Complete Guide to IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus 2026 with Detailed Exam Pattern

The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission into M.Sc. and other postgraduate science programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Science, and National Institutes of Technology. The exam is organized by different institutes in rotation and has been a gateway for students aspiring to pursue advanced studies in science. Known for its rigor, JAM is conducted as a computer-based test with multiple sections assessing conceptual knowledge, problem-solving ability, and subject expertise essential for postgraduate academic pursuits.

Pattern of IIT JAM Mathematics 2026 Exam

The IIT JAM Mathematics paper is held in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format and has a total duration of 3 hours. The paper is divided into three sections A, B, and C, with a total of 60 questions carrying 100 marks overall.

Section A: Includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) where each question has four options but only one of them is correct answer. This section includes 30 questions, involving 10 questions of them 1 mark each and the remaining involving 20 questions 2 marks each.

• Be careful here as negative marking applies in section-A 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer to a 1 mark each question and 2/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 2 mark each question.

Section B: Features Multiple Select Questions (MSQs). They are a bit different as each question in this section may have more than one correct option, and you need to select all the correct choices to get full marks. This section has 10 questions, each carrying 2 marks, there is no negative marking. 

• There is no negative marking in Section-B as well.

Section C: Contains Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, these do not come with options you have to calculate and enter the answer using the on screen virtual keyboard and the section includes total of 20 questions. Involving 10 questions of 1 mark each, and 10 questions of 2 marks each.

• There is no negative marking in Section-C (NAT) as well.
  
  

Breakdown of Syllabus for IIT JAM Mathematics 2026 Exam

The IIT JAM syllabus for Mathematics (MA) 2026 is divided into different sections. The detailed list of topics of the IIT JAM Mathematics Syllabus is provided below.

Section 1: Real Analysis

• Sequences & Series of Real Numbers:Convergence of sequences, bounded and monotone sequences, cauchy sequences, bolzano-weierstrass theorem, absolute convergence, tests of convergence for series-comparison test, root test, power series, ratio test, radius and interval of convergence, term-wise differentiation and integration of power series.
  
  
• Functions of One Real Variable: Limit, continuity, intermediate value property, differentiation, rolle's theorem, mean value theorem, taylor's theorem, taylor's series, L'hospital rule, maxima and minima, riemann integration, fundamental theorem of calculus.
  
  

Section 2: Multivariable Calculus & Differential Equations

• Functions of Two or Three Real Variables: Limit, continuity, partial derivatives, total derivative, maxima and minima.
  
  
• Integral Calculus: Double and triple integrals, change of order of integration, calculating surface areas and volumes using double integrals, calculating volumes using triple integrals.
  
  
• Differential Equations: Bernoulli's equation, exact differential equations, integrating factors, orthogonal trajectories, homogeneous differential equations, method of separation of variables, linear differential equations of second order with constant coefficients, method of variation of parameters, cauchy-euler equation.
  
  

Section 3: Linear Algebra and Algebra

• Basic Algebra: Permutations and combinations, binomial theorem
  
  
• Matrices: Systems of linear equations, rank, nullity, rank-nullity theorem, inverse, determinant, eigenvalues, eigenvectors.
  
  
• Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces: Linear independence of vectors, basis, dimension, linear transformations, matrix representation, range space, null space, rank-nullity theorem.
  
  
• Groups: Cyclic groups, abelian groups, non-abelian groups, permutation groups, normal subgroups, quotient groups, Lagrange's theorem for finite groups, group homomorphisms.
  
  

Success in IIT JAM Maths requires focused preparation, smart planning, quality resources, coaching, curiosity, and steady revision, every step moves you closer to success, making your IIT JAM dream achievable. On exam day, stay relaxed, get proper sleep, revise lightly, and give your best. Remember, factors like exam pressure, paper difficulty, and health also influence results.