IIT JAM 2027 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Sections and Timing

The IIT JAM 2027 exam pattern is the same for all seven test papers: a 3-hour computer-based test with 60 questions for 100 marks, divided into three sections of MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions. IIT Kharagpur will conduct the exam on 14 February 2027 in two sessions.

This page sets out the section-wise structure, the exact negative marking rules, the session timings and what the numbers mean for how you attempt the paper. It also explains how marks turn into an All India Rank. The figures below come from the JAM 2027 information brochure.

JAM 2027 Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section-wise Pattern for Every Paper

All three sections are compulsory, and there is no separate time limit for any section. You can move between sections freely within the 3 hours.

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

• No partial credit in MSQ: Marking three of four correct options earns nothing. You score only when your selection matches the answer key exactly.

• NAT answers use a virtual keypad: The physical keyboard is disabled. Enter answers with the on-screen numeric keypad, and follow the decimal places or range stated in the question.

• Blanks are not penalised: An unattempted question scores zero in every section.

What This Pattern Means for You

• 50 marks carry no risk: MSQ and NAT together are worth 50 marks with no negative marking. Attempt every question there that you have worked out.

• Weigh MCQ guesses: A blind guess on a four-option MCQ gains nothing on average, because the penalty exactly offsets the one-in-four chance. Once you eliminate one or two options, the odds turn in your favour.

• Treat MSQs as four true-or-false checks: Evaluate each option separately before marking. One careless tick wipes out the 2 marks.

• Spend time on 2-mark questions: Forty of the 60 questions carry 2 marks each, which adds up to 80 of the 100 marks. The twenty 1-mark questions should be quick wins.

Session Timings on 14 February 2027

Reporting times for each session are printed on the admit card. PwD candidates are allowed one hour of compensatory time for each paper, and eligible candidates can request a scribe at the application stage.

Same Pattern, Different Papers

The section structure is identical across papers, but the type of question that fills each section differs. Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics NAT questions often need multi-step calculation, Chemistry NATs lean on physical chemistry numericals, and Economics and Biotechnology papers carry more concept-based MCQs and MSQs. Previous year papers for your own paper are the best guide to this mix.

How Marks Become a Rank

For each test paper, IIT Kharagpur will publish an All India Rank (AIR) based on the marks scored in that paper. Candidates who reach the qualifying marks for their category are placed on the merit list and can apply for admission. The brochure does not describe any normalisation across papers, since each paper is held in a single session.

A worked example: if you answer 22 MCQs correctly (say 7 one-mark and 15 two-mark) and 4 wrong two-mark MCQs, score 6 MSQs fully and get 12 NATs right (6 of each value), your score is 7 + 30 - 2.67 + 12 + 6 + 12 = 64.33 out of 100.

Taking Two Papers on the Same Day

Both sessions are held on 14 February 2027, with a two-hour gap between the forenoon paper ending at 12:30 PM and the afternoon paper starting at 2:30 PM. If you have chosen a pair such as Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, or Chemistry and Physics, you will sit six hours of exams in one day.

• Practise back-to-back mocks: Take at least two practice days with both papers in the same session timings.

• Plan the break: Eat lightly, avoid reviewing the morning paper, and revise only a formula sheet for the afternoon paper.

• Keep the papers separate: Each paper has its own rank and qualifying marks, so a weak morning does not affect your afternoon result.

Exam-day Rules

• Admit card and photo ID: Carry a printed admit card and a valid original photo ID; you will not be allowed in without them.

• No personal devices: Mobile phones, calculators and other electronic devices are not permitted in the exam hall.

• Scribble pad: A scribble pad is provided for rough work and must be returned after the exam.

• On-screen tools: Use the virtual calculator and the on-screen numeric keypad for NAT answers.

Time Management and Exam-day Strategy

1. First pass, about 75 minutes: Answer every question you can solve directly, across all three sections.

2. Second pass, about 75 minutes: Return to the 2-mark questions you skipped, starting with NAT and MSQ where there is no penalty.

3. Final 30 minutes: Review NAT entries for decimal and unit errors, and decide on remaining MCQs using elimination.

4. Use the virtual calculator early: Practise with an on-screen calculator in mocks so it does not slow you down on the day.