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IIT JAM Physics (PH)

IIT JAM Physics 2026 Guide

IIT JAM Physics (paper code PH) is the gateway to MSc and integrated PhD programmes in Physics at IITs and several centrally funded institutions. Conducted every February by one of the IITs on rotation.

Conducted by
IITs (rotating, on behalf of MoE)
Frequency
Once a year (February)
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Language
English

Important dates

Indicative IIT JAM Physics calendar based on recent cycles. Always confirm on the official portal.

Notification
Early September
Application window
September – October
Admit card
Early January
Exam date
Second Sunday of February
Answer key
Mid-February
Result
Mid-March
Admission portal opens
April

Official portal: https://jam.iitm.ac.in/

Exam pattern

How IIT JAM Physics is structured — marks, timing and negative marking.

Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration
3 hours
Total marks
100
Total questions
60 (Section A: 30 MCQ, Section B: 10 MSQ, Section C: 20 NAT)
Section A
30 MCQ · 1 or 2 marks each · negative marking (−1/3 or −2/3)
Section B
10 MSQ · 2 marks each · no negative marking
Section C
20 NAT · 1 or 2 marks each · no negative marking

Recent cut-offs

Reference cut-offs from recent IIT JAM Physics cycles.

Year
Category
Cut-off
JAM 2024
General
~22 (indicative)
JAM 2024
OBC-NCL/EWS
~20 (indicative)
JAM 2024
SC/ST/PwD
~11 (indicative)
JAM 2023
General
~21

Cut-offs vary year to year. Use as a target, not a guarantee.

Most asked topics

The 8 most repeated topics in IIT JAM Physics. Click any topic to practice its PYQs.

IIT JAM Physics syllabus

Full subject-wise syllabus (11 subjects, based on 720 analysed physics questions). Click a subject heading to practice that subject's PYQs.

Mathematical Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Vector algebra & vector calculus
  • Linear algebra: matrices, eigenvalue problems
  • Linear ordinary differential equations of first & second order
  • Special functions (Hermite, Bessel, Laguerre, Legendre)
  • Fourier series and Fourier & Laplace transforms
  • Elements of complex analysis: residue theorem, contour integration
  • Partial differential equations (wave, diffusion, Laplace) — separation of variables
  • Tensors, group theory basics
  • Elementary probability theory & error analysis

Classical Mechanics

Practice PYQs
  • Newton's laws; central-force motion; Kepler problem
  • Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formalism; equations of motion
  • Symmetries and conservation laws; cyclic coordinates
  • Small oscillations, normal modes
  • Rigid body dynamics; moment of inertia tensor; Euler equations
  • Special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, four-vectors

Electromagnetic Theory

Practice PYQs
  • Electrostatics: Gauss's law, Laplace & Poisson equations, boundary value problems
  • Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart, Ampère's law
  • Maxwell's equations; gauge invariance; electromagnetic waves in vacuum & media
  • Reflection, refraction, polarization, dispersion
  • Waveguides & resonant cavities
  • Radiation from accelerated charges; dipole radiation

Quantum Mechanics

Practice PYQs
  • Wave-particle duality; Schrödinger equation
  • 1D problems: particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, tunneling
  • Angular momentum; spin; addition of angular momenta
  • Hydrogen atom; identical particles
  • Time-independent & time-dependent perturbation theory
  • Variational method, WKB approximation
  • Scattering theory (Born approximation, partial waves)

Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Laws of thermodynamics; thermodynamic potentials; Maxwell relations
  • Statistical ensembles: microcanonical, canonical, grand canonical
  • Classical & quantum statistics (MB, FD, BE)
  • Black body radiation; Planck distribution
  • Bose-Einstein condensation; degenerate Fermi gas
  • Phase transitions and critical phenomena

Electronics & Experimental Methods

Practice PYQs
  • Semiconductor devices: diodes, BJTs, FETs
  • Operational amplifiers: linear & non-linear circuits
  • Digital electronics: combinational & sequential circuits
  • Data interpretation, error analysis & propagation
  • Measurement, signal-to-noise ratio, transducers

Atomic & Molecular Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Spectra of one- & many-electron atoms; LS & jj coupling
  • Fine and hyperfine structure; Zeeman & Stark effects
  • Rotational, vibrational & electronic spectra of molecules
  • Raman effect; lasers — Einstein coefficients, population inversion
  • NMR, ESR basics

Condensed Matter / Solid State Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Crystal structure; reciprocal lattice; X-ray diffraction
  • Free electron theory; band theory of solids
  • Semiconductors: intrinsic & extrinsic carrier statistics
  • Magnetism: dia-, para-, ferro-, antiferro-, ferrimagnetism
  • Superconductivity: Meissner effect, type I & II, BCS basics
  • Lattice vibrations, phonons; specific heat of solids

Nuclear & Particle Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Nuclear properties; binding energy; liquid drop & shell models
  • Radioactive decay; alpha, beta, gamma decay
  • Nuclear reactions; fission and fusion
  • Elementary particles: classification, quarks, leptons
  • Conservation laws & symmetries; basic interactions

Frequently asked

Quick answers about IIT JAM Physics.

Where can I practice IIT JAM Physics previous year questions?

You can practice every IIT JAM Physics PYQ topic-wise on physicspyq.com — chapter filters, year filters and detailed solutions are all free.

Which topics carry the highest weightage in IIT JAM Physics?

Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Classical Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics are consistently the heaviest. The exact rank order is available on our free Exam Analytics page, built from every PYQ since the start of the dataset.

How should I track my IIT JAM Physics syllabus completion?

Use the free interactive Checklist on this site — every topic is sorted by importance and you can tick Lecture, PYQ and Revision separately. Progress is saved to your account and synced across devices.

Why IIT JAM Physics PYQs matter

The most effective prep tool for IIT JAM Physics is the paper itself.

IIT JAM Physics previous year questions are the single most reliable signal of what IITs actually asks. The syllabus is finite, the question style is consistent, and after a decade of papers most sub-topics have been examined from every angle worth examining.

On physicspyq.com you can practice every IIT JAM Physics PYQ free — filter by subject, by topic, or by year. Pair it with our interactive checklist to tick off Lecture, PYQ and Revision as you go, and our analytics page to see exactly which chapters carry the highest weightage.

Inside the PBA Tracker app you also get daily tasks, doubt-clearing on uploaded problem photos, a focused study timer, and a leaderboard with your batchmates — built specifically for IIT JAM Physics aspirants.

Related reading: CSIR NET Physics PYQ guide · TIFR Physics PYQ guide · IIT JAM Physics PYQ guide · JEST Physics PYQ guide.

Make IIT JAM Physics prep predictable

Practice every PYQ topic-wise, tick off your syllabus, and watch your weak chapters disappear.