Preparation tips for IIT JAM 2018

IIT JAM is an online test that is conducted on a rotational basis by Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). JAM 2018 is being conducted by IIT Bombay on February 11. A popular entrance test among Science graduates, the exam is a gateway to secure admission in MSc and other postgraduate courses offered at premium institutes such as IITs and NITs. Check colleges accepting IIT JAM 2018 scores here.

With only a few months remaining for IIT JAM 2018, chances are that you have either already started your exam preparation or are formulating your prep strategy. In whichever phase of preparation you are, this article will help you gear up your IIT JAM preparation, thereby, allowing you to make the most of your time and effort.

IIT JAM 2018 Prep Tips

As more and more students are getting familiarised with the exam, cracking IIT JAM is becoming more difficult with each passing year. Hence, it is important that you dedicate ample time and prepare for the exam in a planned and effective manner. Following the below-mentioned prep tips will help you achieve just the same.

1) Know IIT JAM paper pattern well

Knowing the structure of IIT JAM 2018 is the key to cracking it. IIT JAM is a computer-based test (CBT) divided into three sections:

Section	Description	Number of Questions	Marks
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)	Four options with any one correct answer	30	50
MSQs (Multiple Select Questions)	Four options with one or more correct answers	10	20
NAT (Numerical Answer Type)	The answer for each question is a signed real number. No choices are shown for these questions.	20	30
Total		60	100

You have to attempt questions of all the three sections in a duration of three hours. Maximum marks that you can score in the exam are 100.

2) Keep in mind the marking scheme

Next, it is important to keep in mind the marking scheme (including negative marking) in the exam.

Section	Marking Scheme	Negative Marking
MCQs	10 questions of 1 mark each 20 questions of 2 marks each	Yes (-1/3 marks for one mark questions and -2/3 marks for two marks questions)
MSQs	10 questions of 2 marks each	No
NAT	10 questions of 1 mark each 10 questions of 2 marks each	No

Since the MCQ section has negative marking, it is important not to do any guess work here. In the other two sections (that is, MSQs and NAT) there is no negative marking and so you can attempt a question even if you have even a little idea of the answer.

3) Be thorough with IIT JAM syllabus

Being thorough with the syllabus of IIT JAM 2018 exam is important so that you do not miss any important topics during preparation. IIT Bombay has released detailed JAM 2018 syllabus for candidates.

While going through the syllabus of JAM 2018, you can adopt the following strategy for effective preparation:

• Firstly, check the syllabus and make a subject-wise list of topics.

• Next, segregate the topics into easy and difficult categories as per your understanding.

• Prioritise the topics which require special attention.

4) Make a list of good prep books

Apart from the books studied during graduation, books written specifically for JAM prep will help you to develop an idea of what to expect in the entrance paper along with getting you acquainted with topics to study.

There are ample of IIT JAM prep books available in market for different subjects and topics. However, attempting to read all or most of the available books is not a good idea. It is recommended to pick only two to three good books for preparation at a given time. You can consider three major points before choosing a book for IIT JAM preparation:

• The book should contain complete syllabus of the test paper for which you are giving the exam.

• The book should be readable and easy enough to grasp.

• The book should provide enough practice questions.

5) Refer last years’ question papers

Go through IIT JAM question papers of last ten years and try to identify the possible patterns and topics of importance. Remember that, while studying the complete syllabus of the exam is important, focusing on key topics of the syllabus is even more important to achieve better results.

6) Solve sample papers

Practicing sample papers and old question papers is the best way to put your knowledge to test. Moreover, by practicing the papers you understand different approaches of attempting different sections (MCQs, MSQs, NAT) in the exam. Apart from this, you also develop time management skills. However, note that it is not enough to just practice. After practicing a paper you should always analyse your performance and improve your weak areas.

7) Give mock tests

Keep in mind that JAM is conducted in CBT format each year. Therefore, in order to get yourself acquainted with the CBT format, it is important for you to give mock tests. Giving a mock test helps in experiencing the actual test and prepares you to give the online test without any pressure.

Note that in IIT JAM exam, you are allowed to use virtual calculator for calculations instead of a physical calculator. Therefore, it is recommended to use only virtual calculator at the time of giving mock tests.

8) Join a coaching institute

Joining a coaching institute is always a good idea as the classes focus on organised and structured way of teaching. Apart from this, coaching also helps you fill any gaps that you have in your under-graduation studies. Some of the coaching institutes that you can consider joining are:

• Trajectory Education
• Career Endeavour
• Fiziks

9) Maintain a timetable

Last but not the least, it is important to maintain a timetable so that you are able to prepare for the exam in a planned way and give sufficient time to the subjects that need more attention.

It is recommended that besides making a daily and weekly study plan, you should also make a time table for the next four months and here special attention needs to be paid on planning the timetable for the last month before the exam. The planning should involve completing each and every topic of the syllabus with special focus on important topics. However, in the last month you should focus on revising subjects and solving as many past years’ papers as possible.

While making a timetable do not forget to keep a time slot for relaxing. Relaxation forms an integral part of your IIT JAM preparation as only study and no rest increases unwanted stress that can affect your performance at the time of exam. Your relaxation schedule can include all sorts of activities such as listening to music, watching movies, meditation, playing games, going for a walk, etc.

However, note that the most important point to be kept in mind while preparing for IIT JAM exam is to be consistent with the timetable you make and follow deadlines strictly to cover your topics.

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