IIT JAM Geology Question Paper 2025: Download JAM Geology Previous Year Question Papers

Exam Pattern – IIT JAM Geology 2025

The Geology (GG) paper in IIT JAM 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). It includes three types of questions — MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQ (Multiple Select Questions), and NAT (Numerical Answer Type).

Here is the detailed IIT JAM exam pattern and the IIT JAM marking scheme:

Total Duration: 3 Hours
Total Questions: 60
Maximum Marks: 100

Key Highlights of the 2025 Paper

A review of the official IIT JAM Geology 2025 paper shows some important points that future aspirants must note:

• The paper maintained a good balance between factual knowledge and problem-solving.

• Questions from Petrology, Structural Geology, and Mineralogy had a significant presence.

• MSQs required careful attention, as partial answers were not awarded marks.

• NAT questions tested both numerical skills and conceptual understanding.

• Overall, the paper can be considered of moderate to high difficulty.
  
  

Section-Wise Analysis of IIT JAM Geology 2025

Section A – MCQs

• Q1–Q10 (1 mark): Direct and concept-based, covering topics like mineral hardness, rock identification, and density contrasts.

• Q11–Q30 (2 marks): More detailed, with numerical reasoning and multi-concept applications.

• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate in 1-mark, moderate to difficult in 2-mark questions.
  
  

Section B – MSQs

• Questions included phase equilibria, metamorphic assemblages, stratigraphy, and fossil records.

• Full marks required selecting all correct answers.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to high; accuracy was critical.
  
  

Section C – NAT

• Numerical questions from fault mechanics, structural geology, and geochemistry.

• Some required multi-step calculations using the on-screen virtual calculator.

• Difficulty Level: Mostly moderate, a few tough numerical challenges.

Topic-Wise Weightage in 2025

Based on IIT JAM Previous Year Question Papers analysis for Geology, we have created a list of IIT JAM do or die topics along with their approximate weightage and nature of questions asked.

This shows that Petrology, Mineralogy, and Structural Geology dominate the paper and must be prioritised during preparation.

IIT JAM Geology 2025 Questions with Solutions

Question 1. The density contrast across which one of the following transitions in the Earth is

Maximum?

(A) Upper crust – lower crust

(B) Upper mantle – lower mantle

(C) Lower mantle – outer core

(D) Outer core – inner core

Answer:

The density contrast is maximum at the boundary between the lower mantle and the outer core. While the differences between the upper and lower crust, and between the upper and lower mantle, are relatively small, a very sharp change occurs when we move from the solid silicate lower mantle, which has an average density of about 5.5 g/cm³, to the liquid iron–nickel outer core, where the density ranges between 9.9 and 12.2 g/cm³. This sudden jump of nearly 4–5 g/cm³ is the largest within the Earth. In comparison, the contrast between the outer core and the inner core is only about 1 g/cm³.

Hence, the answer is option (C).

Question 2. Which one of the following is NOT an ultramafic rock?

(A) Wehrlite

(B) Olivine websterite

(C) Harzburgite

(D) Anorthosite

Answer:

Ultramafic rocks are igneous rocks that contain very high amounts of magnesium and iron but very little silica. Examples of ultramafic rocks include wehrlite, olivine websterite, and harzburgite, all of which are rich in olivine and pyroxene. In contrast, anorthosite is not an ultramafic rock; it is a plutonic rock predominantly composed of plagioclase feldspar and contains relatively low amounts of mafic minerals. Therefore, anorthosite does not fall into the ultramafic category.

Hence, the answer is option (D).

Question 3. The longitude of the person’s position at a place 3 hours ahead of UTC (Prime Meridian) is

(A) $15^{\circ} \mathrm{E}$

(B) $30^{\circ} \mathrm{W}$

(C) $45^{\circ} \mathrm{E}$

(D) $45^{\circ} \mathrm{W}$

Answer:

The Earth rotates $360^{\circ}$ in 24 hours, which means it rotates $15^{\circ}$ per hour. If a place is 3 hours ahead of UTC (Prime Meridian), its local time is gained due to eastward rotation. Therefore, the longitude is calculated as $15^{\circ} \times 3=45^{\circ}$. Since the place is ahead of UTC, the longitude must be east of the Prime Meridian. Thus, the longitude of the person's position is $45^{\circ} \mathrm{E}$.

Hence, the answer is option (C).

Question 4. Which one of the following does NOT have a polymorph?

(A) Fluorite

(B) Pyrite

(C) Calcite

(D) Diamond

Answer:

Polymorphism refers to the ability of a mineral to exist in more than one crystal structure while having the same chemical composition. Calcite has a well-known polymorph, aragonite, both being forms of calcium carbonate. Diamond and graphite are polymorphs of carbon. Pyrite (FeS₂) has known polymorphs such as marcasite. However, fluorite (CaF₂) crystallises only in the isometric system and does not have any polymorphs. Therefore, fluorite does not exhibit polymorphism.

Hence, the answer is option (A).

Question 5. Which one of the following CORRECTLY describes the footwall block relative

to the hanging wall of a planar normal fault?

(A) Lies above the fault plane and relatively moves down

(B) Lies below the fault plane and relatively moves horizontally

(C) Lies above the fault plane and relatively moves up

(D) Lies below the fault plane and relatively moves up

Answer:

In a planar normal fault, the crust undergoes extension, and the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall. By definition, the hanging wall lies above the fault plane, while the footwall lies below it. Since the hanging wall moves down in a normal fault, the footwall appears to move up relatively, even though the absolute movement may not always be vertical. Therefore, the correct description is that the footwall lies below the fault plane and relatively moves up.

Hence, the answer is option (D).

Download IIT JAM Geology Question Paper 2025 (Official PDF)

For detailed practice, aspirants should go through the official IIT JAM question paper released by the exam authorities. Solving it will give a clear idea of the question framing, difficulty level, and distribution of topics.

To download the official IIT JAM Geology Question Paper 2025, click on the link given below:

Download IIT JAM Geology Question Paper 2025 (Official PDF)

Benefits of Solving the 2025 Paper

For candidates preparing for future exams, solving the 2025 paper offers:

1. Familiarity with the actual exam structure and question distribution.

2. Practice with time management across MCQ, MSQ, and NAT.

3. Awareness of important topics and their relative weightage.

4. Strengthening of both theoretical understanding and numerical skills.

5. Improved accuracy and confidence before attempting the real exam.