IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics Topper Interview: AIR 3, Abhay Jindal shares prep tips

Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc 2026 ( IIT JAM )

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Updated on Dec 28, 2017 17:28 IST
Currently pursuing Integrated PhD, Abhay Jindal qualified IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics paper by securing AIR 3 to get admission at IISc. Know what prep strategy he adopted to clear the exam.

Abhay Jindal, IIT JAM Mathematics Topper

Currently pursuing Integrated PhD, Abhay Jindal qualified IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics paper by securing AIR 3 to get admission at IISc (Indian Institute of Science). Talking about his total score in the Science entrance exam, Abhay revealed that although he aimed at scoring 100/100, he managed to secure 76.68 marks out of 100 in the online test.

A graduate (BSc Pass course) from SS Jain Subodh PG College, Jaipur, Abhay likes travelling and cooking the most.

When we asked Abhay what preparation strategy he adopted to crack the prestigious Science entrance exam, he revealed that although he never adopted any study plan but one thing that he ensured was that he always cleared his doubts. He recommends the same for all IIT JAM 2018 aspirants and he was quoted as saying, “Don't skip your doubts. Clearing doubts play an important role in JAM preparation.”
Elaborating further on his preparation strategy for the entrance exam, Abhay shared that he joined coaching classes and also referred to the following books for different Mathematics subjects:

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Book

Author

Subject

Introduction to Real Analysis

S K Mapa

Real Analysis

Contemporary Abstract Algebra

Joseph A Gallian

Group Theory

Linear Algebra

Stephen H Friedberg

Linear Algebra

Although Abhay took coaching to clear IIT JAM, he feels that one can top the exam even without joining any classes. Talking about his strengths, Abhay said that after preparing a topic he used to explain it to his friends which helped him understand the topics better.

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When we asked Abhay what strategy candidates should adopt to avoid negative marking in the exam, he said, “Exam authorities provide a booklet to do rough work. I recommend JAM 2018 candidates to work systematically on the booklet rather than writing randomly. This is important because if a candidate spends some time on a particular question and is not able to do it at that time, he/she can return to that question later easily by referring to the rough notes made on the booklet before.”

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Apart from this, Abhay also suggested JAM candidates, “Try and attempt NAT questions before MSQs. Also, do not spend more than five minutes on a particular question to manage time well.”

As per Abhay, his experience of giving a computer-based test was nice. However, he found Vector Calculus the most difficult section in the exam and recommended, “One should practice giving online tests before appearing for IIT JAM.”

Apart from giving JAM, Abhay also appeared for other Science entrance exams such as TIFR GS. He recommended JAM 2018 aspirants to try and get admission in some research institute instead of IIT.

Abhay’s initial dream was to become an IAS officer. However, he studied Mathematics in-depth and discovered his liking for the subject after graduation. Going forward, Abhay wants to make his career in the field of Mathematics only.

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Answered 3 days ago

With a JAM 2026 Biotechnology score of 61.67 and AIR 310, here's a realistic picture of your daughter's admission chances:


 IITs

  • Top IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Kharagpur, Madras)
    • Cutoffs usually close around AIR 100–200.
    • At rank 310, admission here is unlikely.
  • Mid-tier IITs (Roorkee, Guwahati, BHU, Hyderabad)

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, BSc students are eligible for IIT JAM 2026. They have to complete their graduation or must be in the final year of graduation while applying for JAM. Admisison is offered to M.Sc., M.Sc. (Tech.), MS (Research), M.Sc. - M.Tech. Dual Degree, Joint M.Sc. - Ph.D., M.Sc. - Ph.D. Dual Degree, and Int

...Read more

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students who have a score above the JAM qualifying cutoff and are mentioned in the merit list can apply for the counselling process. The counselling will be held online. JAM counselling schedules are available online.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT JAM 2026 counselling will be held in four rounds, followed by an additional round. Students need to fill the form at the JOAPS portal to participate in the JAM counselling process.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The authority has released the JAM qualifying marks online. Candidates can check cutoff to know the minimum passing marks in each paper. IIT JAM qualifying marks for Economics are mentioned below.

  • GEN -40.63
  • OBC-NCl / EWs -36.56
  • SC/ST/PwD - 20.31

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT JAM 2026 cutoff was released on March 21, 2026. Candidates can check the cutoff at official website. This is the qualifying cutoff. Candidates who score above the IIT JAM qualifying cutoff can participate in the counselling process.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT JAM 2026 qualifying cutoff for GEN category vary category wise. Check the table for the JAM qualifying cutoff subject-wise.

Subject Name

GEN Cutoff

Biotechnology

42.3

Chemistry

18.65

Economics

40.63

Geology

25.98

Mathematics

12.65

Mathematics Statistics

13.33

Physics

12.04

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Below is the qualifying cutoff for IIT JAM OBC category.

Subject Name

OBC (NCL) / EWS

Biotechnology

38.07

Chemistry

16.78

Economics

36.56

Geology

23.38

Mathematics

11.38

Mathematics Statistics

11.99

Physics

10.83

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Based on past years exam analysis, IIT JAM is moderately difficult. The questions in the JAM exam are conceptually based. Candidates need to keep their concepts clear and practice JAM question papers regularly for better performance in the exam.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT JAM counselling process is mentioned below.

  • Go to IIT JAM 20266 website
  • Click on the JOAPS portal
  • Click on counselling link
  • Fill the form, choose the preference order
  • Pay the fees
  • Submit the form

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10