IIT JAM Physics Bible: 7 Steps to Clear IIT JAM Physics | IIT JAM Physics Mock Test Series 2025 PDF Download

EduRev has designed this bible for students who wish to pursue a Master of Science (M.Sc.), Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree in Physics, and other related programs from the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The process of making this was not ordinary; it involved in-depth analysis & groundwork including talking to many toppers. As a consequence of this thoughtful exercise, we bring to your table, this bible, in which we have compiled seven crucial steps you must follow if you are preparing for the IIT JAM exam to secure a decent rank, that will open a gateway to a bright career ahead.

IIT JAM Preparation Tips 

Preparation for the IIT JAM Physics, a prestigious national-level entrance exam, is crucial. It draws thousands of aspirants competing for coveted seats in top-tier institutes such as IITs, NITs, IISc Bangalore, and CFTIs. Regarded as one of the toughest entrance exams for postgraduate admissions in pure Science fields, IIT JAM Physics requires thorough preparation. To aid you in this journey, we have developed subject-specific study plans tailored for the IIT JAM Physics exam. Below, you will find customized preparation tips to help you navigate the exam effectively. Stay committed and focused to achieve success in this fiercely competitive examination.

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective and efficient preparation for the IIT JAM Physics exam. It helps you focus your efforts, manage your resources, study efficiently, and approach the exam with confidence. 

You can refer to our document IIT JAM Physics: All You Need to Know About the Exam on EduRev for the detailed syllabus and exam pattern. 

Step 2: Collect the Standard Books and Refer to them Always 

In our interview with the toppers, we realized that all the successful candidates stressed the importance of following standard books for IIT JAM Physics in a smart way. We have compiled a list of all the important books that you must refer to for better conceptual clarity and improved problem-solving skills. From these books, you can find an ample amount of theory and a good number of questions.

Concepts of Physics Vol. I & II - H.C. Verma: Although this set of books is famous among the students of classes 11th and 12th, its importance for IIT JAM Physics aspirants lies in the fact that these are fantastic books to clear your basic concepts which are fundamental to the exam of IIT JAM Physics. So, we highly recommend that you have these books handy with you through the preparation.  

Mechanics: HC Verma is undoubtedly the best book for the theory of mechanics. KLEPPNER can be used for practice questions and previous year's questions.

• For Electrodynamics, Griffith's textbook provides sufficient content to strengthen your preparation.
• For Quantum Mechanics, Beiser's "Modern Physics" is recommended. 
• For Wave Oscillations, N.K. Bajaj or "Brijlal and Subhramanyum" are both excellent choices.
• For Optics, Ajoy Ghatak's book is recommended.
• For Solid States, textbooks by M.A. Wahab, Kittel, or S.O. Pillai are all equally recommended.
• For Electronics, the Analog section can be studied from Boylested's book. For Digital Electronics, Anand Kumar's book is sufficient.
• For Thermodynamics, the book by Garg, Bansal, and Ghosh is recommended, as it also includes Statistical Mechanics. However, if you prefer to study these topics separately, Zeemansky or F.W. Sears and G.L. Salinger are both good choices. 
• For Mathematical Physics, instead of lengthy books like Riley, Hobson, and Bence, or Arfken Weber, it's suggested to prepare this topic subtopic-wise.

Now when you look at these books, at first sight, it will seem impossible to cover them all. But you don't have to worry about this. These books are ideally referred to in master's and doctorate courses. You only have to study and practice the questions on the topic mentioned in the official syllabus of IIT JAM Physics, the rest will be irrelevant to this specific exam. So you have to read these books selectively only. 

Step 3: Cover the Syllabus Once from Online Sources 

After gracing your study table with all the important books, the next thing you need to focus on priority is to cover the syllabus from relevant online sources. If you are already enrolled in your graduation and thinking of starting the preparation then we strongly recommend that you should refer to online material which will save you a lot of time and money as compared to offline coaching. 

You can easily find a multitude of free and paid study materials for IIT JAM Physics on the internet. The only concern while referring to online sources is the correctness of the content and also the information overload that may be caused by an overabundance of the content. On EduRev, we provide you with perfect study material, which is recommended by many happy users and toppers. Our professionals have created detailed notes, video lectures, and tests to ace your preparation. Here are the links to the study material of all 7 units that comprise the syllabus of IIT JAM Physics:

• Modern Physics for IIT JAM Physics 
• Solid State Physics, Devices, and Electronics for IIT JAM Physics 
• Mathematical Models for IIT JAM Physics
• Mechanics and General Properties of Matter
• Electricity and Magnetism for IIT JAM Physics 
• Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics
• Oscillations, Waves, and Optics for IIT JAM Physics

Step 4: Follow a Smart Strategy for Syllabus Completion and Revise Simultaneously 

According to the official syllabus, each of the seven units in the IIT JAM Physics exam carries equal weightage. However, our analysis of previous papers reveals a deviation from this pattern, with certain units receiving more questions than others. Here is a ranking of the units based on their perceived importance:

• Mechanics and General Properties of Matter
• Electricity and Magnetism 
• Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics 
• Oscillations, Waves, and Optics 
• Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics 
• Mathematical Physics 
• Modern Physics

Although the order may vary slightly from year to year, it generally aligns with the above list. For effective syllabus completion, we recommend dividing your preparation into two cycles:

First Cycle

• Focus intensively on the top three units during the initial three months as they will ensure the marks above the cutoff. You must do the micro-planning in line with your daily schedule. For instance, many toppers quoted that studying one subject for a complete month or so becomes monotonous and stagnant. Better is to pick up two subjects simultaneously for the morning and evening hours separately. This will not cause boredom and expose you to different concepts and a variety of questions at the same time. 
• Prioritize these units in your study schedule.
• As you progress in your preparation attempt topic-wise tests related to these units daily, such as those available on EduRev's unit-wise courses.

Second Cycle

• In the following three months, shift your focus to the remaining four units, which carry slightly less weight.
• Continuously revise the content from the first cycle while studying new material. Keep your early morning hours reserved for effective revisions. 
• Attempt topic-wise tests for these remaining units.

All the toppers, could not agree more with the fact that continuous revisions are a crucial part of IIT JAM Physics preparation due to the following reasons:

• Due to the vast syllabus, revision is the only key that can lead you to success. A rigorous amount of revision can make a huge difference in your overall rank. 
• While completing your syllabus of IIT JAM Physics, there will be many instances where you will feel that a particular topic is not fully clear even after repeated attempts to understand it. It is during the revisions, that you will pick up on these topics well.

On EduRev, we provide you with a full-fledged crash course for IIT JAM Physics. This course will be very helpful for revision sessions. Click here to refer to the crash course for IIT JAM Physics on EduRev.

Step 5: Craft a Strategy for Regular Assessment 

Top IIT JAM Physics toppers emphasize the importance of consistency in preparation. They suggest setting a fixed number of questions to attempt each day and not sleeping without achieving this micro-target. This approach ensures regular practice and keeps you on track with your preparation schedule. Being consistent helps in better understanding of concepts, improved problem-solving skills, and increased confidence for the exam. It also helps in avoiding last-minute stress and ensures thorough revision of the syllabus.

On EduRev, you can find topic-wise tests for all the content you have studied in a day. We highly recommend that you attempt one or two of these daily. This regular assessment will prove to be very fruitful in your preparation. Click here for the topic-wise tests on IIT JAM Physics. 

Step 6: Utilise Previous Year Question Papers

The importance of the previous year's question papers is unquestionable during the IIT JAM Physics preparation. Toppers suggest attempting at least the last five question papers before the final exam. Others also advise that before starting your preparation you must attempt at least the last three years' papers so that you can identify the units that compose your strengths and weaknesses. 

On EduRev, you can find a course for the previous year's question papers on IIT JAM Physics and its solutions. Click here for the past year's papers on IIT JAM Physics. 

Step 7: Engage with Sample Papers and Mock Tests

After completing a thorough study of a particular topic, candidates should immerse themselves in sample papers and mock tests. These resources serve as invaluable tools for assessing their understanding of the subject matter. By solving sample papers, candidates can fine-tune their strategies, which are essential for tackling the IIT JAM 2024 question paper effectively. Furthermore, these papers help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to focus their preparation on areas that need improvement.

On EduRev, we provide you with high-quality mock tests and sample papers to ace your preparation and take it to another level. Click here for the mock test papers of IIT JAM Physics. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. How many months does it take to prepare for IIT JAM Physics?

Ans. The duration of preparation for IIT JAM Physics varies based on several factors, including your prior knowledge, study routine, and the depth of understanding you aim to achieve. Generally, candidates start preparing 6 to 12 months before the exam. If you have a strong foundation in physics and are consistent in your studies, 6 months may be sufficient. However, if you need to build your basics or prefer a more gradual approach, a year of preparation may be more suitable.

Q2. How many hours does one need to study to achieve a two-digit rank in IIT JAM Physics?

Ans. Achieving a two-digit rank in IIT JAM Physics requires a significant commitment of time and effort. On average, candidates aiming for such a rank should study for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. This study time should be dedicated to understanding concepts, practicing problems, and revising regularly. Consistency and quality of study are key factors in achieving a high rank.

Q3. When should one start preparing for IIT JAM Physics?

Ans. The ideal time to start preparing for IIT JAM Physics is as early as possible. Since the exam tests your understanding of fundamental concepts, starting early allows you to build a strong foundation. Most candidates begin their preparation at least a year before the exam date. Starting early gives you more time for comprehensive study, practice, and revision, increasing your chances of success. However, if you have a solid understanding of the topics and can dedicate sufficient time to preparation, you may start later, but not less than 6 to 8 months before the exam.

Q4. Is a calculator allowed in the exam?

Ans. No, you will not be allowed to carry the calculator in the exam hall. Instead of it, the officials provide you the IIT JAM Virtual Calculator. It will be available on the computer screen during the exam for performing mathematical calculations. You can use this calculator at any time during the exam.