IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern: Question Types & Marking Scheme

Understanding the IIT JAM 2027 exam pattern is essential before starting preparation for the JAM exam. The examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 60 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The paper is divided into three compulsory sections namely MCQ, MSQ and NAT.

Get the complete IIT JAM 2027 question types, paper pattern, including the number of questions, marks distribution, negative marking, question types, exam duration, virtual calculator, rough-work rules and PwD facilities.

IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern at a Glance

What is the IIT JAM 2027 Question Paper Pattern?

The IIT JAM 2027 exam consists of 60 questions for 100 marks. All three sections are compulsory, and each section tests candidates through a different question format.

The paper is structured as follows:

• Section A – 30 IIT JAM MCQ questions
• Section B – 10 IIT JAM MSQ questions
• Section C – 20 IIT JAM NAT questions

The IIT JAM 2027 question paper is presented on a computer screen, with questions appearing in a random sequence. Candidates answer IIT JAM MCQ questions and IIT JAM MSQ questions using the mouse, while IIT JAM NAT questions’ answers are entered through the virtual numeric keypad available on the screen.

IIT JAM 2027 Marks Distribution

This structure follows the IIT JAM 2027 paper pattern specified in the 2027 JAM Exam Information Bulletin.

IIT JAM Exam Sections

IIT JAM Exam Sections are categorised into three as specified below.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Section A of IIT JAM Exam consists of 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question has four answer choices, but only one option is correct.

The section is divided into two groups:

• Q.1–Q.10: 10 questions carrying 1 mark each
• Q.11–Q.30: 20 questions carrying 2 marks each

Therefore, Section A carries a total of 50 marks.

IIT JAM Negative Marking for MCQ

Section A in IIT JAM Exam is the only section with negative marking.

For every incorrect answer:

• 1-mark MCQ: 1/3 mark is deducted
• 2-mark MCQ: 2/3 mark is deducted

There is no negative marking for an unattempted MCQ. Candidates should therefore avoid random guessing in the IIT JAM Exam, particularly when they are not confident about the answer.

Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)

Section B of IIT JAM Exam contains 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) from Q.31 to Q.40. Each question carries 2 marks, making the total marks for Section B 20.

Unlike IIT JAM MCQ questions, IIT JAM MSQ questions may have one or more correct options among the choices provided.

IIT JAM Negative Marking for MSQ

There is no negative marking in Section B IIT JAM MSQ. The JAM 2027 exam pattern also specifies no partial marking for MSQs.

Candidates should therefore understand the difference between IIT JAM MCQ questions and IIT JAM MSQ questions before attempting the IIT JAM exam. An MSQ can have multiple correct choices, so selecting an option without considering all possible correct choices can affect the score.

Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

Section C of IIT JAM exam consists of 20 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

The section is divided into:

• Q.41–Q.50: 10 questions carrying 1 mark each
• Q.51–Q.60: 10 questions carrying 2 marks each

Section C in IIT JAM Exam carries a total of 30 marks.

Unlike IIT JAM MCQ questions and IIT JAM MSQ questions, IIT JAM NAT Questions do not provide answer choices. Candidates must calculate the answer and enter the numerical value using the virtual numeric keypad displayed on the computer screen.

IIT JAM Negative Marking for NAT

There is no negative marking in Section C IIT JAM NAT. There is also no set of answer choices from which candidates can select an option.

IIT JAM 2027 Marking Scheme

The IIT JAM 2027 marking scheme differs according to the type of question.

The key point is that negative marking applies only to IIT JAM MCQ questions in Section A. IIT JAM MSQ questions and IIT JAM NAT Questions do not have negative marking, and unattempted questions carry zero marks.

IIT JAM 2027 Exam Duration

The IIT JAM 2027 exam duration is 3 hours for each test paper. The official JAM 2027 schedule shows two examination sessions on February 14, 2027.

Candidates can appear for a maximum of two test papers in IIT JAM Exam 2027, provided the selected papers are scheduled in different sessions.

Can Candidates Review Questions During IIT JAM?

The IIT JAM examination is computer-based, and candidates answer questions through the exam interface. Since questions appear in random sequence, aspirants should become familiar with navigating the CBT interface before the actual JAM exam.

The official JAM 2027 website also provides a mock examination facility, allowing candidates to become familiar with the online exam environment. Previous-year question papers are also made available through the JAM website.

Practicing with IIT JAM mock tests is particularly useful for candidates preparing for IIT JAM Biotechnology, IIT JAM Chemistry, IIT JAM Physics, Mathematics and the other JAM test papers.

IIT JAM 2027 Test Papers

The JAM 2027 examination is conducted for seven test papers:

The same broad question-paper structure of MCQ, MSQ and NAT applies across the JAM test papers.

Students preparing for IIT JAM Biotech, IIT JAM Chem or IIT JAM Physics, for example, should study the respective IIT JAM syllabus while also practising all three question formats.

IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern for PwD Candidates

The JAM 2027 information bulletin provides specific provisions in IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern for eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates.

Eligible candidates may avail themselves of facilities including:

• Scribe assistance, where applicable
• One-hour compensatory time for each paper
• Magnified font option for candidates with vision-related disabilities
• Permission to visit the examination centre a day before the examination to become familiar with the arrangements

The scribe facility must be requested during the IIT JAM application stage. The official JAM 2027 PwD guidelines specify the eligibility conditions and documentation requirements for these facilities.

IIT JAM 2027 Scribe Facility

Eligible PwD candidates who require assistance in properly taking the CBT can opt for a scribe during the IIT JAM application process.

According to the JAM 2027 guidelines:

• The examination body will arrange the scribe.
• The scribe's qualification must generally be two to three academic years below the minimum qualification of the candidate.
• The minimum qualification of the scribe is Class 12.
• The scribe cannot be a candidate for any JAM 2027 test paper.
• Eligible candidates will be presented with two scribes on the day before the examination and can choose one.
• Candidates are permitted to visit the examination centre a day before the examination to familiarise themselves with the arrangements.

The official JAM 2027 PwD guidelines should be checked carefully by candidates seeking this facility.

How Does the IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern Affect Preparation?

Knowing the JAM exam pattern is not just about memorising the number of questions. It should influence how candidates practise.

A strong IIT JAM preparation strategy should include:

• Solving MCQs with accuracy to reduce negative marks
• Practising MSQs carefully because there may be multiple correct options
• Regularly solving NAT questions without depending on answer choices
• Practising both 1-mark and 2-mark questions
• Taking full-length mock tests within three hours
• Getting comfortable with the virtual calculator
• Practising through previous-year question papers
• Improving time management across all three sections

Students preparing for IIT JAM Biotech, IIT JAM Chem, IIT JAM Physics or any other JAM paper should combine subject preparation with regular practice of the actual question formats.

Also Read:

• IIT JAM 2027 – Complete Guide to Exam, Syllabus, Eligibility, Application & Admission
• What is IIT JAM? Courses, Colleges & Career Scope
• IIT JAM Preparation Strategy 2027: Exam Pattern, Study Plan & Tips
• IIT JAM Syllabus 2027: Subject-Wise Topics & Important Chapters
• IIT JAM 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Age Limit, Marks & More
• IIT JAM 2027 Application Process: Registration Dates, JOAPS Form Filling & Fees

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Frequently Asked Questions About IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern

What is the IIT JAM 2027 exam pattern?

IIT JAM 2027 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of 60 questions for 100 marks. The question paper has three compulsory sections: MCQ, MSQ and NAT.

How many questions are there in IIT JAM 2027?

There are 60 questions in each IIT JAM 2027 test paper.

How many marks is the IIT JAM exam?

The IIT JAM 2027 question paper carries a total of 100 marks.

What are the three sections in the IIT JAM exam?

The three sections are Section A - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Section B - Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Section C - Numerical Answer Type (NAT).

Is there negative marking in IIT JAM 2027?

Yes, but only in Section A MCQs of IIT JAM 2027. A wrong 1-mark MCQ attracts a deduction of 1/3 mark, while a wrong 2-mark MCQ attracts a deduction of 2/3 mark. There is no negative marking in MSQ or NAT.

Is there negative marking for NAT in the IIT JAM Exam?

No. NAT questions in the IIT JAM Exam do not have negative marking.

Is There Partial Marking in IIT JAM 2027?

No. There is no partial marking in the IIT JAM 2027 question paper. For MSQs, candidates need to select the correct answer option(s) according to the question. The 2027 pattern specifies no partial marking.

Is there negative marking for MSQ in the IIT JAM Exam?

No. There is no negative marking or partial marking for MSQ questions.

How many MCQs are there in the IIT JAM Exam?

There are 30 MCQs in Section A: 10 one-mark questions and 20 two-mark questions.

How many MSQs are there in the IIT JAM Exam?

There are 10 MSQs in the IIT JAM Exam, from Q.31 to Q.40, carrying 2 marks each.

How many NAT questions are there in the IIT JAM Exam?

There are 20 NAT questions in the IIT JAM Exam 2027. Q.41–Q.50 carry 1 mark each, while Q.51–Q.60 carry 2 marks each.

Is a calculator allowed in the IIT JAM exam?

Candidates cannot bring their own calculators in the IIT JAM Exam hall. A virtual calculator is provided on the computer screen during the examination.

Is IIT JAM Exam conducted online?

Yes. The IIT JAM exam is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

What is JAM exam for?

The JAM exam is an entrance examination for postgraduate programmes offered through participating institutes. Candidates should check the relevant programme and admission requirements in addition to preparing according to the JAM question pattern.

Is IIT JAM Biotech pattern different from other JAM papers?

The JAM 2027 test papers include Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics and Physics. The question-paper structure uses the three sections MCQ, MSQ and NAT across the test papers.

Is the IIT JAM Chemistry paper MCQ or MSQ?

The IIT JAM Chemistry paper includes MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions. Candidates should prepare for all three formats rather than focusing on only MCQs.

Does IIT JAM Physics have NAT questions?

Yes. IIT JAM Physics includes NAT questions in Section C, along with MCQs in Section A and MSQs in Section B.

Is IIT JAM coaching necessary to understand the exam pattern?

IIT JAM coaching is not compulsory. Candidates can study independently using the official syllabus, previous-year papers and mock tests. However, students who prefer structured guidance may consider IIT JAM coaching online or an IIT JAM online coaching programme for systematic preparation and regular practice.