IIT JAM Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Full pageEvery JAM paper follows the same structure: 60 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours, in a computer-based test with three types of questions.
Section-wise Pattern
Section | Question type | Questions | Marks | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) — one correct option | 30 (10 × 1 mark + 20 × 2 marks) | 50 | 1/3 mark for 1-mark questions; 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions |
B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) — one or more correct options | 10 × 2 marks | 20 | None; no partial marks |
C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) — answer typed in | 20 (10 × 1 mark + 10 × 2 marks) | 30 | None |
Total | 60 | 100 |
Key Points
Duration: 3 hours per paper (one extra hour for PwD candidates).
In MSQ, you must select all correct options and no wrong ones to get marks.
NAT answers are typed using a virtual keypad.
Key Takeaways
60 questions, 100 marks, 3 hours.
Negative marking only in Section A (MCQ).
MSQ has no partial marking.
Pro Tip: Attempt all NAT and MSQ questions you can — there is no negative marking in Sections B and C. Be selective only in Section A.
Source: JAM 2027 Information Brochure (section totals); question split as reported by Careers360, consistent with brochure totals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in IIT JAM?
Only in Section A (MCQ): 1/3 mark for 1-mark and 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions.
How many questions are there in IIT JAM?
60 questions for 100 marks.
What are MSQ questions in JAM?
Multiple Select Questions with one or more correct options; full marks only if all correct options are selected.
