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JEE Main 2026 January 28 Exam Analysis (Shift 1 & 2): Difficulty Level, Subject-wise Review

JEE Main 2026 January 28 Paper 1 analysis highlights overall difficulty, student reactions, and subject-wise trends for both shifts. The paper followed the NTA pattern, with Chemistry scoring, Physics balanced, and Mathematics lengthy and time-consuming.
authorImagePriyanka Dahima29 Jan, 2026
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JEE Main 2026 28 January Exam Analysis

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination held on January 28 concluded the Paper 1 (BTech) schedule, drawing significant attention from aspirants across the country. As the final exam day, both shifts were closely analysed by students and experts to understand the overall difficulty level, subject-wise trends, and expected cut-off movement.

Based on real-time student feedback and expert reviews, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the JEE Main 2026 January 28 exam, including shift-wise difficulty assessment, topic weightage, and section-wise performance insights to help candidates benchmark their preparation and performance.

Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026

JEE Mains Session 1 Question Paper 2026

Shift-wise Analysis Links for 28 January 2026

These pages include full paper review, student reactions, and subject-level breakdowns.

Overall Difficulty Level on 28 January 2026 (Shift 1)

The difficulty level on 28 January 2026 is updated here based on candidates' feedback and academic experts. Based on the analysis, the JEE Main 2026 exam held on January 28 (Shift 1) was rated as moderate to difficult and relatively lengthy. When compared to last year’s JEE Main shifts, this paper leaned towards the tougher side. The Mathematics and Chemistry sections were the most time-consuming, while Physics appeared more balanced. A detailed section-wise difficulty analysis is discussed below.

Both shifts follow the standard NTA pattern, with slight variation in difficulty balance. Time management played an important role across both sessions.

Subject-wise Summary (Shift 1)

Physics

Physics remains concept-based and balanced. Students found it manageable with proper formula application and conceptual clarity.

Chemistry

Chemistry is largely NCERT-oriented and scoring for well-prepared candidates across both shifts.

Mathematics

Mathematics is comparatively lengthy and calculation-heavy, making it the most time-consuming section of the day.

Overall Difficulty Level on 28 January 2026 (Shift 2)

The JEE Main 2026 exam held on January 28 (Shift 2) was overall rated as moderate in difficulty. Nearly 60% of students described the paper as moderate to difficult. Chemistry was considered the most scoring section, Physics was slightly trickier compared to Shift 1, while Mathematics emerged as the toughest. Interestingly, a section of candidates felt this shift was among the easiest so far in JEE Main 2026 Session 1.

Subject-wise Summary (Shift 2)

Physics

  • Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult, with a mix of conceptual and calculation-based questions.

  • Questions from Electrostatics and Current Electricity tested fundamentals along with numerical application.

  • Ray Optics and Wave Optics had direct formula-based questions, though some required careful interpretation.

  • Fluids and Heat & Thermodynamics included conceptual as well as numerical problems, making them slightly time-consuming.

  • Modern Physics questions were largely NCERT-based and considered scoring by many students.

  • Topics like Kinetic Theory of Gases (KTG) and Units and Dimensions appeared as straightforward questions.

  • A few questions from Magnetism and Error Analysis required clarity of concepts, adding to the overall difficulty.

Chemistry

  • Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate, and considered the most scoring section by a majority of candidates.

  • Inorganic Chemistry was largely NCERT-driven, with direct questions from theory.

  • Coordination Compounds featured prominently, focusing on nomenclature and properties.

  • Questions from Amines tested reaction mechanisms and conceptual understanding.

  • Chemical Kinetics included formula-based numericals that were manageable with practice.

  • Ionic Equilibrium (Buffer solutions) involved calculation-oriented questions but were not lengthy.

  • Students felt that proper NCERT revision was sufficient to attempt most questions confidently.

Mathematics

  • Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate but Lengthy, making time management crucial.

  • Calculus and Integration dominated the section, with multi-step problem-solving required.

  • Questions from Straight Lines, Circles, and Conic Sections were conceptually moderate but calculation-heavy.

  • Quadratic Equations and Sequences and Series had standard JEE Main-level problems.

  • Probability and Permutations & Combinations required logical reasoning and careful calculation.

  • Binomial Theorem questions were direct but time-consuming.

  • Matrices and Determinants, along with Vectors and 3D Geometry, tested conceptual clarity and visualization skills.

  • Many students reported that although questions were doable, the lengthy nature of Maths made it the toughest section.

Quick Links – 28 January Subject-wise Analysis

JEE Main 2026 28 January Exam Analysis FAQs

When was the JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 exam conducted on January 28?

The JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (BTech) exam on January 28 was conducted in two shifts: Shift 1 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Shift 2 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

What documents are mandatory on exam day?

Admit card, valid photo ID, and passport-size photograph are mandatory.

Do Shift 1 and Shift 2 have different difficulty levels?

Yes. There is a slight variation, but both shifts remained within the moderate range.

What was the overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2026 January 28 exam?

Overall, the paper ranged from moderate to difficult. Shift 1 was considered lengthier, while Shift 2 was rated moderate by most candidates.

Which shift was more difficult on January 28, 2026?

According to student feedback, Shift 1 appeared slightly tougher and more time-consuming compared to Shift 2.
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