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Best IIT JAM Preparation Books 2026, Check Subject-Wise Books

• Updated on 16 Oct, 2025 by Amrita Das

IIT JAM Preparation Books 2026 are important for aspirants who wish to secure admission to MSc and Integrated PhD programmes offered by IITs, IISc, NITs, and CFTIs. Aspirants must have a solid understanding of concepts and consistent practice, which can only be achieved with the help of the right books. Choosing the best IIT JAM books will help candidates strengthen their preparation and cover all the important topics in the syllabus.

 

IIT JAM 2026 Application Process began on September 5, 2025, and will close on October 20, 2025. The admit card will be available on January 5, 2026, and the exam will be held on February 15, 2026. The result will be declared on March 20, 2026. IIT JAM is a computer-based test that includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Biotechnology, Geology, and Economics. To prepare effectively, aspirants should use subject-wise IIT JAM books suggested by experts and toppers. Read further to know more about the IIT JAM 2026 Best Books for Preparation.

 

Table of Contents
  1. IIT JAM 2026 Exam Overview
  2. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Physics
  3. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Mathematics
  4. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Mathematical Statistics
  5. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Chemistry
  6. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Biotechnology
  7. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Geology
  8. IIT JAM 2026 Books for Economics
  9. IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Tips
  10. Best IIT JAM Preparation Books 2026 FAQs

 

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Overview

IIT JAM is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to postgraduate science programmes at premier institutes like IITs and IISc. IIT JAM 2026 exam is conducted online for a duration of three hours and includes 60 questions worth 100 marks. The paper consists of three types of questions — Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

IIT JAM 2026

Conducting Body

IIT Bombay

Exam Date

February 15, 2026

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Duration

3 Hours

Total Questions

60

Total Marks

100

Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Geology, Biotechnology, Economics

Result Date

March 20, 2026

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Physics

The best books for IIT JAM Physics preparation cover all essential topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and quantum mechanics. Authors such as Griffiths, Taylor, and Kittel are highly recommended by toppers and experts. These books include detailed explanations, examples, and solved problems.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT-JAM: MSc (Physics) Previous Papers & Practice Test Papers (Solved)

R Gupta

Solved Papers & Practice Sets IIT JAM – Physics

Arihant Publications

Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications

Nouredine Zettili

Introduction to Solid State Physics

Charles Kittel

Statistical Physics

Reif

Mathematical Methods for Physicists

Arfken

Classical Mechanics

John R. Taylor

Heat and Thermodynamics

Mark Zemansky

Introduction to Electrodynamics

Griffith

Optics

Ghatak

A Text-Book of Optics

Brijlal and Subhramanyam

Electronic Devices and Circuit

Boylestad / Nashelsky

Nuclear Physics

V Devanathan

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Raj Kumar

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the toughest subjects in IIT JAM. The recommended books focus on calculus, algebra, and differential equations. Books by Apostol, Rudin, and Herstein are ideal for developing problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT-JAM: MSc (Mathematics) Previous Papers & Practice Test Papers (Solved)

R Gupta

IIT JAM Mathematics for MSc Entrances Solved Papers

Anand Kumar

Abstract Algebra

Bhattacharya, Jain & Nagpal

Calculus Vol 1 & Vol 2

Tom M. Apostol

Calculus

Howard Anton

Group Theory

Sudesh Kumari Shah

Topics in Algebra

I.N. Herstein

Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations

M.D. Raisinghania

Linear Algebra

Stephen H. Friedberg

Principles of Mathematical Analysis

Walter Rudin

Vector Analysis (Schaum’s Outline Series)

Murray Spiegel

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Mathematical Statistics

Mathematical Statistics tests analytical and statistical reasoning. Books by S.C. Gupta and Hogg are among the best for conceptual clarity and practice. These books include numerous examples, solved problems, and exercises.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT JAM: MSc Mathematical Statistics

Anand Kumar

Complete Resource Manual MSc Mathematics

Suraj Singh

Fundamental of Mathematical Statistics

S.C. Gupta & V.K. Kapoor

Introduction to Mathematical Statistics

Robert V. Hogg and Craig Mckean Hogg

Problems and Solutions in Mathematical Statistics

S.C. Gupta, Vikas Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta

Also Read: IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Chemistry

For IIT JAM Chemistry, books by authors like JD Lee, Morrison & Boyd, and Levine are popular choices. These books explain complex chemical theories in a simple way and provide solved examples and practice exercises for all three branches — Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT-JAM: MSc (Chemistry) Previous Papers & Practice Test Papers (Solved)

R Gupta

Solved Papers & Practice Sets IIT JAM – Chemistry

Arihant Publication

Quantitative Analysis

R.A. Day Jr. and A.L. Underwood

Elementary Organic Spectroscopy

Sharma Y.R.

Physical Chemistry

Levine

Textbook Of Physical Chemistry

Maron

Concise Inorganic Chemistry

JD Lee

Inorganic Chemistry

AG Sharpe

Organic Chemistry

R.T. Morrison and R.N. Boyd

Physical Chemistry – A Molecular Approach

D.A. McQuarrie and J.D. Simon

University General Chemistry

CNR Rao

Chemistry of Organic Natural Products

O.P. Agarwal

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Biotechnology

The IIT JAM Biotechnology section combines topics from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Books by Alberts, Kuby, and Segel are among the best for mastering the subject. They include detailed diagrams and conceptual explanations for better understanding.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT-JAM: MSc (Biotechnology) Previous Papers (Solved)

R Gupta

Solved Papers & Practice Sets IIT JAM – Biotechnology

Arihant Publications

Biochemical Calculations

Irwin H. Segel

Essential Cell Biology

Bruce Alberts et al.

Molecular Cloning

Sambrook and Russel

Principles of Gene Manipulation

Sandy B. Primrose, Richard Twyman

Kuby Immunology

Thomas J. Kindt et al.

Basic Immunology

Abbas and Litchmann

Prescott’s Microbiology

Joanne Willey et al.

Genetics

Peter J. Russell

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Geology

For Geology, students should focus on Earth sciences, mineralogy, and petrology. Books by Winter and Selby are best suited for conceptual clarity and exam-oriented preparation.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT JAM Geology Book

JBC Press

The IIT JAM Breaker Series

Niloy Chakraborty and Rohan Nandy

IIT-JAM: MSc (Geology) Previous Years Papers (Solved)

Ajhar Hussain

The Making of India: Geodynamic Evolution

KS Vaidya

Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

John D. Winter

Earth’s Changing Surface

MJ Selby

 

IIT JAM 2026 Books for Economics

Economics in IIT JAM tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Books by Mishra & Puri, Ahuja, and Piyush Parashari are highly useful. They cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and the Indian economy.

Book Name

Author Name

IIT JAM Economics: National Education Policy 2020

Piyush Parashari

IIT JAM Economics: Statistics MCQ

Piyush Parashari

Objective Economics

Sanjay Kumar

Indian Economy

Mishra & Puri

Macro Economic Analysis

Edward Shapiro and H.L. Ahuja

Micro Economics

Anna Koutsoyiannis and H.L. Ahuja

Mathematics For Economists

B.C. Mehta and G.M.K. Madnani

Statistics and Econometrics

B.L. Agarwal

 

IIT JAM 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for IIT JAM 2026 requires consistency, focus, and smart study methods. Aspirants should follow a structured study plan, use recommended books, and practice previous year papers regularly. Check some of the key preparation tips given below-

  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
  • Study from standard IIT JAM books only.
  • Make short notes for quick revision.
  • Practice previous year question papers and mock tests.
  • Focus on conceptual clarity instead of rote learning.
  • Revise formulas and key concepts daily.
  • Manage time efficiently during the exam.

 

Best IIT JAM Preparation Books 2026 FAQs

Which are the best IIT JAM 2026 preparation books for Physics?

The best IIT JAM 2026 preparation books for Physics include Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths, Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor, and Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by Nouredine Zettili. These books cover all essential topics with clear explanations and solved examples.

What are the best IIT JAM 2026 preparation books for Chemistry?

For Chemistry, the top IIT JAM 2026 books are Concise Inorganic Chemistry by JD Lee, Physical Chemistry by Levine, and Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd. These books help in building strong conceptual knowledge for all three branches—Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.

Which book is best for IIT JAM 2026 Mathematics preparation?

The best IIT JAM 2026 preparation books for Mathematics are Calculus Vol 1 & 2 by Tom M. Apostol, Topics in Algebra by I.N. Herstein, and Principles of Mathematical Analysis by Walter Rudin. These books are ideal for deep conceptual understanding and problem-solving practice.

Are previous year papers helpful for IIT JAM 2026 preparation?

Yes, solving previous year papers of IIT JAM 2026 is extremely helpful. It gives students an idea of the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level while improving speed and accuracy.

Which are the best IIT JAM 2026 books for Biotechnology?

The best IIT JAM 2026 Biotechnology books include Essential Cell Biology by Bruce Alberts, Biochemical Calculations by Irwin H. Segel, and Kuby Immunology by Thomas J. Kindt. These books explain biological processes in a simple and detailed manner.

What are the recommended IIT JAM 2026 books for Economics?

For IIT JAM 2026 Economics, aspirants should refer to Microeconomics by Anna Koutsoyiannis, Indian Economy by Mishra and Puri, and Macro Economic Analysis by H.L. Ahuja. These books cover theory and applications in an easy-to-understand format.

Which IIT JAM 2026 books are good for Mathematical Statistics?

The top IIT JAM 2026 preparation books for Mathematical Statistics are Fundamentals of Mathematical Statisticsby S.C. Gupta & V.K. Kapoor and Introduction to Mathematical Statistics by Robert V. Hogg. They help in mastering probability, distribution, and statistical theorems.

How can IIT JAM 2026 books help in preparation?

IIT JAM 2026 books provide detailed explanations, examples, and practice questions that strengthen conceptual clarity. They also help students cover the syllabus efficiently and prepare for all question types in the exam.

Can one book cover the complete IIT JAM 2026 syllabus?

No, a single book cannot cover the complete IIT JAM 2026 syllabus. Students should refer to multiple subject-specific books to thoroughly prepare each topic and understand concepts from different perspectives.

Are Arihant and R Gupta books useful for IIT JAM 2026?

Yes, Arihant and R Gupta’s IIT JAM 2026 books are useful as they contain solved papers and practice sets. These books help aspirants test their knowledge, identify weak areas, and improve exam performance.