Are you planning to appear for the IIT JAM exam to get admission in the M.Sc. programme from IITs and IISc? In that case, knowing the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 is very important. You need to choose the right subject as per your interest, its syllabus and eligibility criteria. This will also help you to map a proper preparation strategy. In this blog, we provide you with an elaborate information on IIT JAM Subjects List 2026, exam details and other preparation tips. So, read on.
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IIT JAM Exam 2026 Overview
The Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT JAM) is an entrance exam conducted for admission into the M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. dual degree and other postgraduate courses in the science stream. It is conducted by one IIT every year on a rotational basis. With the competition increasing for the coveted IIT JAM admit cards, one of the first steps to chalk out a foolproof preparation plan is to know the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026.
| Detail | Description |
| Name of the Exam | IIT JAM 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
| Types of Exam | Post-Graduate Degree Level |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency of Exam | Once a year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
Also read IIT JAM 2026 Application Form
How Many IIT JAM Subjects?
The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is conducted for students who want to pursue postgraduate programs such as M.Sc., Integrated Ph.D., and other courses at IITs and IISc. IIT JAM offers seven subjects for the exam. These subjects are Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics. Candidates can appear in either one or two subjects, depending on their interests and eligibility.
Significance of IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
A lot of confusion prevails in the mind of students regarding what subject to choose for the IIT JAM exam. Knowing about IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 will help the candidates to:
- Understand their strong subjects and match it with the relevant subject of the exam.
- Get an idea of the syllabus and the topics to be covered under each subject of the exam.
- Plan the preparation strategy of each subject for the IIT JAM exam.
- Have a comparison of the previous year cut-offs of different subjects.
Also read IIT JAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria
IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
The IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 comprises a total of 7 subjects. Candidates have the option to appear for one or two papers. The choice of the same depends on their preparation as well as eligibility criteria.
The following are the 7 Subjects in the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Chemistry (CY)
- Economics (EN)
- Geology (GG)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mathematical Statistics (MS)
- Physics (PH)
The above-mentioned are the seven subjects in the official IIT JAM Subjects List 2026. Each subject has its own syllabus, weightage and career scope which is provided below.
Also read IIT Jam 2026 Syllabus
IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
The following are the seven subjects provided in the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026. These have been analysed in detail as per their demand and importance in the exam.
Biotechnology (BT)
The biotechnology subject tests the topics of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. This subject is best for those students who have interest in life sciences and applied sciences.
Chemistry (CY)
Chemistry is one of the most sought-after subjects in the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026. The candidate appearing for the chemistry paper needs to be strong in all the topics related to physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. This subject is apt for students who are planning for higher studies and research in the field of chemistry.
Economics (EN)
The economics subject was recently introduced in the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026. It is best for those candidates who are looking for a career in the analytical and theoretical side of economics.
Geology (GG)
In this subject, the topics which are tested in the exam are related to Earth sciences, mineralogy and structural geology. Geology is an ideal choice for the students who have an interest in building their career in the field of geosciences and research.
Mathematics (MA)
Mathematics is a key subject in the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026. It mainly has the topics related to linear algebra, calculus, real analysis and differential equations. Mathematics is best for the candidates who have a strong hold in the field of mathematics.
Mathematical Statistics (MS)
As the name suggests, it is an amalgamation of Mathematics and Statistics. This subject is best for the aspirants who are interested in data analysis, probability and advanced statistics.
Physics (PH)
Physics is another popular subject from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026. The topics which are tested from this subject are mainly based on mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum physics and thermodynamics.
Also read IIT JAM PYQs
Syllabus for IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
The IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 subjects have different syllabi. Here are some important topics of each subject in the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026:
Chemistry:
Atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy.
Mathematics:
Sequences and series, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis.
Physics:
Oscillations and waves, quantum physics, electricity and magnetism.
Biotechnology:
Cell biology, genetics, molecular biology and biophysics.
Students can make a timetable for preparation by taking help from the subject-wise syllabus.
How to Select a Subject from IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
Selecting the right subject from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 is extremely crucial. Students can keep the following points in mind before finalizing a subject:
- Graduation background of the students.
- Interest in the subjects.
- Availability of study materials.
- Job opportunities after getting the post-graduation degree.
IIT JAM Subjects and Marks
The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is conducted in seven subjects:
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Chemistry (CY)
- Economics (EN)
- Geology (GG)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mathematical Statistics (MS)
- Physics (PH)
Each paper is of 100 marks and has a duration of 3 hours. The question paper is divided into three sections:
- Section A: 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – 1 or 2 marks each
- Section B: 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) – 2 marks each
- Section C: 20 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions – 1 or 2 marks each
In total, every subject paper carries 60 questions for 100 marks. Negative marking applies only in Section A (MCQs).
Career Prospects with the Help of IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
Career after M.Sc. or M.Phil./Ph.D. are the main goals of every student. Each and every subject from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 provides various options for the career. Few of them are as follows:
Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics:
Higher studies, research work, teaching jobs and R&D posts.
Biotechnology/Geology:
Pharma industry, healthcare sector, various research labs and geosciences.
Economics/Statistics:
Data analyst, finance, policy-making and academic career.
IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 follows a uniform exam pattern for all the papers. This is as follows:
Mode of Exam:
Online (Computer Based Test)
Duration:
3 hours
Number of Questions:
60 questions (MCQ, MSCQ, N.A.T. type).
Total Marks:
100 marks
Knowing about the exam pattern of the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 exam is equally important as the syllabus.
Tips to Prepare for IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
The following tips will help you to prepare for IIT JAM Subjects List 2026:
- Carefully read through the complete IIT JAM Subjects List 2026.
- Focus on the important topics and previous year papers.
- Make short notes to revise quickly.
- Attempt the mock tests regularly.
- Prepare with standard books.
Conclusion
The IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 is the first step towards your preparation journey. Choosing the right subject, analysing its syllabus and preparing smartly for the exam will help you to crack it with flying colours. If you select physics, chemistry or mathematics or any other subject, always be consistent and disciplined in your preparation. You will be able to crack the IIT JAM exam.
FAQs on IIT JAM Subjects List 2026
Can I choose two subjects from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026?
Yes, a candidate can give one or two subjects. It is only required that the exam schedules for two subjects do not clash.
Which is the easiest subject from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026?
The easiest subject from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 varies from candidate to candidate. For most of the students, Biotechnology and Economics are the easiest subjects if they have a strong base.
Which is the subject from the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026 which has more number of jobs?
Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics have more research and teaching jobs as compared to Biotechnology and Economics, which have more industry-related jobs.
How can I effectively prepare for the IIT JAM Subjects List 2026?
Read through the syllabus carefully, focus on important topics, practice previous year papers, and do mock tests to make your preparation strong.
