JEE Mains 2026 April Session Highlights: Shift 1 and 2 analysis, most difficult subject in Day 1

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The JEE Main 2026 paper 1 (BE/BTech) started on April 2. The next JEE Main exam will be held on tomorrow, April 4, and then on 5, 6, and 8, for paper 1 (BE/ BTech) paper. Paper 2A (BArch) and paper 2B (BPlanning) will be conducted on April 7.

Chemistry was moderate overall, according to Singh. Physical Chemistry was relatively more demanding due to calculation-based questions, making it slightly time-consuming. Organic and Inorganic Chemistry were more straightforward, focusing on conceptual clarity and direct application. A balanced preparation across all three areas was essential to maximise scoring.

The second shift reflects a more balanced, yet slightly more demanding paper compared to the morning session, Singh said while analysing the afternoon shift of April 2 JEE Main exam.

As per Sharma, the mathematics section in the April 2 afternoon session ranged from moderate to difficult and was time-consuming. Questions were well spread across the syllabus, with higher emphasis on Integral Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra. Topics such as 3D Geometry, Vectors, Complex Numbers, and Calculus had average representation. Algebra had slightly higher weightage, while Coordinate Geometry was moderately covered. Lengthy and complex calculations made this section the most challenging.

The evening shift, as per Sharma, was of moderate difficulty. Physics was relatively easy, chemistry was of moderate level, and mathematics ranged from moderate to difficult. Both mathematics and chemistry were time-intensive, which made completing the paper within the allotted time challenging and overall, the paper maintained a balanced distribution of questions across chapters, Sharma added.

Although both NCERT Class 11th and Class 12th textbooks represent the basis of all JEE syllabus. The majority of questions you answer in physics, chemistry and mathematics will also be NCERT questions, you need to be very detailed when studying any book or document concerning the JEE. Re-reviewing NCERT many times with respect to concept, examples, and in-text questions will ensure that you don’t move on to a higher-level material that has no relevance to what you’re currently working on.

Past year questions for JEE Main and JEE Advanced. This includes full-length mock tests and the analysis thereof all contribute towards improvements in your accuracy and time management.

The Ramgarh district administration in Jharkhand ordered a probe into alleged tampering of computer sets, which were to be used for the JEE Main scheduled on April 2, an official said on Tuesday. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the case, and a manhunt has been launched to nab others involved, the official said. The action was taken after Radha Govind University (RGU), a private institute in the district, lodged an FIR with the Ramgarh police station alleging tampering of its computer sets by some persons ahead of the JEE Main examination.

The candidates will have to enter the required details on the attendance sheet in legible handwriting. They should put their signature, left hand thumb impression and paste the Photograph at the appropriate place during the examination. They should ensure that their left-hand impression is clear and not smudged.

Applicants must print and carry their JEE Main admit card, along with a valid photo ID — aadhar card, passport, or voter ID. Candidates are also required to affix a passport-size photograph, identical to the one uploaded during registration, onto the admit card. Candidates are also required to carry an additional passport-sized photograph to the exam which will be pasted on the attendance sheet.

Singh said that the April session has begun on a more balanced and student-friendly note compared to the January 2026 JEE Main session. The paper clearly reflects a shift towards testing conceptual clarity over complexity, he added, saying that for students, this reinforces an important takeaway that strong fundamentals and consistent practice matter more than ever.

Mathematics was moderate in difficulty and slightly lengthy, as expected, Singh said analysing the JEE Main day 1 morning session exam paper. While the questions were not unusually difficult, they required time and careful calculation, making time management crucial, he added. Compared to some earlier shifts, this section felt more approachable, though still the most time-consuming.

As per Sharma, the chemistry section was moderate in difficulty. Questions were almost evenly distributed among Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, with slightly greater emphasis on Inorganic Chemistry and comparatively fewer questions from Organic Chemistry. While not very difficult, some questions were calculation-intensive and time-consuming, which impacted overall time management.

The overall paper, according to Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, was easy to moderate and more student-friendly compared to the January 2026 session. The focus was clearly on strong fundamentals and conceptual understanding, rather than tricky or advanced problem-solving.

With simpler calculations, balanced subject coverage, and manageable time pressure, the paper allowed students, especially those with strong basics to maximise attempts and accuracy. This shift is expected to be high-scoring, with top-performing students having the potential to achieve near-perfect scores.

According to an aspirant who appeared for the exam from a centre in Delhi, the JEE Main 2026 April session paper held today was of moderate level. The aspirant found the math easier and physics and chemistry moderate.

As per a candidate who appeared for the JEE Main 2026 April 2 exam in the morning session from a centre in Rajasthan, the physics paper was lengthy. The math and chemistry was of easy to moderate.

The shift 1 exam which started at 9 am is over. Keep following this blog for updates on analysis and difficulty level.

Blank paper sheets for rough work of A4 size will be provided in the examination hall. Candidates must write their name and roll number at the top of each of the sheets and must drop the sheets in the designated drop box without fail, before leaving the JEE Main exam hall. Failure to do so may result in a non-evaluation of your answers, NTA said.

The candidate should ensure that the JEE Main 2026 April exam question paper available on the computer screen is as

per his/her opted subject and medium indicated in the JEE Main admit card. In case, the subject or medium of the question paper is other than the opted subject or medium, the same may be brought to the notice of the invigilator concerned, an NTA statement said.

In response to representations from aspirants of JEE Main 2026 Session 2, the NTA has revised the examination centres and dates. For candidates in the Middle East, the NTA considered multiple requests to change examination centres due to the ongoing conflict in the region and revised the allotted centres accordingly.

Candidates who had requested rescheduling of their JEE Main 2026 examination due to Easter celebrations on April 5, 2026, have also been accommodated, and their exam dates have been changed.

To avoid clashes with other examinations, particularly the Class 12 board exams, the NTA coordinated with CBSE to obtain exam dates of appearing candidates. Based on the schedule shared by CBSE and the information provided by candidates in their application forms, the NTA planned the JEE Main exam dates to prevent overlaps. Additionally, requests from aspirants seeking changes due to other exams were considered, and dates were rescheduled where necessary.

These measures have been implemented to ensure fairness and convenience for all candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026 Session 2, an NTA statement dated March 31, said.

- A copy of the downloaded and printed JEE Main admit card from the NTA website in A4 size, colour if possible

- Two passport photos - one for attendance sheet)

- Original valid photo ID as uploaded in the JEE Main application

- Aadhaar mismatch certificate, if applicable, with original attestation)

- PwD/PwBD certificate (if applicable)

No photocopies or mobile images will be accepted. Identity verification is mandatory.

As per data released by NTA, around 11.23 lakh candidates will be appearing in the JEE Main 2026 April exam.