Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc Exam Pattern 2026
Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc Exam Pattern
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 is the same for all 7 subjects. No changes are expected in the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern from the previous year. The IIT JAM 2026 exam will be conducted on February 11, 2026, in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- The IIT JAM exam is conducted for 7 subjects- Biotechnology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Geology.
- IIT JAM 2026 question paper for all 7 papers will have 60 questions divided into three sections, i.e., A, B, and C. All three sections will be compulsory. Download IIT JAM Previous Year Question Papers
- The exam duration will be 180 minutes, and the medium of examination will be English only.
- As per the IIT JAM Exam Pattern, Section A will comprise 30 MCQs, Section B will contain 10 MSQs, and Section C will contain 20 NAT questions. Check IIT JAM Exam Analysis
- In section A, 10 questions will be of 1 mark and 20 of 2 marks. In section B, 10 questions of 2 marks each will be asked. From Section C, 10 questions of 1 mark and 10 questions of 2 marks each will be in the paper.
- Negative marking will be applicable only for section A, i.e, for each wrong answer in the 1 mark question, 1/3 marks will be deducted, and for 2 mark questions, 2/3 marks will be deducted.
Quick Links
- IIT JAM Syllabus
- IIT JAM Exam Dates
- IIT JAM Eligibility
Key Summary
In this article, we discussed the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, including the section-wise paper pattern, syllabus, paper analysis, and preparation tips.
- The question paper for the IIT JAM exam, all 7 papers will have 60 questions divided into three sections, i.e., A, B, and C. All three sections will be compulsory.
- The exam duration will be 180 minutes, and the medium of examination will be English only and will be conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- As per the IIT JAM Exam Pattern, Section A will comprise 30 MCQs, Section B will contain 10 MSQs, and Section C will contain 20 NAT questions.
- In section A, 10 questions will be of 1 mark and 20 of 2 marks. In section B, 10 questions of 2 marks each will be asked. From Section C, 10 questions of 1 mark and 10 questions of 2 marks each will be in the paper.
- Negative marking is only applicable for Section A. For each wrong answer, 1/3 mark will be deducted for 1-mark questions and 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions.
- What is the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
1.1 IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise
2.1 IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section A
2.2 IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section B
2.3 IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section C
- IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
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- IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus
- IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Important Instructions
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 is the same for all 7 subjects. The IIT JAM exam is conducted for 7 subjects- Biotechnology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Geology.
- Number of Questions: The question paper will have 60 questions divided into three sections, i.e., A, B, and C.
- Exam Duration: The exam duration will be 180 minutes, and the medium of examination will be English only and in online CBT mode.
- IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section A will comprise 30 MCQs, Section B will contain 10 MSQs, and Section C will contain 20 NAT questions.
- Negative Marking: Applicable only for Section A, for each wrong answer, 1/3 mark will be deducted for 1-mark questions and 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Key Details
The IIT JAM 2026 exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online. The exam duration is 3 hours and the question paper is in English.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) (Organizing Institute varies each year) |
| Exam Mode | Online, Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Test Language | English |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Subjects | Biotechnology (BL), Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Economics (EN), and Physics (PH) |
| Total Questions | 60 (Compulsory Sections A, B & C) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Distribution
The IIT JAM 2026 question paper is divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Each section has a fixed number of questions and marks.
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MCQs | 30 (10 questions of 1 mark, 20 questions of 2 marks) | 1 or 2 | 50 |
| B | MSQs | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| C | NATs | 20 (10 questions of 1 mark, 10 questions of 2 marks) | 1 or 2 | 30 |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section A
Section A has 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). There are 10 questions of 1 mark each and 20 questions of 2 marks each.
Each question has four choices, out of which only one is correct. Negative marking applies only in this section.
- For a wrong answer to a 1-mark question, 1/3 mark is deducted.
- For a wrong answer to a 2-mark question, 2/3 mark is deducted.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section B
Section B has 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) of 2 marks each. An MSQ may have one or more than one correct choice out of the four given choices.
There is no negative marking or partial marking in this section. Correct answers get 2 marks.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern: Section C
Section C has 20 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. There are 10 questions of 1 mark each and 10 questions of 2 marks each.
For NAT questions, the answer is a signed real number entered using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor. There is no negative marking or partial marking in this section.
How is the Total Score Calculated in IIT JAM?
The total score is calculated by summing the marks obtained in all three sections. Negative marking is applied only for Section A.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Sections | 3 (Section A, B, and C) |
| Scoring Method | Marks obtained from all three sections are summed up after applying negative marking (only in Section A) |
| Total Marks | 100 marks (combined from all sections) |
| Final Score | Total Score = (Marks from A + Marks from B + Marks from C) – Penalty for wrong answers in Section A |
What Happens if Answers are Not Submitted Before Time Runs Out?
The exam is auto-submitted when the time ends. Manual submission is not required.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Submission | Auto-submitted when time ends |
| Evaluation | Saved answers are considered |
| Manual Submit | Not required |
| After Time Ends | No changes allowed |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026
All seven IIT JAM subjects follow the same exam pattern and marking scheme. The subjects are Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Geology, and Economics.
Each paper contains 60 questions for a total of 100 marks. The paper is divided into three sections: A, B, and C.
Section-wise Breakdown
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MCQ | 10 | 1 mark each | 1/3 |
| A | MCQ | 20 | 2 marks each | 2/3 |
| B | MSQ | 10 | 2 marks each | Not Applicable |
| C | NAT | 10 | 1 mark each | Not Applicable |
| C | NAT | 10 | 2 marks each | Not Applicable |
Marks Distribution by Section
| Section | Total Marks |
|---|---|
| Section A | 50 marks |
| Section B | 20 marks |
| Section C | 30 marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
MCQ vs MSQ in IIT JAM
MCQs have only one correct answer among four options. MSQs may have one or more correct answers, and candidates must select all correct options to earn full marks.
| Aspect | MCQ | MSQ |
|---|---|---|
| Section | A | B |
| Correct Answers | One | One or more |
| Marks | 1 or 2 | 2 |
| Negative Marking | Yes | No |
| Partial Marks | No | No |
| Answer Type | Single choice | Multiple choices |
Reviewing and Changing Answers
Candidates can navigate between questions, review, and change answers anytime during the 3-hour exam duration. The system auto-submits the paper when the time ends.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Review Option | Yes, candidates can review answers anytime during the exam. |
| Change of Answers | Allowed before the exam time ends. |
| Navigation | Free navigation between questions in all sections (A, B, C). |
| Time Limit | Changes can be made within the 3-hour duration. |
| Auto-Submission | The system automatically submits answers when the time ends. |
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
Negative marking applies only to Section A. Unanswered questions do not result in any deduction of marks.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Unanswered Questions | No marks deducted |
| Applicable To | All sections (A, B, C) |
| Negative Marking | Only for wrong answers in Section A |
| Effect on Score | Neutral — neither gain nor loss |
Calculator Provision
There is a provision for using an Online Virtual Calculator during the exam. Candidates should not bring any calculator with them.
IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus is divided as per the subjects: Biotechnology (BT), Economics (EN), Chemistry (CY), Geology (GC), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS) and Physics (PH). The IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus is as per the 10+2+3 level.
| IIT JAM Subjects | IIT JAM Syllabus Topics |
|---|---|
| IIT JAM Biotechnology Syllabus |
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| IIT JAM Chemistry Syllabus |
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IIT JAM Geology Syllabus
The IIT JAM Geology syllabus covers nine main topics. These topics are listed below.
- The Planet Earth
- Geomorphology
- Structural Geology
- Palaeontology
- Stratigraphy
- Mineralogy
- Petrology
- Economic Geology
- Applied Geology
IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus
The IIT JAM Mathematics syllabus has seven main topics. These topics are listed below.
- Sequences and Series of Real Numbers
- Functions of Two Real Variables
- Differential Equations
- Vector Calculus
- Group Theory
- Linear Algebra
- Real Analysis
IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Syllabus
The IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics syllabus has two main sections. These sections are Mathematics and Statistics.
IIT JAM Physics Syllabus
The IIT JAM Physics syllabus has ten main topics. These topics are listed below.
- 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
- Simple Oscillators
IIT JAM Economics Syllabus
The IIT JAM Economics syllabus has nine main topics. These topics are listed below.
- Consumer theory
- Production costs with perfectly competitive markets
- General equilibrium and welfare
- Market structure
- Game theory
- Public goods and market failure
- National Income Accounting
- Behavioral and Technological Functions
- Business Cycles and Economic Models
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Important Instructions
Some important instructions for the IIT JAM exam 2026 are given below. Candidates must follow these rules during the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculator Usage |
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| Prohibited Items |
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| Scribble Pad |
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| Answer Selection (MCQ & MSQ) |
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| Answer Entry (NAT) |
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| Exam Timing |
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| Code of Conduct |
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| Unfair Means |
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IIT JAM 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
IIT JAM 2026 aspirants must begin preparing as per the updated test pattern and syllabus. The table below lists the key preparation steps.
| Preparation Step | Key Focus | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Understand the Syllabus | Go through the official syllabus thoroughly as per the chosen subject. | 1–2 weeks (initial phase) |
| Clear Concepts & Notes Making | Revise graduation topics. Make short formula-based notes for quick reference. | Continuous throughout preparation |
| Solve Previous Year Papers | Practice at least 5–10 past papers to understand question trends and difficulty. | Last 3–4 months |
| Take Mock Tests | Attempt full-length online mock tests for time management and accuracy improvement. | Weekly during the final 2–3 months |
| Refer to Standard Books | Use IIT JAM-recommended books for in-depth understanding and topic coverage. | Throughout preparation |
| Final Revision | Focus on key formulas, frequently asked topics, and weak areas. | Last 1 month before the exam |
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques: Are there any changes in the IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme?
Ans: No, there are no changes introduced in the IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme as of now. It is expected to be the same as in previous years.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIT JAM 2026 question paper is divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Section A has 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Section B has 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Section C has 20 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | 20 |
Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for IIT JAM 2026 varies by section and question type. Negative marking applies only to Section A MCQs.
| Section | Question Type | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Unattempted Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1 mark | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | No marks deducted |
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 2 marks | 2/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | No marks deducted |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 2 marks | No negative marking | No marks deducted |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 1 or 2 marks | No negative marking | No marks deducted |
Negative Marking in MSQ and NAT Questions
There is no negative marking in MSQ and NAT-type questions. No partial credit is given for partially correct answers in MSQs.
| Section | Question Type | Negative Marking | Partial Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | No negative marking | No partial credit for partially correct answers |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | No negative marking | Not applicable |
NAT Question Details
Section C contains a total of 20 NAT questions. Of these, 10 questions carry one mark each, and 10 questions carry two marks each. There is no negative marking for NAT questions.
New Paper in IIT JAM
Economics (EN) has been added as a new paper in IIT JAM. The Biological Sciences (BL) paper has been removed.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Removed Paper | Biological Sciences (BL) |
| Newly Introduced Paper | Economics (EN) |
| Eligibility | Candidates with a background in Economics, Mathematics, or related fields |
| Exam Pattern | Same as other subjects (Sections A, B, and C) |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions |
| Opportunities | Admission to M.Sc., M.A., and Integrated Ph.D. programs in IITs and other participating institutes |
IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme
There are no changes in the IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme as of now. It is expected to be the same as in previous years.
| Section | Question Type | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Unattempted Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1 mark | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | No marks deducted |
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 2 marks | 2/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | No marks deducted |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 2 marks | No negative marking | No marks deducted |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 1 or 2 marks | No negative marking | No marks deducted |
IIT JAM 2026 Question Paper Structure
The question paper is divided into 3 sections. Section A has 30 MCQs, Section B has 10 MSQs, and Section C has 20 NAT questions.
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | 20 |
Negative Marking for MSQ and NAT Questions
There is no negative marking in MSQ and NAT-type questions. There is no partial credit for partially correct answers in MSQs.
| Section | Question Type | Negative Marking | Partial Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | No negative marking | No partial credit for partially correct answers |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | No negative marking | Not applicable |
New Paper Introduced in IIT JAM
Economics (EN) has been added as a new paper in IIT JAM. The Biological Sciences (BL) paper has been removed.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Removed Paper | Biological Sciences (BL) |
| Newly Introduced Paper | Economics (EN) |
| Eligibility | Candidates with a background in Economics, Mathematics, or related fields |
| Exam Pattern | Same as other subjects (Sections A, B, and C) |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions |
| Opportunities | Admission to M.Sc., M.A., and Integrated Ph.D. programs in IITs and other participating institutes |
Marking Scheme for NAT Questions
There are a total of 20 NAT questions in Section C. Out of these, 10 questions are of one mark each, and 10 questions are of two marks each.
There is no provision for negative marking in NAT questions.