IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, Section wise Question Type & Marking Scheme
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Before starting preparation, a good understanding of the latest IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern and syllabus is essential for the aspirants. The IIT JAM exam pattern is aware of the sections included in the question paper, the number and types of questions, marking scehme many more.
This year, the IIT JAM 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on February 15, 2026. As per the latest exam pattern, there will be 60 questions with a total of 100 marks divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Read the full story know more about the IIT JAM Exam pattern, latest marking scheme, section wise question distribution.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026
The Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM) for all seven Test Papers will be held in a computer-based test (CBT).. The examination will last three hours, and students are required to answer 60 questions worth 100 marks. The medium of the exam will be in English.
Through the exam, the authority evaluates a candidate's subject knowledge for admission to various Master's degree programs offered by IITs, IISC, and other schools. The Syllabus ensures fair and comprehensive evaluation in major topics such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Economics, Geology, and Mathematical Statistics.
IIT JAM Section-wise Mark Distribution
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 consists of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions with a total of 100 marks. The marking scheme is different for the various forms of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQs (Multiple Select Questions), and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. The IIT JAM 2026 Section-wise Exam structure is presented here.
| Section | Type of Questions | Number of Questions |
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 |
| C | Numerical Answer Type(NAT) | 20 |
| Total | 60 | |
IIT JAM Exam Marking Scheme
Awareness of the marking scheme is essential for a strategic approach to the exam paper. The detailed IIT JAM Marking scheme is explained in the section in a simple way. As the IIT JAM question paper includes various types of questions, the marking scheme is different for each type. The complete section-wise as well as type-wise marking scheme is given below.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks for each correct answer |
| A | 10 MCQs | 1 mark each |
| 20 MCQs | 2 marks each | |
| B | 10 MSQs | 2 marks each |
| C | 10 NAT Questions | 1 mark each |
| 10 NAT Questions | 2 marks each |
How does Negative Narking imply in IIT JAM?
Students should be aware that IIT JAM 2026 will have negative marking, as it highly affects their total scores. Among the three questions in the IIT JAM Exam, which will solely apply to Section A. Refer to the table below to know what negative making implies in the exam.
| Sections | Marking scheme |
| Section A |
|
| Section B | There are no negative or partial marking provisions in this section. |
| Section C | There will be no negative in this section. |
IIT JAM Exam Pattern - Key Instructions to Follow
- There is a provision to use an online virtual calculator. Candidates should not carry a calculator with them.
- Mobile phones and other electronic devices are absolutely prohibited in the exam hall.
- Charts, graph sheets, and tables are also not permitted inside the examination hall.
- A scribble pad will be available for rough work. Prior to using it, the candidate must write his or her name and registration number. At no time may the candidate have more than one doodle pad. Only after returning the first doodle pad will you receive a second one. The scribble pad must be returned at the end of the examination.
- Candidates must use the mouse to select the correct answer to MCQ and MSQ-type questions.
- The response to NAT questions is input using a mouse on a virtual numeric keypad (the computer's keyboard will be disabled).
- The exam will stop automatically once the time limit has been reached. Candidates must be careful and submit their answers before the exam ends.