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How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026: Preparation Strategy, Tips, Study Plan, Timetable

How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026: Preparation Strategy, Tips, Study Plan, Timetable

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Mar 24, 2025 11:14 AM IST | #JAM

How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026 - The IIT JAM chemistry examination is a national-level examination and it is also one of the crucial exams for candidates and researchers who want to pursue higher studies in chemistry programmes like MSc as well as higher postgraduate programmes at IITs and IISc Bangalore. To ace the examination or to get admission to top IITs it is necessary to have the right preparation strategy which includes time management, previous year papers and mock test papers.

This Story also Contains
  1. How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026 - Syllabus
  2. IIT JAM Exam Pattern Overview and Marking Scheme
  3. IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Preparation Tips
  4. IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Study Material and Books
  5. Best Books for IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Preparation
  6. How to Prepare for IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 - Sample Papers
  7. IIT JAM Chemistry Cut Off - Previous Years’
  8. IT JAM 2024 Chemistry Analysis
How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026: Preparation Strategy, Tips, Study Plan, Timetable
How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026: Preparation Strategy, Tips, Study Plan, Timetable

IIT JAM 2026 is a very comprehensive and difficult examination to crack in India. For IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry preparation, one must devote an equal amount of time to each of the three major components of the syllabus: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. The article will assist students in developing a preparation strategy for the IIT JAM 2026 entrance test by providing information such as tips and tricks, curriculum, exam pattern, reference books, previous year question papers and cut-off marks. To learn more about how to crack IIT JAM Chemistry, read the entire article.

How to Prepare for JAM Chemistry 2026 - Syllabus

Candidates should review the IIT JAM syllabus 2026 for Chemistry to learn more about the essential subjects and units included in the exam. The JAM Chemistry syllabus 2026 will assist students in creating a study schedule.

JAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026

Units

Topics

Physical Chemistry

Basic Mathematical Concepts

Functions, Maxima and Minima, Integrals, Ordinary Differential Equations, Vectors and Matrices, Determinants, Elementary Statistics and Probability Theory

Atomic and Molecular Structure

Fundamental Particles, Bohr’s Theory of Hydrogen-like Atom, Wave-Particle Duality, Uncertainty Principle, Schrödinger’s Wave Equation, Quantum Numbers, Shapes of Orbitals, Hund’s Rule and Pauli’s Exclusion Principle, Electronic Configuration of Simple Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules

Theory of Gases

Equation of State for Ideal and Non-Ideal (Van Der Waals) Gases, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution Law, Equipartition of Energy.

Solid state

Crystals and Crystal Systems, X-rays, NaCl and KCl Structures, Close Packing, Atomic and Ionic Radii, Radius Ratio Rules, Lattice Energy, Born-Haber Cycle, Isomorphism, Heat Capacity of Solids.

Chemical Thermodynamics

Reversible and Irreversible Processes, First Law and Its Application to Ideal and Nonideal Gases, Thermochemistry, Second Law, Entropy and Free Energy, Criteria for Spontaneity.

Chemical and Phase Equilibria

Law of Mass Action, Kp, Kc, Kx and Kn, Effect of Temperature on K, Ionic Equilibria in Solutions, PH and Buffer Solutions, Hydrolysis, Solubility Product, Phase Equilibria–Phase Rule and its Application to One-Component and Two-Component Systems, Colligative Properties

Electrochemistry

Conductance and its Applications, Transport Number, Galvanic cells, EMF and Free Energy, Concentration Cells with and without Transport, Polarography, Concentration cells with and without Transport, Debye-Huckel-Onsager Theory of Strong Electrolytes, Chemical Kinetics, Reactions of Various Order, Arrhenius Equation, Collision Theory, Transition State Theory, Chain Reactions – Normal and Branched, Enzyme Kinetics, Photochemical Processes, Catalysis.

Adsorption

Gibbs Adsorption Equation, Adsorption Isotherm, Types of Adsorption, Surface Area of Adsorbents, Surface Films on Liquids.

Spectroscopy

Beer-Lambert Law, Fundamental Concepts of Rotational, Vibrational, Electronic and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Organic Chemistry

Basic Concepts in Organic Chemistry and Stereochemistry

Electronic Effects (Resonance, Inductive, Hyperconjugation) and Steric Effects and its Applications (Acid/Base Property), Optical Isomerism in Compounds with and without any Stereocenters (Allenes, Biphenyls), Conformation of Acyclic Systems (Substituted Ethane/n-Propane/n-Butane) and Cyclic Systems (Mono- and Di-Substituted Cyclohexanes).

Organic Reaction Mechanism and Synthetic Applications

Dozens Reaction, Wittig Reaction and McMurry Reaction, Pinacol-Pinacolone, Favorskii, Benzilic Acid Rearrangement, Dienone-Phenol Rearrangement, Baeyer-Villiger Reaction, Oxidation and Reduction Reactions in Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Reagents in Organic Synthesis (Grignard, Organolithium and Organocopper), Diels-Alder, Electrocyclic and Sigmatropic Reactions, Functional Group Interconversions and Structural Problems using Chemical Reactions, Chemistry of Reactive Intermediates (Carbocations, Carbanions, Free Radicals, Carbenes, Nitrenes, Benzynes etc…), Hofmann-Curtius-Lossen Rearrangement, Wolff Rearrangement, Simmons-Smith Reaction, Reimer-Tiemann Reaction, Michael Reaction.

Qualitative Organic Analysis

Identification of Functional Groups by Chemical Tests, Elementary UV, IR and 1H NMR Spectroscopic Techniques as Tools for Structural Elucidation

Natural Products Chemistry

Chemistry of Alkaloids, steroids, Terpenes, Carbohydrates, Amino Acids, Peptides and Nucleic Acids.

Aromatic and Heterocyclic Chemistry

Monocyclic, Bicyclic and Tricyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Monocyclic Compounds with One Hetero Atom, Synthesis, Reactivity and Properties.


Inorganic Chemistry

Periodic Table

Periodic Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, General Methods of Isolation and Purification of Elements, Chemical Bonding and Shapes of Compounds, Types of Bonding, VSEPR Theory and Shapes of Molecules, Hybridization, Dipole Moment, Ionic Solids, Structure of NaCl, CsCl, Diamond and Graphite, Lattice Energy

Main Group Elements (s and p blocks)

General concepts on Group Relationships and Gradation in Properties, Structure of Electron Deficient Compounds involving Main Group Elements

Transition Metals (d block)

Characteristics of 3d Elements, Oxide, Hydroxide and Salts of First Row Metals, Coordination Complexes, Structure, Isomerism, Reaction Mechanism and Electronic Spectra, VB, MO and Crystal Field Theoretical Approaches for Structure, Color and Magnetic Properties of Metal Complexes, Organometallic Compounds having Ligands with Back Bonding Capabilities such as Metal Carbonyls, Carbenes, Nitrosyls and Metallocenes, Homogeneous Catalysis.

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Essentials and Trace Elements of Life, Basic Reactions in Biological Systems and the Role of Metal Ions, especially Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, Structure and Function of Hemoglobin and Myoglobin and Carbonic Anhydrase.

Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Essentials and Trace Elements of Life, Basic Reactions in Biological Systems and the Role of Metal Ions, especially Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, Structure and Function of Hemoglobin and Myoglobin and Carbonic Anhydrase.


Analytical Chemistry

Principles of Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, Acid-Base, Oxidation-Reduction and Complexometric Titrations using EDTA, Precipitation Reactions, Use of Indicators, Use of Organic Reagents in Inorganic Analysis, Radioactivity, Nuclear Reactions, Applications of Isotopes.

IIT JAM Exam Pattern Overview and Marking Scheme

Here is an exam pattern overview for IIT JAM Chemistry:

Exam

IIT JAM

Exam conducted

IIT Delhi

Type of questions

MCQs, MSQs and NAT

Duration

3 hours

Sections

Section A, B and C

Total Marks

100

Total no of questions

60

Here are the marking scheme for IIT JAM Chemistry

SECTION

SCORE ALLOCATION

NEGATIVE MARKS

A


  • 1 Mark questions

  • 2 Mark questions


  • -⅓ marks for 1 mark questions

  • -⅔ marks for 2 mark questions

B


  • 2 Mark for each question


  • No Negative Marking

C


  • 2 Mark for each question


  • No Negative Marking

IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Preparation Tips

Preparing for the IIT JAM Chemistry exam would require a strategic approach. It is important to begin with mastering the fundamentals of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Candidates are advised to create a study schedule to cover all topics systematically. It is also important to utilize IIT JAM books for Chemistry and online resources for practice. Solve previous years' question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. Group study and discussions can aid comprehension. Needless to say that regular revision is key to retaining information. Lastly, candidates are advised to stay updated with current trends in chemistry. Balancing theory and practice, along with dedication, will greatly enhance your chances of success in the IIT JAM Chemistry exam.

IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Study Material and Books

Selecting the right study material is crucial for success in the IIT JAM Chemistry exam. Key components of effective IIT JAM Chemistry study material include IIT JAM Chemistry books , solved examples, practice questions, and previous years' papers. Candidates must seek out renowned authors and publishers known for their quality content, like Morrison and Boyd for Organic Chemistry, J.D. Lee for Inorganic Chemistry, and P.W. Atkins for Physical Chemistry. Additionally, online resources and coaching institutes can provide supplementary study materials, further enhancing the preparation and understanding of the subject.

Best Books for IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Preparation

The IIT JAM exam includes a wide range of questions coming from each and every subject, therefore relying only on the IIT JAM preparation books for chemistry does not always suffice. Candidates must make sure that they cover all the available books, some of which are recommended below in the table.

Best Books for IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Paper

Topics

Books and Authors

Physical Chemistry

Theory of Gases

Physical Chemistry–Puri, Sharma, Pathania


Atomic and Molecular Structure

Physical Chemistry–Peter W. Atkins

Chemical and Phase Equilibria


Principles of Chemical Equilibrium & Phase Rule–K.G. Denbigh

Phase Rule–Gurdeep Raj

Basic Mathematical Concepts

Differential Equation & Matrices–Shanti Narayan

Engineering Mathematics–B.S. Grewal

Chemical Thermodynamics

Physical Chemistry–Thomas Engel & Phillip Reid

Basic Physical Chemistry–Peter W. Atkins

Adsorption

Surface Chemistry–A. Goel

Introduction to Surface Chemistry & Catalysis–Gabor A. Somorjai

Electrochemistry

An Introduction to Electrochemistry–Samuel Glasstone

Electrochemistry–Philip H. Rieger

A textbook of Physical Chemistry (Vol-III)-K. L. Kapoor

Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Kinetics–Keith J. Laidler

Physical Chemistry–Thomas Engel & Phillip Reid

A textbook of Physical Chemistry (Vol-V)-K. L. Kapoor

Solid state

Solid State–Peter W. Atkins

Solid State Physics–R.K. Puri & V.K.Babbar

Organic Chemistry

Basic Concepts in Organic Chemistry and Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry Conformation and Mechanism-P.S. Kalsi

Stereochemistry of Organic Compound-E. L. Eliel

Organic Chemistry (Vol-I)-I. L. Finar

Heterocyclic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry (Vol-I)-I. L. Finar

Natural Products Chemistry

Organic Chemistry (Vol-II)-I. L. Finar

Organic Reaction Mechanism and Synthetic Applications

Organic Chemistry-Clayden, Greeves, Warner and Wothers

Organic Chemistry-T.W. Graham Solomons

Organic Chemistry-Morrison & Boyd

Qualitative Organic Analysis

Qualitative organic Analysis

Qualitative Organic Analysis-A. I. Vogel

Inorganic Chemistry

Chemical Bonding and Shapes of Compounds

Inorganic Chemistry-J. E. Huheey

Inorganic Chemistry-Miessler & Tarr

Analytical Chemistry

Quantitative Inorganic Analysis-A. I. Vogel

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry–Shriver & Atkins

Inorganic Chemistry–James E. Huheey, E.A. Keiter, R. L. Keiter, O. K. Medhi

Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Instrumental method-Skoog, Holler & Crouch

Periodic Table

Concise Inorganic Chemistry-J. D. Lee

Basic Inorganic Chemistry-F. A. Cotton & Wilkinson

Main Group Elements (s and p blocks)

Concise Inorganic Chemistry-J. D. Lee

Transition Metals (d block)

Concise Inorganic Chemistry-J. D. Lee

Inorganic Chemistry-Miessler & Tarr

How to Prepare for IIT JAM Chemistry 2026 - Sample Papers

The IIT JAM sample papers are the previously asked question papers which can help the candidates practice more for the IIT JAM 2026. These questions will give a basic idea to the candidates about the marking scheme, type of questions, etc. Therefore, it is suggested for candidates to go through the sample papers of IIT JAM Chemistry.

IIT JAM Chemistry Sample Papers

IIT JAM Chemistry Cut Off - Previous Years’

The IIT JAM Chemistry cut off is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in order to pass the admission exam. Aspirants should check the previous year's cutoff marks to learn the qualifying marks required for the JAM 2026 Chemistry examination in the previous few years. With the help of the JAM cutoff 2026 Chemistry, candidates will get an idea of the marks they need to score to pass the entrance examination. JAM Chemistry has varied cutoffs for different test papers and student categories.

IIT JAM Previous Years’ Cut Off - Chemistry

Years

Gen

SC/ST/PwD

OBC (NCL)

2020

16.96

8.48

15.26

2019

20.31

10.15

18.28

2018

28.46

14.23

25.61

2017

23.35

11.68

21.02

Important points to keep in mind for IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry Preparation

  • For the IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry examination, a proper approach should be developed.

  • Always begin your preparation by reviewing the test paper's syllabus and exam format.

  • Create a timetable that covers all of the subjects and units, allotting enough time to each component of the syllabus.

  • Physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry are the three types of chemistry.

  • For covering the units of the JAM 2026 syllabus, use the finest books available.

  • While covering the course, take short and long notes.

  • Practice IIT JAM 2026 sample papers and mock tests to gain a better understanding of the main themes and to assess their level of preparedness.

  • Revise all of the topics when you've finished the entire course. Revision aids pupils in recalling information, which proves to be extremely useful on exam day.

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IT JAM 2024 Chemistry Analysis

The IIT JAM 2024 Chemistry exam was structured into three sections, testing candidates on theoretical knowledge, numerical skills, and problem-solving ability. It covered diverse topics in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. Below is a detailed analysis based on the question paper provided.

Memory-Based Questions and Answers

Here are five purely theory questions from the paper, along with their answers and explanations:

  1. Question: The following dipeptide derivative is used as an artificial sweetener:

JAM Previous Year Papers
Candidates can download JAM previous year's papers to boost their exam preparation.
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Correct Answer: (B) Phenylalanine and aspartic acid.

Explanation: The artificial sweetener is aspartame, which consists of phenylalanine and aspartic acid linked via a peptide bond. Its structure confirms these constituents.

  1. Question: Among the complexes [Ti(H₂O)₆]³⁺, [NiCl₄]²⁻, [CrO₄]²⁻, and [Mn(H₂O)₆]²⁺, which exhibits the largest molar absorptivity in the visible region?

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Correct Answer: (C) [CrO₄]²⁻.

Explanation: The chromate ion ([CrO₄]²⁻) is highly colored due to charge transfer transitions, leading to strong absorption in the visible region.

  1. Question: What is the shape of SCN⁻?

Correct Answer: (A) Linear.

Explanation: The thiocyanate ion (SCN⁻) adopts a linear geometry due to the sp hybridization of the central carbon atom.

  1. Question: A system undergoes one clockwise cycle in a thermodynamic process. What is true about the work performed?

Correct Answer: (C) System performs work on the surroundings during the cycle.

Explanation: In a clockwise thermodynamic cycle, the system's work on the surroundings is positive due to the net expansion.

  1. Question: For the equilibrium reaction H₂(g) + I₂(g) ⇌ 2HI(g), how does changing the reaction vessel volume affect the equilibrium extent?

Correct Answer: (B) Unaffected.

Explanation: As the number of moles of gaseous reactants and products are the same, changes in volume have no effect on equilibrium according to Le Chatelier's Principle.

Topic-Wise Weightage

Topic

Number of Questions

Key Focus Areas

Organic Chemistry

15

Reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, spectroscopy

Inorganic Chemistry

12

Coordination compounds, periodic trends

Physical Chemistry

13

Thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

5

Spectroscopy, titrations

Environmental Chemistry

3

Pollution, green chemistry

Biochemistry

2

Proteins, enzymes

High-Weightage Topics

  1. Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Quantum Chemistry.

  2. Organic Chemistry: Reaction Mechanisms, Spectroscopy, Biomolecules.

  3. Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, Periodic Properties.

Overall Difficulty Level

  • Section A (1 Mark): Moderate, with direct conceptual questions.

  • Section B (2 Marks, Multiple Select): Challenging due to difficult options requiring deeper understanding.

  • Section C (Numerical): Difficult, demanding strong calculation skills and accuracy.

Section

Difficulty Level

Section A (1 mark question)

Moderate – Conceptual questions requiring direct application of principles.

Section B (2 mark questions)

Challenging – Required multi-concept integration and advanced problem-solving skills.

Section C (Numerical Answer Type)

Moderate to Difficult – Precision and calculation-based questions with limited room for error.

Overall: Moderate to Difficult, with a fair emphasis on application-based and conceptual questions.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I get the questions from last year for IIT JAM Chemistry?

You can get the previous year's question papers from the official website of any IIT’S JAM 2025 Official Website.

2. When is IIT JAM 2025 conducted?

It will be conducted on 2nd February, 2025.

3. What is the total mark for IIT JAM Chemistry?

The total mark for IIT JAM is in 100.

4. Is there a negative marking in IIT JAM Chemistry?

Yes there is a negative marking in the exam, particularly in section A for 1 mark there will be a deduction of -⅓ and for 2 marks there will be a deduction of -⅔.

5. What is the duration of the IIT JAM exam?

The IIT JAM Exam has a duration of 3 hours.

6. How should I prepare for IIT-JAM chemistry?

To clear the IIT JAM Chemistry examination, candidates are advised to use quality textbooks, practice papers, and online resources, while maintaining consistency and prioritizing health.

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Questions related to JAM

Have a question related to JAM ?

Hello,

Yes, you can appear in IIT JAM with 65% in 12th because you don't need 12th marks in IIT JAM. In IIT JAM they need your bachelor's degree, and you must have a minimum aggregate mark of 55% in this degree; then you can appear in IIT JAM. This means overall IIT JAM doesn't need 12th marks; instead, it needs bachelor's degree marks.

I hope it resolves your query!!

Yes, the IIT JAM Mathematics syllabus is mostly the same as what is taught in B.Sc. Mathematics. Core topics like Calculus, Algebra, Differential Equations, and Real Analysis overlap. However, JAM tests deeper understanding and problem-solving skills, often at a higher difficulty level than typical B.Sc. exams. Some topics may also be covered more rigorously or appear in more applied forms. So while the syllabus is similar, focused preparation is needed to match JAM’s level.

Hello

With an IIT JAM rank of 2167 in the General category, top-tier Indian Institutes of Technology such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Banaras Hindu University are unlikely options, as their closing ranks are typically in the low hundreds to a few thousands. However, you are still in a good position for several reputable government colleges through both the IIT JAM counselling and the Centralised Counselling for Master of Science and Technology (CCMN) channels.

If you belong to the Scheduled Caste category, you have a strong chance at getting admission to IIT Banaras Hindu University in the Master of Science in Physics program.

If you are in the General category, apply through the Centralised Counselling for Master of Science and Technology to National Institutes of Technology such as NIT Silchar, NIT Srinagar, and others.

You should register for the Centralised Counselling for Master of Science and Technology for admission to National Institutes of Technology and Centrally Funded Technical Institutions, and carefully prioritize your preferences in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics.

You may also explore the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research option:

If you are interested, register for the IISER Aptitude Test and aim for a rank below approximately 2000.

Keep alternative plans in mind:

Consider reputable National Institutes of Technology in your state or nearby, such as the National Institute of Technology Agartala, National Institute of Technology Nagpur, and similar institutions



Hello aspirant,

Yes you can definitely appear for IIT JAM without mathematics in class 12, as JAM is based on your Bachelor's degree background. It depends on the subject you choose for your bachelor's degree and your graduation. You can also keep checking the IIT JAM eligibility pdf for your target subject.

Hello ma'am

Thankyou for reaching out!

IIT JAM is for Msc.courses which are after a bachelor's degree.Eligiblity for IIT JAM Biotechnology you need a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology,Biology,Life Sciences with atleast 55% marks.

Maths in 12th is not compulsory for Biotechnology you just need a relevant Bachelor's degree to be eligible

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