JEE Main 2026 Session 1 vs Session 2: Difficulty Level, Pattern, Student Reaction
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JEE Main 2026 is being conducted in two sessions, giving aspirants an opportunity to improve their performance. While Session 1 was conducted in January 2026, Session 2 started from 2 April 2026 and will continue till 8 April 2026. At this stage, it is important to note that Session 2 is still ongoing. Therefore, the comparison presented here is based on complete data from Session 1 and initial analysis of Session 2 (2 April shifts). A more accurate and final comparison in terms of difficulty level, normalization trends, and easiest/toughest shifts will only be possible after all Session 2 shifts are concluded.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 vs Session 2: Detailed Difficulty Analysis
When comparing both sessions, the overall difficulty level appears largely similar, with only minor variations.
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Session 1 was mostly moderate, with a few easy-to-moderate shifts and one slightly difficult shift.
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Session 2 (so far) is also showing a moderate trend, based on 2 April shifts.
The key difference lies in shift-level variation rather than overall difficulty. For example, while Session 1 had a broader mix (easy to moderate and moderate to difficult), Session 2 has so far remained more uniformly moderate, with slight toughness in Mathematics in one shift.
No major change in overall difficulty; both sessions are balanced.
Also Read: Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam
Session 1 vs Session 2 Subject-wise Comparison (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
Physics
In both sessions, Physics follows a concept-based and formula-driven approach.
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Session 1 included straightforward conceptual and numerical questions.
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Session 2 continues the same trend with moderate-level questions.
Comparison Insight: Physics remains stable and predictable in both sessions, without unexpected difficulty spikes.
Chemistry
Chemistry remains the most scoring subject across both sessions.
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In Session 1, most questions were NCERT-based and direct.
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In Session 2, Chemistry continues to be easy in some shifts, though slightly moderate in others.
Comparison Insight: Chemistry is consistently scoring, with only minor variations in difficulty.
Mathematics
Mathematics continues to be the most challenging section in both sessions.
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Session 1 papers were lengthy and calculation-heavy.
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Session 2 is showing the same pattern, with some shifts slightly tougher.
Comparison Insight: Mathematics remains time-consuming and is still the rank-deciding subject.
Session 1 vs Session 2 Exam Pattern Comparison
There is no change in the exam pattern between Session 1 and Session 2.
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Both sessions include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
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Questions are a mix of MCQs and numerical-based problems
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Negative marking is applicable
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Equal weightage is maintained across subjects
The consistent pattern ensures fairness and allows students to apply the same strategy in both sessions.
Session 1 vs Session 2 Shift-wise Trend Comparison
A closer look at shift-wise data highlights how both sessions compare in terms of variation:
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Session 1 had a wider spread of difficulty (easy to moderate, moderate, and one moderate-to-difficult shift).
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Session 2 (so far) shows a more consistent moderate level, with only slight variation in Mathematics difficulty.
For example:
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2 April Morning shift closely matches typical Session 1 moderate shifts
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2 April Evening shift shows slightly tougher Mathematics compared to average Session 1 shifts
Session 2 currently appears more consistent, but final trends may change after all shifts.
Student Reaction Comparison
Student feedback from both sessions reflects a similar experience overall.
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In Session 1, students found the paper balanced, with Chemistry being scoring and Mathematics time-consuming.
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In Session 2 (early reactions), students are reporting a similar pattern—moderate paper, scoring Chemistry, and lengthy Mathematics.
One slight difference is that some students in Session 2 noted slightly tougher Mathematics in certain shifts, but not a drastic increase in difficulty.