IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme and Question Pattern
Dr. Kumar2 Sept, 2025
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IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.) is an entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to various M.Sc., M.Sc.-M.Tech., M.Sc.-Ph.D., and other post-bachelor's degree programs in science disciplines. The conducting body for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) has been released the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 on its official website.
The IIT JAM Examination will consist of seven subjects: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics. The medium for all subjects will be English only. The examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Candidates should carefully review the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern, which includes details on exam duration, marking scheme, question types, and total marks. Understanding the exam structure thoroughly will help aspirants prepare effectively and perform confidently in the test.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026
In the JAM 2026 Examination, there will be seven subjects, and it will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with English as the medium. The duration of the exam is three hours, and it consists of 60 questions and carries 100 marks. The 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. For MCQs, there is a negative marking for wrong answers, while MSQs and NATs do not have negative marking. Eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwD) may get one hour compensatory time and be ascribed as per the Government of India guidelines.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
IIT JAM exam, also known as the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Admission Test, is a national-level post-graduate degree examination. It is conducted for admission to various post-bachelor's degree courses. The exam will be held online on the 15th of February 2026 (tentative). It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions.
| IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 Overview | |
| Exam Name | IIT JAM |
| Full-Form | Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Admission Test |
| Post Category | IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 |
| Exam Types | Post-Graduate Degree Level |
| Exam Level | National |
| Courses Offered | Post-Bachelor’s Degree Courses |
| Eligibility | Candidates admitted through JAM should have a Bachelor’s degree. Foreign nationals with Indian degrees are eligible to apply. |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| IIT JAM Exam Date 2026 | 15 February 2026 |
| IIT JAM Subjects | Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Economics (EN), Geology (GG), Mathematics (MA), Mathematical Statistics (MS), and Physics (PH). |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Paper Pattern |
|
| Negative Marks |
Yes, but no negative marking in Section-C (NAT) |
IIT JAM Section Wise Division 2026
In the IIT JAM 2026 exam, there will be three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C. Section A consists of 30 questions to be answered within 3 hours. The types of questions in all sections will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in Sections A and B, and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) in Section C. The exam will be conducted online. Here is an overview of IIT JAM Section Wise Division 2026.| IIT JAM Section Wise Division 2026 | |||
| Aspects | Section A | Section B | Section C |
| Number of Questions | 30 | 10 | 20 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours | ||
| Marks |
|
2 marks for each question |
|
| Negative Marking |
|
No negative marking | No negative marking |
| Types of Question | MCQs | MCQs | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Exam Mode | Online | ||
IIT JAM Marking Scheme 2026
Candidates preparing for the IIT JAM 2026 exam should familiarize themselves with its marking scheme to enhance their exam strategies. There are no negative markings in Section B and Section C. However, in Section A, each incorrect response to a 1-mark question will result in a deduction of ⅓ marks, and each incorrect answer to a 2-mark question will incur a deduction of ⅔ marks. Here is an overview of the IIT JAM Marking Scheme 2026.| IIT JAM Marking Scheme 2026 | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark for each 1 mark question |
| +2 marks for each 2 marks question | |
| Negative Markings | -1/3 mark for each 1 mark question |
| -2/3 marks for each 2 marks question | |
| Unanswered Question | 0 marks |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 Important Instructions
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 includes specific instructions for candidates to follow during the test. These guidelines ensure fair conduct and smooth examination experience for all aspirants.
- For NAT questions, enter the answer using the mouse on a virtual numeric keypad, as the computer keyboard will be disabled.
- You are allowed to use an online virtual calculator during the exam; however, you cannot bring your own calculator.
- A scribble pad will be provided for rough work. Write your name and registration number on it before using it, and return it at the end of the examination.
- The exam will automatically end after the scheduled time, so ensure that you follow the code of conduct specified in Annexure III (Code of Conduct).
- Take advantage of the 'Mock Test' link available on the IIT JAM website to practice before the actual exam. IIT JAM Previous years question papers are available on the IIT JAM 2026 website.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the format of IIT JAM Exam 2026?
What are the sections in IIT JAM Exam 2026, and how many questions are there in each section?
Is there a negative marking in the IIT JAM exam 2026?
What are the subjects covered in the IIT JAM Exam 2026?
Is there any particular instruction for answering NAT questions in the IIT JAM Exam 2026?
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