IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology Syllabus: Subject Wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Important Books

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

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Updated on Feb 22, 2026 12:49 IST
Are you considering pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology? If so, the IIT JAM exam is one of the best options for you for pursuing a career in biotechnology. Here is the detailed IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology syllabus as part of your preparation. The JAM 2026 exam dates have already been announced.

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. 

IIT JAM 2026 MSc Biotechnology Syllabus

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.

Table of contents
  • 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
View More

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
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the syllabus of IIT JAM?
A: 
IIT JAM or the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. , is an entrance exam conducted by Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to various postgraduate Science programs. The syllabus for IIT JAM varies depending on the subject you choose to appear for. However, some common topics covered in the IIT JAM syllabus are: 1. Mathematical Statistics: Sequences and Series Differential Calculus Integral Calculus Matrices Probability Random Variables Joint Distributions Sampling distributions Estimation Testing of Hypotheses 2. Physics: 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 3. Chemistry: Physical Chemistry Organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry 4. Biotechnology: Biology Chemistry (Physical, Organic, and Inorganic) Mathematics Physics 5. Mathematical Sciences: Real Analysis Linear Algebra Complex Analysis Algebra Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) Partial Differential Equations (PDE) Numerical Analysis Calculus of Variations Probability and Statistics It's important to note that the exact topics and level of difficulty of the questions may vary each year, so it's important to refer to the official IIT JAM syllabus for the specific subject and year you are planning to appear for the exam.
Q:   How can I get the IIT JAM syllabus PDF?
A: 

IIT JAM 2026 syllabus pdf is available on the website, jam2026.iitb.ac.in. The syllabus pdf is available for all seven papers. Students can check the syllabus of IIT JAM to know the important topics for preparation.

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
Engineering

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 

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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:

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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

Microbiology

Lansing M Prescott, John P Harley & Donald A Klein

Biotechnology

Biotechnology

U Satyanarayana

Physiology

Principles of anatomy physiology

Gerard J Tortora & Bryan Derrickson

Botany

A Text Book of Botany

Annie Ragland, V Kumaresan & N Arumugam

Genetics

Principles of Genetics

Gardner, Simmons & Snustad

Immunology

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.

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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 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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Rakshit Prabhakar is a content writer with 2 years of experience. He is an alumnus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, where he did Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication. This gives him a solid bas

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Answered 4 days ago

Your Class 12 marks does not matter for admission at IIT Goa for the MSc courses. For admission at this IIT for the MSc programme, you would need to first have a Bachelors degree with at least 55% marks for the General and OBC  categories (50% marks for the SC, ST and PWD categories). 

Hence, to gain

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

No, you cannot get admission to IIT Goa with a rank of 2267 in the IIT JAM exam. As per the IIT Goa cutoff 2026, the round three closing ranks ranged from 775 to 792 for the General AI category. Hence, admission to this college with the attained rank is not possible. 

But you can get into NIT Srinaga

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

IIT Goa JAM cutoff 2026 was released up to the third round for different AI quota categories. For the General AI category, the round 3 closing ranks ranged from 775 to 792. So, General AI category candidates need to attain a rank of at least 792 to be elgible for admission. 

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

No, according to the IIT Dharwad MSc cutoff 2026 for the third round, you cannot get into this college. For the General AI category, the round 3 closing rank was 708

But you can get into IIT Goa in the third round. This college had the 3rd round cutoff of 775 for the General AI category. 

Students c

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

IIT Dharwad MSc Physics cutoff 2026 was 767 for the General AI category in the third round. The IIT Dharwad MSc cutoff 2026 has been released up to round 3 for admission to the MSc in Physics and other branches. 

See the list below to know the round 3 cutoff for all other categories. 

  • OBC: 1272
  • SC: 240

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

The IIT Gandhinagar JAM cutoff 2026 has been released till the 3rd round for admission to the MSc courses. The OBC AI category, the round 3 cutoff ranged from 439 to 459. Therefore, students need to attain a rank of at least 459 or below if they belong to this category. 

Check the table below to know

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

IIT Bhubaneswar OBC cutoff 2026 was released for admission to the MSc course for the third round. 

For the OBC AI category, the round 3 cutoff ranged from 246 to 1425 for various MSc courses. Among all,  M.Sc. + Ph.D. in Geology was the toughest course for admission, with the cutoff being 246

Studen

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can get into IIT Hyderabad with a rank of 400 if you belong to the OBC AI category. For this category, the round 3 cutoff ranged from 454 to 707

Students can check the table below to know which branches are available.

CourseIIT Hyderabad MSc cutoff 2026
M.Sc. in Chemistry566
M.Sc. in Physics707
M.Sc. in Mathematics454

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Neerja Rohatgi

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Students can see the table below to know the IIT Indore MSc cutoff 2026 for different Al

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The IIT Kharagpur MSc cutoff 2026 ranged from 337 to 2485 in the first round. The IIT Kharagpur cutoff 2026 was released for the first round for several AI quota categories for admission to the MSc courses. 

As per the first round, MSc + PhD in Geology and MSc + PhD in Nuclear Medicine were the most

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Neerja Rohatgi

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