The National Testing Agency (NTA) successfully conducted Day 2 of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 on January 22, 2026, in two shifts across examination centres in India. Thousands of engineering aspirants appeared for the test, and soon after the exam, student feedback and expert reviews on paper difficulty and question trends emerged.

Exam Pattern

The examination was held in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

• Total Questions: 75 (25 per subject)

• Maximum Marks: 300

• Marking Scheme:

  • +4 for correct answer

  • −1 for incorrect MCQ

  • No negative marking for numerical value questions

Shift 1 Analysis (Morning Session)

Overall Difficulty

Students rated the Shift 1 paper as moderate to slightly difficult. Mathematics was considered the toughest section, followed by Chemistry, while Physics was comparatively easier.

Subject-wise Review

Mathematics

• Lengthy and calculation-intensive

• Required strong time management

• Major topics: Calculus, Algebra, Sequences & Series, Probability, Vector Algebra

Physics

• Moderate difficulty

• Conceptual and statement-based questions

• Topics included: Fluid Mechanics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Thermodynamics

Chemistry

• Moderate level

• Balanced mix of Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

• Questions from: Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, Mole Concept, p-Block Elements

Memory-Based Questions (Shift 1)

Students recalled questions related to:

• Rate of reaction calculations

• Reagent identification in organic chemistry

• Electric field and potential

• Integration-based calculus problems

• Coordination number and crystal field theory

Shift 2 Analysis (Afternoon Session)

Overall Difficulty

The evening shift paper was also rated moderate, similar to Shift 1. Mathematics again emerged as the most challenging subject.

Subject-wise Review

Mathematics

• Tough and time-consuming

• Questions from: 3D Geometry, Vectors, Probability, Differential Equations, Matrices

Physics

• Easy to moderate

• Topics included: Ray Optics, Modern Physics, Magnetism, Semiconductor Devices

Chemistry

• Moderate

• Included 4–5 statement-based questions

• Higher weightage from Class 11 syllabus

• Topics: Biomolecules, Ionic Equilibrium, d- and f-Block elements, Chemical Bonding

Memory-Based Questions (Shift 2)

Students reported questions from:

• Capacitor combinations

• Vector triple product

• Organic reaction mechanism

• pH calculation

• Logic gates in semiconductors

Student Reactions

Candidates shared that:

• Mathematics was lengthy and scoring only with proper time management

• Physics was comparatively easy and scoring

• Chemistry was NCERT-based but tricky in parts

• The paper was within syllabus and well balanced

Many students felt Shift 2 was slightly tougher due to complex math questions.

Expert Opinion

Our Education expert Vikas Kumar Sir stated:

• The paper strictly followed the official JEE Main syllabus and pattern

• No out-of-syllabus questions were reported

• Mathematics played a deciding role in overall ranking

• Accuracy and speed were crucial for high scores

About JEE Main 2026 Session 1

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is being conducted from January 21 to January 29, 2026, in multiple shifts across India. The examination:

• Is conducted for admission to NITs, IIITs and GFTIs

• Serves as the qualifying test for JEE Advanced, required for IIT admissions