To score full marks in IIT JAM, you need to thoroughly understand syllabus, exam pattern and know what is iit jam, prioritise high- weightage topics, use standard books, consistently solve previous year papers & mock tests by giving a specific time.
Students need to focus on accuracy (avoid negative marks in MCQs), revise formulas and concepts, and master the MSQ (all correct for full marks) and NAT sections. Smart practice, mistake analysis, and a disciplined study plan are crucial for success.
- IIT JAM High Score vs Low Score
- Total marks of IIT JAM Biotechnology
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
- IIT JAM Marking Scheme
- IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria
- IIT JAM 2026 Highlights
- IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Plan
IIT JAM High Score vs Low Score
In IIT JAM high score means a low rank (top 100 - 170), secure top IIT/IISc admissions, while a low score (below 40) means a high rank (1200+), potentially limiting the IIT Options but qualifying for NITs/CFTs, with the key difference being top-tier vs general admission prospects, influenced by subject difficulty and seat availability.
Honestly there are no fixed hours to study and to crack the exam. There are people who stidy just 1 to 2 hours daily and they top in the exams and on the other hand there are people studying for 8 hours but they are not cracking the exam.
Yes, IIT Bombay conducts Common Entrance Exam for Design or CEED for admission to MDes programme. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted in online mode. It is a three-hour exam conducted once in a year. Candidates shortlisted based on CEED rank have to also appear for IDC written test conducted by the institute. The shortlisted aspirants are further require to come for an interview round for final selection.
A high score (for instance, 70-85+ out of 100) provides a very low rank (like top 100-170), with good chances of being offered admission to top schools such as IIT Bombay, Delhi, IISc Bangalore, and popular programs.
This means there are plenty of places you can potentially go to. If you are good at math and/or physics, your chances of being able to study at an IIT/NIT or a comparable institution are definitely increased with a high score.
On the other hand a low score (like below 40) will give you a high rank of more than 1200, meaning that while you may have qualified for an NIT, CFTI or other accredited schools it's unlikely you would be accepted to any of the top-tier IITs. Although there is a qualifying cutoff for NITs/CFTIs (about 14-25), if you scored low it would likely indicate there are fewer options available for you to apply to top-tier institutions.
IIT Bombay B.Tech admission is based on JEE Advanced Cutoff ranks. The IIT Bombay JEE Advanced Cutoff 2025 has been out for Round 1 seat allotment results, for admission to various B.Tech courses. The toughest course to get into the college for the General AI category candidates was Computer Science and Engineering, with the closing Cutoff rank of 66. The easiest course for the General AI category was Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, with the closing cutoff rank of 4119.
Candidates can check the table provided below to check the IIT Bombay B.Tech Cutoff for the General AI category candidates:
| Course | 2025 |
|---|---|
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 2305 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 2405 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 4095 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 66 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 418 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science | 4119 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 1766 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 1483 |
| B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 830 |
| B.Tech. in Energy Engineering | 2452 |
| B.Tech. in Environmental Science and Engineering | 4696 |
| B.Tech. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research | 1133 |
IIT Bombay MSc cutoff 2024 has been released for Round 1, wherein, M.Sc.+ in Applied Geology is the most competitive specialsiation with a closing rank of 16 for the General AII India category students. The least competitive course is M.Sc.+ Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering with a cutoff rank of 643. So, candidates seeking admission to any of the MSc course must secure a rank upto 643 to be eligible for IIT Bombay.
IIT Bombay admissio to the MSc course is based on IIT JAM scores, followed by IIT JAM counselling process. Only candidates in the JAM 2024 Merit List based on JAM 2024 scorecard will be eligible to apply for admission.
NIT Manipur JEE Main cutoff 2024 has been released for admission to the BTech courses. During the Round 1 cutoff, the closing rank for CSE was 25886 for the General category students under the AII India Quota. Among OBC candidates, the closing rank for B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering stood at 8750. Candidates seeking admisison to NIT Manipur can refer to the table below to check out the Round 1 closing ranks for BTech in CSE course for various categories under the AI quota:
Category | JEE Main 2024 Expected Cutoff |
|---|---|
Common Rank List | 90-91 |
Gen-EWS | 75-76 |
OBC-NCL | 73-74 |
SC | 51-52 |
ST | 37-38 |
PwD | 0.0013527 |
Total marks of IIT JAM Biotechnology
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 |
Lansing M Prescott, John P Harley & Donald A Klein |
|
| Biotechnology |
Biotechnology |
U Satyanarayana |
| Physiology |
Principles of anatomy physiology |
Gerard J Tortora & Bryan Derrickson |
| A Text Book of Botany |
Annie Ragland, V Kumaresan & N Arumugam |
|
| Principles of Genetics |
Gardner, Simmons & Snustad |
|
| 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 & 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 Exam Pattern
This table has a clear overview of 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 Marking Scheme
Number of questions and marks allotted in JAM 2026:
| Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks for each correct answer |
| A |
10 MCQs |
1 mark each (1/3 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer) |
| 20 MCQs |
2 marks each (2 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer) |
|
| B |
10 MSQs |
2 marks each |
| C |
10 NAT Questions |
1 mark each |
| 10 NAT Questions |
2 marks each |
Students should know that there will be negative marking in IIT JAM 2026 exam, which will be applicable for Section A only. 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.
IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria
Below are the key IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria that students must go through:
- Education Qualification: The student must have a bachelor's degree with a relevant discipline.
- Minimum Marks Required:
General/OBC(NCL) - 55% marks
SC/ST/PwD - 50% marks
- Final Year Students: They are eligible to apply, but they need to submit proof of passing.
Nationality: Open to Indian and foreign nationals.
- Age limit: No age restriction
Also Read: IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria 2026: Know Educational Qualification and Age limit
IIT JAM 2026 Highlights
The following table brings the important JAM exam details.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Exam Name |
Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for Masters |
| Conducting Body |
IIT Bombay |
| Exam Level |
Postgraduate Exam at National level |
| Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
| Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Number of Applicants |
One lakh (approx)- as per previous year's trend |
| Courses Offered Through Entrance Exam |
MSc and Integrated PhD |
| Exam Fees |
INR 900 (Female candidates applying for one paper) INR 1,250 (Female candidates applying for two papers) INR 1,800 (All other category candidates applying for one paper) INR 2,500 (All other category candidates applying for two papers) |
| Exam Duration |
3 hours |
| Number of Papers and Total Marks |
Seven papers in total with 100 marks each |
| Total Number of Questions |
60 |
| Marking Scheme |
Differential marking scheme carrying 1 mark and 2 marks |
| Language/Medium of Questions |
English |
| Colleges Accepting IIT JAM Scores |
IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs and CFTIs |
| Total Number of Seats |
2,900 (approx) |
| Number of Exam Cities |
103 |
| Official Website |
jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Plan
IIT JAM is a highly competitive test students need an action plan to score well in this science entrance exam. Below 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, IIT JAM exam pattern 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 JAM exam 2026. 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 JAM Syllabus 2026
To be successful in IIT JAM 2026, candidates must have an understanding of JAM 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, they must go through IIT JAM syllabus to make a proper plan:
- 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:
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 2026 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 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.
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 months ago
MDes at IIT Bombay is offered across numerous specialisations, including Animation Design, Mobility and Vehicle Design, Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Interaction Design. Eligibility varies slightly by specialisation but generally requires a 4-year bachelor's degree in Design, Engineer
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Placements for Civil UG
Core companies like L&T, Tata Projects, Shapoorji Pallonji, Afcons hire civil students. Average package: 4–6 LPA.
But many civil students also get jobs in IT, consultancy, banking, government exams.
Data: About 40–50% get core jobs, others move to IT (Infosys, Wipro, TCS), anal
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 months ago
The total seat intake for MSc specialisations is 360. The seat bifurcation is category-wise. Hence, the seats are divided amongst the General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, and PD categories. The mentioned intake is as per the official website/ sanctioning body. It is still subject to revision and hence, is ind
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Aspirants with a valid bachelor's degree issued by a recognised university are eligible for admission to the PG course. Admission to the MSc programme is offered based on IIT JAM score followed by CCMN counselling. The seat allotment is carried out based on document verification, seat intake, and ca
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Yes, MSc is offered by the institute. The PG-level course is available in seven specialisations, including Chemistry, Biotechnology, Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Statistics & Informatics. Moreover, the institute also offers MSc + PhD (dual degree) course in thre
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
IIT Bombay has a well established Industial Design Centre providing various UG, PG and Doctoral courses such as BDes, MDes, PhD and other short term courses in design and animation. Candidates interested in pursuing the courses at IIT Bombay must appear for the UCEED or CEED entrance exams to be eli
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
The placement data regarding PhD placementsat IIT Bombay are currently unavailable. The overall IIT Bombay placement data shows that in 2024, around 683 students were placed. The data claimedthat majority of the students placed were placed in the IT/Software sector. However, which course had the mos
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
IIT Bombay MTech hostel fee ranges from Rs 1.39 Lacs to Rs 4.15 lakh. The fee amount may include the mess charges as well. Students opting for accommodation facility have to pay the hostel charges. The institute can revise the hostel fee structure in any academic session. The given fee is as per the
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Contributor-Level 10
Yes, GATE score is required to get admission to IIT Bombay course. However, aspirants who have not qualified GATE can also get admission based on written test conducted by the institute. The shortlisted candidates are further called for a personal interview round. In order to be eligible to apply for the course, an aspirant must have a BE/ BTech/ BSc/ Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Planning/ MSc/ MCA/ MBBS/ MPharm/ BPharm/ BDS/ degree recognised equivalent to BE/ BTech with a minimum of 60% aggregate (55% aggregate for SC/ ST/ PwD category) earned through Associate Membership Examinations conducted by recognised professional bodies to apply for MTech course.