IIT JAM Preparation 2026: Tips, Strategy & Guide

Students are advised to go through these methods to start their IIT JAM 2026 preparation: 

Firstly, read the IIT JAM syllabus in detail and understand the IIT JAM exam pattern and its marking scheme, get your study materials and relevant books to study for IIT JAM, and make a monthly time-table and break it down into a weekly and daily basis, the last advise would be to solve the past year question papers, sample papers and mock tests - IIT JAM Previous Years Question Papers: Download Last 5 Years JAM Subject Wise Question Paper PDF 

IIT JAM is a highly competitive test students need an action plan to score well in this science entrance exam. Here are some important factors students should generate when forming the IIT JAM prep strategy.

Familiarize Yourself with the 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 in the time duration of 3 hours.  The IIT JAM contains 3 sections A, B, and C overall the exam pattern of IIT JAM is as follows:

Know IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme

There is a negative marking scheme only in Section A of the IIT JAM question paper. Go through the marking scheme of IIT JAM 2026 below:

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. Thus, if the candidates want to do well, it is very critical that they go through the IIT JAM syllabus and develop a study plan with the following in mind:

• 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.

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

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 the 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 the 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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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.

Candidates can go through subject-wise as well as topic-wise books that they should read for IIT JAM prep. In the table mentioned below, aspirants can go through important books to read for JAM test papers like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Geology, and Mathematical Statistics.

The best recommended books for your preparation, which can help you in scoring high marks:

IIT JAM 2026 syllabus is available online. Students can check the exam syllabus for IIT JAM 2026 is mentioned below.

Candidates who have begun JAM 2026 exam preparation must also attempt the JAM Mocktest 2026 in order to gain an additional advantage for improving scores on the exam. The IIT JAM Mock test will also be beneficial for candidates to understand the JAM exam pattern 2026, exam difficulty level and learn about the process of appearing for a computer-based exam.

Elements of IIT JAM Mock Test 2026

These toppers' interviews from different years can give you a broader perspective on how you can do IIT JAM 2026 preparation: