JAM Application Date:05 Sep' 25 - 12 Oct' 25
The IIT JAM Mathematics exam is one of the most sought-after postgraduate entrance tests in India for aspirants aiming to pursue M.Sc. and other postgraduate degrees from top institutes like IITs, IISc, and NITs. With the IIT JAM 2026 examination scheduled to be conducted in February 2026, this is the ideal time for candidates to understand the previous year’s question paper trends, exam pattern, and important topics.
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Analysing the IIT JAM Mathematics Question Paper 2025 gives valuable insights into the type of questions asked, the overall difficulty level, and the focus areas that are likely to be repeated in IIT JAM 2026.
Aspirants must familiarise themselves with the official IIT JAM 2026 exam pattern for mathematics to prepare effectively.
Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 (10 × 1 mark, 20 × 2 marks) | 50 | -1/3 for 1-mark, -2/3 for 2-mark |
B | Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 10 × 2 marks | 20 | No negative marking |
C | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 20 (10 × 1 mark, 10 × 2 marks) | 30 | No negative marking |
Total | — | 60 | 100 | — |
The IIT JAM Mathematics 2025 exam, held on 2nd February 2025 by IIT Madras, was of moderate to slightly difficult level. It tested both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The paper had 60 questions in total: MCQs, MSQs, and NATs. Most students found the 1-mark MCQs easier and scoring, while questions in the NAT section were longer and required careful calculation.
Section-wise, the paper was balanced but time management was important. Section A (MCQs) was mostly straightforward if you knew the basics. Section B (MSQs) was a bit tougher and needed good analytical thinking, especially for topics like Group Theory and Multivariable Calculus. Section C (NATs) was the most challenging since it had numerical problems that needed accuracy and careful calculations.
Topic-wise Highlights
Questions on Group Theory, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations carried significant weightage.
A new question type appeared on relations and functions based on set homomorphism.
Some questions, like those on differential equations, also included ideas from Real Analysis, which meant students had to apply concepts rather than just solve equations.
1-mark questions were mostly straightforward and scoring, while NAT questions were challenging and time-consuming.
For students preparing for IIT JAM Mathematics 2026, the important takeaways are clear: focus on Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Group Theory, practice previous year questions, and improve speed and accuracy, especially in Sections B and C, where there is no negative marking.
Q 1. The sum of the infinite series $
\displaystyle\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{\pi^{2 n+1}}{2^{2 n+1}(2 n)!} $ is equal to
(A) $-\pi$
(B) $\frac{\pi}{4}$
(C) $\frac{\pi}{2}$
(D) $-\frac{\pi}{4}$
Solution:
Step 1: Rewrite the series to resemble a known Maclaurin series
We can rewrite the term inside the summation to make it more recognisable. Let's pull out a factor of $\frac{\pi}{2}$.
$
\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{\pi^{2 n+1}}{2^{2 n+1}(2 n)!}=\frac{\pi}{2} \displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}
$
The Maclaurin series for $\cos (x)$ is given by:
$
\cos (x)=\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n \frac{x^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}=1-\frac{x^2}{2!}+\frac{x^4}{4!}-\frac{x^6}{6!}+\ldots
$
The sum in our series starts at $n=1$ and has the power of $(-1)$ as $n+1$, which is the negative of the power of ( -1 ) in the cosine series. Let's adjust the series for $\cos (x)$.
$
\cos (x)=(-1)^0 \frac{x^0}{0!}+\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^n \frac{x^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}=1+\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^n \frac{x^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}
$
Therefore,
$
\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^n \frac{x^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}=\cos (x)-1
$
Multiplying by -1 gives:
$
\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{x^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}=-(\cos (x)-1)=1-\cos (x)
$
Now we can substitute $x=\frac{\pi}{2}$ into this expression.
Step 2: Evaluate the sum
Using the result from Step 1, we can evaluate our series by substituting $x=\frac{\pi}{2}$.
$
\frac{\pi}{2} \displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)^{2 n}}{(2 n)!}=\frac{\pi}{2}\left(1-\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\right)
$
Since $\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=0$, we have:
$
\frac{\pi}{2}(1-0)=\frac{\pi}{2}
$
The sum of the infinite series is (C) $\frac{\pi}{2}$.
Q 2. For which one of the following choices of $N(x, y)$, is the equation $
\left(e^x \sin y-2 y \sin x\right) \mathrm{d} x+N(x, y) \mathrm{d} y=0
$ an exact differential equation?
(A) $N(x, y)=e^x \sin y+2 \cos x$
(B) $N(x, y)=e^x \cos y+2 \cos x$
(C) $N(x, y)=e^x \cos y+2 \sin x$
(D) $N(x, y)=e^x \sin y+2 \sin x$
Solution:
For an equation of the form $M(x, y) \mathrm{d} x+N(x, y) \mathrm{d} y=0$ to be an exact differential equation, the following condition must be satisfied:
$
\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}=\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}
$
In the given equation, $M(x, y)=e^x \sin y-2 y \sin x$.
Step 1: Calculate $\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}$
To find $\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}$, we differentiate $M(x, y)$ with respect to $y$, treating $x$ as a constant:
$
\begin{gathered}
\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}=\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\left(e^x \sin y-2 y \sin x\right) \\
\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}=e^x \cos y-2 \sin x
\end{gathered}
$
Step 2: Check each choice for $N(x, y)$
Now, we must find the choice for $N(x, y)$ for which $\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}$ is equal to the expression found in Step 1.
(A) $N(x, y)=e^x \sin y+2 \cos x$
$\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(e^x \sin y+2 \cos x\right)=e^x \sin y-2 \sin x$
This is not equal to $e^x \cos y-2 \sin x$.
(B) $N(x, y)=e^x \cos y+2 \cos x$
$\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(e^x \cos y+2 \cos x\right)=e^x \cos y-2 \sin x$
This is equal to $e^x \cos y-2 \sin x$.
(C) $N(x, y)=e^x \cos y+2 \sin x$
$\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(e^x \cos y+2 \sin x\right)=e^x \cos y+2 \cos x$
This is not equal to $e^x \cos y-2 \sin x$.
(D) $N(x, y)=e^x \sin y+2 \sin x$
$\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(e^x \sin y+2 \sin x\right)=e^x \sin y+2 \cos x$
This is not equal to $e^x \cos y-2 \sin x$.
The correct choice is (B), as it satisfies the condition for an exact differential equation.
(B) $N(x, y)=e^x \cos y+2 \cos x$
To practice the complete IIT JAM previous year question paper, you can download the IIT JAM Mathematics 2025 Question Paper with Answers (PDF) below and use it as a valuable resource for your upcoming preparation.
Title | Download Link |
IIT JAM Mathematics 2025 Question Paper with Solutions | Download Now |
Based on last year’s question distribution, these are the high-weightage and frequently repeated topics expected to appear again in IIT JAM Mathematics 2026:
Major Topics | Sub-Areas to Focus |
Real Analysis | Sequences, Series, Continuity, Differentiability, Mean Value Theorem |
Linear Algebra | Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors, Linear Transformation, Matrix Rank |
Group Theory | Cyclic Groups, Subgroups, Homomorphism, Lagrange’s Theorem |
Calculus | Definite & Improper Integrals, Maxima-Minima, Jacobians |
Differential Equations | Linear ODEs, Applications, Exact & Homogeneous Equations |
Vector Calculus | Gradient, Divergence, Stokes’ and Green’s Theorems |
Numerical Methods | Iterative Methods, Interpolation, Error Analysis |
Students should prioritise conceptual clarity in these areas and practice problems from past papers to ensure a strong command before the 2026 exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 2025 paper was moderate to slightly difficult. MCQs were easier to score, but NAT questions were longer and required careful calculations. Some questions also combined topics like Differential Equations and Real Analysis.
Section C (NATs) was considered the toughest because it required accurate numerical calculations and multi-step problem-solving. Section B (MSQs) was moderately difficult, while Section A (MCQs) was relatively easier.
Important topics based on the 2025 paper trends:
1. Real Analysis
2. Linear Algebra
3. Differential Equations
4. Group Theory
5. Multivariable Calculus
6. Set Theory and Relations
Yes, the paper can be lengthy, especially the NAT section. Practice full-length mock tests and solve previous year papers to improve speed and accuracy.
On Question asked by student community
Congratulations on clearing IIT JAM 2025! That’s a great achievement.
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.
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