The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 is the same for all 7 subjects. No changes are expected in the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern from the previous year. The IIT JAM 2026 exam will be conducted on February 11, 2026, in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

  • The IIT JAM exam is conducted for 7 subjects- Biotechnology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Geology.
  • IIT JAM 2026 question paper for all 7 papers will have 60 questions divided into three sections, i.e., A, B, and C. All three sections will be compulsory. Download IIT JAM Previous Year Question Papers
  • The exam duration will be 180 minutes, and the medium of examination will be English only.
  • As per the IIT JAM Exam Pattern, Section A will comprise 30 MCQs, Section B will contain 10 MSQs, and Section C will contain 20 NAT questions. Check IIT JAM Exam Analysis
  • In section A, 10 questions will be of 1 mark and 20 of 2 marks. In section B, 10 questions of 2 marks each will be asked. From Section C, 10 questions of 1 mark and 10 questions of 2 marks each will be in the paper.
  • Negative marking will be applicable only for section A, i.e, for each wrong answer in the 1 mark question, 1/3 marks will be deducted, and for 2 mark questions, 2/3 marks will be deducted.

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IIT JAM EXAM PATTERN

Key Summary

In this article, we discussed the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, including the section-wise paper pattern, syllabus, paper analysis, and preparation tips.

  • The question paper for the IIT JAM exam, all 7 papers will have 60 questions divided into three sections, i.e., A, B, and C. All three sections will be compulsory.
  • The exam duration will be 180 minutes, and the medium of examination will be English only and will be conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
  • As per the IIT JAM Exam Pattern, Section A will comprise 30 MCQs, Section B will contain 10 MSQs, and Section C will contain 20 NAT questions.
  • In section A, 10 questions will be of 1 mark and 20 of 2 marks. In section B, 10 questions of 2 marks each will be asked. From Section C, 10 questions of 1 mark and 10 questions of 2 marks each will be in the paper.
  • Negative marking is only applicable for Section A. For each wrong answer, 1/3 mark will be deducted for 1-mark questions and 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions.

What is the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?

The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 is the same for all 7 subjects. The IIT JAM exam is conducted for 7 subjects- Biotechnology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Geology.

  • Number of Questions: The question paper will have 60 questions divided into three sections, i.e., A, B, and C.
  • Exam Duration: The exam duration will be 180 minutes, and the medium of examination will be English only and in online CBT mode.
  • IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section A will comprise 30 MCQs, Section B will contain 10 MSQs, and Section C will contain 20 NAT questions.
  • Negative Marking: Applicable only for Section A, for each wrong answer, 1/3 mark will be deducted for 1-mark questions and 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions.

IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

Particulars Details
Conducting Body Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) (Organizing Institute varies each year)
Exam Mode Online, Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration 3 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), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Economics (EN), and Physics (PH)
Total Questions 60 (Compulsory Sections A, B & C)
Section-wise Distribution A: 30 MCQs (10×1 mark, 20×2 marks)B: 10 MSQs (2 marks each)C: 20 NATs (10×1 mark, 10×2 marks)
Total Marks 100
Negative Marking Only in Section A – 1/3 for 1-mark Qs, 2/3 for 2-mark Qs
iit jam pattern paper

Source Credit: IIT JAM Paper Pattern

Ques. How is the total score calculated in IIT JAM?

Ans: The total score is calculated by summing the marks obtained in all three sections after applying negative marking (only for Section A).

Component Details
Total Sections 3 (Section A, B, and C)
Scoring Method Marks obtained from all three sections are summed up after applying negative marking (only in Section A)
Total Marks 100 marks (combined from all sections)
Final Score Total Score = (Marks from A + Marks from B + Marks from C) – Penalty for wrong answers in Section A

Ques. What happens if I don’t submit answers before the time runs out?

Ans. The table below shows the details:

Aspect Details
Duration 180 minutes (3 hours)
Submission Auto-submitted when time ends
Evaluation Saved answers are considered
Manual Submit Not required
After Time Ends No changes allowed

IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise

The JAM 2026 Examination for all seven Test Papers will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT), and the duration of the examination will be 3 hours. There will be a total of 60 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.

The IIT JAM exam pattern will be divided into three sections: A, B, and C. The IIT JAM Exam Pattern for each section is given below:

IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section A

The question paper will have 30 questions, having 10 questions of 1 mark each and 20 questions of 2 marks each. Each question will have four choices, out of which only one choice will be the correct one.

  • The exam mode will be Online (CBT), and the question papers at all exam centers will be in English only.
  • The marking scheme for section A is for correct answers; you will get 1 or 2 marks for each question.
  • For each wrong answer of 1 mark questions, 1/3 mark will be deducted, and similarly for each wrong answer of 2 mark questions, 2/3 mark will be deducted.
iit jam pattern paper sec a

IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section B

The question paper will have 10 questions of 2 marks each. Each MSQ-type question is similar to MCQ but with a difference that there may be one or more than one choice(s) that is correct out of the four given choices.

  • The exam mode will be Online (CBT), and the question papers at all exam centers will be in English only.
  • The marking scheme for section B is for correct answers; you will get 2 marks, and there are no negative or partial marking provisions.
iit jam pattern paper sec a

IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section C

The question paper will have 20 questions, involving 10 questions of 1 mark each and 10 questions of 2 marks each.

  • For NAT-type questions, the answer is a signed real number, which needs to be entered using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.
  • The exam mode will be Online (CBT), and the question papers at all exam centers will be in English only.
  • The marking scheme for section C is for correct answers; you will get 2 marks, and there are no negative or partial marking provisions.
iit jam pattern paper sec c

Note: There is a provision for using an Online Virtual Calculator, and hence, the candidate should not bring any calculator with them.

Ques. Are the marks the same for all the IIT JAM subjects?

Ans. Yes, the exam pattern and marking scheme are uniform for all seven subjects of the IIT JAM: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Geology, and Economics.

Each paper has:

  • 60 questions
  • 100 total marks
  • 3 sections (A, B, and C) — covering MCQ, MSQ, and NAT question types.

Ques. How are MSQs different from MCQs in IIT JAM?

Ans: MCQs have only one correct answer among four options, while MSQs may have one or more correct answers, and candidates must select all correct options to earn full marks.

Aspect MCQ MSQ
Section A B
Correct Answers One One or more
Marks 1 or 2 2
Negative Marking Yes No
Partial Marks No No
Answer Type Single choice Multiple choices

Ques. Can we can review and change answers during the exam?

Ans. Yes, you can navigate between questions, review, and change answers anytime during the 3-hour exam duration before the system auto-submits at the end.

Aspect Details
Review Option Yes, candidates can review answers anytime during the exam.
Change of Answers Allowed before the exam time ends.
Navigation Free navigation between questions in all sections (A, B, C).
Time Limit Changes can be made within the 3-hour duration.
Auto-Submission The system automatically submits answers when the time ends.

IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme

Each paper in the IIT JAM exam pattern will contain a total of 60 questions divided into three sections, which will carry 100 marks. The marking scheme for IIT JAM is given below in the table:

Section No of Questions Marks Negative Marking
A 10 MCQs 1 mark each 1/3
20 MCQs 2 marks each 2/3
B 10 MSQs 2 marks each Not Applicable
C 10 NAT Questions 1 mark each Not Applicable
10 NAT Questions 2 marks each Not Applicable

Ques. Do unanswered questions affect the score?

Ans: No, unattempted questions do not result in any deduction of marks.

Aspect Details
Unanswered Questions No marks deducted
Applicable To All sections (A, B, C)
Negative Marking Only for wrong answers in Section A
Effect on Score Neutral — neither gain nor loss

Ques. What is the total number of marks in Sections A, B, and C, respectively?

Ans. The total number of marks in Sections A, B, and C is given below in the table:

Section Marks
Section A 50 marks
Section B 20 marks
Section C 30 marks
Total 100 marks

IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus will be divided as per the subjects, i.e., Biotechnology (BT), Economics (EN), Chemistry (CY), Geology (GC), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS) & Physics (PH).

The IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus is as per the 10+2+3 level and given below in the table:

IIT JAM Subjects IIT JAM Syllabus Topics
IIT JAM Biotechnology Syllabus
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
IIT JAM Geology Syllabus
  • The Planet Earth
  • Geomorphology
  • Structural Geology
  • Palaeontology
  • Stratigraphy
  • Mineralogy
  • Petrology
  • Economic Geology
  • Applied Geology
IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus
  • Sequences and Series of Real Numbers
  • Functions of Two Real Variables
  • Differential Equations
  • Vector Calculus
  • Group Theory
  • Linear Algebra
  • Real Analysis
IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Syllabus
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
IIT JAM Physics Syllabus
  • Mathematical Methods
  • Mechanics and General Properties of Matter Oscillations
  • Waves and Optics
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Kinetic theory
  • Thermodynamics
  • Modern Physics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Devices and Electronics
  • Simple Oscillators
IIT JAM Economics Syllabus
  • Consumer theory
  • Production costs with perfectly competitive markets
  • General equilibrium and welfare
  • Market structure
  • Game theory
  • Public goods and market failure
  • National Income Accounting
  • Behavioral and Technological Functions
  • Business Cycles and Economic Models

Also Check:

IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Important Instructions

Some of the important instructions for the IIT JAM exam 2026 are given below:

Particulars Details
Calculator Usage
  • Only the online virtual calculator is allowed.
  • Physical calculators are not permitted.
Prohibited Items
  • Mobile phones, electronic devices, charts, graph sheets, and tables are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Scribble Pad
  • Provided for rough work. You must write their name and registration number before use.
  • Only one pad at a time; a new one is given upon returning the first. Must be returned at the end of the exam.
Answer Selection (MCQ & MSQ)
  • Answers must be selected using the mouse.
Answer Entry (NAT)
  • Answers must be entered using a virtual numeric keypad (keyboard will be disabled).
Exam Timing
  • The test will end automatically after 3 hours. Candidates should submit answers before the time expires.
Code of Conduct
  • You must adhere to the specified code of conduct during the exam.
Unfair Means
  • Any use of unfair practices will result in cancellation of candidature and disqualification from future JAM exams.

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Preparation Tips

IIT JAM 2026 aspirants must begin preparing as per the updated IIT JAM test pattern and syllabus. Some of the important IIT JAM Preparation Tips are given below:

Preparation Step Key Focus Recommended Duration
Understand the Syllabus Go through the official syllabus thoroughly as per your chosen subject. 1–2 weeks (initial phase)
Clear Concepts & Notes Making Revise graduation topicsMake short formula-based notes for quick reference. Continuous throughout preparation
Solve Previous Year Papers Practice at least 5–10 past papers to understand question trends and difficulty. Last 3–4 months
Take Mock Tests Attempt full-length online mock tests for time management and accuracy improvement. Weekly during the final 2–3 months
Refer to Standard Books Use IIT JAM-recommended books for in-depth understanding and topic coverage. Throughout preparation
Final Revision Focus on key formulas, frequently asked topics, and weak areas. Last 1 month before the exam

Check:

IIT JAM Mock Test

IIT JAM Question Paper 2025

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

Ques: Are there any changes in the IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme?

Ans: No, there are no changes introduced in the IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme as of now. It is expected to be the same as in previous years.

Section Question Type Marks per Question Negative Marking Unattempted Questions
A Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 1 mark 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer No marks deducted
A Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 2 marks 2/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer No marks deducted
B Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) 2 marks No negative marking No marks deducted
C Numerical Answer Type (NAT) 1 or 2 marks No negative marking No marks deducted

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 MCQ, Section B will have 10 MSQ, and Section C will have 20 NTA questions.

Section Question Type No. of Questions
A Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 30
B Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) 10
C Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions 20

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. The details are given below in the table:

Section Question Type Negative Marking Partial Credit
B Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) No negative marking No partial credit for partially correct answers
C Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions No negative marking Not applicable

Ques: After the removal of the Biological Sciences paper, which new paper has been introduced in IIT JAM?

Ans: Economics (EN) has been added as a new paper in IIT JAM. Candidates with a background in economics can apply for this position. The exam pattern of this paper and of the other six is the same.

Particulars Details
Removed Paper Biological Sciences (BL)
Newly Introduced Paper Economics (EN)
Eligibility Candidates with a background in Economics, Mathematics, or related fields
Exam Pattern Same as other subjects (Sections A, B, and C)
Question Types MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions
Opportunities Admission to M.Sc., M.A., and Integrated Ph.D. programs in IITs and other participating institutes

Ques: What is the marking scheme of NAT questions in the IIT JAM 2026?

Ans: 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 will be two marks each will be there. There will be no provision for negative marking.