Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult: Check Exam Date, Preparation Tips, and Paper Analysis

Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc 2027 ( IIT JAM )

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IIT JAM 2027 Application Process

11 Sep '26 - 19 Oct '26

Updated on Feb 14, 2026 15:10 IST
Students appearing for the IIT JAM 2026 exam can check the article to know if the exam is easy or difficult. You can know the answer to the question after the conclusion of the exam. For now, check the exam analysis, preparation tips, high-weightage topics and exam date.

Students appearing for the IIT JAM 2026 exam can check the article to know if the exam is easy or difficult. You can know the answer to the question after the conclusion of the exam. For now, check the exam preparation tips, high-weightage topics and exam date.

Is IIT JAM 2026 difficult

Is IIT JAM 2026 difficult?

IIT JAM exam is a national level exam conducted for admission to the postgraduate courses in IITs and result sharing institutes. Joint Admission Test for Masters is considered highly competitive among students because of its vast syllabus, limited seats, analytical and application based question. Students can qualify the JAM exam with a proper preparation strategy. We have provided high-weightage topics, preparation strategy, and previous year questions.

Latest: IIT JAM 2026 answer key live: Steps to download answer key

Table of contents
  • What is IIT JAM?
  • Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Important Dates
  • Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Exam Analysis
  • Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Topics Weightage
  • Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Preparation Tips

What is IIT JAM?

Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) is an entrance exam conducted for admission to MSc / MSc (M.Tech) programmes offered at IITs, NITs, IISc and other result sharing institutes. The JAM exam is conducted once a year. The Indian Institute of Technology and IISc Bengaluru conducts IIT JAM exam on rotation basis. JAM 2026 will be held by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. The exam is conducted as computer based test for three hours. There are seven test paper in IIT JAM, namely Biotechnology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Economics, and Mathematics Statistics. JAM paper comprises MCQs, NATs, and MSQs.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are some important topics of Physics subject for the preparation of IIT JAM Physics?
A: 

Candidates who want to appear for IIT JAM exam for Physics course admission should formulate a strategy to crack this Science entrance exam. Here, it is important that candidates go through important IIT JAM Physics books, identify important topics, and thereafter solve as many IIT JAM question papers as they can. This is a sure-shot way of getting a good rank in IIT JAM result.

Candidates can go through important topics that they should study to score well in IIT JAM exam in the table mentioned below:

Kinetic theory,  Thermodynamics

Mathematical Methods

Simple Oscillators

Mechanics and General Properties of Matter

Oscillations,  Waves andBoolean Physics

Electricity and Magnetism

Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics

Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)

Boolean algebra

 

Q:   What is IIT JAM Shift 2 exam difficulty level?
A: 

Students can check the experience of previous year students who gave IIT JAM exam:

Khushi: IIT JAM Biotechnology exam difficulty level was moderate. In Biology questions from Immunology, Genetics, Recombinant DNA Technology topics were asked. In sections, i.e., NAT, both from physics and mathematics questions were asked. Section A and B was comparatively easy than Section C.

Sudarshan: IIT JAM Economics subject exam difficulty level was easier than last year. Some direct questions were asked from liquidity preference money supply and few were asked from consumer and supplier chain product.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of IIT JAM examination?
A: 

The difficulty level of IIT JAM is moderate to tough. The difficulty level for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is tougher as compared to the IIT JAM subjects of Economics, Biotechnology and Geology.

If we compare the difficulty level of IIT JAM examination with CUET PG exam, ISI Admission test, NEST exam, IISER Entrance examination, then it will be found that IIT JAM examination is comparetively tougher than the other top colleges/ universities entrance examination.

Q:   What is the study plan for the preparation of IIT JAM Physics exam?
A: 

Physics is one of the most sought course of choice among students who want to take admission in IITs, IISc, etc. It is for this reason alone that IIT JAM Physics paper is extremely competitive. Thus, when preparing for the Physics paper in JAM exam, candidates are suggested to pay less attention to the number of books from which they are studying and more emphasis on finding the topics that will help them score more.

To have an effective prep plan for IIT JAM Physics paper, students should have a timetable in place and make notes of important formulas that will make their last-minute preparation easy.

IIT JAM Physics Study Plan for First Month

Week of Study

Topic to Study

Sub-topic to Study

1

Mechanics and General Properties of Matter-I

Newton’s Laws of Motion and Applications

Kepler’s Laws

Polar and Cylindrical Coordinate Systems,

Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces

Centrifugal and Coriolis Forces

Motion Under a Central Force

Uniformly Rotating Frame

Gravitational Law and Field

Velocity and Acceleration in Cartesian

2

Mechanics and General Properties of Matter-II

System of Particles

Conservation of Linear and Angular Momentum

Conservation of Energy

Center of Mass

Equation of Motion of the Center of Mass

Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

Fixed Axis Rotations

Rigid Body Motion

Rotation and Translation

Parallel and Perpendicular Axes Theorem

Moments of Inertia and Products of Inertia

Principal Moments and Axes

Equation of Continuity

Kinematics of Moving Fluids

Euler’s Equation

Bernoulli’s Theorem

3

Mathematical Methods-I

Stokes’ Theorem

Green’s Theorem

Divergence Theorem

Multiple Integrals

Vector Calculus

Vector Algebra

Fourier Series

Taylor Expansion

Imperfect and Perfect Differentials

Jacobian Matrix

Partial Derivatives

Calculus of Single and Multiple Variables

4

Mathematical Methods-II

 First Order Equations

Linear Second Order Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients

Algebra of Complex Numbers

Matrices and Determinants

IIT JAM Physics Study Plan for Second Month

Week of Study

Topic to Study

Sub-topic to Study

5

Electricity and Magnetism-I

Coulomb’s Law

Gauss’s Law

Electric Field and Potential

Electrostatic Boundary Conditions

Solution of Laplace’s Equation for Simple Cases

Capacitors

Conductors

Dielectric Polarization

Electrostatic Energy

Volume and Surface Charges

6

Oscillations, Waves and Optics-I

Differential Equation for Simple Harmonic Oscillator and Its General Solution

Superposition of Two or More Simple Harmonic Oscillator

Damped and Forced Oscillators

Resonance

7

Oscillations, Waves and Optics-II

Energy Density and Energy Transmission in Waves

Wave Equation

Group Velocity and Phase Velocity

Sound Waves in Media

Doppler Effect

Wave Equation

Fermat’s Principle

8

Oscillations, Waves and Optics-III

General Theory of Image Formation

Thick Lens, Thin Lens and Lens Combinations

Fraunhofer Diffraction

Rayleigh Criterion and Resolving Power

Diffraction Gratings

Polarization

Double Refraction and Optical Rotation

Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Important Dates

IIT Bombay has released the JAM exam dates 2026 online. Students can check exam date to stay updated with the latest events. IIT JAM 2026 exam date is provided below.

Event Dates
IIT JAM 2026 admit card January 13, 2026
IIT JAM 2026 exam February 15, 2026
IIT JAM answer key February, 2026
JAM result 2026 March 20, 2026
Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
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Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Exam Analysis

Students can check IIT JAM exam analysis to understand the exam difficulty level, high weightage topics and distribution of marks. Last year IIT JAM exam was considered a moderate to great difficulty level.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the tips to crack IIT JAM?
A: 

Candidates can go through IT JAM preparation tips mentioned below in order to formulate a strategy to crack the JAM exam paper for Physics.

Know the exam pattern

The first and foremost thing that candidates need to be well acquainted with is to know IIT JAM exam pattern. Physics consists of three sections wherein candidates need to attempt – MCQs, MSQs and NAT questions.

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 the marking scheme

The next step for exam prep is to know the marking scheme for IIT JAM. This is important as by knowing the marking scheme, aspirants can have a plan of action in place to avoid negative marking wherever possible in the exam.

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

In IIT JAM for Physics, there is a negative marking in Section A only. There is no negative marking in Section B and Section C of the exam.

Know the syllabus

Next, aspirants need to be thorough with IIT JAM syllabus. Here, candidates need to be well acquainted with the topics that they need to ace to score well in the science entrance exam. The topics that form a part of IIT JAM syllabus include:

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

Prepare a timetable

Candidates should prepare a timetable for how they want to complete and revise the syllabus for the Physics paper in the IIT JAM exam. Also, while preparing the timetable candidates need to include adequate time to solve practice papers and thereafter revise important topics for IIT JAM preparation.

Know important formulas

While preparing different topics for the IIT JAM Physics paper, candidates should ensure that they keep jotting down the important formulae for each topic. This will prove extremely helpful at the time of revision as students would have a consolidated list of all the important formulae for IIT JAM Physics preparation which they can easily refer to before taking the exam.

Read important books

Aspirants should make a list of important books to read for IIT JAM physics exam preparation. Here, candidates should go through one or two important books and thereafter prepare well for each section of this Science exam.

Q:   How is the IIT JAM Merit List made?
A: 

For each Test Paper All India merit list is prepared based on AIR. The number of candidates included in the All India Merit List is based on the total number of seats available in each category (GEN/ OBC-NCL/ EWS/ SC/ ST/ PwD) in a given subject. 

Q:   I have 3 subjects in my graduation (B.Sc) Physics, Maths and Chemistry, I am confused about what subject should I prepare for in IIT JAM?
A: 

Well, if you have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, all three in your Bachelor's degree you should first understand and analyze that which subject you like the most and you are highly interested in. Then devote atleast a year and evaluate the scope of M.Sc in that particular subject, study it and then select the subject. Don't be in a rush, take your time.

 

 

Q:   Can I get IIT Palakkad with 540 rank?
A: 

Yes if your rank 540 you can secure seat in most engineering programs of IIT Palakkad.

Computer Science and Engineering: 6199

- Data Science and Engineering: The cutoff was around 8084.
- Electrical Engineering: The cutoff was about 9766.
- Civil Engineering: The cutoff was as high as 16487.

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Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Topics Weightage

IIT JAM 2026 chapter wise weightage is provided below.

IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology Chapter Wise Weightage

Suject Weightage
Physics 18%
Chemistry 20%
Maths 18%
Biology 44%

IIT JAM 2026 Physics Chapter Wise Weightage

Topics Weightage
Electricity & Magnetism 12%
Mathematical Methods 15%
KTG & Thermodynamics 14%
Mechanics 13%
Oscillation, Wave & Optics 10%
SSP & Electronics 11%
Modern Physics 21%

IIT JAM 2026 Mathematics Chapter Wise Weightage

Topics Weightage
Differential Calculus 23%
Linear Algebra 13%
Sequence and Series 12%
Integral Calculus 11 %
Vector Calculus 10%

IIT JAM 2026 Geology Chapter Wise Weightage

Topics Weightage
Petrology 25%
Mineralogy 20%
Structural Geology 18%
The Planet Earth 19%
Paleontology 9%

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

CUET PG 2027 Exam Notification

14 Dec '26

Is IIT JAM 2026 Exam Difficult?: Preparation Tips

Students who are appearing for IIT JAM exam 2026 can check the preparation tips here. JAM preparation tips help to complete the exam syllabus and score high marks.

  • Prepare study time table by distributing an equal slot for each topic.
  • Check IIT JAM 2026 exam syllabus and pattern.
  • Identify the JAM high weightage topics. For this check the previous year exam analysis.
  • Gather the resources like books, study materials, IIT JAM previous year question paper, and mock test.
  • Make a handy notes of important topics and formulas for quick revision.
  • Start solving the previous year question paper after completing 70% of the syllabus. This will help in self-assessment.
  • Students must clear their doubts and focus on the weak topics.
  • Attempt IIT JAM mock test to improve time and get familiar with the online test.
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Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, you are generally eligible for IIT JAM M.Sc. Geology (GG) as long as you have studied Geology for three years/six semesters and have taken any two subjects among Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Science as your minors/subsidiary subjects.

S

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, you cannot get admission to IIT Bombay if your degree completion extends into September.

IIT JAM regulations generally allows provisional admission for final-year students, but you must submit proof of passing your qualifying degree by a strict deadline which is typically September 30 of the admi

...Read more

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, IIT Kharagpur will open IIT JAM 2027 form correction window in November 10. Registered candidates will be allowed to edit the application formd. Complete changes are not allowed, therefore it is important to fill the IIT JAM application form 2027 carefully.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The specification of photograph for IT JAM application form 2027 is provided below.

Image DescriptionsSizeFormat
  • Good qualify recent and color passport photograph with white or very light colour.
  • Face should cover 50% of photograph (full face view looking into camera).
  • Forehead, eyes nose, ears, and chin must be visible.
  • Avoid spectacles with dark or tinted glasses while taking photograph.
  • 3.5 cm Width * 4.5 cm Height
  • Max. pixel 480*640
  • Min. pixel 240*320
  • JPEG/JPG

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The following documents are requird while filling the IIT JAM application form.

  • SCC (Class 10) mark sheet with Date of Birth.
  • High-quality recent photograph and signature as per the specification.
  • Scanned copy of category certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST).
  • Scanned copy of Physical Disability Certificate (

...Read more

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT Kharagpur has activated the IIT JAM application form link on the official website, jam.iitkgp.ac.in. Candidates must fill the appliction form through the JOAPS portal.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, IIT JAM registration 2027 date was revised to September 12. But, IIT Kharagpur has activated the registration portal on September 11, 2026. The application form is available online at jam.iitkgp.ac.in. Candidates can register for IIT JAM 2027 through JOAPS portal.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates are allowed to appear for two test papers in IIT JAM. However, they will have to additional fee.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT JAM application form fee is provide mentioned below.

CATEGORYONE TEST (INR)TEST PAPERS (INR)
Female/SC/ST/PwD10001350
All Others20002700

 

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates can apply for IIT JAM exam 2027 through JOAPS Portal. The authority activated the JOAPS portal on September 11, 2026. IIT JAM application form 2027 is accepted online only.

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10