The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.) Chemistry exam is an essential gateway for candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate programs in Chemistry from prestigious institutions like IITs and IISc. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and strategy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the structure of the IIT JAM Chemistry Exam 2025.

Overview of the Exam

The IIT JAM Chemistry Exam is conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, where candidates answer questions on a computer screen. The exam is held for a total of three hours, with the paper divided into three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C. In total, the exam comprises 60 questions, and candidates can score a maximum of 100 marks.

Section-wise Breakdown of IIT JAM Chemistry

The paper includes three different types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, each with distinct formats.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
This section contains 30 questions. Each question in Section A is a multiple-choice question, where candidates are provided with four options, but only one is correct.

Marking Scheme: The section is divided into two parts:
Q1 to Q10: These are 1-mark questions.
Q11 to Q30: These are 2-mark questions.
Negative Marking: There is negative marking in Section A. For the 1-mark questions, 1/3 mark is deducted for incorrect answers, while for the 2-mark questions, 2/3 mark is deducted for wrong attempts.
Section A tests candidates' understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts through questions that demand both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
Section B consists of 10 questions. These are multiple-select questions, meaning each question may have more than one correct answer.

Marking Scheme: Each question carries 2 marks.
No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for incorrect answers in Section B. However, to score marks, candidates must select all the correct options. Partial marking is not allowed; missing or incorrect selections will result in no marks being awarded.
This section aims to evaluate a candidate’s ability to apply chemical concepts in various scenarios and requires a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Section C includes 20 questions, where candidates must input the answer as a numerical value.

Marking Scheme: The section is divided into two parts:
Q41 to Q50: These are 1-mark questions.
Q51 to Q60: These are 2-mark questions.
No Negative Marking: There is no negative marking in Section C, offering candidates a chance to attempt questions without fear of losing marks for wrong answers.
The NAT questions assess the candidates’ problem-solving skills, especially in applying chemical formulas and calculations to arrive at a specific answer.

Important Features of IIT JAM Chemistry Exam Pattern

Total Questions: 60
Total Marks: 100
Exam Duration: 3 hours
Types of Questions: MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
Negative Marking: Only in Section A
The distribution of questions in different sections ensures a balanced evaluation of a candidate’s theoretical understanding, conceptual clarity, and problem-solving skills.

Topics Covered in the IIT JAM Chemistry Exam
The syllabus for IIT JAM Chemistry is extensive and includes topics from Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. A thorough understanding of these subjects is essential to perform well in the exam.

Physical Chemistry: Topics like thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, and spectroscopy are covered.
Organic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms, organic synthesis, stereochemistry, and biomolecules form the core of this section.
Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination compounds, periodicity, bioinorganic chemistry, and solid-state chemistry are important areas to focus on.

Conclusion
Understanding the IIT JAM Chemistry Exam Pattern is key to a candidate’s success. With its combination of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions, the exam tests a wide range of skills, from theoretical knowledge to practical application. By mastering the pattern and focusing on the key topics in Chemistry, candidates can enhance their chances of securing a good rank in the exam. Careful time management, practice of numerical problems, and a clear understanding of fundamental concepts are essential to crack the IIT JAM Chemistry exam.