IIT JAM 2026 Physics Important Questions

The IIT JAM 2026 Physics exam is scheduled to be conducted on 15 February 2026. With the exam approaching, candidates must focus on high-weightage and concept-driven topics to maximize their scores. Based on previous year trends, special attention should be given to Mathematical Physics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics, as these sections consistently carry significant weight in the paper.

In addition, candidates should thoroughly prepare Modern Physics, Solid State Physics, Optics, Oscillations & Waves, and Electronics, since 1–3 questions are frequently asked from these areas.

Electronics – Most Scoring Area

Electronics questions are concept-based and often straightforward if fundamentals are clear.

Important Topics:

• Logic Gates & Boolean Algebra

• Circuit reduction and simplification

• Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP)

• Diode and Zener Diode

Boolean algebra simplification and circuit minimization questions are very common.
Zener diode numerals frequently appear.

Optics – Very High Probability Section

Optics always produces at least 1–2 solid conceptual questions.

Must-Prepare Topics:

Polarization

• Polarizer & Analyzer

• Quarter-wave and Half-wave plates

• Intensity variation with angle

Interference

• Phase difference problems

• Thin film conditions

• Intensity at a point

• Fringe width variations
  
  

Ray Optics

• Trick-based mirror and lens questions

• Refraction-based numericals
  
  

 Polarization and interference are especially important.

Thermodynamics – Conceptual & Numerical Mix

Thermodynamics questions are often multi-concept based.

Focus On:

• First Law of Thermodynamics

• Second Law of Thermodynamics

• Carnot Engine & Efficiency

• Entropy

• Maxwell Relations

• Helmholtz & Gibbs Free Energy

• Phase Transitions & Phase Diagrams (Triple Point)

Maxwell relations and entropy-based questions are common.
Phase diagrams are often used for conceptual questions.

Oscillations & Waves – Concept Clarity Required

High-Weightage Topics:

• Wave equation (kx – ωt form)

• Amplitude, velocity, frequency relations

• Superposition of SHM

• Parallel SHM

• Perpendicular SHM (Lissajous Figures)

• Damped Oscillations

• Doppler Effect

Lissajous figures and the Doppler effect are frequently tested.

Mechanics – Core Numerical Area

Mechanics remains a scoring yet tricky section.

Important Chapters:

• 1D & 2D Collisions (Elastic & Inelastic

• Moment of Inertia

• Parallel Axis Theorem

• Perpendicular Axis Theorem

• Central Force Problems

• Bernoulli’s Theorem

Collision and moment of inertia problems are highly probable.

Electromagnetic Theory (EMT)

This section requires formula + concept clarity.

Key Topics:

• Electrostatic Potential

• Electric & Magnetic Flux

• Electromagnetic Induction

• Poynting Vector

• EM Waves in Dielectric Medium

• Boundary Conditions

• Skin Depth (Metals)

Poynting vector direction and EM wave propagation are important.

Mathematical Physics – Highest Priority Section

This is one of the most important sections in the IIT JAM Physics.

1. Vector Calculus (Very High Weightage)

• Line Integral

• Surface Integral

• Gauss Divergence Theorem

• Stokes Theorem

2–3 questions are often seen from vector calculus alone.

2. Matrices & Eigenvalues

• Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors

• Hermitian & Unitary matrices

• Matrix inverse

• Matrix properties

Almost every year at least one question appears.

3. Series Expansion

• Taylor Series

• Fourier Series

One question usually appears from either Taylor or Fourier.

Modern Physics – Increasing Trend

Modern physics has seen rising weightage in recent years.

Relativity (2–3 Questions Possible)

• Time Dilation

• Length Contraction

• Mass-Energy Equivalence

• Velocity Addition

Velocity addition is often used to make questions tricky.

Quantum Mechanics (Very Important)

Basics:

• Photoelectric Effect

• Compton Effect

• Group & Phase Velocity

Core:

• Infinite Potential Well

• Wavefunction

• Energy Degeneracy

4–6 questions may come from quantum mechanics collectively.

Nuclear Physics

• Radioactivity

• Decay Law

Usually 1 question appears.