IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern: Exam Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme & Shift Timings
Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc 2026 ( IIT JAM )
Opening and Closing of Withdrawal Option
3 Jun '26 - 3 Jul '26
IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern is available online. Candidates can check the exam pattern to know the marking scheme, mode of exam, duration of test, and total marks. IIT JAM exam is computer based test conducted for three hours. The question paper comprises 60 multiple choice questions. Negative marking is done for wrong answers. Candidates must be familiar with IIT JAM syllabus and pattern to score good marks in test. IIT Bombay conducted the JAM exam 2026 on February 15, 2026. The exam was conducted in two shifts, morning and afternoon. The morning shift timing was 9:30 AM, and the afternoon shift is 2:30 PM.
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject Wise Weightage
- IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme
- IIT JAM 2026: Exam Section and Important Topics
- FAQs on IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
This table has a clear overview of the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern and question paper structure:
| Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam |
Conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration |
3 hours (Single-Sitting) |
| Language |
English |
| Question Styles |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Subject Offered |
Biotechnology(BT), Chemistry(CY), Geology(GG), Economics (EN), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Physics (PH) |
| Total Questions |
60 |
| Maximum Marks |
100 |
Also Read:
- IIT JAM Biotechnology Syllabus
- IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus
- IIT JAM Physics Syllabus
- IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus
- IIT JAM Economics Syllabus
- IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Syllabus
- IIT JAM Geology Syllabus
- IIT JAM Chapter-Wise Weightage
Commonly asked questions
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 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.
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 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 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject Wise Weightage
IIT JAM is conducted for seven papers. Each paper has equal weightage of questions. There will be three sections in each subject. Below is the subject-wise weightage of questions for IIT JAM 2026.
| Subjects | Weightage of Questions |
| Biotechnology (BT) |
60 questions |
| Chemistry (CY) |
60 questions |
| Economics (EN) |
60 questions |
| Geology (GG) |
60 questions |
| Mathematics (MA) |
60 questions |
| Mathematical Statistics (MS) |
60 questions |
| Physics (PH) |
60 questions |
Below is the schedule for IIT JAM 2026:
Also Read:
- Important Topics and Best Books for IIT JAM Physics
- Important Topics and Best Books for IIT JAM Mathematics
- Important Topics and Best Books for IIT JAM Chemistry
- Important Topics and Best Books for IIT JAM Biotechnology Preparation
- Best Books for IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Preparation
- Important Topics and Best Books for IIT JAM Geology Preparation
Commonly asked questions
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.
Check the table for JAM exam schedule.
| Dates | Session | Test Papers and Codes |
|---|---|---|
| February 15, 2026 (Sunday) | Forenoon (FN) 9.30 am to 12.30 pm | • Chemistry (CY) • Geology (GG) • Mathematics (MA) |
| Afternoon (AN) 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm | • Biotechnology (BT) • Economics (EN) • Mathematical Statistics (MS) • Physics (PH) |
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.
IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme
Candidates can check the IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme below.
| Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks for each correct answer |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
10 MCQs |
1 mark each (1/3 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer) |
10 Marks |
| 20 MCQs |
2 marks each (2 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer) |
40 Marks |
|
| B |
10 MSQs |
2 marks each |
20 Marks |
| C |
10 NAT Questions |
1 mark each |
10 Marks |
| 10 NAT Questions |
2 marks each |
20 Marks |
IIT JAM 2026 Negative Marking
In IIT JAM, a candidate gets a negative mark for wrong answers. It is applicable only for Section A. Marks will be deducted according to the scheme mentioned below.
Section A: There will be a penalty of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer to a one-mark question and a penalty of 2/3 marks for each wrong answer to a two-mark question. No mark will be deducted for a question left unanswered by the students.
Section B: There will be no negative marking or partial marking in this section.
Section C: There will be no negative marking in this section. In these types of questions, the answer must be given using the virtual numeric keypad displayed on the computer screen, as no choices are available.
Note: For MCQs and MSQ-type questions, candidates are required to click on the mouse to select the answers, while for NAT-type questions, they must answer using the virtual keypad. A virtual calculator will be displayed on the screen for calculations.
Also, candidates will be provided with a scribble pad for rough work; the pad must be returned at the conclusion of the exam. The test will automatically close after the obligation of 3 hours.
Commonly asked questions
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.
| Subject | Minimum Marks for GEN Category (Expected) |
| Physics | 15 |
| Mathematics | 20 |
| Chemistry | 27 |
| Biotechnology | 26 |
| Economics | 43 |
| Geology | 23 |
| Mathematics Statistics | 9 |
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.
IIT JAM 2026: Exam Section and Important Topics
Candidates can check the IIT JAM subject-wise important topics:
- Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic, and Basic Mathematical Concepts
- Economics: Mathematics for Economics, Statistics for Economics, Macroeconomics.
- Geology: Structural Geology, Paleontology, Mineralogy, Economic Geology, Planet Earth, Geomorphology
- Mathematics: Vector Spaces, Group Theory, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Integral Calculus, Real Analysis
- Mathematical Statistics: Testing of Hypotheses, Sampling Distributions, Multivariate Distributions, Sequences and Series, Differential Calculus, Matrices and Determinants
- Physics: Modern Physics, Electricity & Magnetism, Mathematical Methods, Kinetic Theory & Thermodynamics
FAQs on IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026
Here are some important FAQs asked by the candidates regarding IIT JAM 2026 examination pattern.
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)
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.
The are 60 questions in IIT JAM exam. These 60 questions were in the format of MCQ, MSQ and NAT type.
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.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
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For the General AI category, the first round cutoff ranged from 614 to 665. To know the IIT Palakkad category-wise cutoff 2026, students can refer to the
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| Course | IIT Bombay cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|
| M.Sc. + Ph.D. in Energy Science and Engineering | 582 |
| M.Sc.+ Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering | 710 |
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| Category | IIT Bhubaneswar cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|
| General | 115 - 789 |
| OBC | 230 - 997 |
| SC | 444 - 2330 |
| ST | 560 - 4310 |
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| PWD | 851 |
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