IIT JAM Exam Pattern

The JAM 2016 examination for all the seven test papers will be carried out as ONLINE Computer Based Test ( CBT ) where the candidates will be shown the questions in a random sequence on a computer screen. For all the seven test papers, the duration of the examination will be 3 hours. The medium for all the test papers will be English only. There will be a total of 60 questions carrying 100 marks. The entire paper will be divided into three sections, A, B, and C. All sections are compulsory.

Questions in each section are of different types as given below :
Section - A contains a total of 30 Multiple Choice Questions ( MCQ ) carrying one or two marks each. Each MCQ type question has four choices out of which only one choice is the correct answer. Candidates can mark the answer by clicking the choice.

Section - B contains a total of 10 Multiple Select Questions ( MSQ ) carrying two marks each. Each MSQ type question is similar to MCQ but with a difference that there may be one or more than one choice(s) that are correct out of the four given choices. The candidate gets full credit if he/she selects all the correct answers only and no wrong answers. Candidates can mark the answer(s) by clicking the choice(s).

Section - C contains a total of 20 Numerical Answer Type ( NAT ) questions carrying one or two marks each. For these NAT-type questions, the answer is a signed real number that needs to be entered using the virtual keyboard on the monitor. No choices will be shown for these types of questions. Candidates have to enter the answer by using a virtual numeric keypad. 

In all sections, questions not attempted will result in zero marks. In Section - A ( MCQ ), the wrong answer will result in negative marks. For all 1 mark questions, 1/3 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. For all 2 marks questions, 2/3 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. In Section - B ( MSQ ), there are no negative and no partial marking provisions. There is no negative marking in Section - C ( NAT ) as well.

There is the provision of using an Online Virtual Calculator and hence, the candidates should not bring any calculator with them.
Mobile phones or any other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. Charts, Graph Sheets, Tables are also NOT allowed inside the examination hall.
A scribble pad will be provided for rough works and this has to be returned back at the end of the examination.
The candidates are required to select the answer for MCQ and MSQ type questions, and to enter the answer for NAT questions using only a mouse on a virtual numeric keypad ( the keyboard of the computer will be disabled ). 
At the end of the 3 hours, the computer will automatically close the examination.