IIT JAM Physics Syllabus 2026

The syllabus is published in the JAM information brochure. In brief:

Mathematical Methods

• Calculus of single and several variables, vector calculus, theorems of Gauss, Stokes and Green
• Linear algebra: matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, differential equations, Fourier series, Laplace transforms, complex analysis basics

Mechanics and General Properties of Matter

• Newton's laws, central forces, rigid-body motion, Lagrangian mechanics, special relativity
• Elasticity, fluids and surface tension

Oscillations, Waves and Optics

• Simple, damped and forced oscillations, wave equation, interference, diffraction, polarisation

Electricity and Magnetism

• Electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, circuits

Thermal Physics

• Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution, statistical distributions

Modern Physics and Electronics

• Wave–particle duality, hydrogen atom, uncertainty principle, nuclei and radioactivity
• Semiconductors, diodes, transistors, logic gates, band theory of solids

• Mathematical methods: eigenvalues and eigenvectors, vector calculus (divergence, curl, Stokes), Fourier series, Laplace transforms, complex residues
• Mechanics: Lagrangian formalism and cyclic coordinates, central forces, moment of inertia, special relativity
• Electromagnetism: Gauss's law, Maxwell's equations and the displacement current, electromagnetic waves, capacitors with dielectrics
• Thermal physics: Carnot cycle, entropy, kinetic theory, Maxwell–Boltzmann and Fermi–Dirac statistics
• Waves and optics: Young's double slit, diffraction gratings, polarisation and Brewster angle, Doppler effect
• Quantum and modern physics: particle in a box, hydrogen atom levels, uncertainty principle, photoelectric effect, radioactivity
• Electronics: diodes, transistors, logic gates and Boolean algebra, semiconductor Fermi level

1. Weeks 1–3: mathematical methods and mechanics, solving 10 problems a day from a standard text.
2. Weeks 4–6: electromagnetism, optics and waves, with a sectional test each week.
3. Weeks 7–9: thermal physics, quantum and modern physics, electronics.
4. From week 10: one timed full mock every weekend and chapter-wise previous-year JAM questions; keep a formula sheet and revise it daily.