If you're the one wanted to pursue MSc Biotechnology after completing your bachelor's degree. Then IIT JAM exam is one of the best options to make a career in biotechnology. IIT JAM biotechnology syllabus 2026 has four sections like biology, maths, chemistry and physics.
Students shall prepare for MSc Biotechnology with a great JAM 2026 preparation to get admission in renowned like IIT and NIT & many other institutes. Students should have the right strategy to prepare for the exam. It is advised that students should analyse the MSc Biotechnology syllabus and exam pattern 2026. And students should also check IIT JAM eligibility criteria 2026 for MSc Biotechnology important topics and top colleges in IIT JAM exam they can opt for. Read this Shiksha Article for the comprehensive JAM biotechnology syllabus for preparation. IIT JAM 2026 exam was held on February 15, 2026. Students can read about the eligibility criteria and exam pattern here.
Latest: IIT JAM 2026 answer key expected soon
The exam will be held for admission to postgraduate programmes in JAM 2026 participating institutes.
Students preparing for IIT JAM 2026 exam must start their preparation soon to ace the examination and get into their desired college or university. IIT JAM MSc Biotechnology exam syllabus includes the topics studied in UG of Biotechnology course. The UG Biotechnology course is very vast and contains topics like animal diversity, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology & its application, biotechnology tools, physiology, biochemistry etc. JAM 2026 registration process started on September 5, 2025, and the last date to apply for the application form was October 12, 2025.
- IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology Exam Pattern
- IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology: Eligibility Criteria
- Topics to Study for IIT JAM Biotechnology Exam
- IIT JAM Biotechnology Books to Read for IIT JAM 2026 Examination
- IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Steps
- Preparation Tips For IIT JAM 2026 MSc Biotechnology Exam
- IITs Offering MSc in Biotechnology and Seats
IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology Exam Pattern
IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology exam pattern states that each test paper is of three hours duration. In the exam, candidates need to attempt 60 questions which were of 100 marks weightage. These 60 questions are divided into three sections – A, B, and C. All these sections are compulsory and candidates need to attempt questions from all the sections. The medium of instruction for JAM test papers is English.
The detailed IIT JAM exam pattern 2026 is mentioned in the table below:
| Section | Type of Questions | No of Question |
|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Each question has four choices with one correct answer. |
30 |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) Each question has four choices with one or more correct answers. |
10 |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) The answer for each question is a signed real number that needs to be entered using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor. No choices will be shown for these questions. |
20 |
| Total | 60 | |
Commonly asked questions
The key texts for the IIT JAM Mathematics exam are: Principles of Real Analysis by S. C. Malik for Real Analysis; Linear Algebra by H. Anton or by Seymour Lipschitz from the Schaum's outline series for Linear Algebra; Integral Calculus - F. Ayres, or GorakhPrasad's Textbooks for Integral Calculus; For Differential Equations, either M.D. Raisinghania will work, or for excellent, Modern Algebra by A. R. Vasishtha or by Joseph A. Gallian will work fine.
These are some of the best books for IIT JAM 2026 exam preparation specifically for Mathematics Statistics subject:
Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
IIT JAM: MSc Mathematical Statistics | Anand Kumar |
Complete Resource Manual MSc Mathematics | Suraj Singh |
Fundamental of Mathematical Statistics | S.C. Gupta & V.K. Kapoor |
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | Robert V. Hogg and Craig Mckean Hogg |
Problems and Solutions in Mathematical Statistics | S.C Gupta, Vikas Gupta and Sanjeev Kumar Gupta |
IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates can check the minimal eligibility criteria for enrolling in MSc Biotechnology course from below:
| Test Paper Code | Academic Programmes | Institutes | Minimal Educational Qulaifucation for Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology (BT) | MSc Biotechnology | IIT Bombay, IIT Indore | Any Branch/Subject. |
| MSc/ PhD Dual Degree- Environmental Science and Engineering |
IIT Bombay | Any one of Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for two years/four semesters, and any one of the other four subjects for at least one year/two semesters and Mathematics for at least one semester. |
|
| MSc in Biosciences and Bio |
IIT Roorkee | Will be released shortly |
Candidates can check out the detailed IIT JAM eligibility criteria here: IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria 2026: Know Educational Qualification and Age limit
Also Read:
Topics to Study for IIT JAM Biotechnology Exam
The weightage of questions asked in IIT JAM Biotechnology paper is as mentioned below:
| Subject |
Weightage (In percent) |
|---|---|
| Biology |
44 |
| Chemistry |
20 |
| Mathematics |
18 |
| Physics |
18 |
Candidates can go through important topics that they should study to score well in IIT JAM Biotechnology exam in the table mentioned below:
Explore colleges based on IIT JAM
IIT JAM Biotechnology Books to Read for IIT JAM 2026 Examination
Books that aspirants should consider reading for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and its subtopics are as mentioned below:
| IIT JAM Exam Topic |
Books to Read for IIT JAM Biotechnology Paper |
Author |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Biology |
|
| Biochemistry |
Biochemistry |
Donald Voet & Judith G Voet |
| Biochemistry |
AL Lehninger |
|
| Cell Biology |
Cell and Molecular Biology -Concepts and Experiments |
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA |
| Molecular Biology |
Molecular Biology of the Gene |
James D Watson, Tania A Baker, Stephen P Bell, Alexander Gann, Michael Levine & Richard Losick |
| Microbiology |
Lansing M Prescott, John P Harley & Donald A Klein |
|
| Biotechnology |
Biotechnology |
U Satyanarayana |
| Physiology |
Principles of anatomy physiology |
Gerard J Tortora & Bryan Derrickson |
| A Text Book of Botany |
Annie Ragland, V Kumaresan & N Arumugam |
|
| Principles of Genetics |
Gardner, Simmons & Snustad |
|
| Immunology |
Richard A Golds, Thomas J Kindt, Barbara A Osborne & Janis Kuby |
|
| General Biology, Ecology and Evolution |
Campbell Biology |
Lisa A Urry, Michael L Cain, Steven A Wasserman, Peter V Minorsky & Jane B Reece |
| Developmental Biology |
Scott F Gilbert |
To get the details about the books to read for other subjects like Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, candidates can go through the article which is mentioned below:
Also Read: Important Topics and Best Books for IIT JAM Biotechnology Preparation 2026
IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Steps
IIT JAM is a highly competitive test students need an action plan to score well in this science entrance exam. These are important factors students should consider when forming IIT JAM prep strategy.
Familiarise Yourself with IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
IIT JAM is conducted for each of the subjects in individual question papers. Each of question papers will contain 60 questions which candidates should try to attempt within a time duration of 3 hours. IIT JAM contains 3 sections A, B, and C overall, the exam pattern of IIT JAM is as follows:
| Section |
Type of Questions |
No of Question |
|---|---|---|
| A |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
30 |
| B |
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) |
10 |
| C |
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
20 |
| Total |
60 |
|
Know IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme
There is a negative marking scheme only in Section A of IIT JAM question paper. Go through the marking scheme of IIT JAM 2026 below:
| Section |
No of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A |
10 MCQs |
1 mark each |
| 20 MCQs |
2 marks each |
|
| B |
10 MSQs |
2 marks each |
| C |
10 NAT Questions |
1 mark each |
| 10 NAT Questions |
2 marks each |
Know the Syllabus for IIT JAM 2026
To be successful in IIT JAM 2026, candidates must have an understanding of the exam syllabus. Candidates would be able to cover the necessary content, as well as decide what content to dig into in-depth versus have some lighter understanding of the material.
- Make a topic-wise list.
- Separate them for each subject, covering the easy and difficult sections (based on their experience).
- Create a list of topics with the maximum weightage as mentioned in the previous year's question papers.
Go Through Good Prep Books
Next, candidates should compile an inventory of books that they plan to read in order to do well in JAM 2026. A plethora of books are available commercially that are full of IIT JAM preparation concepts. It is advised that candidates purchase 2-3 preparation books for IIT JAM pageant. Books for IIT JAM prep will prepare candidates for what topics they feel they should study and what you can expect it to look like, expectations of the subject matter of the entrance exam.
Prepare a Time-Table
Creating a timetable is a crucial component of IIT JAM preparation strategy. It is suggested that candidates create a prep plan for IIT JAM 2026 on a monthly, weekly, and then daily basis. When making a timetable for IIT JAM prep, candidates should keep in mind that the primary goal is to complete the syllabus and study all critical topics very well. Candidates should also create a timetable for IIT JAM 2026 preparation for the last month. Here, candidates should be focused on revising their syllabus and doing as many past years' question papers, sample papers, & mock tests as they can.
Refer to Past Years’ Question Papers
Students should solve the last years' IIT JAM question papers. This helps students understand the exam pattern & format of questions asked in the entrance exam. Also, solving past years’ question papers helps candidates identify important topics that would help aspirants score better in the exam.
Solve Sample papers & mock tests
As soon as candidates finish studying any topic, the best way to gauge their subject knowledge is to solve as many sample papers & mock tests as they can find. Candidates can also determine the best strategy when they go about attempting the actual IIT JAM question paper by practicing sample papers. Sample papers also give candidates a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
IIT JAM mock tests and sample papers also help candidates in formulating a time management strategy for the exam. IIT JAM 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test. So, mock tests for JAM 2026 will help candidates prepare and determine what to expect on the day of the entrance exam.
Preparation Tips For IIT JAM 2026 MSc Biotechnology Exam
Students first should understand the whole syllabus and exam pattern, then make a study time table, use excellent study material, practice the previous question papers, and some sample papers also revise regularly.
IITs Offering MSc in Biotechnology and Seats
Aspirants can get admission in the MSc Biotechnology course offered at the following colleges:
| Institute Name | Course Name | Number of Seats Available | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEN | EWS | SC | ST | OBC | Total | ||
| IIT Bombay | MSc Biotechnology | 13 + 1* | 3+1* | 9 | 5 | 3 | 35 |
| MSc in Environmental Science and Engineering |
1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| IIT Indore | MSc Biotechnology | 6 + 1* | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 15 |
| IIT Roorkee | MSc in Biosciences and Bio Engineering |
||||||
Read More: IIT JAM 2026: List of colleges accepting scores/ranks for admission
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Student Forum
Answered 2 days 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
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT JAM merit list is based on AIR. The authority will consider the total number of seats available in each category, to include the number of candidates in the All India Merit List. Candidates who are included in the merit list will be eligible to apply for admisison.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Counselling - 27 Mar '26 - 15 Apr '26

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