IIT JAM 2026 Question Pattern: IIT JAM 2026 Question Pattern is one of the most crucial things that aspirants need to understand before starting their preparation. Every year, the Joint Admission Test for Master’s (JAM) is conducted for admission into M.Sc. and other postgraduate programs at prestigious institutes like IITs and IISc. Knowing the IIT JAM question paper pattern helps candidates prepare in the right direction, focus on the important sections, and practice according to the marking scheme.
In this guide, we will break down the types of questions in JAM, the MCQ, MSQ, and NAT pattern JAM, and also look at the section-wise questions JAM format. We will also analyse pattern changes in JAM 2025 so that candidates can anticipate what to expect in the upcoming exam.
Also read IIT JAM Exam 2026
Overview of IIT JAM 2026 Question Paper Pattern
IIT JAM 2026 question paper pattern has a unique structure compared to other entrance exams. It is a fully computer-based online test (CBT) where all the responses are recorded digitally. The paper is of 3 hours duration and carries 100 marks in total.
| Feature | Details |
| Total Questions | 60 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Medium | English |
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
This structure ensures a balanced mix of conceptual understanding, application-based problem-solving, and numerical ability.
Types of Questions in JAM 2026
A significant feature of the question format JAM exam is the inclusion of multiple types of questions. Unlike some competitive exams that rely only on multiple-choice, JAM includes three categories. The types of questions in JAM 2026 are:
| Question Type | Key Features | Marking Scheme | Skills Tested |
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | Four options, only one correct | Negative marking (–1/3 for 1 mark, –2/3 for 2 marks) | Theoretical knowledge, quick recall |
| MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) | More than one correct answer, all must be selected | No negative marking, no partial marks | Conceptual clarity, deeper understanding |
| NATs (Numerical Answer Type) | No options; answer entered via virtual keypad | No negative marking | Problem-solving, numerical precision |
The MCQ, MSQ, and NAT pattern JAM makes the exam both challenging and rewarding, as it assesses students on different skill levels.
Also read IIT JAM 2026 Application form
Section-Wise Questions JAM 2026
To make the exam balanced, the IIT JAM question paper pattern is divided into three sections:
| Section | Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Marks Distribution | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
| A | MCQs (Multiple Choice) | 30 (10 × 1 mark, 20 × 2 marks) | 10 × 1 mark, 20 × 2 marks | 50 | –1/3 for 1 mark, –2/3 for 2 marks |
| B | MSQs (Multiple Select) | 10 | 10 × 2 marks | 20 | No negative marking |
| C | NATs (Numerical Answer) | 20 (10 × 1 mark, 10 × 2 marks) | 10 × 1 mark, 10 × 2 marks | 30 | No negative marking |
| Total | – | 60 | – | 100 | – |
This section-wise questions JAM 2026 ensures that every aspirant faces a balanced test of conceptual knowledge, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.
Also read IIT JAM PYQs
MCQ, MSQ, NAT Pattern JAM 2026 – Explained in Detail
Since aspirants often focus heavily on MCQs, it is important to emphasise that MCQ, MSQ, NAT pattern JAM 2026 are equally weighted across the paper.
| Question Type | Nature of Questions | Difficulty / Risk Factor | Scoring Potential |
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | Quick recall with a single correct option | Risky due to negative marking; wrong guesses reduce marks | Good if accurate, but penalising for mistakes |
| MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) | Multiple correct answers, all must be chosen | High difficulty; missing one option makes it incorrect | Safe (no negative marking), but requires strong concepts |
| NATs (Numerical Answer Type) | Answer entered via keypad, no options given | Demands accuracy and careful calculation | Safe scoring, as no negative marking applies |
Understanding this mix is critical for time management and strategy during the exam.
Also read IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Question Format JAM Exam 2026 – Marking Scheme
Question format JAM Exam 2026 follows a structured marking scheme:
| Question Category | Marks per Question | Included Types | Negative Marking | Scoring Potential |
| 1 Mark Questions | 1 mark each | MCQ & NAT | MCQs: –1/3; NAT: None | Good for quick scoring but risky in MCQs |
| 2 Mark Questions | 2 marks each | MCQ, MSQ & NAT | MCQs: –2/3; MSQ & NAT: None | Higher weightage; safe scoring in MSQ & NAT |
| MSQs & NATs Overall | Varies (mostly 2 marks) | MSQ & NAT | None | Safe scoring options with conceptual clarity & accuracy |
This means candidates should balance between accuracy and attempt strategy. Over-guessing in MCQs can lower scores, while careful solving of NATs and MSQs can maximise marks.
Pattern Changes in JAM 2025
Every year, IIT JAM may undergo small changes. While the overall structure remains the same, pattern changes in JAM 2025 introduced the following modifications:
- Virtual calculator usage became stricter, emphasising mental and conceptual problem-solving.
- MSQ questions were given more conceptual depth, increasing difficulty in certain subjects like Physics and Mathematics.
- Distribution of NAT questions increased slightly in some subjects, ensuring numerical precision was tested.
- More emphasis on application-based problem-solving rather than just theoretical knowledge.
These pattern changes in JAM 2025 are important for IIT JAM 2026 aspirants to be aware of, as the exam is likely to follow a similar format.
Also read IIT JAM Syllabus 2026
Paper Pattern IIT JAM 2026 – Subject Wise
Though paper pattern IIT JAM 2026 is common across subjects, the difficulty level and style of questions vary. For example:
| Subject | Dominant Question Types | Focus Area |
| Mathematics | More NATs | Step-based solving and numerical accuracy |
| Physics | Mix of MCQs and NATs | Conceptual clarity and problem application |
| Chemistry | More MSQs | Testing multiple applied concepts together |
| Biotechnology | Balanced MCQ, MSQ & NAT | Comprehensive coverage of all formats |
| Economics & Statistics | More NATs | Numerical problem-solving and precision |
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IIT JAM 2026 Question Pattern FAQs
How many types of questions are in JAM?
There are three types – MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.
Is there negative marking in IIT JAM?
Yes, only MCQs have negative marking. MSQs and NATs do not.
What is the section-wise jam question distribution?
Section-wise JAM question distribution is given here
- Section A: 30 MCQs (50 marks)
- Section B: 10 MSQs (20 marks)
- Section C: 20 NATs (30 marks)
Were there any pattern changes in JAM 2025?
Yes, more NATs and deeper MSQs were introduced, with emphasis on application-based problem-solving.
