Physics Wallah

JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 Mathematics Exam Analysis, Difficulty Level, Topic-Wise Weightage

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Maths paper was moderate and lengthy. Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, and Calculus dominated. Most questions were calculation-based, requiring 70–90 minutes. Strong time management and accuracy were key to scoring well.

 

authorImagePriyanka Dahima21 Jan, 2026
JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 mathematics Exam Analysis

JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 Mathematics Exam Analysis reveals that the paper was moderate in difficulty but lengthy, with a strong focus on calculation-based and multi-step numerical questions. The National Testing Agency (NTA) examined 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM across centres nationwide as part of Session 1.

As per student feedback and expert reviews, time management played a decisive role in this shift, with most candidates requiring 70 to 90 minutes to complete the Maths section.

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Maths Paper Overview

This session maintained the standard JEE Main pattern and stayed completely within the prescribed syllabus.

Particular Details
Exam Date 21 January 2026
Shift Morning (Shift 1)
Timing 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Conducting Authority NTA
Section Mathematics
Overall Level Moderate
Nature of Questions Lengthy, calculation-intensive

JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 Maths Difficulty Level

According to candidates who appeared in the exam:

  • The paper was not conceptually tough, but time-consuming

  • Majority of questions required step-by-step solving

  • Very few one-line or direct formula-based answers

  • Strong fundamentals in Geometry and Calculus proved highly beneficial

Overall, the JEE Mains 2026 Shift 1 Maths difficulty level can be categorised as moderate to moderately lengthy.

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Maths Topic-Wise Weightage

The Mathematics paper covered a balanced mix of Class 11 and Class 12 topics, with slightly higher weightage from Class 11.

The Mathematics section featured fewer calculus questions overall, with emphasis on algebra and coordinate geometry topics from Class 11-12 syllabus.

Topics Number of Questions
Calculus Relatively fewer
Vector Algebra & 3D Geometry 2-3
Quadratic Equations 1
Sequence & Series 1
PnC & Probability (combined) 1
Straight Lines 2
Circle 1
Matrices (lengthy) 1
Sets & Relations 2
Arithmetic & Geometric Progression Included
Conic Sections (1 each: Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola) 3
Application of Derivatives 1
Binomial Theorem Included
Trigonometry Included
  • Coordinate Geometry dominated the paper
  • Vectors & 3D Geometry formed a major chunk

  • Calculus questions were mostly from limits and continuity

  • Algebra was comparatively light and scoring

JEE Main 2026 Maths Question Paper & Answer Key

Physics Wallah has released Memory-based question papers and Detailed solutions along with Shift-wise answer. These resources will help candidates evaluate performance and plan their next phase of preparation effectively.

JEE Main 2026 Maths Question Paper & Answer Key PDF

Class-Wise Distribution of Questions

The JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 Maths paper showed:

  • Slight dominance of Class 11 syllabus

    • Coordinate Geometry

    • Sets & Relations

    • Probability

  • Major Class 12 contributions from:

    • Calculus

    • Vectors & 3D Geometry

Despite this, the paper maintained a balanced syllabus structure, aligning with NTA’s standard blueprint.

Student Reaction – JEE Main 2026 Shift 1 Maths

Students analysing the paper shared that:

  • Calculation speed was crucial

  • Time pressure was noticeable in the last 30 minutes

  • Accuracy mattered more than attempting extra questions

  • Geometry-heavy sections consumed maximum time

Many candidates felt that a score above average would depend on selective attempts with high accuracy.

Tips for Upcoming Shifts – JEE Main 2026 Maths Preparation

Candidates appearing in later shifts of Session 1 can follow these targeted tips:

  • Focus on Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Vectors & 3D Geometry

  • Revise formulas from Limits, Continuity, and Integration

  • Practise lengthy numerical problems daily

  • Solve recent JEE Main maths papers

  • Attempt full-length mock tests under time limits

  • Strengthen NCERT-based Probability and Algebra

  • Avoid last-minute overloading

  • Aim for precision, not blind attempts

JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 Mathematics Exam Analysis FAQs

How was the Maths section in JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1?

The Maths section was moderate in difficulty and lengthy, with many calculation-intensive and multi-step numerical problems.

Was JEE Main 2026 Shift 1 Maths paper tough?

It was not overly tough conceptually, but it was time-consuming, which made completing all questions challenging for some students.

Which topics had the highest weightage in JEE Main 2026 Shift 1 Maths?

Coordinate Geometry, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Conic Sections, and Limits & Continuity carried the highest weightage.

Was the Maths paper based on NCERT syllabus?

Yes, the paper strictly followed the JEE Main syllabus, with several questions directly aligned with NCERT concepts.

How much time was required to attempt the Maths section?

Most candidates needed 70 to 90 minutes to solve the Maths section comfortably.
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.