Understand the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern with full details on question types, section-wise marks distribution, negative marking, and time duration. Get key insights to plan your JAM preparation effectively.
You must have a thorough understanding of the IIT JAM exam pattern before you start preparing for the exam with the help of brief understanding of the IIT JAM syllabus 2026. Your conceptual knowledge and analytical skills in a variety of scientific subjects are assessed by the Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT JAM). You can better manage your time, organize your study schedule, and concentrate on high-weighted sections if you are aware of the paper structure.
Every aspect of the exam pattern, including the question types, marking system, and overall time, is crucial in determining how well you perform. To help you prepare for test day, let's take a closer look at the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
The exam pattern remains uniform across subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Biotechnology, Geology, and Economics.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Papers | 7 Subjects |
| Medium | English |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs, and NAT |
| Marking Scheme | +1 / +2 marks for correct answers, negative marking for MCQs only |
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Sectional Analysis
Each paper in IIT JAM 2026 consists of three sections – A, B, and C.
Let’s understand them one by one:
- Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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- Contains 30 questions (10 of 1 mark and 20 of 2 marks).
- Each question has four options, and only one is correct.
- Negative marking applies:
- 1-mark questions: −1/3 for wrong answer
- 2-mark questions:−2/3 for wrong answer
- Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
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- Contains 10 questions, each carrying 2 marks.
- Each question has four options, but more than one may be correct.
- No negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Contains 20 questions (10 of 1 mark and 10 of 2 marks).
- Answers must be numerical values entered using the on-screen virtual keyboard.
- No negative marking in this section.
Together, all three sections make up 60 questions worth a total of 100 marks.
Related IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 Article Links
Subject-Wise Question Distribution and Weightage in IIT JAM 2026
You can check the subject-wise question distribution and weightage in the table given below
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| A (MCQ) | 30 | 1 & 2 | 50 |
| B (MSQ) | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| C (NAT) | 20 | 1 & 2 | 30 |
| Total | 60 | - | 100 |
Scoring Rules and Marking Pattern for IIT JAM 2026
The marking scheme in IIT JAM 2026 listed here are based on the previous year trend, since there is no official announcement on changes. Understanding the marking scheme will help you attempt the exam wisely and efficiently.
- Section A (MCQs):
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- +1 or +2 marks for correct answers
- −1/3 or −2/3 negative marking for incorrect answers
- Section B (MSQs):
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- +2 marks for fully correct answers
- No marks for partially correct or incorrect answers
- Section C (NATs):
- +1 or +2 marks for correct answers
- No negative marking
Your total score will be the sum of marks from all three sections, which determines your All India Rank (AIR).
Important Points to Remember for IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern
The total duration is 3 hours; plan your time efficiently.
Each wrong MCQ reduces marks, so attempt only when sure.
- MSQs and NATs carry no negative marking, making them safer options.
- Review your answers before final submission.
- Carry a valid admit card and photo ID on exam day.
- How to Use the IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern for Better Preparation
- Once you understand the pattern, design your preparation accordingly:
- Prioritise high-weightage topics based on past trends.
- Practice time-bound mock tests in CBT format.
- Learn to identify MSQs and NATs quickly to maximise marks.
- Maintain a personal error log to track weak concepts.
- Revise formulas and shortcut techniques frequently.
Knowing the pattern inside out ensures you don’t waste valuable minutes during the exam.
Conclusion
The first step to a successful preparation strategy is comprehending the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026. You can strategically plan your studies and concentrate on high-scoring sections once you have a clear understanding of the question types, marking scheme, and structure. Remember—success in IIT JAM depends as much on smart strategy as it does on knowledge.
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IIT JAM 2026 is a 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT). -
Total 60 questions across 7 subjects, worth 100 marks. -
Question types include MCQs, MSQs, and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). -
MCQs have negative marking; MSQs and NATs do not.
