IIT Bombay will conduct the Joint Admission Test for Master's (JAM) 2026 for Chemistry based on the syllabus of the B.Sc. level taught to you.
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IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 has been released on the official website.
- The IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Syllabus will include three sections, namely: Basic Mathematical Concepts, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry & Inorganic Chemistry.
- Most weightage is given to Organic and Physical Chemistry topics.
You need to thoroughly understand the syllabus and the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern to excel in the examination.
Key Summary
In this article, we have discussed the IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 in detail:IIT Bombay will conduct the Joint Admission Test for Master's (JAM) 2026 for Chemistry based on the syllabus of the B.Sc. level taught to you.
- IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 has been released on the official website.
- The IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Syllabus will include three sections, namely: Basic Mathematical Concepts, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry & Inorganic Chemistry.
- Most weightage is given to Organic and Physical Chemistry topics.
- You need to thoroughly understand the syllabus and the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern to excel in the examination.
Also Read:
- What is the IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
- IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026
- IIT JAM Chemistry Expected Topic-wise Weightage 2026
- IIT JAM Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
- IIT JAM Chemistry: Section-wise Marking Scheme
- IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 Preparation Books
- IIT JAM Previous Year Question Papers
- IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 Preparation Strategy
- IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is the IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
The IIT JAM Chemistry (CY) syllabus is a subject matter that is aimed at evaluating the student's knowledge of the core concepts of the Chemistry subject at the undergraduate level.
It puts less emphasis on memorization and more on analytical ability, fundamental principles, and application-based reasoning.
- It is essentially one major three-fold division of topics covered by the syllabus: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry, with the expectation of equal conceptual depth from each.
- The syllabus comprises topics like thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, chemical bonding, coordination chemistry, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and analytical techniques.
- The brief description of the IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IIT JAM 2026 |
| Organizing Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Types | Post-Graduate Degree Level |
| Exam Level | National |
| Courses Offered | Post-Bachelor’s Degree Courses |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| IIT JAM Chemistry Topics |
|
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Paper Pattern |
|
| Negative Marks | Yes, but no negative marking in Sections B and C |
Also Read:
Ques. Who can apply for the IIT JAM?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for IIT JAM are stated here:
- Any student with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related science disciplines (like B.Sc. with Chemistry as one of the subjects) from a recognized university can apply.
- There is no age limit, and candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible.
Ques. Is IIT JAM harder than GATE Chemistry?
Ans. The syllabus is largely based on the B.Sc. (Chemistry) level, not the M.Sc. level.
- It is generally considered easier than GATE Chemistry, but conceptual clarity is essential because questions are indirect, reasoning-based, and interdisciplinary in nature.
- Instead of advanced theories, JAM emphasizes strong fundamentals and logic.
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 is divided into four sections.
The core syllabus is divided into 3 sections, while a Basic Mathematics Section is added as Section 1.
The entire syllabus of IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 is discussed below:
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus: Basic Mathematical Concepts
The Basic Mathematical Concepts section of IIT JAM Chemistry is included to test your minimum mathematical foundation and interpretation of experimental data.
- It focuses on logical tools like differentiation, integration, logarithms, exponentials, algebraic manipulation, and error analysis — all embedded within thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, kinetics, and electrochemistry questions.
- IIT JAM often uses these mathematical ideas indirectly inside chemistry-based numerical or conceptual questions, such as evaluating integrals in partition functions
| IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus: Basic Mathematical Concepts: Topics | |
|---|---|
| Functions | Maxima and minima |
| Integrals | Ordinary Differential Equation |
| Vectors | Matrices |
| Determinants | Elementary Statistics |
IIT JAM Physical Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The Physical Chemistry portion of IIT JAM tests a student’s ability to understand chemistry from a quantitative and molecular perspective, requiring both conceptual clarity and mathematical reasoning.
- Topics like thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, kinetics, electrochemistry, atomic structure, and spectroscopy are tested not as memorized facts.
- Many questions involve interpreting graphs, deriving relationships, estimating orders of magnitude, and connecting theoretical results.
| IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus: Physical Chemistry: Topics | |
|---|---|
| Atomic and Molecular Structure | Gaseous State |
| Liquid State | Solid State |
| Chemical Thermodynamics | Chemical and Phase Equilibria |
| Electrochemistry | Chemical Kinetics |
| Adsorption | Spectroscopy |
IIT JAM Organic Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The Organic Chemistry section in IIT JAM evaluates your mechanistic thinking, resonance logic, electronic effects (inductive, mesomeric, hyperconjugation), stereochemistry.
- The exam stresses understanding of how and why reactions proceed — through nucleophilic/electrophilic control, stability of intermediates, conformational outcomes, and stereochemical consequences
- This makes mechanistic reasoning more important than recall.
| IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus: Organic Chemistry: Topics | |
|---|---|
| Basic Concepts in Organic Chemistry and Stereochemistry | Organic Reaction Mechanism and Synthetic Applications |
| Qualitative Organic Analysis | Natural Products Chemistry |
| Aromatic and Heterocyclic Chemistry | |
IIT JAM Inorganic Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The Inorganic Chemistry section focuses on chemically intuitive understanding, periodic trends, coordination compounds, bonding theories, and descriptive chemistry of s-, p-, d-, and f-block elements.
- The syllabus expects clarity of electronic structures, geometry, oxidation states, ligand behaviour, and reaction patterns rather than brute-force memorization of exceptions.
- Many JAM questions from inorganic chemistry check whether you can apply general rules — like HSAB theory, VBT/CFSE arguments, or periodic behaviour
| IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus: Inorganic Chemistry: Topics | |
|---|---|
| Periodic Table | Extractions of Metals |
| Chemical Bonding and shapes of molecules | Main Group Elements (s and p blocks) |
| Transition Metals (d block) | Bioinorganic Chemistry |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis | Analytical Chemistry |
Also Read:
Ques. Can I clear IIT JAM Chemistry without coaching?
Ans. Yes. Most students clear JAM every year through self-study using standard textbooks, previous year papers, and online lectures.
- Coaching is optional and helps only with discipline and doubt-solving — not mandatory for success.
- Although you can attempt mock tests and PYQs to excel in the exam.
Ques. What happens if I qualify for the IIT JAM Chemistry?
Ans. You can participate in Counselling (CCMT/JOAPS) for admission in IITs, IISc, NITs and IISERs.
- Depending on rank and category, you get admissions to M.Sc., M.Sc.-Ph.D dual degree, Joint Ph.D, and interdisciplinary programs such as Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Biology, Pharma Chemistry, etc.
- You should opt for a higher rank if aiming for a Joint PhD.
IIT JAM Chemistry Expected Topic-wise Weightage 2026
The IIT JAM Chemistry paper distributes marks across Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry in a nearly balanced manner, but the type of thinking required differs across these branches.
Here is the expected topic-wise weightage of the sections in the IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026:
Physical Chemistry:
Physical Chemistry carries the highest analytical load in IIT JAM, testing numerical reasoning through concepts like thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, kinetics, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy.
- It strongly rewards mathematical clarity and conceptual depth.
- Physical Chemistry contributes roughly 40–45% of the IIT JAM Chemistry paper, making it the most dominant and calculation-oriented segment
| Physical Chemistry Topic | Weightage % |
|---|---|
| Thermodynamics & Equilibrium | 12–15% |
| Quantum Chemistry & Atomic Structure | 8–10% |
| Chemical Kinetics | 8–10% |
| Electrochemistry | 6–8% |
| Spectroscopy (IR, UV, NMR basics) | 5–7% |
| Statistical Thermodynamics | 4–5% |
| Solid State / Surface / Gas Laws | 3–5% |
Inorganic Chemistry:
Inorganic Chemistry in JAM emphasizes conceptual rules like periodicity, bonding models, coordination chemistry, and descriptive chemistry.
- It tests prediction ability and chemical logic rather than memorisation.
- Inorganic Chemistry accounts for about 25–30% of the exam, and it primarily evaluates rule-based chemical reasoning involving periodicity, bonding models, and coordination compounds
| Inorganic Chemistry Topic | Weightage % |
|---|---|
| Coordination Chemistry & CFT | 10–12% |
| Periodic Trends & Basic Concepts | 6–8% |
| Main Group (s & p block) | 6–8% |
| Transition Elements & Bioinorganic | 5–7% |
| Organometallics | 3-5% |
| Acid-Base & HSAB | 3–5% |
Organic Chemistry:
Organic Chemistry in JAM is mechanism-driven, focusing on electron effects, reaction intermediates, stereochemistry, and product prediction, with minimal rote emphasis.
- Spectroscopic logic is used to connect structure with evidence.
- Organic Chemistry contributes around 25–30% of IIT JAM Chemistry, and it is heavily mechanism-driven, requiring a clear understanding of electronic effects, stereochemical control, and intermediate stability.
| Organic Chemistry Topic | Weightage % |
|---|---|
| Reaction Mechanism & Electronic effects | 10–12% |
| Stereochemistry & Conformation | 6–8% |
| Carbonyls, Amines, Carboxylic acids | 8–10% |
| Aromaticity & EAS/SA reactions | 6–8% |
| Named/General Reactions | 4-5% |
| Spectroscopy (IR, NMR, UV) | 4–5% |
Also Read:
Ques. How is rank decided in IIT JAM if two people get the same marks?
Ans. In case of a tie:
- Better ranking goes to the candidate with the greater total NAT+MSQ score.
- Should still connected, the older candidate will be chosen first.
- Should the tie continue, the alphabetization of the names will be used.
Ques. What is the typical cutoff for IIT JAM Chemistry?
Ans. The cutoff depends on a number of variables, including the number of available seats and paper difficulty.
- The General category cutoff will be around 25-30 marks; OBC/EWS around 22-27; and SC/ST/PwD around 12-18.
- You have to achieve above 50 marks to receive IIT seats.
IIT JAM Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
The IIT Joint Admission Test for Master's (IIT JAM) is a computer-based test conducted for admission to M.Sc., M.Sc.-Ph.D. dual degree, and other postgraduate science programs at IITs and other premier institutes.
- The exam consists of 60 questions carrying a total of 100 marks and is held for 3 hours in English medium.
- The paper includes three types of questions:
- MCQ
- MSQ
- NAT
| Section | Question Type | Details | Question Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | Only one correct option out of four choices | Q.1 – Q.10, Q.11 – Q.30 |
| Section B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | One or more correct choices | Q.31 – Q.40 |
| Section C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | Real number entered via virtual keyboard, no choices provided | Q.41 – Q.50, Q.51 – Q.60 |
Also Read:
Ques. Is the IIT JAM Chemistry paper predictable?
Ans. The IIT JAM Chemistry paper can be predicted in the following way:
- Broadly, it stays within the syllabus and maintains balance among Physical, Organic, and Inorganic topics.
- However, question framing changes each year, and difficulty fluctuates, especially in physical calculations and spectroscopy questions.
Ques. Can a PCB student give the IIT JAM?
Ans. Yes, a student with a Physics, Chemistry, and Biology background can appear for the IIT JAM exam
- Your bachelor's degree and the course requirements will determine their eligibility for particular M.Sc. programs.
- A PCB student, for instance, may not be qualified for programs like Mathematics or Statistics but could seek an M.Sc. in Biotechnology or other biology-related disciplines.
IIT JAM Chemistry: Section-wise Marking Scheme
The IIT JAM Chemistry question paper is divided into three sections — A, B, and C.
- Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with both 1-mark and 2-mark questions, and this is the only section with negative marking for wrong attempts.
- Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) where one or more options may be correct, and there is no negative marking or partial marking — full marks only if all correct choices are selected.
- Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, also in 1-mark and 2-mark format, where candidates must type the numerical value; no negative marking is applied in this section either.
| Section | Marks per Question | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A |
|
|
| Negative marking:
|
| Section B |
|
|
| No negative or partial marking |
| Section C |
|
|
| No negative marking |
Also Read:
Ques. What is the salary after the IIT JAM?
Ans. Salaries after qualifying for the IIT JAM vary based on your career path
- A fresh graduate can expect a starting salary of ₹5-15 lakhs per annum, with options like IT, finance, and research paying more.
- Other paths include research and development (R&D) roles, government jobs, and teaching positions, with salaries ranging from ₹4-15 lakhs per year or more, depending on the role and experience.
Ques. Which IIT is best for biology?
Ans. The best institutes for Biology are listed here:
- IIT Delhi (Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology) ...
- IIT Kharagpur (Department of Biotechnology) ...
- IIT Bombay (Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering) ...
- IIT Madras (Biotechnology Department) ...
- IIT Roorkee (Biosciences & Bioengineering Department)
IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 Preparation Books
Some books are recommended below in a table to prepare for the examination:
| Section | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | Atkins' Physical Chemistry | Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula |
| A Textbook of Physical Chemistry, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Equilibrium | K L Kapoor | |
| Organic Chemistry | Organic Chemistry: Second Edition | Leroy G Wade and Jan William Simek |
| March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure | Michael B. Smith | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee |
| Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity | James E. Huheey |
Also Read:
Ques. Does IISER accept IIT JAM?
Ans. Yes, some Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) accept IIT JAM scores for admission to their Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Ph.D. programs.
- Some participating IISERs include IISER Pune, IISER Bhopal, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, and IISER Thiruvananthapuram
- You must apply to them directly through their own websites after qualifying for JAM.
Ques. What are the fees for the IIT Bombay MSc biotechnology?
Ans. The total fees for the IIT Bombay M.Sc. Biotechnology programs are given below:
| PARTICULARS | 1st Year Fees | Total 2 years' fees |
|---|---|---|
| Total fees | ₹52,500 | ₹84,500 |
| Caution fees(One-time) | ₹5,000 | |
| Other fees | ₹15,500 | |
IIT JAM Previous Year Question Papers
The table below states the IIT JAM Previous Year Question Papers for Chemistry.
You must follow and practice them to excel in the examination.
| YEAR | Previous Year Question Papers |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Check Here |
| 2024 | Check Here |
| 2023 | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here |
| 2020 | Check Here |
Also Read:
IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 Preparation Strategy
To crack IIT JAM Chemistry, preparation must be structured in phases — starting with building strong fundamental concepts, followed by consistent problem practice, and targeted revision.
Here is a short table for the IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 preparation strategy:
| Sl.No. | Phase | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concepts (Months 1–2) | Read syllabus topics, make notes, and clear fundamentals |
| 2 | Practice (Months 3–4) | Solve PYQs + topic tests, fix weak areas |
| 3 | Revision (Month 5) | Revise notes, re-solve mistakes, focus on high-weight topics |
| 4 | Mock Phase (Last 3–4 weeks) | Full mocks with analysis, timing & accuracy training |
| 5 | Final Week | Only revise, no new topics, rest well |
Also Read:
Ques. Do MSc students get a stipend at IIT Bombay?
Ans. For MSc students, IIT Bombay provides both Institute Scholarships and access to Government Scholarships.
- You can apply for the Institute Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship based on parental income and academic performance.
- The Stipend will be subject to Government rules.
Ques. What is a safe score for IIT JAM Biotechnology?
Ans. A safe score for IIT JAM Biotechnology is generally considered to be 55-60 or higher for the General category to secure admission to IITs/NITs
- A score of 40-45 may be sufficient for a good rank.
- A score of 70+ is considered very good and increases the chances of admission to top IITs.
- These scores can fluctuate annually based on the paper's difficulty and competition.
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. Which resources can one use for IIT JAM Preparation 2026?
Ans. The students can refer to various websites for IIT JAM Preparation 2026.
- You can even enroll yourself in online coaching classes, which prepare the student for IIT JAM.
- However, you can save a lot of time if you choose to prepare on your own.
Ques. What happens after I clear the exam — is there another interview?
Ans. The interview process in IIT JAM is as follows:
- For most IIT MSc programmes, admission is purely rank-based through counseling — no interview.
- However, IISc and some integrated PhD programmes may conduct interviews after shortlisting by JAM score.
Ques. What is the marking scheme of NAT questions in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. The NAT marking scheme is as follows in IIT JAM:
- There will be a total of 20 NAT questions in section C.
- Out of the total 20 questions, 10 questions of one mark each and 10 questions of two marks each will be there.
- There will be no provision for negative marking.
Ques. Is there any negative marking in the case of MSQ-type questions in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. No. There is no negative marking in MSQ and also in NAT-type questions.
- You can attempt all the questions of sections B and C without any hesitation of negative marks.
- However, no partial credit will be given for partially correct answers in the case of MSQs.
Ques. How many questions will be there in the IIT JAM 2026 question paper?
Ans. Based on the IIT JAM exam pattern, the question paper will be divided into 3 sections.
- Section A will have a total of 30 MCQs
- Section B will have 10 MSQ
- Section C will have 20 NTA questions.
Ques. How is IIT JAM 2026 different from other MSc entrance exams?
Ans. IIT JAM is different from other exams in the following ways:
- Conducted by IITs, ensuring national-level prestige.
- Single exam opens admission to IITs, IISc, NITs, and other top institutes.
- Wider subject coverage compared to some state/university-level exams.
- Accepted by over 30+ institutes apart from IITs.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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