The Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM) is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to postgraduate courses in science and technology. The exam is conducted annually in February, and the application process usually starts in September or October.
JAM is a national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate programs in science and technology. IISc Bangalore and the IITs conduct the exams rotationally, and the exam pattern and syllabus differ for each subject. Candidates interested in pursuing postgraduate programs in science and technology can apply for JAM and prepare for the exam by following a systematic approach.
JAM is conducted in seven subjects: Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics. Candidates can apply for one or more of these subjects, and the exam is conducted in two sessions, with each session consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions.
JAM Application Process
The JAM application process is online, and candidates can apply for the exam through the official website of JAM. The application fee for the exam is Rs. 1,500 for one test paper and Rs. 2,100 for two test papers (for female and SC/ST/PwD candidates, the fee is Rs. 750 and Rs. 1,050, respectively, for one test paper and Rs. 1,050 and Rs. 1,500, respectively, for two test papers).
After submitting the online application, candidates must also upload their photograph, signature, and other required documents. The application fee can be paid online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.
JAM Syllabus
The JAM syllabus for each subject is available on the official website of JAM [https://jam.iitr.ac.in]. The syllabus includes topics from the undergraduate level in the relevant subject.
JAM Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the JAM exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or equivalent grades. The degree should be in the relevant subject for which the candidate is applying.
Candidates appearing for their final year of the qualifying exam are also eligible to apply for JAM, provided they meet the eligibility criteria by the time of admission.
JAM Exam Pattern
The JAM exam consists of two sessions, with each session consisting of three types of questions: multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. The exam lasts three hours, each lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
JAM Preparation Tips & Tricks
Preparing for JAM requires a systematic approach, and candidates should start preparing for the exam at least six months in advance. Some tips for JAM preparation are given below:
1. Understand the syllabus: Candidates should have a thorough understanding of the JAM syllabus and should focus on the topics that are more important.
2. Prepare a study schedule: Candidates should prepare a study schedule and stick to it. The study schedule should include time for revision and solving previous year’s question papers.
3. Use standard textbooks: Candidates should use standard textbooks for each subject and read them thoroughly.
4. Solve previous year’s question papers: Solving previous year’s question papers is an excellent way to prepare for JAM. Candidates should try to solve as many question papers as possible and should analyze their performance after each test.
5. Join coaching classes: Joining coaching classes can be helpful, especially for candidates who find it challenging to study on their own. Coaching classes can provide guidance and support, as well as access to study materials and mock tests.
Section A consists of multiple-choice questions; each question has four options, of which only one is correct. The candidate is awarded one or two marks for each correct answer, depending on the question.
Section B consists of multiple-select questions, and each question has four options, of which one or more options may be correct. For each correct answer, the candidate is awarded two marks.
Section C consists of numerical answer-type questions, and the candidate has to enter the numerical value using a virtual keypad. There is no negative marking for Section C.
The total number of questions and the marking scheme for each subject is given below:
Subject | Total Questions | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (MSQs) | Section C (NATs) | Total Marks
Biological Sciences | 60 | 30 (20 with 1 mark and 10 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each) | 100
Biotechnology | 60 | 30 (20 with 1 mark and 10 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each) | 100
Chemistry | 60 | 30 (20 with 1 mark and 10 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each) | 100
Geology | 60 | 30 (20 with 1 mark and 10 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each) | 100
Mathematics | 60 | 30 (10 with 1 mark and 20 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each) | 100
Statistics | 60 | 30 (10 with 1 mark and 20 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each|100
Physics | 60 | 30 (10 with 1 mark and 20 with 2 marks) | 10 (2 marks each) | 20 (1 mark each) | 100
JAM Admit Card
The JAM admit card is available on the official website of JAM, and candidates can download it by entering their enrollment ID and password. The admit card contains details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, photograph, signature, exam center, exam date, and exam time. Candidates should carry a printout of the admit card to the exam center along with a valid photo ID proof.
JAM Result
The JAM result is declared on the official JAM website, usually in the month of March. Candidates can check their results by entering their enrollment ID and password. The JAM scorecard contains details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, marks obtained in each section, and the All India Rank.
JAM Counselling
The participating institutes conduct the JAM counseling process, and candidates who qualify in JAM can apply for admission to M.Sc. and other postgraduate programs offered by these institutes. The counseling process involves filling out an application form, submitting documents, and paying the admission fee.
Why should you join OnlineGATEIIT for preparation?
OnlineGATEIIT is a popular platform that offers comprehensive online coaching for various entrance exams, including JAM. Here are some reasons why you should consider joining OnlineGATEIIT for JAM preparation:
1. Experienced Faculty: OnlineGATEIIT has a team of experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. They provide high-quality video lectures, study materials, and doubt-solving sessions to help students understand the concepts and prepare for the exam.
2. Study Material: OnlineGATEIIT provides well-structured and updated study material for JAM preparation. The study material includes video lectures, e-books, and practice tests, which are designed to cover the entire syllabus and help students score good marks in the exam.
3. Mock Tests and Practice Papers: OnlineGATEIIT provides a large number of mock tests and practice papers to help students evaluate their performance and identify their strengths and weaknesses. These tests are designed to simulate the natural exam environment and help students develop time-management and exam-taking skills.
4. Doubt Clearing Sessions: OnlineGATEIIT conducts doubt-clearing sessions regularly, where students can interact with faculty members and clarify their doubts. These sessions are conducted through live video conferencing, and students can ask their doubts in real time and get instant solutions.
5. Affordable Fee: OnlineGATEIIT offers online coaching at an affordable fee, making it accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. The fee structure is transparent, with no hidden charges or additional fees.
Joining OnlineGATEIIT for JAM preparation can significantly enhance your chances of scoring well in the exam. The platform provides high-quality coaching, well-structured study material, and extensive practice tests, which can help you build a strong foundation and easily crack the exam.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about JAM:
Q1. What are the eligibility criteria for JAM?
A. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or an equivalent grade from a recognized university to be eligible for JAM.
Q2. Can a candidate apply for multiple subjects in JAM?
A. Yes, a candidate can apply for multiple subjects in JAM, but they have to pay the application fee separately for each subject.
Q3. Is there any age limit for appearing in JAM?
A. No, there is no age limit for appearing in JAM.
Q4. Can a candidate change the test city preferences after submitting the application form?
A. No, once selected during the application process, the test city preferences cannot be changed later.
Q5. What is the duration of the JAM exam?
A. The JAM exam is conducted for 3 hours.
Q6. Is there any negative marking in JAM?
A. Yes, there is a negative marking in JAM; for each wrong answer, 1/3rd marks will be deducted.
Q7. Can a candidate request a reevaluation of the JAM answer script?
A. No, there is no provision for revaluation of the JAM answer script. However, candidates can apply for a review of their answer script by paying a fee.