IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Syllabus, Key Points
Content Writer | Updated On - Nov 4, 2025
IIT JAM exam 2026 consists of seven subjects: Biotechnology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Geology. The IIT JAM exam pattern remains the same across all these subjects, and no changes are anticipated in the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern compared to the previous year.
- The questions come in three types, MCQs (one correct option), MSQs (one or more correct options), and NATs (numerical answers you calculate yourself). Negative marking applies only to MCQs, while MSQs and NATs don’t have any penalty.
- There are seven papers: Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH).
| Key Summary
|
- What is IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
- Mode of IIT JAM 2026 Examination
- Total Duration of the IIT JAM Exam 2026
- IIT JAM 2026 Subjects
- Types of Questions in IIT JAM 2026
- IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
- IIT JAM 2026 Section Wise Question Distribution
- Total Marks and Time Allocation in IIT JAM 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
IIT JAM 2026 exam is a 3-hour computer-based test of 100 marks. It is composed of three types of questions, that is, MCQs (one correct answer), MSQs (multiple correct answers), and NATs (numbers that you will solve yourself). Only MCQs have negative marking, while the others don’t. You can choose from seven papers, Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN),Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), Physics (PH), and take one or two papers as long as their sessions don’t clash. The exam is in English, and gadgets like calculators aren’t allowed.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
The overview of the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern is mentioned below:
| Particulars | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Date | February 2, 2026 | ||
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) | ||
| Duration | 3 hours | ||
| Total Questions and Marks | 60 | ||
| Marks | 100 | ||
| Subjects | Biotechnology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Geology | ||
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | ||
| Shift Timings | Forenoon (FN)9.30 am to 12.30 pm |
| |
| Afternoon (AN)2.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
| ||
Also Check: IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus
Mode of IIT JAM 2026 Examination
The IIT JAM 2026 will be held in online mode as a Computer Based Test (CBT). This means you’ll take the exam on a computer at your assigned centre, where all questions appear on the screen.
Total Duration of the IIT JAM Exam 2026
IIT JAM exam in 2026 will be 3 hours long. In the given time, you will be required to solve all the questions from varied sections, MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.
IIT JAM 2026 Subjects
The IIT JAM 2026 exam offers seven different papers. Candidates can choose one or two subjects based on their academic background and career goals, provided the exam timings do not clash.
| Paper Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| BT | Biotechnology |
| CY | Chemistry |
| EN | Economics |
| GG | Geology |
| MA | Mathematics |
| MS | Mathematical Statistics |
| PH | Physics |
Types of Questions in IIT JAM 2026
The IIT JAM 2026 question paper consists of three major types of questions designed to test both conceptual understanding and analytical ability.
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Each question has four options, out of which only one is correct. |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | Four options are provided, and more than one option may be correct. Candidates must select all correct answers to get full marks. |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | Candidates must calculate the answer and enter it in numeric form. No options are provided. |
Also Check: IIT JAM Question Paper 2025
IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
The IIT JAM 2026 marking pattern are given below:
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Full marks as per question weight | Yes, usually 1/3rd of question’s marks for wrong answers |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | Full marks for correct answer | No |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | Full marks for correct answer | No |
IIT JAM 2026 Section Wise Question Distribution
The IIT JAM 2026 exam is divided into different sections, each testing a specific type of skill. While the exact number of questions can vary slightly depending on the subject, the general pattern is:
| Section | Question Type | Approx. Number of Questions | Marks per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 10-20 | 1 or 2 |
| Section B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 5-10 | 1 or 2 |
| Section C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 10-20 | 1 or 2 |
Also Check: IIT JAM 2026 Section wise question distribution pdf
Total Marks and Time Allocation in IIT JAM 2026
Each test administered in the IIT JAM 2026 is given a total score of 100 marks, with 3 hours (or 180 minutes) allowed for completing the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. When will IIT JAM 2026 be conducted?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 exam will be held on February 2, 2026, in two sessions — the forenoon session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Ques. What is the IIT JAM 2026 Exam pattern?
Ans. The IIT JAM 2026 exam is a 3-hour online test (Computer-Based Test). It includes three types of questions: MCQs (single correct option), MSQs (multiple correct options), and NATs (numerical answers you calculate yourself). Each paper is worth 100 marks, and negative marking applies only to MCQs.
Ques. How many papers are in an IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. IIT JAM 2026 has seven papers: Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS) and Physics (PH). You can give one or two papers, provided their exam sessions do not conflict. Choosing your paper judiciously enables you to channelize your preparation better as well as utilize your time wisely.
Ques. How many attempts are allowed in an IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. There are no limitations regarding the number of attempts permitted for the IIT JAM examination. Individuals may undertake the exam numerous times, regardless of their current enrollment in an M.Sc. or alternative postgraduate program. The primary consideration is that applicants fulfill the eligibility requirements applicable for the specific year in which they are applying.
Ques. Does IIT JAM occur twice a year?
Ans. No, IIT JAM is attempted just once a year, typically in the month of February. So, the trick is to prepare in advance very well, as there is no second chance in the same year.
Ques. Can a candidate carry a physical calculator to the IIT JAM 2026 exam centre?
Ans. No, personal calculators are not allowed in the examination hall. Candidates will be provided with an online virtual calculator on their computer screens during the test.
Ques. Are there any mock tests available for candidates to prepare for IIT JAM 2026?
Ans. Yes, IIT Madras will release official IIT JAM 2026 mock test links on its website — jam.iitm.ac.in. Candidates can log in using the provided credentials to familiarize themselves with the IIT JAM exam pattern and question interface.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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The eligibility criteria for admission to KNRUHS courses such as MBBS, MD, MS, etc. are based on merit. For admission in undergraduate courses like BDS, BHMS, BUMS, B.A.M.S., and BNYS, National Eligibility cum Entrance test (NEET-UG) scores are considered. The post-graduate level courses like MS/ MD/ PG Diploma/ MPH, and NEET-PG scores are considered for admission. Other than this, admission in Kaloji Narayana Rao University’s courses like M.H.M.S, M.U.M.S, AND M.A.M.S, is done based on AIAPGET score. Bachelor’s degree is considered only for admission to M.Sc. and MPT in KNRUHS. For super Specialty courses like M.CH and DM or Doctorate of Medicine program, the admission is done based on NEET-SS( Super Speciality Courses ) score.
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Jadavpur University is a state university in West Bengal. Admission is done through WBJEE, the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board. The university also accepts other entrance exams, including:
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