JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Analysis: Math toughest across both papers, Physics & Chemistry tricky

JEE Advanced 2026: Category-wise expected cut off

The second paper comprised 18 questions divided into two paragraphs, including 4 single‑correct (SCQ) questions carrying (+3, –1), 5 multiple‑correct questions (+4, –1), 5 integer‑type questions (+4, –1), and 4 paragraph‑based questions (+2, 0).

JEE Advanced 2026 Paper One: Section-wise analysis

According to Dr  Saurabh Kumar, CEO and Founder of Shiksha Nation, the Physics section was difficult and lengthy, featuring multi‑concept problems from Modern Physics (photoelectric effect, radioactive decay), Current Electricity (conceptual and numerical mix), Electrostatics (capacitor‑based), Magnetism and EMI (induced current and application‑based), and Rotation, which was particularly tough.

Read More | JEE Advanced 2026: Experts explain rise in JEE Main cut-off

On the other hand, Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director of Engineering at the Akash Institute, claimed that the Physics section was moderate to difficult in nature. “Questions were asked from most of the major chapters. A few questions were time-consuming, but overall, the section remained manageable for well-prepared students,” said Sharma.

Chemistry was rated moderate by both Sharma and Kumar, with Physical Chemistry covering ionic equilibrium, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and solutions with colligative properties. Organic Chemistry included named reactions, mechanism‑based questions, stereochemistry, and minor weightage to biomolecules, polymers, and practical organic chemistry.

The Mathematics section ranged from moderate to difficult, with questions on definite integration, differential equations, vectors and 3D geometry, matrices and determinants, probability, complex numbers, conic sections, functions and inverse trigonometric functions, and sequences and series. Coaching institute ALLEN observed that from each new topic added to the syllabus, two questions were asked. While the questions were lengthy, they remained solvable, though calculations were time‑consuming.

In accordance with Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, paper 1 was relatively balanced but still lengthy, with Mathematics and Physics requiring deep conceptual understanding and careful calculations, while Chemistry was comparatively easier.

JEE Advanced 2026 Paper Two: Section-wise analysis

Student reactions indicate that the paper was again highly conceptual and time‑intensive, particularly in Mathematics, which was described as very tough.

Physics was rated moderate to difficult, featuring deeply concept‑based problems with lengthy calculations across topics like mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics. Sharma noted that “several problems involved lengthy calculations and multi-step concepts, making the section time-consuming for students.” He maintained that the paper included questions from almost all important topics. Many students found that success depended on integrating multiple concepts rather than relying on direct formula application.

Vinod Kumar, President of ALLEN, believed that since the Physics section was most difficult, it would be the “primary factor” that would decide the rank of the students. He mentioned that Paper 2 was more tough, as well as, than Paper 1.

Chemistry, meanwhile, emerged as the most balanced and scoring section, with NCERT‑based Organic and Inorganic questions aiding well‑prepared candidates, while Physical Chemistry involved calculation‑heavy problems. As reported by ALLEN, no questions were asked from the Solid State or Real Gases chapter. The paper adhered to the JEE Advanced syllabus.

Kumar concluded by saying that Paper 2 was reportedly tougher than Paper 1 for many students, and time management played a major role. “Accuracy mattered more than attempts because of tricky negative marking patterns. Students with strong conceptual clarity in Physics had an advantage,” he said.

JEE Advanced 2026 was considered moderate-to-tough overall, with both Paper 1 and Paper 2 heavily testing time management, accuracy, and mental endurance, as stated by Singh. The exam emphasised smart question selection, stamina, and pressure handling more than sheer syllabus coverage.

“Paper 1 was relatively balanced but still lengthy, with Mathematics and Physics requiring deep conceptual understanding and careful calculations, while Chemistry was comparatively easier. On the other hand, paper 2 was tougher and more time-consuming, featuring calculation-intensive Physics, lengthy multi-step Mathematics problems, and Chemistry questions demanding careful interpretation,” said Singh.