
IIT JAM Biotechnology Exam Analysis 2026: IIT JAM Biotechnology Exam 2026 was conducted on 15 February 2026 in online (Computer-Based Test) mode. The paper consisted of 60 questions covering major areas of Biotechnology.
The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate. The paper included a balanced mix of conceptual, analytical, and application-based questions. Some sections were direct and scoring, while a few MSQs were slightly tricky and required careful interpretation. Negative marking was applicable for MCQs, whereas NAT questions did not carry negative marks.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | IIT JAM 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Category | IIT JAM Biotechnology Exam Analysis 2026 |
| Full Form | Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Admission Test |
| Exam Date | 15 February 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Negative Marks | Yes, except Section-C (NAT) |
| Official Website | jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
The Biotechnology 2026 paper was moderately challenging overall. Most questions required clarity of concepts rather than memorization.
General Biotechnology and Biotechnology Applications were moderate and scoring. Biochemistry & Microbiology had a few conceptual and slightly tricky MSQs. Plant & Animal Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology sections were balanced and manageable for well-prepared candidates.
| Section-Wise Difficulty Level | |
| Section | Difficulty Level |
| General Biotechnology | Easy to Moderate |
| Biochemistry & Microbiology | Moderate |
| Plant & Animal Biotechnology | Moderate |
| Ecology & Environmental Biotechnology | Moderate |
| Biotechnology Applications | Moderate |
This year, PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) integration had slightly higher weightage compared to previous trends. Some Biology questions were mixed with Physics concepts, making them application-based.
Key topics asked in the exam include:
Electron Transport Chain
Founder Effect
Trypsin
Ecology concepts
Local Alignments (Bioinformatics)
Vitamins
Brain Cells
Cell Cycle
Apoptosis
Cell Culture
Excretory System-related questions
Additionally, several MSQs were tricky and required careful reading before attempting.
The IIT JAM 2026 exam follows a structured marking scheme. Correct answers are awarded marks, while incorrect MCQs attract negative marking. NAT questions do not carry negative marks.
| Particulars | Details |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark for each 1-mark question |
| +2 marks for each 2-mark question | |
| Negative Marking | -1/3 mark for each 1-mark wrong answer |
| -2/3 mark for each 2-mark wrong answer | |
| Unanswered Question | 0 marks |
| NAT Questions | No Negative Marking |