

IIT JAM Economics Exam Pattern 2026 is the foundational guide for all students preparing for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) to gain admission into the M.Sc. Economics programs at premier institutions like the IITs. The structure for IIT JAM 2026 has been officially released by the organizing institute. Having an understanding of the precise IIT JAM Exam Pattern for the Economics (EN) paper is important for effective preparation. Here, we provide information about the IIT JAM Economics Exam Pattern. It covers the question types, the IIT JAM Economics Marking Scheme, and the total number of questions. All this will be helpful to ensure you make a proper plan and strategy for your exam.
IIT JAM Economics Exam Pattern shows the structure of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and the objective-type questions that will be asked in the exam. The Economics (EN) paper is designed to test the knowledge of candidates in five areas. These include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics for Economics, Mathematical Methods in Economics, and Indian Economy.
The exam consists of 60 questions with a total maximum score of 100 marks. The paper is divided into three compulsory sections: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions.
The IIT JAM 2026 Economics exam is a very important step for candidates who are seeking admission to M.Sc. programs in economics at IITs. Having knowledge about the exam pattern helps aspirants strategise their preparation and manage time effectively during the test. Having awareness of the IIT JAM Exam Pattern for Economics helps candidates manage their time and prioritize sections. Here is a quick overview of the key details for the Economics (EN) paper:
| IIT JAM 2026 Economics (EN) Exam Pattern Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) 2026 |
| Official Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | February 15, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test - CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 60 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Sections | Section A: Multiple Choice Questions, Section B: Multiple Select Questions, Section C: Numerical Answer Type questions) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Official Website | @jam2026.iitb.ac.in |
The Economics (EN) paper, like all other JAM test papers, is divided into three compulsory sections, each featuring a distinct question type and marking rule. Here is the basic structure of the economics exam paper 2026:
| IIT JAM Economics Exam Paper Structure 2026 | ||||
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| Section A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 30 | 10 Qs of 1 Mark 20 Qs of 2 Marks | 50 |
| Section B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | 10 | 2 Marks Each | 20 |
| Section C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 20 | 10 Qs of 1 Mark 10 Qs of 2 Marks | 30 |
| Total | 60 | 100 | ||
A complete understanding of the IIT JAM Economics Marking Scheme is very important for candidates. This helps you maximize your score, as it helps you identify the risk associated with each section and know about the provision of IIT JAM Economics Negative Marking.
| IIT JAM 2026 Section-wise Marking Details | ||||
| Section | Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Unattempted Question |
| Section A (MCQ) | 1-Mark Questions | +1 Mark | -1/3 Mark Deduction | 0 Mark |
| 2-Mark Questions | +2 Marks | -2/3 Mark Deduction | 0 Mark | |
| Section B (MSQ) | 2-Marks Each | +2 Marks (Only if ALL correct options are selected) | No Negative Marking | 0 Mark |
| - | (No partial marking) | - | - | |
| Section C (NAT) | 1 & 2-Mark Questions | +1 or +2 Marks | No Negative Marking | 0 Mark |
IIT JAM 2026 Economics exam is a very important step for candidates who are seeking admission to M.Sc. programmes in economics at IITs. Having an understanding of the exam pattern helps aspirants to make a proper strategy for their preparation and learn time management. Here are basic details candidates should keep in mind:
Mode of Exam: The examination is conducted as an online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Total Questions: The paper has a fixed number of 60 questions. The IIT JAM economics total questions carry a weightage of 100 marks.
Virtual Calculator: A virtual scientific calculator will be provided on the screen. External calculators are strictly prohibited.
Risk-Free Sections: Both Section B (MSQ) and Section C (NAT) have No Negative Marking, making them essential to attempt fully.
MSQ Scoring: For MSQ questions, partial credit is not awarded. Selecting even one incorrect option will result in a zero score for that question.
NAT Input: Answers for Numerical Answer Type questions must be entered as a signed real number using the virtual numeric keypad provided on the screen.