IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 details a 3-hour, computer-based test (CBT) scheduled for February 15, 2026. This examination, conducted by IIT Bombay, features 60 questions across three sections (A, B, C) for a total of 100 marks. It includes a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, with negative marking only in Section A.
Table of Contents
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern Overview: Duration, Total Marks, Mode
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 outlines a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online for 3 hours, totaling 100 marks across 60 questions. It is divided into three distinct sections, featuring MCQs, MSQs, and NATs, all presented in English.
| Particulars | IIT JAM Exam Pattern Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Language of Question Paper | English |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
| Number of Sections | 3 Sections: -Section A, Section B, Section C |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Type of Question | - Section A: MCQ - Section B: MSQ - Section C: NAT |
| Number of Questions in Section-wise | - Section A: 30 - Section B: 10 - Section C: 20 |
IIT JAM 2026 Marking Scheme: Positive & Negative Marking Details
The IIT JAM 2026 marking scheme includes negative marking exclusively for Section A (MCQs). Sections B (MSQs) and C (NAT questions) do not have negative marking provisions, and unattempted questions receive zero marks. Understanding these details is crucial for candidates preparing for the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks for Each Correct Response | Marks for Each Wrong Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 MCQs | 1 mark each | 1/3 mark |
| A | 20 MCQs | 2 marks each | 2/3 mark |
| B | 10 MCQs | 2 marks each | No Negative Marking |
| C | 10 NAT Questions | 1 mark each | No Negative Marking |
| C | 10 NAT Questions | 2 marks each | No Negative Marking |
The table clearly illustrates that negative marking is applied only to Section A, with specific deductions for 1-mark and 2-mark MCQs. Sections B and C, including MSQs and NAT questions, do not incur any penalties for incorrect answers, though Section B requires all correct answers for full credit.
IIT JAM 2026 Question Paper Pattern: MCQ, MSQ, NAT Breakdown
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 outlines a Computer Based Test (CBT) held on February 15, 2026, for 3 hours, totaling 100 marks across 60 questions. This section details the breakdown of the three sections: A, B, and C, covering question types, marks, and negative marking.
| Aspects | Section A | Section B | Section C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 30 | 10 | 20 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Mark Distribution | 10 questions of one mark each and 20 questions of two marks each | 2 marks each | 10 questions of one mark each and 10 questions of two marks each |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for 1-mark questions; 2/3 mark deducted for 2-mark questions | No negative marking | No negative marking |
This table illustrates the distinct structure of the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, highlighting that only Section A, comprising MCQs, carries negative marking, while MSQs in Section B and NAT questions in Section C do not. Additionally, unattempted questions receive 0 marks, and Section B has no partial marking.
IIT JAM 2026 Section-Wise Question Distribution & Weightage
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 is structured into three distinct sections: A (MCQ), B (MSQ), and C (NAT), comprising a total of 60 questions for 100 marks. Understanding the section-wise question distribution and marking scheme is crucial for effective preparation.
| Section | Type of Questions | Total No. of Questions | Marking Scheme | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Multiple Choice Based Questions (MCQs) | 30 questions | 10 will be of 1 mark each and the rest 20 will carry 2 marks each. | 50 |
| Section B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 questions | 2 marks each. | 20 |
| Section C | Numerical Answer Type Questions (NAT) | 20 questions | 10 questions will be for 1 mark each and the rest 10 questions for 2 marks each. | 30 |
| Total | - | 60 | - | 100 |
This table illustrates the detailed question distribution and marking scheme across the three sections of the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026. Negative marking applies only to Section A (MCQs), deducting 1/3 mark for wrong 1-mark questions and 2/3 mark for wrong 2-mark questions. Sections B and C have no negative marking.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Shift Timings and Paper Slots
The IIT JAM 2026 examination is scheduled for February 15, 2026 (Sunday), conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Understanding the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 includes knowing the shift timings and subject paper slots, which are crucial for candidates planning their test day.
| Shift | Time Slot | Subject Codes | Full Subject Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM | CY, GG, MA | Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics |
| Shift 2 | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM | BT, EN, MS, PH | Biotechnology, Economics, Mathematical Statistics, Physics |
The IIT JAM 2026 exam is divided into two 3-hour shifts on February 15, 2026, accommodating a total of 7 subject papers. Candidates can select one or two papers, provided their chosen subjects are scheduled in different shifts, with an additional one hour of compensatory time for PwD candidates.
IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Overview
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 remains consistent with the previous year, as no changes have been introduced compared to 2025. This section provides a detailed overview of the examination structure, highlighting the key parameters that define the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, which continues to follow the established format.
| Parameter | IIT JAM 2025 | IIT JAM 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Online | Online |
| Language of Question Paper | English | English |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours (1 hour compensatory time for PwD students) | 3 Hours (1 hour compensatory time for PwD students) |
| Number of Sections | 3 Sections (Section A, Section B, Section C) | 3 Sections (Section A, Section B, Section C) |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 Questions | 60 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks | 100 Marks |
| Type of Questions | Section A: MCQ, Section B: MSQ, Section C: NAT | Section A: MCQ, Section B: MSQ, Section C: NAT |
| Questions in Section A | 30 questions (10 of 1 mark each, 20 of 2 marks each) | 30 questions (10 of 1 mark each, 20 of 2 marks each) |
| Questions in Section B | 10 questions (2 marks each) | 10 questions (2 marks each) |
| Questions in Section C | 20 questions (10 of 1 mark each, 10 of 2 marks each) | 20 questions (10 of 1 mark each, 10 of 2 marks each) |
| Negative Marking Section A (1-mark Qs) | 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answer | 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answer |
| Negative Marking Section A (2-mark Qs) | 2/3 mark deducted for incorrect answer | 2/3 mark deducted for incorrect answer |
| Negative Marking Section B & C | No Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
The table above clearly illustrates that all examination parameters, including mode, duration, question types, and marking scheme, are identical for both IIT JAM 2025 and IIT JAM 2026, confirming the consistency of the exam pattern.
IIT JAM Biotechnology 2026 Exam Pattern: Specific Details
The IIT JAM Biotechnology 2026 exam will be an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 3 hours duration, featuring 60 questions for a total of 100 marks. This section details the specific structure and marking scheme of the IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026, including question types and negative marking rules across its three compulsory sections.
| Section | Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 (10 of 1 mark each + 20 of 2 marks each) | 1 or 2 | 50 | 1-mark question: –1/3, 2-mark question: –2/3 |
| B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 (2 marks each) | 2 | 20 | No negative marking |
| C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 20 (10 of 1 mark each + 10 of 2 marks each) | 1 or 2 | 30 | No negative marking |
| Total | — | 60 | — | 100 |
The IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026 clearly outlines the distribution of questions and marks across three compulsory sections, with negative marking specifically applied only to Multiple Choice Questions in Section A.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
The IIT JAM 2026 exam, conducted by IIT Bombay on February 15, 2026, is a 3-hour online test with 60 questions, including MCQs and NATs, across seven subjects.
What are the eligibility requirements for IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
IIT JAM 2026 eligibility criteria, covering age, educational qualification, minimum marks, and nationality, are detailed in the official information brochure published by the officials.
How do I apply for IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
Apply online for JAM 2026 through the official JOAPS portal. IIT Bombay is the Organising Institute for JAM 2026.
What is the application timeline for IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
The IIT JAM 2026 application notification is tentatively expected in September, with applications closing by mid-October.
What is the expected cutoff for IIT JAM Exam Pattern 2026?
The official expected cutoff for IIT JAM 2026 will be available on jam2026.iitb.ac.in under the admission menu, displaying opening and closing ranks for all seven MSc courses.
