"My IIT JAM Biotechnology 2025 Experience: A Day of Challenges and Reflections"

IIT JAM Biotechnology 2025: My Exam Day Experience & Key Insights

The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) is a prestigious national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Delhi, offering admissions in various disciplines such as Mathematics, Biotechnology, and more. My IIT JAM Biotechnology 2025 exam was scheduled for February 2, 2025, in the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The three-hour-long exam took place at my designated center in Jubilee Hills, which coincidentally was also the center for many of my college classmates. This added a sense of familiarity and reduced my pre-exam jitters.

I left home at 12:00 PM, ensuring I had sufficient time for travel. Arriving 1 hour and 45 minutes before the exam allowed me to settle in, complete necessary verification processes, and mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.

Essentials to Carry for IIT JAM 2025 Exam

To avoid last-minute panic, carrying the right documents and essentials is crucial for a hassle-free examination experience. Here’s a checklist of mandatory items:

1. Admit Card – This is the most important document required for entry.
2. Valid ID Proof – Accepted IDs include Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License. It’s recommended to carry the same ID used during registration.
3. Pen for Rough Work – Although IIT JAM is a computer-based test (CBT), a pen is required for calculations and notes.

Packing these essentials in advance ensures a stress-free entry into the exam hall.

Entering the Examination Center: A Step-by-Step Process

Upon arrival, candidates were allowed inside an hour before the exam to ensure smooth seating arrangements. The examination hall details were displayed on a notice board near the entrance, making it easy to find our respective rooms. Volunteers were present to guide students and assist in locating their assigned sections.

Candidates carrying bags, mobile phones, or personal items had to deposit them in a designated area before proceeding inside. Upon entry, admit card verification was conducted to ensure only eligible candidates were granted access. Additionally, there were dress code restrictions—for instance, dupattas were not permitted in the exam hall. Since I was wearing one, I had to leave it behind before proceeding.

Exam Hall Setup & Verification Process

Entering my designated examination room, I was greeted by an organized layout of computer systems arranged for the test. Unlike some exams, there were no pre-assigned seats; volunteers checked my admit card registration code, performed biometric verification, and then assigned me a random system.

After finding my seat, I checked the computer screen for personal details verification to ensure there were no errors. Candidates logged into their systems using their date of birth as a password. The exam interface was unlocked 20 minutes before the test, allowing candidates to read through the guidelines and navigation instructions.

Scribble Pad for Rough Work

Before the exam began, candidates were provided with a 16-page scribble pad for rough calculations and note-taking. This was particularly helpful for problem-solving in Biotechnology, where analytical reasoning is required. However, scribble pads had to be returned after the exam, likely as a precaution to prevent sharing of exam content.

IIT JAM Biotechnology 2025: Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The exam structure was straightforward, comprising three sections:

• Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) (Negative marking applicable)
• Section B: Multiple-Select Questions (MSQs) (No negative marking)
• Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions (No negative marking)

The paper was worth 100 marks, consisting of 60 questions. Some questions carried 1 mark, while others carried 2 marks. The auto-submission feature ensured no candidate needed to manually submit their test.

Was IIT JAM Biotechnology 2025 Difficult?

Contrary to my expectations, the exam was manageable and not as challenging as anticipated. The questions were well-balanced, and those who prepared diligently should be able to perform well. A solid preparation strategy and conceptual clarity were the key factors in tackling the exam effectively.

Overall, my IIT JAM 2025 experience was smooth and well-organized. For future aspirants, confidence, time management, and a thorough understanding of core topics will be the key to success in the exam.