
IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 examination evaluated candidates across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry with a balanced and concept-driven paper. Conducted in the morning shift on 15 February 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Shift 1), the exam tested numerical accuracy, conceptual clarity, and application-based problem-solving skills. Students shared that while many questions were direct, some required deeper understanding and careful calculations. Physical Chemistry was analytical and calculation-intensive, whereas Organic and Inorganic sections were comparatively scoring for well-prepared aspirants. Overall, the paper maintained the standard IIT JAM level, focusing strongly on fundamentals rather than rote memorization.
The Chemistry paper followed the standard JAM pattern with MCQs, MSQs, and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. Physical Chemistry contained calculation-heavy NAT problems that required precision and time management. Organic Chemistry focused on reaction mechanisms and conceptual understanding, while Inorganic Chemistry featured more theory-based and direct conceptual questions. Students who maintained accuracy and avoided negative marking performed better overall. Time management played a crucial role, especially in the Physical section.
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry paper was Easy to Moderate. However, difficulty varied section-wise. Physical Chemistry was considered challenging due to lengthy numericals and integration-based problems. Organic Chemistry was moderate with a focus on named reactions and conceptual clarity. Inorganic Chemistry was comparatively easier, featuring direct questions from coordination chemistry and bonding concepts. Candidates with strong fundamentals found the paper manageable.
| Section-Wise Difficulty Level | |
| Section | Difficulty Level |
| Physical Chemistry | Difficult |
| Organic Chemistry | Moderate |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate |
A balanced attempt strategy with high accuracy is expected to yield a competitive score. Students who attempted easier questions first and avoided risky guesses are likely to secure better ranks. Accuracy in NAT questions was particularly important due to their weightage.
| Expected Good Attempts | |
| Section | Good Attempts |
| Physical Chemistry | 10 β 14 |
| Organic Chemistry | 14 β 15 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 12 β 15 |
The question paper was majorly asked from core and frequently tested topics. Several questions were application-based and required conceptual clarity.
Major topics included:
Benzene Normal Vibrational Mode (NAT β 2 marks)
Coordination Compounds
Molecular Geometry and Shape
Quantum Mechanics
Spectroscopy
Ideal Gas Formula-Based Numerical
Metal Carbonyls
Integration
First Order Kinetics
Birch Reduction
Nef Reaction
The paper clearly emphasized conceptual depth along with numerical accuracy.
| IIT JAM Subject Wise Exam Analysis | |
| IIT JAM Physics Exam Analysis 2026 | IIT JAM Chemistry Exam Analysis 2026 |
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