IIT JAM Exam Analysis 2026 (Expected) covers the overall difficulty level, section-wise review, good attempt analysis, and a detailed comparison with the 2025 exam. Check subject-wise difficulty trends, important topics, and expected cutoff impact to understand your performance and plan the next steps for counselling and preparation.
Table of Contents
- IIT JAM 2026 Exam Analysis Overall
- IIT JAM 2026 Mathematics (MA) Exam Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026 Physics (PH)Exam Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026 Geology (GG) Exam Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Exam Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology (BT) Exam Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026 Mathematical Statistics (MS) Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026 Economics (EN) Exam Analysis
- IIT JAM 2026: Exam Day & Pattern Overview
- IIT JAM Exam Analysis 2025: Quick Summary
- Conclusion
The IIT JAM 2026 exam has been conducted in two sessions: Shift 2 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and Shift 1 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM across multiple IIT JAM exam centers in India on Feb 15, 2026. In shift 2 Chemistry, Mathematics Statistics, Biotechnology and Economics were the subject and as per the students reaction the overall difficulty turned out to be moderate to moderately difficult, with several papers reported as calculation-intensive and concept-based..
Earlier in the day, Shift 1 was successfully conducted, and initial reactions suggest a moderate to difficult level in several subjects, with some papers reported as lengthy and calculation-intensive. A comprehensive overall analysis of IIT JAM 2026 will be finalised once feedback from both shifts is compiled.
IIT JAM 2026 Exam Analysis Overall
The shift 1 of IIT JAM 2026 has been conducted successfully on Feb 15, 2026 from 9.30 AM to 12.30PM. You can check the overall exam analysis based on student and expert's reaction in the table given below
| IIT JAM Paper Analysis 2026 | Overall Difficulty |
| IIT JAM 2026 Shift 1 (9.30 AM to 12.30 PM) | Moderate to Difficult |
| IIT JAM 2026 Shift 2 (2.30 PM to 5.30 PM) | Moderate to Moderately Difficult |
Subject-Wise IIT JAM 2026 Paper Analysis
The IIT JAM 2026 exam for Mathematics, Geology and Chemistry are conducted. Check the table below to get an overview of the subject-wise difficulty level.
| IIT JAM 2026 Subject | Difficulty Level |
| Mathematics | Challenging, with lengthy, calculation-heavy questions, specifically in MSQs. |
| Geology | Moderate |
| Physics | Difficult |
| Chemistry | Moderate |
| Mathematics Statistics | Moderate to Difficult |
| Biotechnology | Moderate |
| Economics | Moderate |
IIT JAM 2026 Mathematics (MA) Exam Analysis
With a heavy focus on foundational subjects like calculus and linear algebra, the IIT JAM 2026 Mathematics paper was evaluated as moderate-to-difficult. Section C necessitated exact numerical computations, whereas Section B was the most challenging because of its multi-topic conceptual inquiries. Overall, many candidates found the paper more difficult than in previous years because it required profound conceptual clarity and effective time management.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 1 (9.30 AM to 12.30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult (tougher than last year) |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Group Theory, Sequence & Series |
| Nature of Questions | Conceptual + highly calculative; multi-step reasoning required |
| Student Feedback | Paper considered difficult with time pressure |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 35–42 questions (with high accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | More difficult and calculative |
IIT JAM 2026 Physics (PH)Exam Analysis
The IIT JAM 2026 Physics paper in Shift 1 was rated difficult, with a strong emphasis on numerical and multi-concept problems from mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Many questions required lengthy calculations and careful time management, making the paper time-consuming. Overall, it was tougher than recent years and challenging for candidates without strong problem-solving practice.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 1 (9.30 AM to 12.30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Difficult |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Organic reaction mechanisms, Thermodynamics, Chemical kinetics, Coordination chemistry |
| Nature of Questions | Numerical-intensive; multi-concept problems |
| Student Feedback | Balanced but slightly lengthy due to numericals |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 30–38 questions (with good accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | Similar level, slightly more calculative |
IIT JAM 2026 Geology (GG) Exam Analysis
The IIT JAM 2026 Geology paper was rated easy to moderate, with many direct and concept-based questions from core areas such as Mineralogy, Petrology, and Stratigraphy. Compared to other JAM subjects, the paper was less calculation-intensive and more theory-oriented, allowing candidates to attempt a higher number of questions within the given time. Overall, it was considered slightly easier than the previous year, benefiting well-prepared candidates with strong fundamentals.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 1 (9.30 AM to 12.30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Conceptual with several direct theory-based items |
| Nature of Questions | Conceptual with calculations, mechanism-based organic |
| Student Feedback | Relatively easier and less time-consuming |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 40–50 questions (with good accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | Slightly easier |
IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Exam Analysis
The IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry paper was moderate and well-balanced across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. Organic mechanisms and thermodynamics numericals carried notable weightage, making the paper slightly lengthy. Overall difficulty remained similar to recent years with a calculative emphasis.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 2 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate (similar to last year) |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Organic Mechanisms, Coordination Chemistry |
| Nature of Questions | Conceptual with calculations; mechanism-based |
| Student Feedback | Balanced but slightly lengthy numericals |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 32–38 questions (with high accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | Similar level; slightly more calculative |
IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology (BT) Exam Analysis
The Biotechnology paper was moderate and concept-driven, with strong focus on genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Most questions tested conceptual clarity rather than memory, allowing good attempts for well-prepared candidates. The paper was comparable in difficulty to previous years.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 2 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology |
| Nature of Questions | Conceptual and application-based |
| Student Feedback | Balanced and manageable |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 40–48 questions (with high accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | Similar |
IIT JAM 2026 Mathematical Statistics (MS) Analysis
Mathematical Statistics was the toughest paper in Shift 2, featuring lengthy probability and statistical inference problems. MSQ and NAT sections required multi-step calculations and deep conceptual understanding. Overall, the paper was more difficult and time-consuming than last year.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 2 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult (tougher than last year) |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Probability Distributions, Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Linear Models |
| Nature of Questions | Analytical + multi-step calculations |
| Student Feedback | Tough and time-consuming |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 34–42 questions (with high accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | More difficult |
IIT JAM 2026 Economics (EN) Exam Analysis
The Economics paper was moderate and analytically balanced across microeconomics, macroeconomics, and mathematical methods. Several questions required numerical application and conceptual reasoning, especially in MSQ and NAT sections. The difficulty level was similar to recent IIT JAM exams.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Shift and Date | Feb 15, 2026, Shift 2 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate |
| Section-wise Trend |
|
| Key High-Weightage Topics | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Mathematical Methods, Statistics |
| Nature of Questions | Conceptual with analytical and numerical application |
| Student Feedback | Conceptual and balanced |
| Good Attempt (Expected) | 35–45 questions (with high accuracy) |
| Comparison to 2025 | Similar |
IIT JAM 2026: Exam Day & Pattern Overview
The structure is expected to remain the same as 2025, with an increased focus on conceptual clarity and numerical accuracy. You can check the IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern overview listed below.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Date | February 15, 2026 |
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Types | MCQs (negative marking) |
| MSQs (no partial marking) | |
| NATs (no negative marking) |
IIT JAM Exam Analysis 2025: Quick Summary
Understanding the 2025 exam analysis helps predict the structure and difficulty of the 2026 exam.
Here is a brief summary of IIT JAM 2025 difficulty level:
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Highlights |
| Mathematics (MA) | Moderate to Difficult | High NAT weightage, abstract algebra tricky |
| Physics (PH) | Difficult | Lengthy calculations, Tough MSQs |
| Chemistry | Moderate | Balanced Organic/inorganic/physical |
| Mathematics Statistics | Moderate | Probaility-heavy |
| Biotechnology | Moderate | Application-based |
| Economics | Easy to Moderate | Straightforward micro & macro |
| Geology | Moderate | Conceptual + factual mix |
The overall difficulty of IIT JAM 2025 was Moderate to Difficult, especially due to tricky NAT and MSQ sections. Using these insights, we now predict the expected IIT JAM Exam Analysis 2026.
Conclusion
Overall, Shift 1 of IIT JAM 2026, conducted from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, was reported to be moderate to difficult across most subjects, with papers such as Mathematics and Physics appearing lengthy and calculation-intensive, while Geology was relatively easier. Candidates noted that strong conceptual clarity and time management were essential to attempt a good number of questions with accuracy.
Shift 2, scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, is currently underway and its complete analysis will be available after the exam concludes. A comprehensive subject-wise difficulty comparison and overall exam assessment for IIT JAM 2026 will be finalized once feedback from both shifts is compiled.
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