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IIT JAM 2026 Exam Details: Date, Pattern, Merit List, Old Question Pages, and Answer Keys

Exam Level: NationalApplication Date: Sep 02, 2024

Last Updated on 1st August 2025

Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc

IIT JAM Exam Details Overview

The IIT JAM 2026 exam will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online across various centres in India. The exam is designed to assess the candidate's comprehensive understanding of undergraduate-level science subjects.


IIT JAM 2026 Medium and Accessibility

  • Language: English only
  • Scribe Facility: Available for PwD candidates upon request
  • Extra Time: 1-hour compensatory time for eligible PwD candidates


IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme

Each section has different marking rules. Section A includes negative marking, while Sections B and C do not.


Important Instructions on Exam Day

  • Reporting Time: Arrive at least 90 minutes before the exam begins.
  • ID Proof: Carry a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, PAN, Driving License).
  • Admit Card: Must be printed and carried to the exam hall.
  • Prohibited Items: Bags, books, electronic devices, smartwatches, and food items.
  • Dress Code: Simple clothing (no jackets, hoodies, metallic items).


IIT JAM 2026 Virtual Calculator

Candidates are not allowed to bring physical calculators. A virtual calculator will be provided on-screen during the exam.

Particulars

Details 

Availability

Only during the exam

Access Mode

On-screen interface

Allowed Calculations

Scientific and arithmetic functions

Prohibited Devices

Physical calculators, smartwatches, and mobile phones

Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc

IIT JAM Exam Pattern

The pattern consists of three sections with a total of 60 questions, divided based on the type of responses.

Particulars

Details

Mode of Exam

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Exam Duration

3 Hours

Number of Questions

60

Maximum Marks

100

Number of Papers

7 (One or two papers per candidate)

Sections

A: MCQ, B: MSQ, C: NAT

Medium of Exam

English Only

Negative Marking

Only in Section A


Section-Wise Breakdown

Here is the section-wise breakdown of the IIT JAM exam.

Section

Type of Questions

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Negative Marking

A

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

30

1 or 2 marks

(1/3 or 2/3 mark deduction)

B

Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)

10

2 marks

No

C

Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

20

1 or 2 marks

No


Note:

  • MCQ: Only one correct option; wrong answers incur negative marking.
  • MSQ: More than one correct option; all correct options must be selected for full marks.
  • NAT: Numerical answers must be entered using a virtual keyboard.


IIT JAM 2026 Subjects Offered

Candidates can appear in one or two papers, provided the schedule allows. The available subjects are as follows.

Paper Code

Subject Name

CY

Chemistry

PH

Physics

MA

Mathematics

MS

Mathematical Statistics 

BT

Biotechnology

GG

Geology

EN

Economics


Note: A candidate can choose to appear for two papers only if they are not scheduled in the same session.

Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc

Download IIT JAM Old Question Papers

To take any examination or to start practising, every candidate must go through the previous year's question papers, which help the candidate to understand the exam pattern and questions. The IIT JAM previous year question papers are given below. Click to download the subject-wise PDF.

Year

Biotechnology

(BT)

Chemistry

(CY)

Economics

(EN)

Geology

(GG)

Mathematical Statistics

(MS)

Mathematics

(MA)

Physics

(PH)

2023

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

2024

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF

Download PDF



Indian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc

IIT JAM Answer Keys

An answer key will be released on the JAM portal a few days after the exam. Candidates can:

  • Download it using their login credentials.
  • Raise objections (if any) with documented proof.
  • Wait for the final answer key, which will be published after all objections are reviewed.


IIT JAM Answer Key 2026

The original answer key of IIT JAM 2026 will be released a few days after the examination. Candidates will be allowed to raise any objections with valid proof and evidence regarding their answers.

Event

Timeline

Provisional Key

February 2026

Objection Window

2–3 days post-key release

Final Answer Key

With the result in March 2026

AcronymIndian Institute Of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc
Conducting BodyOther
Mode and TypeOnline (Computer Based Test (CBT))
Application ModeOnline
Frequency1 in a year
LanguagesEnglish
Test Takers66000
Duration180
Total Marks100
Marking Scheme2 for correct, 0 for incorrect
Application Fee1800
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