | Mathematical Techniques, Kinetic Theory, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics, Simple Oscillators, Oscillations, Waves and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism |
IIT JAM Economics Syllabus | Theory of the consumer, Costs of production in perfectly competitive markets Overall equilibrium and well-being Structure of the market, Theoretical game theory, Market failure and public goods, Accounting for National Income, Cognitive and technological functions, Economic Models and Business Cycles |
IIT JAM Mock Test 2026
IIT JAM 2026 official conducting authority's website will have links for the JAM 2026 mock test. Candidates must click on the links to take the IIT JAM practise test so they can familiarise themselves with the JAM 2026 exam format and the questions that will appear on the actual JAM question papers for 2026. Candidates do not require login information in order to take the IIT JAM mock test 2026 . The mock test can be taken using login credentials that were automatically generated. Candidates have the option to restart or end the test at any time.
IIT JAM Sample Papers 2026
Using
IIT JAM 2026 sample papers
will help candidates prepare much more efficiently and better understand the exam. They can practise solving these papers to improve their time management skills. To prepare for the test, candidates should practise previous year's question papers as well as tests. They will improve their calculation skills, learn how to manage their time, and gain valuable experience. Aspiring candidates should undoubtedly study the JAM 2026 sample papers.
Also Read:
IIT JAM Merit List
The students opting for IIT JAM for the academic session of 2026-26 can refer to this article and keep a check on this page for further updates and date releases. If you have any questions, visit our QnA section and feel free to write your queries to us.
FAQs
An ideal preparation strategy combines both subject-wise and pattern-wise approaches. Initially, candidates should complete the syllabus subject-wise to build a strong foundation. Later, they should practice pattern-based questions to understand how concepts are tested in MCQs, MSQs, and NAT formats. This balanced approach leads to better exam readiness.
NAT questions demand strong problem-solving skills and numerical accuracy. Candidates should practice calculations without relying on options and focus on precision, as answers are entered directly. Since there is no negative marking, these questions offer a good scoring opportunity. Practicing numericals regularly and improving calculation speed can significantly boost performance.
MSQ questions require deeper conceptual understanding as more than one option may be correct. Candidates should thoroughly revise theory and practice questions that involve multiple correct answers. Since there is no negative marking, students should attempt these questions carefully by analyzing each option rather than guessing. Concept-based practice is the key to mastering MSQs.
For MCQs, candidates should focus on conceptual clarity and elimination techniques. Since MCQs carry negative marking, blind guessing should be avoided. Practicing previous years’ questions helps identify commonly tested concepts and improves speed and accuracy. Regular mock tests are useful in learning how to manage risk while attempting MCQs.
The IIT JAM exam consists of three types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. MCQs have negative marking, MSQs do not carry negative marking but require careful selection of all correct options, while NAT questions test numerical accuracy and do not have negative marking. Preparing according to each question type improves scoring efficiency.
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