
JEE Main Exam 2026 LIVE Updates: National Testing Agency (NTA) successfully conducted the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examinations from January 21 to January 29, 2026. The BE/BTech (Paper 1) exams were held in both morning and afternoon shifts on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, while the BArch and BPlanning (Paper 2A & 2B) examination took place in a single morning shift on January 29. The question papers and shift-wise exam analysis for every Session 1 exam are available here.
| JEE MAIN 2026 Session 1 Exam Analysis, Question Paper | ||
| Exam Date | Exam Analysis, Difficulty Level (Shift 1, Shift 2) | Question paper |
| 21 January | Click Here | Click Here |
| 22 January | Click Here | |
| 23 January | Click Here | |
| 24 January | Click Here | |
| 28 January | Click Here | |
| 29 January | Click Here | Click Here |
JEE Main Rank Predictor 2026 by Physics Wallah helps candidates estimate their expected JEE Main rank based on their score out of 300. Using advanced algorithms and previous years’ data, the tool provides a probable rank to help students assess their performance and plan college choices for the counselling process more effectively.
Direct Link: JEE Main Rank Predictor 2026
Candidates appearing for JEE Main must strictly follow the official NTA exam-day guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free examination process. Adhering to reporting time, document verification, and examination hall instructions is mandatory. Failure to follow these rules may lead to delay, entry restriction, or disqualification from the exam.
Report to the examination centre at least 2 hours before the exam starts.
Proceed to your allotted seat immediately once the exam hall opens.
Carry a valid JEE Main admit card and approved photo ID for verification.
Entry will be denied without proper documents.
In case of any technical issue during the CBT, inform the invigilator immediately.
For security and fairness, NTA has placed strict restrictions on items allowed inside the examination hall. Candidates found carrying prohibited items may face cancellation of candidature. It is advised to leave all restricted materials at home to avoid inconvenience at the exam centre.
Electronic devices: Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, earphones, cameras.
Stationery items: Geometry boxes, pencil boxes, log tables, slide rules.
Personal belongings: Handbags, purses, wallets, printed or written material.
Food & beverages: Any eatables or water, whether packed or loose.
Last updated on 1:45 PM, 29 January 2026
Topics & Focus:
Physical concepts and Ray Optics dominated the section.
Question Type:
Most questions were assertion–reason based or simple one-line statements.
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate.
Observations:
Physics was widely regarded as the easiest section. Focused practice on Ray Optics proved especially useful.
Topics & Focus:
Questions were largely drawn from Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.
Question Type:
Mostly standard questions, with PYQs offering limited support.
Difficulty:
Moderate.
Observations:
Chemistry demands careful preparation, as many PYQs did not closely align with the paper pattern.
Topics & Focus:
Calculus and other advanced topics featured prominently.
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate; questions were conceptually simple but time-consuming.
Observations:
Effective time management is crucial. Practicing lengthy, high-level papers helps improve both speed and accuracy.
Last updated on 1:45 PM, 28 January 2026
Focus Areas: Physical concepts and Ray Optics.
Question Type: Mainly one-line statements and assertion-reason questions.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Insight: Physics was the easiest section overall. Targeted practice on Ray Optics can help improve scores.
Focus Areas: Organic and Inorganic chemistry.
Question Type: Standard questions; previous year questions (PYQs) were partially helpful.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Insight: Chemistry needs careful practice, as many PYQs may not match the current paper’s pattern.
Focus Areas: Calculus and other advanced topics.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; questions were straightforward but sometimes lengthy.
Insight: Time management is important. Practicing long, high-level papers improves speed and accuracy.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Observation: Students could attempt a good number of questions comfortably.
Preparation Tip: Focus on practicing realistic, challenging papers rather than relying only on PYQs.
Last updated on 7:35 PM, 28 January 2026
Based on student feedback and expert insights, the overall paper was assessed as easy to moderate, with noticeable variations across subjects. The paper included several multiple-correct and reasoning-based questions, which added complexity and consumed extra time for many candidates. Accuracy played a key role in attempting the paper effectively.
Overall Paper: Moderate
Attempt Level: Reasonable; accuracy crucial
Student Feedback: Physics was manageable, Chemistry posed the biggest challenge
Considered the easiest and most balanced section
Questions were largely formula-based and concept-driven
Topics covered: Mechanics, Modern Physics, Fluids, Electricity, Capacitors, Semiconductors, Logic Gates, and Errors
A few Optics questions (microscope, telescope) were surprising, as they appeared less frequently in recent years
Overall: Scoring and student-friendly
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Emerged as the most challenging section
Included statement-based and multiple-correct questions
High weightage topics: Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, General Organic Chemistry (GOC), and Inorganic Chemistry
Closely related options and numerical/mixed-concept questions increased confusion
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Lengthy but conceptually standard, no major surprises
Major focus: Vectors, Calculus, Integration, Relations, Probability, Quadratic Equations, Sequences
Vector and Calculus questions were more time-consuming
Overall: Paper followed the usual JEE Main trend
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Last updated on 12:45 PM, 28 January 2026
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 28 Shift 1 paper was broadly perceived as easy to moderate, with time management being the primary challenge across all subjects. While concepts were generally straightforward, lengthy calculations and multi-step problems limited the number of questions candidates could attempt.
Physics Analysis
Chemistry Analysis
Mathematics Analysis
Overall Insights
Last updated on 7:30 PM, 24 January 2026
The JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 2 Paper Analysis provides insights into the difficulty level, topic distribution, and question pattern across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. As per students’ feedback, the paper followed NTA’s recent trend of concept-based questions, with an overall moderate difficulty level. Balanced preparation with strong conceptual clarity proved beneficial in this shift.
The Physics paper in Shift 2 was rated moderate by most candidates. The majority of questions were formula-based yet concept-driven, requiring a clear understanding of fundamentals rather than rote learning. Students who focused on concepts and standard problem-solving approaches found the paper manageable.
Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work–Energy, Gravitation)
Electrostatics (calculation-intensive)
Ray Optics
Current Electricity
Magnetism
Modern Physics
Fluids
Overall, Physics demanded conceptual clarity with accurate calculations, making time management important.
The Chemistry section was also of moderate difficulty. Questions were largely aligned with NCERT textbooks, reinforcing the importance of NCERT-based preparation along with conceptual understanding.
Physical Chemistry: Included conceptual and time-consuming numerical problems.
Organic Chemistry: Carried significant weightage, with questions on IUPAC nomenclature and core concepts.
Inorganic Chemistry: Featured twisted and conceptual questions, testing students’ depth of understanding.
Students with strong NCERT coverage and conceptual clarity performed well in this section.
The Mathematics paper aimed to test problem-solving skills and conceptual application. While a detailed topic-wise review is awaited, the overall difficulty level was perceived as moderate, consistent with recent JEE Main trends. Accuracy and logical approach played a key role in scoring.
The JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 2 paper maintained a balanced structure across all three subjects, favoring concept-based preparation over rote memorization. Students are advised to strengthen fundamentals and practice varied question types for upcoming shifts.
Last updated on 12:30 PM, 24 January 2026
he first shift of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination conducted on January 24 was completed successfully across all centres. Based on student feedback and expert reviews, the overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1 question paper was reported to be moderate to difficult. The analysis below highlights subject-wise difficulty and key observations.
The Physics section in JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1 focused on core concepts from Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics. Questions were largely numerical and required multi-step calculations, making the section moderate but time-consuming. Students reported that while the questions were conceptually straightforward, effective time management was crucial to attempt the section comfortably.
The Chemistry section included a balanced mix of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry topics. Key areas such as Thermodynamics, Chemical Reactions, and Periodic Properties were prominently featured. According to student feedback and faculty review of memory-based questions, the Chemistry section was easy to moderate, with several direct and formula-based questions.
The Mathematics section tested candidates on Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, and Vectors through MCQs and numerical questions. As the exam is still ongoing across other shifts, a detailed Mathematics analysis will be released after the completion of all Session 1 examinations, based on consolidated student feedback.
Last updated on 7:30 PM, 23 January 2026
The paper was Moderate, well-balanced across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, making it manageable for well-prepared students.
Physics:
Rated Easy to Moderate; formula-based and concept-driven questions made it the most scoring section.
Physics Topics:
Covered Mechanics, Modern Physics, Semiconductors & Logic Gates, Current Electricity, Capacitors, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Elasticity, Sound Waves, and Optics.
Chemistry:
Rated Moderate; NCERT-based questions dominated, with a balanced mix of Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry.
Chemistry Highlights:
Focus on Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, Organic Reactions, and Numerical-based Physical Chemistry. Questions included single-correct, multi-correct, and numerical types.
Mathematics:
Rated Moderate; mostly concept-based questions from Vectors & 3D Geometry, Quadratic Equations, Probability, Relations & Functions, Limits & Continuity, Differential Calculus, and Sequences & Series.
Notable Observations:
Physics had a rare Microscope/Optics question; Chemistry and Maths followed standard patterns without major surprises.
Scoring Trend:
All sections were attemptable, and time management played a key role in maximizing scores.
Last updated on 1:00 PM, 23 January 2026
The JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 1 paper was moderate to tough overall. While certain sections were straightforward, others demanded careful reading and effective time management. Accuracy and speed both played a crucial role in maximizing attempts.
| Subject-Wise Difficulty Level – Jan 22 Shift 1 | |
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
| Physics | Moderate |
| Chemistry | Moderate |
| Mathematics | Easy to Moderate |
Chemistry was rated moderate and focused more on conceptual understanding than lengthy calculations. Organic and Inorganic Chemistry dominated the section.
Higher weightage compared to other chemistry branches
Included multi-step reaction-based questions
Two questions involved multiple reactions, while the rest were single-step or theory-based
Required strong command over reaction mechanisms and concepts
Relatively fewer questions, but statement-based questions (4–5) increased difficulty
Coordination chemistry had limited presence
Questions from Periodic Table trends, including ionization energy of Chromium and Manganese, were reported
Conceptual clarity and careful interpretation were essential
Mostly numerical-based questions
Calculations were short and direct
Answers were largely integers, with no lengthy calculations
Time-efficient for students with basic formula clarity
Physics was easy to average and considered scoring by many students.
Ray Optics: 2–3 questions
Modern Physics: 2–3 questions
Fluid Mechanics: 2–3 questions, including a surface tension/liquid formula-based problem
Minor formula inconsistency in Fluid Mechanics required extra caution
Most students were able to complete Physics in around 50 minutes, making it one of the quickest sections.
Mathematics was lengthy but manageable, following the usual JEE Main trend.
Standard difficulty level
Some high-weightage chapters had fewer questions
Required multiple steps and strong time management
Well-prepared students could attempt 30–40 questions
Students largely followed a round-wise strategy:
Round 1: Easy questions
Round 2: Medium-level questions
Round 3: Moderate to tough questions
This approach helped in maximizing attempts while minimizing errors across all three subjects.
Chemistry: Moderate; Organic and Inorganic dominant; Physical Chemistry had short numericals
Physics: Easy to average; formula-based and time-saving
Mathematics: Lengthy but standard; required patience and planning
Overall: The shift was challenging yet solvable for students who maintained accuracy, managed time well, and followed a structured attempt strategy
Last updated on 7:00 PM, 22 January 2026
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination held on January 22 (Shift 2) has concluded smoothly across centres. Based on early student reactions, the paper was balanced and tested both conceptual understanding and application skills.
| Subject-Wise Difficulty Level – Jan 22 Shift 2 | |
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
| Physics | Easy to Moderate |
| Chemistry | Moderate |
| Mathematics | Moderate |
Many students completed Physics in around 50 minutes
Questions were mainly from Ray Optics, Modern Physics, and Fluid Mechanics
Fewer questions from traditionally high-weightage chapters
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry had higher weightage
Physical Chemistry contributed fewer questions, mostly short numericals
Statement-based questions appeared in Inorganic Chemistry
Section was lengthy and time-consuming
Questions followed the usual JEE Main pattern and required strong time management
Last updated on 1:00 PM, 22 January 2026
Subject-Wise JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam for January 22 (Shift 1) was conducted smoothly. Based on initial student reactions, the overall difficulty level of the question paper was easy to moderate, largely testing candidates’ fundamental understanding of core concepts. The analysis below is compiled from student feedback and expert reviews.
| Subject-Wise Difficulty Level – Jan 22 Shift 1 | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
| Physics | Moderate |
| Chemistry | Moderate |
| Mathematics | Moderate |
The Physics section covered key topics such as Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics. Questions included a mix of MCQs and numerical-based problems. As per students, the paper was moderate, with a stronger emphasis on conceptual clarity rather than lengthy calculations.
Chemistry featured a balanced distribution of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic questions, focusing on areas like Thermodynamics, Chemical Reactions, and Periodic Properties. Students found the section comprehensive and moderately difficult, aligning well with the prescribed syllabus.
The Mathematics section tested concepts from Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, and Vectors through MCQs and numerical questions. The exam was completed successfully, and a detailed difficulty analysis will be shared soon after consolidating student feedback.
Last updated on 06:31 PM, 21 January 2026
Based on student feedback, the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 paper was rated moderate overall, with noticeable variation across subjects. Physics was largely doable, Chemistry was moderate, while Mathematics proved to be the toughest and most time-consuming section for the majority of candidates.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Physics was considered simpler compared to Maths and manageable within time.
Key Topics Asked:
Modern Physics (2–3 questions)
Thermodynamics (2–3 questions)
Optics (low weightage; many attempted only 1 question)
Numerical questions were mostly direct and formula-based.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Chemistry had a balanced distribution, with Inorganic and Physical Chemistry dominating.
Organic Chemistry weightage was lower than usual, with candidates reporting only 3–4 questions.
Inorganic Chemistry Topics:
Coordination Compounds (2 questions)
Chemical Bonding (2 questions)
P-block (2 questions)
Periodic Properties (Ionisation energy-based)
Question Type:
2 statement-based questions
No match-the-column or regional-type questions
Overall, Chemistry was doable but slightly tricky due to conceptual statements.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough
Maths was described as lengthy and time-consuming, making it the most challenging section.
Major Topics Covered:
Matrices (2 questions)
Vector Algebra (2 questions)
Calculus had relatively higher weightage
Some questions involved integer-type answers and rounding off.
Though questions were solvable, answers were not easily reachable, increasing time pressure.
Overall Level: Moderate
Comparison with Shift 1: Shift 2 was reported to be slightly easier than the morning shift, but Maths remained tough.
Last updated on 12:55 PM, 21 January 2026
first shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 saw students sharing their reactions immediately after the exam. While most found Physics to be easy and Mathematics moderately challenging, Chemistry emerged as the toughest section, mainly due to multiple-option questions, tricky inorganic and physical chemistry numericals, and time-consuming problem formats. Aspirants reported that Chemistry required extra caution and careful time management compared to other subjects.
1. Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Topics Covered: Bernoulli’s principle, Optics (Microscope, Telescope), Laws of Motion, Electrodynamics
Observation: Questions were mostly standard; easy to moderate. Good attempt possible. Rough work provided by center.
Estimated Attempts: 40–45
Comments: Straightforward numericals; well-balanced coverage.
2. Mathematics
Difficulty: Moderate
Topics Covered: Vectors, 3D Geometry, Calculus (less emphasized)
Observation: Questions focused more on 3D and vector problems; calculus questions were fewer than usual. Moderate level; required careful calculation.
Estimated Attempts: 38–42
Comments: Balanced mix of conceptual and numerical problems; manageable with preparation.
3. Chemistry
Difficulty: Tough
Topics Covered: Inorganic (Coordination Chemistry, Chemical Bonding), Organic, Physical
Observation:
High number of multiple-option questions (some with 5–7 options).
Inorganic dominated, mostly coordination and bonding questions.
Physical chemistry included numerical/integer type questions with rounding rules.
Organic chemistry was moderate.
Estimated Attempts: 30–35
Comments: Confusing question formats; high time-consuming. Chemistry was the toughest section of the paper.
4. Overall Paper
Level: Between Moderate and Tough
Length: Lengthy paper; required careful time management.
Expected Percentile Marks: 180–200 for 99 percentile range.
Key Takeaway: Physics was scoring, Maths was moderate, and Chemistry was the differentiator.