JEE Main 2026 Live updates (Express Photo by Deepak Joshi/ representative image)JEE Main 2026 Today Paper Analysis LIVE Updates: The National Testing Agency (NTA), which started the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) Session 1 exam on January 21, will continue JEE Main till January 29. The exam is being conducted in two shifts — 9 am to 12 noon, and 3 pm to 6 pm. Today is the third day of JEE Main 2026 session 1. There will be no exams today in West Bengal amid Sarawati Puja.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Analysis | JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Analysis | JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Analysis
Candidates will have to carry with them JEE Main admit card, at least two passport photographs and one photo ID card. Candidates can access and download their JEE Main January session hall tickets from the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
JEE Main Rank Predictor 2026: Check Here
For more news on admit card, syllabus and sample papers for JEE Main, the candidates can check education.indianexpress.com.
As per Sagar Varjatia, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the Chemistry section in the first shift was easy to moderate, with a balanced mix of fact-based, conceptual, and formula-driven questions, especially in Inorganic Chemistry. Most questions were straightforward, though a few required higher application by combining two or three topics, including Class 11 concepts applied to Class 12 syllabus.
More than 7.7 lakh candidates have appeared for the JEE (Main) examination so far, reflecting a high attendance rate as the national-level engineering entrance test continues across centres.
According to official data, 8,01,326 candidates were scheduled to take the examination till date, of whom 7,70,441 appeared, recording an attendance of 96.15%. Of the candidates who appeared, 7,40,412 were Aadhaar-verified, accounting for 96.10% verification compliance.
The examination also saw the participation of 2,563 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates, officials said.
Traffic movement in Nanded city is likely to be affected on January 24, 2026, due to the Hind Di Chadar Samagam being organised by the Government of Maharashtra in tribute to Guru Tej Bahadur Ji. In view of the expected disruptions, candidates appearing for JEE (Main) 2026 Session-1 at examination centres in Nanded have been advised to reach their centres well in advance. Authorities have also asked candidates to carry their admit card along with a valid government-issued photo identity card, as documents may be verified during security or traffic checks.
Students have been urged to plan their travel carefully to avoid delays and ensure timely entry to the examination centres.
Students scoring 99+ percentile can aim for top NITs and IIITs, especially sought-after branches like CSE and ECE. Those in the 97–98.5 range still have strong chances at mid-tier NITs with good core branches. A 94–96 percentile can secure decent options in NITs or GFTIs, along with reputed state engineering colleges. Scores below 90 percentile usually shift the focus to state counselling, private universities, or choosing a less competitive branch. Planning multiple counselling options is key across all score ranges.
Most students who have qualified JEE Main share a common strategy to crack the exam:
-- Stick closely to NCERT textbooks, especially for Chemistry and Physics theory
-- Focus on problem-solving speed, particularly in Mathematics
-- Use mock tests to practice shift-level difficulty variation
-- Analyse mistakes rather than just increasing test frequency
As per Rahul Upadhyay, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the Mathematics section in the first shift was of moderate difficulty. Students who had prepared thoroughly and practised previous years’ question papers would have been able to attempt it comfortably. The questions were largely in line with what students encounter during regular studies. As compared to other shifts, this section was relatively easier.
As per Sagar Varjatia, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the chemistry section in the first shift maintained a moderate difficulty level. In Inorganic Chemistry, the questions were neither too simple nor overly challenging. Some questions were fact-based, memory-driven, and data-oriented, requiring students to be well prepared with an understanding of elements, their values, and chemical behaviour. Along with these, there were conceptual questions as well. Overall, for well-prepared students, the section was manageable.
Based on the questions we have reviewed so far, it seems that the paper has been set at an easy-to-moderate difficulty level. Most questions were straightforward and formula-based, making them approachable for well-prepared students. The comparatively moderate questions appeared where two or three topics were combined, which increased the level of application required. In some questions from the Class XII syllabus, students were expected to apply formulas from Class XI as well. The exam paper ensured to cover all important chapters that we usually ask students to prepare thoroughly. Apart from this combination of topics, the paper largely remained within the easy-to-moderate range.
Gagan Garg, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW)
No, the JEE Main 2026 session 1 admit cards for January 28 and January 29 exams are not released yet. The jeemain.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in websites will make the JEE Main 2026 hall ticket links for these days.
As per candidates who appeared for the JEE Main exam on January 21, the shift 1 paper had a lengthy Chemistry and moderate Math and Physics. The January 21 Shift 2 paper of JEE Main 2026 was slightly tougher than Shift 1, with an increased emphasis on application-based problem-solving and calculation-intensive questions.
As per Singh as well, the math section was moderate to difficult. Around 7–8 questions were lengthy and time-consuming. Strong problem-solving ability and time management were essential to attempt the section effectively, he added.
Chemistry, as per Singh, was well balanced across all topics. While most questions were straightforward, a few tricky ones tested conceptual clarity. He also said that the paper was easy to moderate.
Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Srti Chaitanya, while sharing the JEE Main analysis for paper 1 Janaury 23 morning shift paper said that the physics paper was easy to moderate level. Majority of questions were concept and formula-based. The section manageable for well-prepared students.
The Mathematics section, as per Sharma, was moderate to difficult. Questions were well distributed across the syllabus, with higher representation from Integral Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra (notably Binomial Theorem). Topics like 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Complex Numbers had an average presence. Algebra appeared slightly dominant, while Coordinate Geometry maintained moderate weightage.
According to Sharma, the Chemistry section was easy to moderate. Questions were evenly distributed among Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, with a slightly higher weightage to Organic Chemistry. Physical and Inorganic Chemistry had nearly equal representation. Many questions were statement-based and closely aligned with NCERT concepts. While not difficult, some required careful reading and conceptual clarity.
As per Sharma, the Physics section was of moderate difficulty. Questions covered almost all major chapters, with a higher number from Magnetism, while Optics had comparatively fewer. Mechanics had an average representation. A few questions were time-consuming, making the section a bit challenging. Topics like Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics were also adequately represented.
As per Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering at Aakash Educational Services Limited, the JEE Main paper conducted on January 23 morning shift was of an easy to moderate difficulty level. All three subjects -- Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics -- were nearly of equal difficulty, though Mathematics was slightly more challenging, while Physics and Chemistry were comparatively easier to moderate. The paper was largely balanced in terms of question distribution and chapter coverage.
JEE Main 2026 scores will be used for:
Admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs via JoSAA counselling
Eligibility screening for JEE Advanced 2026 (IIT admissions)
Admission to BTech programmes in several state and private universities
With nearly 13 lakh JEE candidates appear across sessions, competition remains intense. While official cut-offs vary yearly, qualifying percentiles for JEE Advanced eligibility generally hover around:
General: ~90 percentile
OBC-NCL: ~73 percentile
SC: ~50 percentile
ST: ~40 percentile
Top NITs and IIITs usually require 99+ percentile for popular BTech branches such as Computer Science and Electronics.
Like every year, Physics has leaned towards NCERT-based theory with moderate numerical depth. Questions from mechanics, modern physics, and electrostatics continue to dominate. Meanwhile, Chemistry continues to remain the most scoring section, especially NCERT-driven Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. Direct factual questions are common.
Mathematics is consistently the trickier and most time-consuming section, with emphasis on calculus, algebra, vectors, and 3D geometry. Overall, the paper is expected to remain moderate to difficult, with speed and accuracy being decisive.
According to multiple reports, Ahuja says, Math can be defined as either moderately difficult or difficult. Anticipate that Math on average takes a longer time period to complete than either Physics or Chemistry, however, not all Math is difficult. From the reports, Media, Vectors, and the three-dimensional nature of Geometry, were reported to be among the easiest and highest scorers, due to their moderate weightage. Therefore, it would be prudent to use one of these chapters as your last revision.
When studying Mathematics, it is essential to remain patient, as rushing through Mathematics may lead to stupid mistakes. Additionally, students who knew their Strong Chapters prior to and focused on those types of questions did significantly better than students who chose randomly. Similarly, previous Shift Memory Questions will assist you in determining the pattern and level of difficulty on the actual exam you took.
Practice thinking will help you learn your physics, Ahuja says. The Physics questions in the shifts earlier were mainly based on previous years (PYQ) questions; this method allows for familiarity as students work through their papers (if they have practised the PYQs thoroughly), which is a very good sign. The importance of Class 11 versus Class 12 material was quite balanced, as all topics from each grade appeared equally; this means it may be risky to study a specific grade exclusively.
Notably, Modern Physics, Semiconductors, Magnetism, and Matter consistently appeared; when students combine understanding (concepts) with practice of the PYQ, they are able to work through questions much quicker than other subjects. Physics emerged as a great scoring subject for those managing time efficiently while also clearly understanding concepts.
One strong takeaway, as per Jitendra Ahuja, Physics Faculty at VMC, from the Chemistry paper is that NCERT is a crucial resource for aspirants to utilize in preparation for JEE Main. Much of the Organic and Inorganic Chemistry material was clearly grounded in the NCERT books and other related materials and included both direct and indirect questions. Additionally, the tests included large amounts of material focused on understanding common name reactions, properties of compounds, unusual trends, and exceptions, with a large focus on Organic Chemistry. A clear indication of the level of content included in the JEE Main Chemistry test was found within the practice of applying the theoretical chapter topics of biomolecules, coordination compounds, and environmental chemistry by creating a further understanding of the chapters instead of solely relying on solving problems.
Formula questions dominated most of the problems covered in Physical Chemistry. If a student does not have the formulas stored in their brain, then they will have less than a 100% conversion on any questions or problems. Simply learning the formulae is not enough to pass, students must also understand when to apply each of them. On January 21st, 2026, a question related to salt analysis appeared within the 1st shift; this question was similar to previous years (PYQ) questions and shows how important reviewing the PYQ in chemistry is.
According to Jitendra Ahuja, Physics Faculty at Vidyamandir Classes, based on the January 21 to 23 JEE Main tests, many aspirants should modify their relation to or relationship with JEE Main. After examining this testing window, we can surmise the following points about the JEE Main testing format for JEE Main 2026:
- Know your exam and exam conditions: The JEE Main is a relative exam, meaning that if you consider one section of the test to be difficult, the other students who took that same test on the same day considered that section to be difficult too. Because of this, percentiles of your testing will be adjusted according to the other students who took the test with you. Even though you may have lower scores, your percentile ranking could still be higher because of the overall results of the test. Therefore, never guess when taking the Test because there is a penalty for guessing. This penalty could greatly reduce your overall score.
- Another thing that you should take away from your experience with the examinations is how the syllabus is structured. In the past, some students anticipated that only the most critical subjects would be included in the test, but because of the NTA's change of strategy, some tests have focused entirely on one subject, while in some instances, tests may have required less emphasis on that subject. For example, there is no established pattern that the NTA follows. Therefore, you must have full coverage of the syllabus for the exam.
- The papers from JEE Main 2026 (January 21-23) illustrate very clearly the importance of mastering NCERT (conditional Nutritional Science), the practice of using previous years' papers for Physics and Chemistry, and identifying high-scoring areas in Maths, as well as creating a calm, time-conscious exam strategy. By taking advantage of the knowledge gained by taking this test and because of the wide range of subjects covered, you can create a strong advantage for your test success as a JEE Main 2026 aspirant.
Yes, there will be an afternoon shift today. The JEE Main January 23 afternoon shift will start at 3 pm and will conclude at 6 pm. Candidates will have to reach the exam centre well in advance and will have to deposit the JEE Main 2026 admit card at the designated drop box available in the exam centre.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to tough & lengthy.
• Trend: Questions were a mix of NCERT foundation with time-consuming problem-solving.
• Nature: Balanced coverage but with tricky numerical and conceptual questions.
Verdict: Not as straightforward as typical JEE Main Chemistry; required careful attention and accuracy.
– Dr. Saurabh Kumar, founder and CEO, Shiksha Nation
• Difficulty Level: Toughest among the three sections.
• Trend:
• Lengthy and calculative questions.
• Many problems demanded multi-step solutions and high calculation speed.
• Student View: Seen as the most time-intensive and challenging section.
Verdict: More difficult than Physics and Chemistry; time management was crucial
- Dr. Saurabh Kumar, Founder and CEO- Shiksha Nation
• Difficulty Level: Moderate.
• Trend: Questions tested fundamental concepts but were manageable for well-prepared students.
• Topics reportedly included:
• De Broglie wavelength / matter waves, electrostatics, magnetic effects of current
• Wave & ray optics, capacitors, semiconductors / modern physics
• Student View: More straightforward compared to Mathematics and Chemistry but still time-consuming.
Verdict: Moderately balanced with a fair mix of conceptual and application-based questions.
Dr. Saurabh Kumar, Founder and CEO- Shiksha Nation
As per a student who appeared for the JEE Main 2026 exam on Jan 23 morning shift from Ajmer, Rajasthan, said that the paper was of moderate o difficult level. The math paper was time consuming and physics was lengthy.
“The Mathematics section across evening shift was mpre or less similar to the one in the first shift. The paper was set at a moderate level of difficulty. Students who had been consistent with their classes, completed the syllabus thoroughly, and practiced regularly would have found the paper approachable. While a few questions involved longer calculations, others tested familiarity with series and quick problem-solving techniques. The paper was predominantly calculation-driven, and well-prepared students should have been able to attempt it with confidence. Overall, both shifts maintained a similar pattern in terms of question types and difficulty.”
- Pradeep Verma, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW)
According to Mohan Singh, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the questions in the exam were of moderate difficulty and framed at a slightly tougher level as compared to the questions in the morning shift. Most reaction-based questions were directly from NCERT; however, the language was somewhat tricky, which made them feel tougher than they actually were. There were no questions asked from outside the NCERT syllabus, keeping the paper well within expectations.
"The Physics paper was set at a moderate level overall. A number of questions were statement-based, which meant students had to read carefully and understand the concepts clearly before solving them. Some numerical problems involved longer calculations and needed extra time. There were also a few questions from topics that students usually treat as simpler or overlook during revision, which may have added to the perceived difficulty. Overall, the paper was balanced and maintained a consistent level throughout.”
- Manish Singh Tak, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW)
The JEE Main day 3 exam will end at 12 noon now.
The examination will be conducted in two shifts -- morning (9 am onwards) and afternoon (3 pm onwards) -- with a duration of either 3 hours or 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on the paper. Entry into the exam centre begins well in advance for frisking, biometric verification, and document checks. Candidates must be seated and ready to read instructions before the test commences at the scheduled time.
NTA did not allot January 23 to any candidates in West Bengal. This, NTA says, is in view of Saraswati Puja.
“.. regarding the celebration of Saraswati Puja on 23rd January 2026, it has been decided that all candidates scheduled to appear for JEE Main in West Bengal on 23rd January 2026 shall be allotted another date of examination among the advertised dates for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 examination,” the NTA in a social media post said.
The Mathematics section, as per Aakash Educational Services Limited, was assessed as moderate to difficult. Questions were evenly spread across the syllabus, with greater emphasis on Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra. Topics such as 3D Geometry and Vectors and Complex Numbers featured fewer questions. Algebra showed slight dominance, while Coordinate Geometry had moderate representation. The paper included chapters from both Class 11 and Class 12, ensuring balanced syllabus coverage.
According to Aakash Educational Services Limited, the Chemistry section ranged from easy to moderate in difficulty. Questions were drawn from all three branches—Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry had relatively fewer questions, whereas Organic and Physical Chemistry carried almost equal weightage. A significant number of questions were statement-based and closely aligned with NCERT content. While the overall level was not challenging, some questions required careful reading and clear application of fundamental concepts.
The Physics section was of moderate difficulty, Aakash Educational Services Limited said while analysing the paper. Questions spanned almost the entire syllabus, with a noticeable emphasis on experiment-based problems. Optics and Electromagnetic Waves (EMW) included several experiment- and statement-based questions. Although the concepts tested were largely straightforward, many questions demanded careful analysis and were time-consuming. In comparison, topics such as Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Waves had fewer questions, while Optics and Electromagnetism were more heavily represented. Modern Physics also had a reasonably strong presence.
According to Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited, the JEE Main paper conducted on January 22, 2026 in the evening shift was of moderate to difficult level. All three subjects— Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics— were almost of equal difficulty. However, Chemistry was slightly easier, Mathematics a bit more challenging, and Physics moderately difficult. The paper was largely balanced in terms of question distribution and chapter coverage.
The third day of JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam begins at 9 am. The first shift will continue till 12 noon.
As per Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, chemistry carried greater weightage, with many direct questions drawn from NCERT lines, tables, and factual content. Organic Chemistry questions were largely straightforward, focusing on basic reactions and standard mechanisms. There were very few numerical or tricky application-based questions, making the section approachable for well-prepared students.
The Chemistry section, as per Aakash Educational Services Limited, was of moderate to difficult level. Questions were asked from all three areas—Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Among these, Inorganic Chemistry had a stronger presence, with several questions from the p-block. Organic Chemistry focused on properties and name reactions, while Physical Chemistry included questions from Electrochemistry, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamics.
According to Amitabh Sharma, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the Chemistry section was set at a balanced difficulty level, with a clear effort to cover all major topics across the syllabus. One noticeable trend in the chemistry section in JEE Main this year was the increased presence of reaction-based questions, the faculty added saying that topics such as Coordination Compounds and Chemical Bonding continued to appear, while areas like Hybridisation and Salt Analysis were also tested. In Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, name reactions once again played an important role, which is something students are consistently advised to focus on. Questions based on general methods of preparation were also included, along with specific reaction-based problems involving compounds such as chromides and fluorides, where a strong understanding of reaction characteristics was essential.
According to Ujjwal Singh, founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, the Day 2, Shift 1 paper of JEE Main 2026 was concept-focused and NCERT-driven and easy to moderate in overall difficulty. The paper strongly rewarded candidates who had prepared thoroughly from NCERT textbooks, with most questions being theoretical and concept-driven rather than application-heavy, the CEO added.
In one student's own words, he was scheduled for an examination a few days after the start of the exam, but stated that working to solve the papers for the previous shifts had changed the way he perceived his examination. Rather than attempting to guess what type of questions to expect, he could see the format of actual questions that were presented to him.
Ashish Agarwal, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), while analysing the Mathematics section from the JEE Mains paper said that the paper was on the easier side overall and quite doable for most students. The calculations were generally straightforward and not very tedious. However, a few questions were lengthy and required careful solving, where even a small error could affect the final answer, making them slightly challenging.
Certain chapters had multiple questions, including Differential Equations, Probability, Vectors and 3D Geometry, Definite and Indefinite Integrals, Area Under the Curve, and Inverse Trigonometric Functions. Students appearing in upcoming shifts are advised to prepare these topics thoroughly, as they continue to be significant. Out of the total 25 questions, around 17 to 20 were relatively easy and could be attempted comfortably by students with moderate to thorough preparation. Overall, the Maths paper leaned towards the easier side and allowed well-prepared students to score confidently.
As per Amitabh Sharma, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the Chemistry section in Shift 1 on the second day of exam was set at a balanced difficulty level, with a clear effort to cover all major topics across the syllabus. One noticeable trend in the chemistry section in JEE Main this year was the increased presence of reaction-based questions. As expected, topics such as Coordination Compounds and Chemical Bonding continued to appear, while areas like Hybridisation and Salt Analysis were also tested. In Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, name reactions once again played an important role, which is something students are consistently advised to focus on. Questions based on general methods of preparation were also included, along with specific reaction-based problems involving compounds such as chromides and fluorides, where a strong understanding of reaction characteristics was essential.
Overall, the level of questions in comparison to previous years was well distributed across Organic, Physical, and Inorganic Chemistry. The paper ensured coverage of key topics from each subsection, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation across the entire syllabus rather than selective topics.”
According to Manish Singh Tak, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), overall, the Physics section was of moderate difficulty. This was mainly due to a few lengthy questions that required careful reading and calculation. The paper included questions from both Class 11 and 12, with a mix of conceptual and numerical problems. Some numericals required extra attention, but they were manageable.
The Physics section followed the trends seen in previous JEE Main papers and remained strongly syllabus-focused. Compared to the previous shift, the distribution of questions across topics was more balanced, with no questions from a single chapter being overly dominant. Overall, it was a doable paper, and students who managed their time effectively should have been able to complete the section comfortably within the allotted time.
The JEE Main session 2 registration should start in a few days. Last year, the JEE Main 2025 registration for session 2 started in February.
The Mathematics section was rated moderate to difficult, according to the JEE Main 2026 session 1 day 2 shift 1 analysis shared by Aakash Educational Services Limited. Questions were fairly distributed across the syllabus. Topics from Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra had higher representation, whereas 3D & Vectors and Complex Numbers were comparatively less frequent. Algebra appeared slightly dominant, and Coordinate Geometry maintained moderate weightage.
The JEE Main 2026 Day 2 shift 2 will start at 3 pm. Candidates will have to drop their admit cards before leaving the exam centre.
The Chemistry section, as per Aakash Educational Services Limited, was of moderate to difficult level. Questions were asked from all three areas—Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Among these, Inorganic Chemistry had a stronger presence, with several questions from the p-block. Organic Chemistry focused on properties and name reactions, while Physical Chemistry included questions from Electrochemistry, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamics.
The JEE Main paper conducted on January 22, 2026 (Morning Shift) was of moderate to difficult level, as per Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited.
Among the three sections, Sharma said, physics was the easiest, followed by chemistry, while mathematics was relatively more challenging. Overall, the paper was balanced and comparable to last year’s papers in terms of both difficulty level and pattern. The distribution of questions across topics was largely uniform.
- Moderate
- Manageable overall
- Fewer lengthy or complex problems compared to tougher shifts
- Paper could be completed on time
- Easy to Moderate
- Strong focus on NCERT
- Inorganic Chemistry had higher weightage with direct concept and fact-based questions
- Organic - Chemistry questions are standard
JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 1 Highlights from the physics paper
- Easy to moderate
- Mostly NCERT-based and theoretical questions
- Minimal tricky, or application-heavy problems
- Manageable length-wise
Mathematics was moderate in difficulty but balanced, without excessive length or complexity. The paper was well within manageable limits, allowing students to complete all sections comfortably within the allotted time.
Physics in JEE Main day 2 shift 1 remained easy to moderate, with questions leaning more towards theory and conceptual understanding. The absence of confusing or out-of-syllabus questions helped students maintain confidence and momentum through the paper, Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya said.
Chemistry carried greater weightage, with many direct questions drawn from NCERT lines, tables, and factual content. Organic Chemistry questions were largely straightforward, focusing on basic reactions and standard mechanisms. There were very few numerical or tricky application-based questions, making the section approachable for well-prepared students.
The JEE Main 2026 shift 1 on day 2 was easy to moderate.
The Day 2, Shift 1 paper of JEE Main 2026 was easy to moderate in overall difficulty, offering a student-friendly experience, particularly in Chemistry. The paper strongly rewarded candidates who had prepared thoroughly from NCERT textbooks, with most questions being theoretical and concept-driven rather than application-heavy
- Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya
– Date of the JEE Main examination
– Shift and timings of the test
– Venue of the test
– Reporting time at the centre
– Gate closing time of the centre
An aspirant taking the exam from a JEE Main 2026 exam centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan, said that the physics questions were tough. While a few seemed moderate, most others in physics were tough and time-consuming.
The first shift of the JEE Main 2026 January session exam starts at 9 am and continues till 12 noon, while the second shift will begin at 3 pm and continue till 6 pm.
According to a candidate taking the exam in the morning shift from Duliajan, Assam, the questions in mathematics were of easy to moderate level.
The candidates who appeared for the exam in the morning shift today are saying that the paper was moderate and doable.
The JEE Main day 2 morning shift exam ends. Candidates had to drop their admit cards at the drop box provided on the exam centres.
The JEE Main Jan 21 afternoon shift Chemistry emerged as tougher than Shift 1. Unlike the earlier shift, where challenging questions were largely limited to Organic Chemistry, the paper in shift 2 included difficult questions from Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, requiring balanced preparation across the subject.
Physics was marginally more difficult in Jan 21 shift 2 than the Shift 1 paper, with nearly 20% more application-based questions. A majority of the questions were similar in nature to previous years’ questions (PYQs) from the past five years, rewarding students who had focused on concept application rather than direct formula recall.
Mathematics was slightly tougher in Jan 21 shift 2 than shift 1, primarily due to a higher number of questions involving lengthy calculations. While the conceptual level remained similar, effective time management became critical to maximise attempts in this section.
As per Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, the January 21 Shift 2 paper reinforced the importance of application-based learning, familiarity with PYQs, and strong time management skills. Students who had prepared in depth across subjects and practiced applying concepts under timed conditions were better positioned to perform well.
Organic Chemistry carried the highest weightage, with several questions focused on topics such as Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry. Students also claim that six to seven questions were based on statements.
Singh claimed that Chemistry presented a balanced blend of direct and challenging questions. “Certain problems from Organic Chemistry proved especially demanding, requiring close attention and a solid command of fundamental concepts. Students who focused on deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorisation were better prepared to tackle these complexities. Overall, the section was approachable but called for precision and alertness, with an emphasis on grasping in‑depth concepts at a granular level,” added Singh.
On the other hand, Sijariya claimed that the section was largely calculative, requiring deeper conceptual understanding and careful problem‑solving with relatively straightforward questions in Organic Chemistry and NCERT‑based problems.
According to Vinod Kumawat, President, ALLEN Career Institute, Kota, as per NCERT topics, 52 percent questions were asked from the Class 11 syllabus and 48 per cent from the Class 12 syllabus. Almost the entire syllabus was covered in the questions. “Two questions each were asked from Chemical Bonding, Salt Analysis, Aromatic Compounds, and Mole Concept. One question from all other topics appeared in the paper,” he added.
In Mathematics, the exam had several high‑weightage topics. Key areas included Vector 3D, Sequence and Series, Quadratics, Binomials, Straight Line, Circle, Parabola, and Hyperbola.
Vinod Kumawat, President, Allen, claims that 36 per cent of the questions were asked from the Class 11 syllabus and 64 per cent from the Class 12 syllabus. Breaking down the section, he said:
Algebra: 36%
Calculus: 28%
Vector and Three-Dimensional Geometry: 12%
Trigonometry: 8%
Coordinate Geometry: 16%
”While the concepts themselves were largely in line with the syllabus, execution under pressure became the key differentiator. The section demanded significant time investment, often forcing students to make strategic choices about question selection,” said Ujjwal Singh, founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya.
Abhishek Jain, Faculty at PW, said that the section maintained the balance between straightforward and more challenging questions. Calculations were not overly lengthy, and the paper was well‑structured, with coverage across all major chapters.
NTA will conduct the paper 1 of JEE Main on January 22, 2026. Paper 1 is the BTech or the BE paper. It will comprise of two sections- A and B. The JEE Main Section A contains 20 questions for each subject – physics, chemistry and math and JEE Main section B will comprise five questions.
In JEE Main Physics paper held on Jan 21 morning shift, the questions were formula-based, requiring direct application of fundamental principles. Other than that, core concepts were asked. Topics asked in the exam were Ray Optics, Gravitation, Electrodynamics, Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Semiconductors, Modern Physics, Magnetism, Rotation, Wave Optics, and Current Electricity.
Allen analysed that based on NCERT, 50 per cent of the questions were asked from the Class 11 syllabus, while the remaining 50 per cent of the questions were asked from the Class 12 syllabus.
“The section emphasised conceptual understanding over mere formula application. Those with a clear grasp of fundamentals found the paper manageable and even confidence‑boosting,” mentioned Ujjwal Singh.
Rajwant Singh, a professor from PW, claimed that the Physics paper followed a familiar pattern from previous years, maintaining a balanced approach overall.
“The first shift was moderate in difficulty, combining both calculation‑based and conceptual questions that students could manage with steady pacing. The section was not lengthy, enabling well‑prepared candidates to complete it comfortably within the allotted time. Overall, Physics tested both understanding and application without presenting unexpected hurdles,” added Singh.
– A printed copy of their JEE Main 2026 session 1 admit card
– An original photo identity proof.
– A recent photograph must be affixed to the admit card. Carrying two additional copies of the same photograph is advisable.
– One passport-size photograph, identical to the one uploaded with the Main session one application form, is required for the attendance sheet
NTA has released admit cards for those appearing for JEE Main 2026 from January 21-24. For those who will appear for January 28 and 29 exams, the JEE admit cards will be out later at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
According to candidates who appeared for the JEE Main exam on January 21, the shift 1 paper had a lengthy Chemistry and moderate Math and Physics. Compared to last year, the JEE Main shift 1 paper had fewer direct and more formula-based questions that required critical thinking and conceptual clarity. The January 21 Shift 2 paper of JEE Main 2026 was slightly tougher than Shift 1, with an increased emphasis on application-based problem-solving and calculation-intensive questions
The JEE Main 2026 January session exam dates are January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29.
NTA has released admit cards for those appearing for JEE Main 2026 from January 21-24. For those who will appear for January 28 and 29 exams, the JEE admit cards will be out later at jeemain.nta.nic.in
