IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria and Exam Pattern 2024

Are you an undergraduate student in your final or pre-final year? Do you want admission into your dream college for your Masters? If yes, you must be preparing for IIT JAM. Do you want to know if you are eligible for IIT JAM 2024? IIT JAM just released its eligibility criteria for the year 2024. In this article, we will explain the same here.

What Is IIT JAM?

The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) is an undergraduate-level exam conducted by IIT. For 20 years, the JAM has been a key indicator of excellence in undergraduate science education in India. Its purpose is twofold:

1. Select top students for postgraduate science programs: JAM acts as the entrance exam for prestigious master’s degrees, offering high-quality education on par with international standards.
2. Attract talent to science careers: JAM aims to inspire students across the country to pursue science as a rewarding career path.

JAM scores grant you access to a wide range of top-tier postgraduate programs in India. These programs include Master’s degrees (both research and technology-focused), dual degrees combining Master’s and Ph.D. studies, and joint Master’s-Ph.D. programs spanning various disciplines. JAM acts as a gateway to premium institutes like IIT, IISc, IISER  and NISER.

Types of admission processes:

There are two ways to use your JAM 2024 score for admissions:

1. Admitting Institutes: These institutes manage their own admission process through the JAM website https://jam.iitm.ac.in. After qualifying in JAM, you can apply directly to these institutes based on your score.
2. Result-Sharing Institutes: These institutes receive your JAM score for consideration but manage their admissions procedures independently. You’ll need to contact each institute directly for their specific application process.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For IIT JAM 2024?

Who can apply-

• Indian and foreign nationals are eligible to take the exam.

• No age restriction.

• Candidates must have completed or be currently appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree in 2024.

• Candidates appearing in JAM 2024 must complete their undergraduate program before the admission date of the chosen institute.

• Candidates promoted without a mark sheet should produce a certificate stating the subjects studied in that semester/year duly signed by the Head of the Institute.

Additional requirements-

• Foreign nationals must meet the admission criteria set by the chosen institute for international students.

• Candidates must fulfil the specific eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications set by each desired program as outlined in the Information Brochure.

• All candidates must be able to submit proof of passing their qualifying degree with the required eligibility within the timeframe specified by the admitting institute.

Please note-

• At the time of admission, all admitted candidates will have to submit a Physical Fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner in the prescribed form. The admitted candidates may also have to undergo a Physical Fitness test by a medical board constituted by the Admitting Institute. Admission is liable to be cancelled if a candidate is found physically unfit to pursue their chosen course of study.

• The list of programs, seats available, and specific eligibility requirements for each program may change, so refer to the Information Brochure for the latest information.

• The final decision on all matters related to JAM 2024 rests with the Organizing Institute.

Note that when completing the form for JAM, the following details must be provided-

• Personal information, including name, email address, date of birth, mobile number, parent’s/guardian’s name, and parent’s/guardian’s mobile number.
• Ensure that the candidate’s name in the application form exactly matches the name on the Qualifying degree.
• The JAM 2024 Admit Card and Scorecard will be issued based on the name entered in the application form; avoid using prefixes/titles like Mr/Shri/Dr/Ms/Mrs/Smt.
• Communication address, including the PIN code.
• Information about the Eligibility degree.
• Name, address, and PIN code of the College/Institute/University.
• Selection of JAM Test Paper(s) and examination cities.
• Details of a valid Photo Identity Document (ID), such as an Aadhaar ID, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID, must be carried to the examination centre.
• Documents to be uploaded include:
• Scanned high-quality images of the candidate’s photograph and signature.
• Scanned copy of the 10th standard (SSC) Marksheet.
• Scanned copy of the Category (OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST) Certificate, if applicable, following the guidelines.
• Scanned copy of the Physical Disability Certificate, if applicable, or Unique Disability Identification (UDID) certificate.
• Payment details, including Net banking/Debit card/Credit card/UPI information for fee payment, with the application fee determined automatically based on category, gender, and the number of selected Test Papers.

What Is The Exam Pattern?

General Information-

• Computer Based Test (CBT)
• 3 hours duration
• English only
• 60 questions, 100 marks
• Three sections (A, B, C) – all compulsory

Question Types-

• Section A (30 MCQs):
  • Ten questions (1 mark each)
  • 20 questions (2 marks each)
  • Negative marking for wrong answers (1/3 mark for 1-mark & 2/3 mark for 2-mark)
• Section B (10 Multiple Select Questions):
  • Two marks each
  • No negative marking
  • Choose all the correct options. Marks will be awarded only if all the correct options are selected
• Section C (20 Numerical Answer Type Questions):
  • Ten questions of 1 mark each
  • Ten questions of 2 marks each
  • No negative marking

Additional Points-

• Online calculator provided; no physical calculators allowed
• Mobile phones and other electronic devices are prohibited
• A Scribble pad will be provided for rough work
• Answers are submitted electronically using a mouse/virtual keypad
• The exam ends automatically; submit answers before time runs out
• Adhere to the code of conduct, avoid unfair means

Conclusion:

JAM is one of the most reputed exams conducted by IIT for admission into various post-graduate courses and colleges in India. The exam is open to all, regardless of nationality. But you must have either completed your undergraduate studies or be currently appearing in the final year. There is no age restriction. The detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned in the article above.

FAQs:

1. I’m currently in my pre-final year of my bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible for IIT JAM 2024? Yes, you are eligible to apply for IIT JAM 2024 as long as you have completed your degree before the admission date of your chosen institute. 
2. I’m an international student. Can I still apply for IIT JAM 2024? Yes, you can apply as long as you meet the specific eligibility requirements set by the chosen institute for international students. 
3. I graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in Physics. Can I apply for the JAM exam in a different subject? Unfortunately, no. You can only apply for the JAM exam in a subject in which you have completed your bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. 
4. I don’t have a scanned copy of my 10th standard marksheet. Can I still apply? No, a scanned copy of your 10th standard marksheet is mandatory for the application process. You will need to obtain one before applying. 
5. If I qualify for JAM 2024, do I automatically get admission into an IIT? No, qualifying for JAM 2024 only makes you eligible to apply for admission to various postgraduate programs offered by IITs and other participating institutes. Each institute has its own selection process based on your JAM score, additional exams, and interviews. 
6. What is the physical fitness test mentioned in the eligibility criteria? The physical fitness test is not mandatory for all candidates. It is only required by some institutes at the time of admission, and they will specify the details and requirements in their admission brochure. 
7. Where can I find the latest information about the JAM 2024 syllabus and exam pattern? The latest information about the JAM 2024 syllabus and exam pattern can be found on the official JAM website: https://jam.iitm.ac.in/

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