The IIT-JAM Chemistry 2026 examination is one of the most important national-level entrance tests for students aspiring to pursue M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.–PhD, and Integrated PhD programs at IITs, IISc, NITs, and other premier institutes in India.
Conducted by one of the IITs on a rotational basis, IIT-JAM tests a candidate’s understanding of undergraduate-level chemistry concepts with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and analytical skills.
This blog covers complete details about the exam date, syllabus, and exam pattern for IIT-JAM Chemistry 2026.
What is IIT-JAM Chemistry?
IIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to postgraduate science programs. The Chemistry (CY) paper is designed for B.Sc. Chemistry and allied discipline students.
Qualifying IIT-JAM Chemistry opens doors to:
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IITs
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IISc Bangalore
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NITs
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Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs)
IIT-JAM Chemistry 2026: Exam Date (Tentative)
Although the official notification for IIT-JAM 2026 has not yet been released, the exam is usually conducted in February every year.
Expected Timeline
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Notification Release: September 2025
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Application Start: September–October 2025
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Last Date to Apply: October 2025
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Admit Card: January 2026
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Exam Date: February 2026
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Result Declaration: March 2026
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official JAM website for confirmed dates.
IIT-JAM Chemistry 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIT-JAM Chemistry exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Key Highlights
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Duration: 3 hours
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Total Marks: 100
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Mode: Online (CBT)
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Negative Marking: Yes
Types of Questions
The question paper consists of three sections:
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Four options with one correct answer
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Negative marking applicable
Section B – Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
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More than one correct option
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No negative marking
Section C – Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
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Numerical value as answer
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No negative marking
The mix of question types makes IIT-JAM Chemistry conceptually challenging and calculation-intensive.
IIT-JAM Chemistry 2026 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus is based on undergraduate-level chemistry and is broadly divided into three main branches.
Physical Chemistry
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Atomic and molecular structure
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Thermodynamics
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Chemical kinetics
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Electrochemistry
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Quantum chemistry
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Spectroscopy
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Solid state chemistry
Organic Chemistry
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Basic principles of organic chemistry
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Stereochemistry
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Reaction mechanisms
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Aromatic compounds
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Carbonyl compounds
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Pericyclic reactions
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Spectroscopy and structure determination
Inorganic Chemistry
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Periodic table and periodicity
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Chemical bonding
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Coordination chemistry
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Organometallic chemistry
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Bioinorganic chemistry
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Main group and transition elements
Balanced preparation across all three sections is crucial for a good rank.
Preparation Strategy for IIT-JAM Chemistry 2026
1. Strengthen Fundamentals
Focus on clear understanding of concepts rather than rote learning, especially in physical and organic chemistry.
2. Solve Previous Year Question Papers
Practice at least 15–20 years of IIT-JAM Chemistry papers to understand trends and important topics.
3. Practice Numerical Problems
Numerical questions form a significant part of the exam. Regular problem-solving improves speed and accuracy.
4. Take Mock Tests
Attempt full-length mock tests to improve time management and exam temperament.
Important Books for IIT-JAM Chemistry
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Physical Chemistry – P. Atkins / P. Bahadur
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Organic Chemistry – Morrison & Boyd
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Inorganic Chemistry – J.D. Lee
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Previous Years’ IIT-JAM Question Papers
Stick to limited standard books and revise them thoroughly.
