IIT JAM 2026 will be conducted by IIT Bombay on February 15, 2026. IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 will have 7 subjects, which are Biotechnology (BL), Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Economics (EN), and Physics (PH).
-
The IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 is categorized into two parts: Section A and Section B. Section A consists of all the core subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics, while Section B has optional subjects like Biology, economics, etc.
- Among these subjects, biology holds the most weightage compared to physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Biology has 44% weightage in the whole IIT JAM Syllabus 2026.
- Mathematics and Physics hold equal weightage. Both of these subjects have 18% weightage in the IIT JAM syllabus.
- On the other hand, organic chemistry has 30 to 40% weightage in the IIT JAM 2026 chemistry syllabus.
As per the IIT JAM 2026 information brochure, the syllabus remains the same from last year, focusing on conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving at the BSc level.
Candidates planning to appear for JAM 2026 in February are advised to download the official subject-wise syllabus PDFs from jam2026.iitb.ac.in and prioritise high-weightage topics based on previous year trends.
Quick Links:
Key Summary
In this article, we talk about the IIT JAM Syllabus for 2026, including the subject-wise syllabus, topic-wise weightage, pattern, and best books.
- IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 will have 7 subjects, which are Biotechnology (BL), Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Economics (EN), and Physics (PH).
- The IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 is categorized into two parts: Section A and Section B. Section A consists of all the core subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics, while Section B has optional subjects like Biology, economics, etc.
- Among these subjects, biology holds the most weightage compared to physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Biology has 44% weightage in the whole IIT JAM Syllabus 2026.
- Mathematics and Physics hold equal weightage. Both of these subjects have 18% weightage in the syllabus.
- On the other hand, organic chemistry has 30 to 40% weightage in the IIT JAM 2026 chemistry syllabus.
- What is the IIT JAM Syllabus 2026?
- What are the Changes in the IIT JAM Syllabus 2026?
- IIT JAM Syllabus 2026: Overview
- IIT JAM Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
- What is the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern?
- What 2025 Students Said: Real Student Voices
- What Students Think Might Be Asked in JAM 2026
- IIT JAM Previous Years’ Question Papers
- IIT JAM 2026 Best Books
- IIT JAM Mock Test 2026
- IIT JAM Difficulty Level Analysis
- IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is the IIT JAM Syllabus 2026?
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) conduct the Joint Admission Test for Master's (JAM) to grant admission to courses like M.Sc., M.Sc. (Tech), M.S. Research, M.Sc.-M.Tech. Dual Degree, Joint M.Sc.- Ph.D., M.Sc. - Ph.D. Dual Degree from various participating institutes.
- The IIT JAM syllabus is available for 7 test papers: Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH).
A Quora user from the 2025 batch mentioned, “There’s barely any syllabus change each year-conceptual understanding and practice with PYQs matter most.” Even a Reddit user added, “The focus has shifted toward application-based questions rather than memorisation. Now it's more concept-oriented and analytical”
Ques. Has the IIT JAM 2026 syllabus changed from last year?
Ans. Yes. There are minor updates in the IIT JAM 2026 syllabus-especially in the subjects Biotechnology, Mathematics, and Mathematical Statistics, where certain topics have been added or refined.
IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus PDF Download
| Subject | Download Link | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
| Chemistry | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
| Mathematics | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
| Biotechnology | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
| Economics | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
| Geology | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
| Mathematical Statistics | Official Syllabus PDF -IIT Bombay | Official site |
Ques. Where can I download the official IIT JAM 2026 syllabus PDF?
Ans. You can download the official IIT JAM 2026 syllabus PDF from the conducting body’s website - see the subject-wise list of PDFs at the official page of IIT Bombay (the organiser for 2026): Section-wise detailed IIT JAM syllabus.
Ques. How much time does it take to complete the IIT JAM syllabus?
Ans. You can take 5–6 months for the first full round of study. The remaining time goes into revision and mock tests.
What are the Changes in the IIT JAM Syllabus 2026?
- If you’re preparing for IIT JAM 2026, here’s the latest update: IIT Bombay has released the official notification, and yes, the syllabus has changed!
- According to the official syllabus, the IIT JAM 2026 syllabus for Biotechnology and allied subjects (Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, etc.) has some minor changes with some important topic updates. Some topics have been removed or merged, while a few new ones have been added, especially from GATE BT concepts.
- While Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics remain mostly unchanged, the Biological sciences have seen major restructuring.
- Topics like Protein Targeting and Control of Cell Cycle have been dropped, while new inclusions like Hill Coefficient (Biochemistry) and Bioinformatics (Techniques) have been added.
- So if you’re reusing old notes, make sure to update them before starting your 2026 prep.
| Subject / Unit | 2025 Syllabus Topics | 2026 Updates (Additions / Removals) | Remarks for Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | Protein Targeting in Eukaryotic Cells, Control of Cell Cycle Division, Signaling Pathways, Apoptosis | Removed: Protein Targeting, Control of Cell Cycle Same: Signalling, Apoptosis, Mitosis & Meiosis | Focus on signalling and organelles; skip deleted sections. |
| Biochemistry | Enzyme Kinetics, Allostery, Glycolysis/TCA Regulation, Vitamins, Metabolism | Added: Hill Coefficient Removed: Allostery, Regulation of Glycolysis/TCA | Include new kinetics concepts; revise metabolic pathways selectively. |
| Genetics | Mendelian Laws, Linkage, Chromosomal Mapping, Pedigree Analysis, Plant Breeding | Added: Genetic Interactions, Exceptions to Mendelian Law, Chromosomal Mutation & Disorders, Population Genetics Removed: Pedigree Analysis, Plant Breeding | Revise mutations and population genetics; pedigree not required. |
| Molecular Biology | Replication, Transcription, Translation, Regulation | No Major Changes | Continue using 2025 study material. |
| Evolution & Ecology | Evolution and Ecology given separately; Population Genetics under Evolution | Merged: Evolution + Ecology into one unit. Removed: Population Genetics (now part of Genetics) | Study both together; fewer direct questions expected from evolution theory. |
| Microbiology | Microbial Genetics, Growth, Metabolism | Added: Bioprocess Topics- Bioreactor, Downstream Processing, Effluent Treatment | New applied topics added; practice from GATE-BT level material. |
| Plant Biology | Developmental Phases, Flowering, Gametogenesis, Dormancy, Environmental Influence | Added: Tissue Culture, Micropropagation, Transgenic Plants Removed: Developmental Phases, Genetic Control of Flowering | Focus more on Tissue Culture and Plant Biotechnology. |
| Animal Physiology & Immunology | Standard Topics on Systems & Immunity | Added: MHC Molecules, Tissue Culture, Animal Cloning, Transgenic Animals | Revise Immunology basics + new genetic applications. |
| Techniques / Biotechnology | Chromatography, Centrifugation, Electrophoresis, Western Blot, ELISA (not mentioned) | Added: ELISA, Bioinformatics, Reorganised Biotech + Techniques as “Biotechniques” | Learn ELISA in-depth and basics of Bioinformatics. |
| Physics / Chemistry / Maths | Core topics unchanged | No Major Changes | Continue previous year’s study plans. |
Major Difference:
2026:
Source: IIT Bombay-Official PDF Syllabus
Removed: Protein Targeting, Control of Cell Cycle Same: Signalling, Apoptosis, Mitosis & Meiosis
2025:
Source: IIT Delhi Official Syllabus PDF
2026:
IIT Bombay-Official PDF Syllabus
Added: Hill Coefficient
Removed: Allostery, Regulation of Glycolysis/TCA
2025:
Source: IIT Delhi Official Syllabus PDF
Ques. Should I still refer to the 2025 notes for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Yes, but update them. Many topics overlap, but some new ones have been added as discussed above. Compare your old notes with the 2026 official syllabus before starting.
IIT JAM Syllabus 2026: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | IIT Bombay |
| Full Form | Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Admission Test for Masters |
| Courses Offered | Post-Bachelor’s Degree Courses |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| IIT JAM Subjects |
|
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type |
|
| Paper Pattern |
|
| Negative Marking |
|
Ques. What are the participating institutes?
Ans. The participating institutes for the IIT JAM scores are given below:
| Participating Institutes | Details |
|---|---|
| IITs & IISc | All 21 IITs and IISc Bangalore participate in IIT JAM. |
| NITs & CFTIs | Several NITs and CFTIs also accept JAM scores for M.Sc. admissions through the Centralized Counseling process (CCMN). |
Ques. What is the benefit of qualifying IIT JAM?
Ans. The benefits of qualifying for the IIT JAM exam are that you can get opportunities for admission in IITs, IISc, and NITs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefits of Qualifying IIT JAM | Opens admission opportunities in IITs, IISc, and NITs for various postgraduate science and technology programs. |
| Research & Ph.D. Scope | Enhances research opportunities and Ph.D. prospects in India’s premier institutes. |
| Career Growth | Provides access to top institutions, better career options, and strong academic exposure for future advancement. |
Ques. How many papers can a candidate appear for?
Ans. The number of papers allowed for the candidates appearing for the IIT JAM exam is given below:
| Exam Attempt Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Papers Allowed | Candidates can appear for one or two test papers in the IIT JAM. |
| Condition | The exam schedule must not clash for the selected papers. |
IIT JAM Biotechnology (BT) Syllabus 2026:
IIT JAM Biotechnology Syllabus 2026 has four subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
The table below shows the IIT JAM biotechnology syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Chapter | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology |
|
| Cell Biology |
|
| Biochemistry |
|
| Genetics |
|
| Molecular Biology |
|
| Evolution |
|
| Microbiology |
|
| Plant Biology |
|
| Animal Biology |
|
| Ecology |
|
| Methods in Biology |
|
One of the Quora users shared his experience, “ How does he start preparing for the IIT JAM in biological sciences in only nine months.
Ques. What are the major subjects included in the IIT JAM Biotechnology 2026 syllabus?
Ans. The major subjects in the IIT JAM Biotechnology 2026 syllabus are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, covering key areas like Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics, Probability, and Statistics
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026:
The table below shows the IIT JAM chemistry syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Chapter Name | Topics |
|---|---|
| Structure and properties of Atoms |
|
| Bonding in molecules |
|
| Chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium |
|
| Physical and chemical properties of compounds |
|
| Chemistry of organic compounds |
|
| Instrumental techniques |
|
IIT JAM Physics Syllabus 2026:
The table below shows the IIT JAM Physics syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Chapter | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Methods |
|
| Mechanics & Properties of Matter |
|
| Oscillations, Waves & Optics |
|
| Electricity & Magnetism |
|
| Kinetic Theory & Thermodynamics |
|
| Modern Physics |
|
| Solid State Physics, Devices & Electronics |
|
Reddit users from r/IITJAM report that Mathematical Physics and Electromagnetism determine the top ranks. “Numerical questions dominate Physics, so formulas must be conceptually clear,” shared one aspirant.
Ques. What are the most important topics in the IIT JAM Physics 2026 syllabus?
Ans. The most important topics in the IIT JAM Physics 2026 syllabus include Mathematical Methods, Electromagnetism, Oscillations and Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics, as these carry the highest weightage and are frequently repeated in previous exams.
IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus 2026:
The table below shows the IIT JAM Mathematics syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Chapter | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Real Analysis |
|
| Multivariable Calculus & Differential Equations |
|
| Linear Algebra & Algebra |
|
As per some expert discussion, Linear Algebra is the most scoring topic, while Real Analysis requires the most revision.
The official JAM Math PDF lists “Power Series: Radius and Interval of Convergence” among key additions for 2026.
Ques. How difficult is the IIT JAM Mathematics syllabus?
Ans. The IIT JAM Mathematics syllabus is moderately difficult - it’s concept-heavy but highly scoring for those with strong fundamentals in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. Consistent practice of PYQs makes it manageable and predictable.
IIT JAM Economics Syllabus 2026:
The table below shows the IIT JAM Economics syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Microeconomics |
|
| Macroeconomics |
|
| Statistics for Economics |
|
| Indian Economy |
|
| Mathematics for Economics |
|
IIT JAM Geology Syllabus 2026:
The table below shows the IIT JAM Geology syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Chapter / Area | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Planet Earth |
|
| Mineralogy |
|
| Applied Geology |
|
| Planetology |
|
| Geomorphology |
|
| Structural Geology |
|
| Paleontology |
|
| Stratigraphy |
|
| Petrology |
|
| Economic Geology |
|
According to a comparative study on the 2026 syllabus by GeoDost, the “Planet Earth” section now formally includes principles of radiometric-dating (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, 14C) and simultaneously removes topics such as the Earth–Moon system.
Ques. What changes were made to the IIT JAM Geology 2026 syllabus?
Ans. Here are the key changes in the IIT JAM 2026 Geology syllabus compared to 2025:
- The “Planet Earth” section now explicitly includes radiometric-dating methods (e.g., Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, 14C).
- The “Applied Geology” portion has added content on remote sensing techniques and groundwater flow modelling, beyond just types of aquifers.
- Some earlier topics, like the Earth–Moon system and the shape & size of Earth, appear to be de-emphasised or removed.
IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Syllabus 2026:
The table below shows the IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics syllabus for the session 2026, including key topics:
| Topic Name | Key Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Sequences and Series of Real Numbers |
|
| Differential Calculus (One & Two Variables) |
|
| Integral Calculus |
|
| Matrices and Determinants |
|
Ques. Is the syllabus the same for all subjects?
Ans. No, the syllabus is subject-specific. Each paper has a unique syllabus, but the exam pattern and marking scheme are common across all papers.
| Common Exam Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, and NAT |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Ques. How should I prioritize topics based on weightage?
Ans. Focus on high-weightage and conceptual topics first for the preparation of the IIT JAM Exam 2026:
| Subject | High-Weightage Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| Economics |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Biotechnology |
|
Ques. Is the IIT JAM syllabus updated every year?
Ans. The core syllabus remains largely the same each year. However, the conducting IIT may slightly revise or reorganize topics, especially in emerging fields like Biotechnology and Economics.
- Always refer to the official IIT JAM brochure for the latest updates.
Ques. Is there any section-wise cutoff based on syllabus performance?
Ans. No, there’s no sectional cutoff in IIT JAM. Your total score out of 100 determines qualification and rank, but balancing all topics is key since questions come from across the syllabus.
IIT JAM Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
IIT JAM has 7 subjects covered in the syllabus. These include Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics.
“Past papers are your best guide,” wrote one Reddit user. “They reveal at least 70% of repeating concepts.”
Ques. Which topics carry the highest marks in IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. The topics that carry the highest marks in IIT JAM 2026 are Linear Algebra and Calculus in Mathematics, Electromagnetism and Waves in Physics, Organic Reactions and Thermodynamics in Chemistry, and Cell Biology and Genetics in Biotechnology — based on previous-year paper analysis and expert reviews.
The detailed topic-wise weightage of the IIT JAM syllabus 2026 is provided below.
IIT JAM Biotechnology Syllabus Weightage 2026
The table below shows the topic-wise weightage for IIT JAM Biotechnology (BT) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Subject | Topic | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Cell Biology | 44% |
| Chemistry | Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry | 20% |
| Physics | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism | 18% |
| Mathematics | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics | 18% |
IIT JAM Geology Syllabus Weightage 2026
The following table shows the topic-wise weightage for IIT JAM Geology (GG) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Topic Name | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|
| Petrology | 27% |
| Mineralogy | 22% |
| Structural Geology | 20% |
| The Planet Earth | 21% |
| Palaeontology | 10% |
IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus Weightage 2026
The following table outlines the topic-wise weightage for IIT JAM Mathematics (MA) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Topic | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|
| Real Analysis | 21% |
| Calculus of a Single Variable | 18% |
| Linear Algebra | 14% |
| Calculus of Two Variables | 14% |
| Vector Calculus | 12% |
| Differential Equation | 11% |
| Abstract Algebra | 10% |
IIT JAM Statistics Syllabus Weightage 2026
The following table shows the topic-wise weightage for IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics (MS) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Topic Name | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|
| Random Variables | 29% |
| Estimation | 22% |
| Differential Calculus | 19% |
| Matrices | 15% |
| Sequences and Series | 15% |
IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus Weightage 2026
The table outlines the topic-wise weightage for IIT JAM Chemistry (CY) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Topic Name | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry | 30-40% |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 20% |
| Physical Chemistry | 18% |
IIT JAM Physics Syllabus Weightage 2026
The following table shows the topic-wise weightage for IIT JAM Physics (PH) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Chapter | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|
| Modern Physics | 21% |
| Mathematical Methods | 15% |
| KTG & Thermodynamics | 14% |
| Electricity & Magnetism | 12% |
| SSP & Electronics | 11% |
| Oscillation, Wave & Optics | 10% |
IIT JAM Economics Syllabus Weightage 2026
The following table shows the chapter-wise weightage for IIT JAM Economics (EN) 2026, highlighting the topics for your reference:
| Chapter | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|
| Microeconomics | 30% |
| Macroeconomics | 30% |
| Statistics for Economics | 20% |
| Indian Economy | 10% |
| Mathematics for Economics | 10% |
Check:
What is the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern?
Those who are preparing for the IIT JAM 2026 exam must also go through the JAM 2026 exam pattern along with the syllabus.
Here are the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern highlights mentioned below, which you can check:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online, Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Language | English |
| Type of Questions |
|
| Subjects |
|
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
Also Check:
What 2025 Students Said: Real Student Voices
Initial Study Strategy Insights from 2025 Aspirants
Before starting your IIT JAM 2026 journey, see how 2025 students actually started their preparation. You can see from the table below how real students share what they did first, which topics they covered first, and the strategies that made the biggest difference.
| Aspirant | Subject | First Step Mentioned | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| User A | Physics & Maths | Refer to PYQs, academic books | “Follow your BSc course with rigour… Refer previous years questions last 5-10 years.” Reddit |
| User B | Biotechnology | Boost undergrad strengths first | “I’m from biochem & chem… try to boost the areas which you already have done…” Reddit |
Preparation Timeline for JAM 2025
“When should I start IIT JAM 2026 prep?”: one of the most-asked questions by students every year.
We looked at what the 2025 batch did: most began in Jan-Mar, to hit 50% coverage by September.
Here’s their real-world timeline.
| Aspirant | Subject | Start Time | % Syllabus Covered by Sept 2025 | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User X | Chemistry | Jan 2025 | 55% | “I am in 5th sem and will pass out next year… how can I prepare for JAM in such less time?” Reddit |
| User Y | Physics | Mar 2025 | 40% | “Is it too late for IIT JAM preparation for Physics? … I have very little time” Reddit |
So, based on the previous year's students' replies, we have prepared a suggested timeline to cover the IIT JAM Syllabus 2026:
| Phase | Duration | Key Focus | Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Foundation & Syllabus Mapping | Months 1-2 | • Go through the full JAM 2026 syllabus. • For each subject, list topics & mark “familiar / need work/brand new”. • Collect key books/resources. | Complete topic list, have resource list ready. |
| Phase 2: Building Core Concepts | Months 3-6 | • Cover all “Brand new” + “Need work” topics. • Daily study (e.g., 1-2 hours per subject) with NCERT/undergrad textbooks. • Weekly short quizzes. | By the end of month 6: ~50-60% syllabus covered and basic understanding achieved. |
| Phase 3: Practice & Strengthening | Months 7-9 | • Solve previous years’ JAM papers for your subject (2018-2025). • Focus on speed, accuracy, and mocks (timed sessions). • Address weak topics (flip from your mapping). | Complete first full syllabus sweep; attempt 2-3 full mocks/month. |
| Phase 4: Revision & Mock Mastery | Months 10-12 | • High frequency mocks (weekly). • Final revision of all topics (light reading). • Focus on high-weightage topics & time strategy. • Simulate exam conditions. | Last month: full-length mocks every week; final review of mistakes. |
| Exam Month | Final 4-6 weeks | • Light revision; no new topics.• Sleep & health focus. • Strategy for exam day: attempt order, time allocation. | Enter the exam confident & rested, with a clear plan. |
Top Syllabus Gaps Identified by 2025 Student
Before you plan your JAM 2026 study schedule, it’s worth seeing where the 2025 batch struggled the most. These are the syllabus gaps students openly discussed on Reddit, from Physics fundamentals to time-consuming topics in Chemistry.
| Subject | Topic Mentioned | Sample Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Covering entire undergrad topics quickly | “How do I prepare for IIT JAM Chemistry 2025 as a 3rd year student? … I am in 5th sem and will pass out next year.” (Reddit) |
| Physics | Beginners with a weak base looking for a strategy | “Need preparation advice for IIT JAM(Physics)- 2025. I am an absolute beginner.” (Reddit) |
| Physics & Maths | Mixing BSc + non-Maths background issues | “How to prepare for IIT JAM Physics? Books, prep time, things to take care of … I'll be starting my first year of college of BSc physics hons this year.” (Reddit) |
| Biotechnology | Strengthening undergrad basics (Chem/Maths/Physics) | “For phy and chem, I recommend … Now move on to the rest other sections and cover those units first that you have covered during your undergraduation studies mentioned in the syllabus.” (Reddit) |
| Physics | Time-concern for late start non-BSc students | “Is it too late for IIT JAM … preparation for Physics? … I have very less time.” (Reddit) |
What Students Think Might Be Asked in JAM 2026
These are derived by us based on 2026 syllabus changes + forum insights; You can consider these as high-probability topics, not official questions:
| Subject | Expected Question Themes |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | Questions on Instrumental Techniques (ELISA, Chromatography)- highlighted as newly included. |
| Biochemistry | Questions on Hill coefficient and enzyme kinetics- newly emphasised. |
| Genetics | Questions on Genetic interactions / Chromosomal mutations- newly added in 2026 change. |
| Plant/Animal Bio | Questions on Tissue culture / Transgenic plants / Animal cloning- new inclusions. |
| Physics | Numerical questions from Modern Physics / Quantum Mechanics (forum mention) plus core fundamentals. |
| Mathematics | Proof/concept questions in Linear Algebra / Basic Algebra- new emphasis. |
Note: Don’t just read these topics, test them! Add these high-probability themes to your IIT JAM 2026 revision checklist, and try solving past-year or mock questions around them to see how well you’ve actually prepared for the new syllabus changes.
Collegedunia Tip: “Consistency beats intensity.”
Even 45 minutes of focused revision daily, tracked through your checklist, can help you cover the entire IIT JAM syllabus 2026, 2-3 weeks earlier and retain better during mocks.
Ques. What is the right time to start preparing for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Most toppers begin around February-March 2025. Starting early gives you more time for mock tests, PYQs, and syllabus revisions.
Ques. Should I focus more on theory or numerical practice?
Ans. You need both. JAM papers test concepts through numericals, so build theory first and then practice 20-30 numerical questions per topic
IIT JAM Previous Years’ Question Papers
The table below has the IIT JAM exam's previous years’ question papers for your reference:
Check:
IIT JAM 2026 Best Books
Some of the IIT JAM 2026 best books for those who are preparing for exams are given below for your reference:
| Subject | Book Title | Author(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications | Nouredine Zettili |
| Introduction to Solid State Physics | Charles Kittel | |
| IIT JAM Physics Solved Papers & Practice Sets | Arihant Publications | |
| Chemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | Duward Shriver, P. W. Atkins, Tina Overton |
| Organic Chemistry | R.T. Morrison, R.N. Boyd | |
| Physical Chemistry | P. W. Atkins | |
| Mathematics | Principles of Mathematical Analysis | Walter Rudin |
| Linear Algebra | Stephen H. Friedberg, Arnold J. Insel, Lawrence E. Spence | |
| Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations | M.D. Raisinghania | |
| Biotechnology | Essential Cell Biology | Bruce Alberts et al. |
| Molecular Cloning | Sambrook and Russell | |
| Kuby Immunology | Thomas J. Kindt, Barbara A. Osborne, Richard Goldsby |
Also Check:
IIT JAM Mock Test 2026
- You must be hearing a lot on different student forums that mock tests change everything. Most IIT JAM 2025 students say that taking at least 10-12 full-length mock tests before the exam improved both their speed and confidence.
- Whether you’re targeting Biotech, Chemistry, or Mathematics, the key isn’t just solving a mock, it’s analysing it.
- Find out why you made mistakes, note which questions took too long, and tag those topics in your revision checklist.
| Mock Test Name | Difficulty Level | Duration | Total Questions | Total Marks | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT JAM Physics Mock Test 1 | Intermediate | 180 Minutes | 60 | 100 | English |
| IIT JAM Physics Mock Test 2 | Intermediate | 180 Minutes | 60 | 100 | English |
| IIT JAM Chemistry Mock Test 1 | Intermediate | 180 Minutes | 60 | 100 | English |
| IIT JAM Chemistry Mock Test 2 | Intermediate | 180 Minutes | 60 | 100 | English |
| IIT JAM Mathematics Mock Test 1 | Intermediate | 180 Minutes | 60 | 100 | English |
| IIT JAM Mathematics Mock Test 2 | Intermediate | 180 Minutes | 60 | 100 | English |
Ques. Is it okay to take mock tests before completing the entire IIT JAM syllabus?
Ans. Absolutely. Most students start giving mocks after finishing around 60% of the syllabus. Even if you don’t score well initially, it highlights your weak areas early and helps improve time management. Waiting till the full syllabus is done often delays real progress.
Ques. Which subject’s mock test feels the toughest for the IIT JAM?
Ans. Physics mock test feels the toughest for IIT JAM, because of the lengthy numerical questions and time pressure. Mathematics can also be tricky due to problem-solving depth, while Chemistry feels balanced if you’re clear with formulas and concepts.
IIT JAM Difficulty Level Analysis
The IIT JAM exam varies in difficulty across subjects, with some being concept-heavy and others formula or memory-based. Below is a concise subject-wise difficulty and scoring analysis
| Subject | Scoring Opportunities | Difficulty Level | Key Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | High in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Genetics | Moderate |
|
| Chemistry (CY) | Physical Chemistry is formula-based; Inorganic is predictable | Moderate–High |
|
| Mathematics (MA) | A strong base in Calculus & Algebra helps in scoring | High |
|
| Physics (PH) | Mechanics & Electrodynamics are consistent scorers | Moderate–High |
|
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) | Predictable Probability & Statistics topics | Moderate |
|
| Geology (GG) | Structural Geology & Mineralogy are high-scoring | Moderate |
|
| Economics (EN) | Micro & Macro offer high scores for strong math users | Moderate–High |
|
Also Check:
IIT JAM Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. How can I update my notes as per the new syllabus?
Ans. Download the official IIT JAM 2026 syllabus PDF and mark all new or deleted topics. Highlight new ones in green and removed ones in red. Add them to your revision checklist and focus more on the newly introduced sections first.
Ques. Do these syllabus changes affect question patterns?
Ans. Yes, slightly. Expect 1-2 questions from newly added areas like Hill Coefficient or Bioinformatics. The overall weightage distribution remains the same.
Ques. How much time is enough to cover the updated syllabus?
Ans. Most students need 5-6 months for full coverage, including new topics. Early starters can finish the main syllabus by September and focus on mock tests afterwards.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
If you’re aiming to pursue Masters in Computer Applications (MCA) from a government college in India, there are several entrance exams you can consider.