IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern: Exam Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme & Shift Timings

IIT JAM exam was conducted for 100 marks. The question paper comprises 60 questions. Students need to obtain 75+ marks to qualify for the entrance test.

The Test Paper schedule of JAM 2026 is given below:

Student can appear in either ONE or TWO Test Paper (s). However, a candidate can appear in two Test Papers only if they are not scheduled in the same session.         

Students can crack the IIT JAM exam 2026 on their first attempt by planning a proper preparation strategy. Follow IIT JAM exam syllabus to identify the important topics for the paper they are appearing for.  Solving the previous year question paper will help to identify the most important topics and get familiar with the exam difficulty level. Students can practice the IIT JAM mock test for self-assessment.

JAM 2026 Examination was conducted for SEVEN subjects, also referred to as Test Papers: Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA),  Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH). The medium for all the Test Papers is English only.

JAM 2026 examination pattern is divided in such a way that the exam was conducted in the form of three sections ie., Section A, B and C.

Section - B contains a total of 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) carrying two marks each. Each MSQ is similar to MCQ but with the difference that MSQ may have one or more than one correct choice (s) out of the four given choices. The candidate is awarded full credit only if all the correct answer (s) and no wrong answers are selected. Candidates can mark the answer (s) by clicking the choice (s). There is no negative marking or partial marking for MSQ.

Yes all IIT JAM papers follow the same 3 hour 100 mark format. This structure applies in all seven disciplines which include 60 questions divided into three sections. All papers are computer based and presented in English and every section is mandatory for all candidates.

JAM 2026 exam for all the Test Papers was conducted as a computer-based Test  (CBT) where the candidates are shown the questions in a random sequence on a computer screen.

Section - A contains a total of 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) involving 10 questions of one mark each and 20 questions of two marks each. Each MCQ has four choices out of which only one choice is the correct answer. Candidates can mark their answer by clicking one of the choices. A wrong answer will result in negative marks. For each wrong answer to 1 mark
questions, 1/3 mark is deducted and similarly for each wrong answer to 2 marks questions,  2/3 mark is deducted.

IIT JAM exam syllabus 2026 is available online on the website, jam2026.iitb.ac.in. Students can know the important topics for exam preparation through JAM 2026 syllabus. Each test paper have different syllabus. Students must plan their preparation strategy as per the syllabus.

For the past 20 years, the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) has served as a national standard for Science education at the undergraduate level. The purpose of JAM is to consolidate Science as a career option for students nationwide and to offer admissions to post-graduate degree programmes. These courses provide instruction in their fields at a level that is on par with the greatest in the world. These programmes' curricula are meant to give students the chance to hone their academic skills in preparation for demanding and fulfilling careers. The curricula's multidisciplinary content gives students the skills necessary to use their scientific knowledge in real-world situations. All qualified students may apply to these programmes, regardless of their country of citizenship.

In all sections, questions not attempted will result in zero marks. There is no provision for partial marking. The candidates are required to select the answer (s) for MCQ and MSQ type questions using the mouse. The answer for NAT questions must be entered using a mouse on a virtual numeric keypad. The keyboard of the computer will be disabled.
There is a provision for using an online virtual calculator. Candidates are not allowed to bring their own calculators.
A scribble pad will be provided for rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number before using it. The scribble pad has to be returned at the end of the examination. The examination will end automatically after the GIVEN time. 

IIT JAM passing mark varies category wise for each test paper. Students need to check the JAM scorecard to know the minimum passing marks for the test. Candidates belonging to "GEN" category need to score 25+ marks to qualify in the Biotechnology paper and 27+ marks in Chemistry. The minimum passing marks for GEN category are mentioned below.

In IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern, there is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Such questions are not taken into consideration while calculating the total marks.

Yes all IIT JAM papers follow the same 3 hour 100 mark format. This structure applies in all seven disciplines which include 60 questions divided into three sections. All papers are computer based and presented in English and every section is mandatory for all candidates.

Students can plan their preparation through the exam syllabus. Check the syllabus to know what the important topics are. Then gather the required resources like the best books, previous year question paper, and mock test. Students must solve the IIT JAM question paper after completing 70% of the syllabus to keep track of their preparation.

There are a total of 60 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. 

Section - C has a total 20 Numerical Answer Type questions, involving 10 questions of one mark each and 10 questions of two marks each. For NAT questions.

Yes, but not in IITs, NITs, or IISc. Central Universities offer admission to the MSc degree through CUET PG. Students must appear for the state level or university level entrance exam for admission to the MSc degree.

A. IIT JAM is of three hours duration. The national-level Science entrance exam will be conducted in two sessions, which are as follows: 

• Session-I (9 AM to 12 noon) for the following JAM Test Papers- Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG) and Mathematics (MA)
• Session-II (2.30 PM to 5.30 PM) for the following JAM Test Papers- Economics (EN), Biotechnology (BT), Physics (PH) and Mathematical Statistics (MS)

In all sections, questions not attempted will result in zero marks. There is no provision for partial marking. The candidates are required to select the answer (s) for MCQ and MSQ type questions using the mouse. The answer for NAT questions must be entered using a mouse on a virtual numeric keypad. The keyboard of the computer will be disabled.
There is a provision for using an online virtual calculator. Candidates are not allowed to bring their own calculators.
A scribble pad will be provided for rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number before using it. The scribble pad has to be returned at the end of the examination. The examination will end automatically after the GIVEN time. 

The JAM 2026 examination is conducted in such a way that the question paper for each subject has 60 questions. These 60 questions were in the format of MCQ, MSQ and NAT type.