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JEE Main 2026 Question Paper – 21 January Shift 2 Analysis & Difficulty Level: Know Before Tomorrow’s Exam

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam has concluded, and the detailed question paper analysis is now available. This review covers section-wise difficulty, topic trends, and overall paper level, helping candidates appearing in upcoming shifts plan smarter for tomorrow’s exam.

 

authorImageRoshni Yadav21 Jan, 2026
jee-main-paper-analysis

JEE Main 2026 Question Paper 21 January Shift 2 Analysis: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination for January 21 Shift 2 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in CBT mode. The paper comprised 75 questions for a total of 300 marks, equally divided among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This JEE Main Shift 2 exam analysis presents an early overview of the overall difficulty level, question patterns, and subject-wise trends. As per initial student feedback, the difficulty level remained largely consistent with Shift 1, with no major surprises. Students appearing in upcoming shifts, especially tomorrow’s exam, are strongly advised to go through this analysis to understand topic focus, question style, and exam approach, as it can help fine-tune last-minute revision and exam strategy.

 JEE Main 2026 - 21 January Shift 2 Exam Analysis Highlights

JEE Main is an online engineering entrance test organised twice a year. Candidates get 75 questions in JEE Main to solve in 3 hours. It is an online-based exam. JEE Main scores help candidates take admission in the engineering institutions in India. 

JEE Main 2026 - 21 January Shift 3 Analysis Overview
Exam Name Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2026
Authority Name National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Date 21 January 2026
Exam Duration 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Subjects Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Total Questions 75 Questions (25 per subject)
Total Marks 300 Marks
Marking Scheme +4 for Correct Answer; -1 for Incorrect Answer; 0 for Unattempted
Official Website jeemain.nta.nic.in

Overall Difficulty Level of JEE Main 2026 – 21 January Shift 2

The overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2026 – 21 January Shift 2 is assessed as Moderate. The examination was conducted in CBT mode following the standard NTA pattern. Based on early inputs and neutral student feedback, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics were all found to be moderate in difficulty, with a balanced mix of conceptual and application-based questions. A more detailed, section-wise evaluation will be updated here shortly after the review process is fully completed.

Subject-Wise JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 Paper Analysis

The subject-wise JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 paper analysis is now available following a detailed review of all three sections—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This analysis covers the overall paper pattern, topic-wise distribution, question trends, and section-level difficulty, based on verified student feedback and expert evaluation. Candidates can use this breakdown to understand the exam structure and fine-tune their strategy for upcoming shifts.

Physics Question Paper Analysis – Shift 2

The JEE Main 21 January 2026 Shift 2 Physics paper analysis is now live. Based on student feedback and initial review, the Physics section was of moderate difficulty and largely formula-oriented, with a strong focus on core concepts and direct numerical-based problems. Most questions were manageable for well-prepared students, and a balanced mix of conceptual and calculation-based questions was observed. Detailed topic-wise insights and numerical value question analysis are updated here. Key topics included Modern Physics and Thermodynamics, with 2-3 questions each. 

Chemistry Question Paper Analysis – Shift 2

Based on student feedback, the Chemistry section had a balanced structure with a higher weightage from Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, while Organic Chemistry had comparatively lower representation with around 3–4 questions. Inorganic Chemistry questions were mainly from Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, P-block elements, and Periodic Properties, including ionisation energy–based concepts. The paper included a few statement-based questions and did not feature match-the-column or region-based formats. Overall, the section was moderate in difficulty and slightly tricky due to concept-based statements rather than direct factual questions.

Mathematics Question Paper Analysis – Shift 2

Based on student feedback, the Mathematics section was lengthy and time-consuming, making it the most challenging part of the paper. Calculus carried comparatively higher weightage, while Matrices and Vector Algebra contributed multiple questions. A few problems were of integer-type and involved rounding-off, which increased calculation effort and time consumption. Although the questions were conceptually solvable, many required multi-step calculations, testing students’ speed and accuracy.

Topics Asked in JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) – 21 January Shift 2

Physics Topics

Thermodynamics
Ray Optics
Modern Physics (Potential & Wavelength-based)
Current Electricity
Kinematics (Relative Motion)
Circular Motion
Electrostatics
Fluids

Chemistry Topics

Chapter / Topic
Coordination Compounds
Chemical Bonding
P-Block Elements
Periodic Table & Periodicity
Ionisation Energy & Electron Gain Energy
Organic Chemistry (Reaction-based – MnO₂, Properties, Activation Energy)
Colligative Properties
Solutions]

Mathematics Topics

Vectors & 3D Geometry
Matrices
Integers
Quadratic Equations
Complex Numbers
Differentiation
Coordinate Geometry (General)
Tangent & Normal
Parabola
Circle
Inverse Trigonometric Functions & Standard Relations

Comparison With Other JEE Main Shifts (Session 1)

Based on early student feedback, JEE Main 2026 – 21 January Shift 2 is considered to be at a similar difficulty level compared to the other shift conducted on the same day. Students felt that the overall paper maintained a moderate and balanced structure, without any unexpected deviation from the standard NTA pattern. While subject-wise variations existed in terms of length and time management, the shift is not viewed as significantly tougher or easier, and is expected to remain well-aligned within Session 1 normalisation benchmarks.

What This Shift’s Paper Indicates for Students

Main 2026, 21 January key topics and question patterns preferred by the NTA. Reviewing the JEE Main 21 Jan 2026 question paper analysis can help students fine-tune last-minute preparation by prioritising high-weightage areas and improving speed and accuracy in numerical-based questions.

JEE Main 2026 Question Paper 21 January Shift 2 FAQs

What is JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2?

It refers to the evening session of the JEE Main 2026 exam conducted on 21 January under Session 1.

Where can I check the JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 paper details?

Shift-wise details such as question paper, analysis, and updates are provided on the same page once available.

Why is Shift 2 analysis important for students?

Shift 2 analysis helps candidates understand the exam pattern, paper structure, and overall trend followed by NTA in that session.
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