How to Prepare for IIT JAM Physics 2025, Tips, Strategy & Guide
JAM Admit Card Date:05 Jan' 26 - 15 Feb' 26
How to prepare for JAM Physics 2026: The IIT JAM examination is the most popular entrance exam among aspirants desiring to get admission into postgraduate and PhD programs in IITs, NITs, or IISC Bangalore. The preparation for IIT JAM 2026 Physics can seem overwhelming and challenging at times, but it can be done efficiently with a proper study plan and strategy. This article will provide subject-specific top tips and tricks for an all-encompassing IIT JAM preparation of Physics for obtaining the desired score and university. Candidates are advised to follow these tips and strategies to ace the IIT JAM 2026 exam.
This Story also Contains
- How to prepare for IIT JAM Physics 2026
- IIT JAM Physics 2026 Syllabus
- Important Topics for IIT JAM 2026 Preparation for Physics
- Tips to Crack the IIT JAM Physics Paper
- IIT JAM Physics Sample Papers
- IIT JAM Physics 2026 Mock Tests
- How to prepare for JAM Physics 2026 - Important Tips
- IIT JAM 2025 Physics Analysis
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in IIT JAM 2026 Physics
How to prepare for IIT JAM Physics 2026
In order to prepare for IIT JAM Physics 2026, candidates must come up with a strategy effective enough to get the syllabus covered as well as practice efficiently. Below are 5 steps on how to prepare for the IIT JAM Physics:
Know the IIT JAM Physics Exam Pattern and Physics syllabus
Know the IIT JAM Physics Marking Scheme
Practice from the IIT JAM Physics Mock Tests
Practice from the IIT JAM Physics Sample Papers
Practice from the IIT JAM Physics books recommended
IIT JAM Physics Exam Pattern 2026
Developing an understanding of the IIT JAM Exam Pattern during the initial stages of your preparation can significantly enhance your preparation by making it more focused. Given below is the exam pattern for candidates’ reference.
Sections/Types | Section A | Section B | Section C |
Number of Questions | 30 | 10 | 20 |
Duration | Three hours | ||
Marks | 10 questions - 1 mark 20 questions - 2 marks | 2 marks for each question | 10 questions - 1 mark 10 questions - 2 marks |
Negative Marking | 1/3 rd marks will be deducted for each question carrying one mark 2/ 3 rd marks will be deducted for each question carrying two marks | No negative marking | No negative marking |
Types of Questions | Multiple Choice | Multiple Choice | Numerical Answer Type |
Mode of Exam | CBT | CBT | CBT |
Total Marks | 100 | ||
IIT JAM Physics 2026 Syllabus
First and foremost, before continuing with anything, candidates should check the IIT JAM Physics syllabus in order to know where the questions may come from. Candidates can check the IIT JAM Physics syllabus below in the table.
Units | Topics/Subtopics |
Mathematical Methods | Calculus of Single and Multiple Variables, Taylor Expansion, Partial Derivatives, Jacobian, Fourier Series, Imperfect and Perfect Differentials, Vector Algebra, Vector Calculus, Multiple Integrals, Green's Theorem, Divergence Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, Matrices and Determinants, Algebra of Complex Numbers, First Order Equations and Linear Second Order Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients |
Mechanics and General Properties of Matter | Velocity and Acceleration in Cartesian, Centrifugal and Coriolis Forces, Uniformly Rotating Frame, Kepler's Laws, Motion under a Central Force, Newton's Laws of Motion and Applications, Polar and Cylindrical Coordinate Systems, Gravitational Law and Field, Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces. Equation of Motion of the CM System of Particles, Centre of Mass, Conservation of Linear and Angular Momentum, Elastic and Inelastic Collisions. Conservation of Energy, Variable Mass Systems. |
Oscillations, Waves and Optics | Superposition of two or more Simple Harmonic Oscillators, Differential Equation for Simple Harmonic Oscillator and its General Solution, Damped and Forced Oscillators, Resonance, Lissajous Figures, Energy Density and Energy Transmission in Waves, Wave Equation, Travelling and Standing Waves in One-Dimension, Doppler Effect, Fermat's Principle, Group Velocity and Phase Velocity. Sound Waves in Media |
Electricity and Magnetism | Superposition of two or more Simple Harmonic Oscillators, Differential Equation for Simple Harmonic Oscillator and its General Solution, Damped and Forced Oscillators, Resonance, Lissajous Figures, Energy Density and Energy Transmission in Waves, Wave Equation, Travelling and Standing Waves in One-Dimension, Doppler Effect, Fermat's Principle, Group Velocity and Phase Velocity. Sound Waves in Media |
Kinetic theory, Thermodynamics | Elements of Kinetic Theory of Gases, Specific Heat of Mono-, Di- and Triatomic Gases, Velocity Distribution and Equipartition of Energy, Ideal Gas, Van-Der-Waals Gas and Equation of State, Mean Free Path, Carnot Cycle, Zeroth Law and Concept of Thermal Equilibrium, Reversible, Irreversible and Quasi-Static Processes, First Law and its Consequences, Second Law and Entropy, Laws of Thermodynamics, Isothermal and Adiabatic Processes |
Modern Physics | Postulates of Special Relativity. Lorentz Transformations. Inertial Frames and Galilean Invariance, Time Dilation, Length Contraction, Relativistic Velocity Addition Theorem, Mass Energy Equivalence, Blackbody Radiation, Photoelectric Effect, Compton Effect, Bohr's Atomic Model, X-rays. |
Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics | Crystal Structure, Miller Indices. X-Ray Diffraction and Bragg's Law, Bravais Lattices and Basis, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors, Variation of Resistivity with Temperature, and Fermi Level. P-N Junction Diode, I-V Characteristics, BJT, Characteristics in CB, CE, CC Modes, Zener Diode and its Applications. |
Important Topics for IIT JAM 2026 Preparation for Physics
Key topics for IIT JAM Physics preparation include classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and mathematical methods. Optics, modern physics, solid-state physics, and electronics are equally significant. Focus on these areas with comprehensive study materials and practice to excel in the IIT JAM exam.
IIT JAM Physics 2026 Recommended Books.
Aspirants should make a list of important books to read for the IIT JAM physics exam preparation. Here, candidates should go through one or two important books and thereafter prepare well for each section of the IIT JAM Physics exam. Below are some of the best books recommended by Careers360 for the IIT JAM Physics 2026 exam:
Topics | Books and Authors |
Mechanics and General Properties of Matter | Quantum Mechanics - By Zetili / Griffith / Schaum's Series Quantum Mechanics - MC Jain Classical Mechanics- Kepler or Barclays, and HJ Pain |
Modern Physics | Molecular and Atomic Physics - By Rajkumar / White |
Mathematical Methods | Schaum's Outlines series Mathematical Methods for Physics & Engineering: Riley, Hobson & Bence |
Electricity and Magnetism | Introduction to Electrodynamics: David J. Griffiths Electricity & Magnetism: B.Ghosh |
Kinetic theory, Thermodynamics | Thermodynamics- Zemanski Dittman, Saha Srivastava/ F. W. Sears and G. L. Salinger |
Oscillations, Waves and Optics | Optics - By Ghatak/ Brijlal and Subhramanyam |
Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics | Solid State Physics - By Kittel / M A Omar / S O Pillai Semiconductor and Electronics - By Boylested /Gaekwad |
Tips to Crack the IIT JAM Physics Paper
Success in IIT JAM Physics demands thorough concept understanding, disciplined practice, effective time management, and reliance on quality study materials. Consistent effort and revision are key to excelling in this challenging exam. Candidates are advised to follow these tips to score well in the JAM entrance test:
Concept Mastery: Focus on understanding fundamental physics concepts.
Solve Practice Papers: Regularly solve IIT JAM previous years' papers.
Time Management: Practice time-bound solving.
Study Materials: Use the recommended textbooks for IIT JAM.
Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
Revision: Consistent revision is essential.
Healthy Routine: Maintain a balanced lifestyle.
IIT JAM Physics Sample Papers
Another source of practice that candidates can choose from is the IIT JAM sample papers. The sample papers of IIT JAM are the question papers of the previously conducted IIT JAM exams. Practising from the IIT JAM Physics sample papers will give an extra edge to their practice strategy. Below are given some of the IIT JAM Physics question papers which were released earlier.
Year | Question Papers |
2025 | |
2024 | |
2023 | |
2022 | |
2021 | |
2020 | |
2019 | |
2018 | |
2017 | |
2015 |
IIT JAM Physics 2026 Mock Tests
IIT JAM mock tests are the demo tests released by IITs for the candidates to practise from. The mock test of IIT JAM is based on the exact same pattern as the IIT JAM exam. The IITs have a demo IIT JAM exam designed for the candidates to experience the actual IIT JAM paper. Candidates can access and attempt the JAM Physics mock test directly from the official website of IIT JAM 2026.
How to prepare for JAM Physics 2026 - Important Tips
For comprehensive preparation of IIT JAM 2026 Physics, JAM aspirants should keep in mind the following tips, which they can incorporate into their preparation strategy:
The timetable formed for the JAM 2026 Physics preparation plays an important role in shaping the next few months of IIT JAM Physics preparation.
All aspirants are advised to check the syllabus of JAM Physics 2026 to not miss any IIT JAM Physics important topics and units. Only those topics which are covered in the JAM Physics 2026 syllabus must be covered by the IIT JAM candidates during preparation.
Preparing short and long notes while studying is very important, as it turns out to be very beneficial for revision purposes in the last few days before the examination.
Candidates must solve a few JAM mock tests 2026 for Physics to measure their level of preparation and strengthen it.
Always keep a check on your mental health. Take proper rest. Make sure you are sleeping for at least 7-8 hours. As important as the IIT JAM Physics 2026 exam is, the candidates must not forget the importance of keeping a clear and rested mind.
IIT JAM 2025 Physics Analysis
The IIT JAM 2025 Physics paper was a well-balanced assessment designed to test a wide spectrum of topics. It focused on conceptual clarity, mathematical proficiency, and the ability to apply theoretical principles to solve complex problems. The paper covered fundamental areas like Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Mathematical Physics, integrating them with advanced topics like Modern Physics, Solid State Physics, and Statistical Mechanics. This diversity ensured the paper catered to both conceptual and numerical problem solvers.
Overall Difficulty Level
The difficulty of the paper varied across sections as follows:
Section A: This section, carrying one mark per question, was moderately challenging. Most questions tested basic concepts and required straightforward application. About 60% of the questions were easy to moderate, with a few conceptual questions adding a layer of difficulty.
Section B: With two marks per question, this section was more demanding. It included a mix of problem-solving and multi-step derivations, requiring candidates to think critically. Around 50% of the questions were moderate, and 30% were difficult.
Section C: The numerical answer type (NAT) questions in this section were highly calculation-intensive, with many requiring precise mathematical evaluations. This section was the most difficult, with approximately 50% of the questions classified as challenging, demanding both accuracy and advanced understanding.
Overall Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in IIT JAM 2026 Physics
Understanding and avoiding common mistakes is crucial for IIT JAM Physics 2026 aspirants because even well-prepared students often lose valuable marks due to preventable errors. These mistakes can be the difference between securing admission to your dream IIT and missing out by just a few marks.
Many students focus only on core physics topics and neglect mathematical methods,
Using multiple books for the same topic is the biggest mistake.
Not solving and analysing the previous 10-15 years' papers.
Another common mistake is preparing without a structured timetable.
Only attempting mock tests and not analysing your mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below given are 5 steps on how to prepare for JAM Physics 2024.
Know the IIT JAM Physics syllabus
Know the IIT JAM Physics Exam Pattern
Practice from the IIT JAM Physics Mock Tests
Practice from the IIT JAM Physics Sample Papers
Practice from the IIT JAM Physics books recommended
IIT Madras will conduct IIT JAM 2024.
It is a general perception that coaching is needed to crack IIT JAM physics. However, there are various examples where the candidates have managed to crack the IIT JAM exam without coaching. All you need to do is know the syllabus, exam pattern, create an effective and strategic practicing timetable, and vigorous practicing from mock tests and sample papers.
It allows you to study for MSc and other post-graduate courses at IITs, IISc, NITs, and CFTIs, and it helps you gain academic and practical expertise in a particular field.
You can practice from Schaum's Outlines series or Mathematical Methods for Physics & Engineering by Riley, Hobson & Bence.
To prepare for IIT JAM Physics, focus on mastering core concepts, solve practice papers, manage time efficiently, use quality study materials, take mock tests, and maintain a consistent study routine.
IIT JAM Physics can be challenging due to its comprehensive syllabus and the depth of physics concepts required. However, with dedicated preparation and effective study strategies, it is possible to clear the JAM Physics exam.
To study for JAM Physics, focus on mastering core concepts, practice with past papers, manage your time effectively, use quality study materials, take mock tests, and maintain a consistent study routine.
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