JEE Mains 2026 Exam Paper Analysis – JEE Main 2026 exam will be held on 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28 January, 2026. As soon as each session concludes, students eagerly look forward to knowing the difficulty level, the types of questions asked, and the chapter-wise weightage. To help you with this, we will provide a detailed JEE Main 2026 January, 21st Session 1 paper analysis. This analysis will encompass question-solving, paper assessment, chapter-wise weightage, subject-specific insights, and an overall evaluation of the exam’s difficulty level. Our JEE Main 2026 Today Paper Analysis will include real-time insights from Shiksha Nation experts and feedback from students who appeared in the exam.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 live paper analysis will be conducted by subject experts at Shiksha Nation and will be based on the performance of students appearing for the exam. For session 1 of JEE Main 2026, we will provide JEE Mains 2026 exam analysis for both shift 1 and shift 2. This comprehensive analysis of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects will assist students in gauging the difficulty level of questions and understanding the weightage assigned to various topics. It’s important to note that the JEE Main 2026 January, 21st paper analysis is derived from the experiences of students actively participating in the examination.
| Check JEE Main 2026 Exam Paper Analysis | |
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| JEE Main 2026 Exam 24th January Paper Analysis | JEE Main 2026 Exam 28th January Paper Analysis |
JEE Main 2026 January, 21st Shift Wise, Session 1
The JEE Main Exam 2026 Session 1 was conducted in two shifts on January 21, 2026. Shift 1 of the paper was held from 9 am to 12 noon, while shift 2 was held from 3 pm to 6 pm. The JEE Main Exam is an all-India engineering entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as a gateway for admission into prestigious engineering colleges, including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and other top engineering institutions across India.
| Particulars | First Shift | Second Shift |
| JEE Main 2026 21st January Session 1 Exam Time | 9:00 am to 12 noon | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
| Entry Time into the examination centre | 7:30 am to 8:30 am | 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm |
| JEE Main 2026 instructions given by the invigilator | 8:30 am to 8:50 am | 2:30 pm to 2:50 pm |
| Candidate login to read instructions | 8:50 am | 2:50 pm |
| Commencement of JEE Main 2026 21st January Session 1 exam | 9:00 am | 3:00 pm |
JEE Main 2026 Paper Analysis January, 21st – Session 1
Let us walk you through the paper analysis of JEE Main 2026 January, 21st Session 1 for both shifts, covering the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
JEE Main 2026 Question Paper for January, 21st – Shift 1 – Download PDF
The shift one of the JEE Main 2026 January, 21st Session 1 was held from 9 am to 12 noon. Check Today JEE Main 2026 Difficulty Level 22nd Jan, Shift 1st –
Shift 1 – Physics:
- The physics section in Session 1 was considered moderately challenging.
- Questions were evenly distributed across various topics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics.
- Some questions required a deep understanding of concepts, making time management crucial.
Shift 1 – Chemistry:
- Chemistry in the first shift was generally regarded as manageable.
- The paper covered organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry topics.
- Questions ranged from factual to conceptual, with a focus on application-based problem-solving.
Shift 1 – Mathematics:
- The mathematics section in Session 1 was perceived as moderate to difficult.
- Questions covered a wide range of topics, such as calculus, algebra, and coordinate geometry.
- Problem-solving skills and a good grasp of mathematical concepts were crucial.
Also Check – JEE Main Application: Top 10 Tips to Avoid Mistakes – 2026 Guide
JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026 (21st Jan) Difficulty Level – Day 1 Shift 1
JEE Main Day 1 Shift 1 concludes at 12 PM. Candidates can check the detailed analysis for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics Difficulty Level below:
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Topics Covered |
| Physics | Moderate | Rotation, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics (3-4 questions), Atoms and Nuclei |
| Chemistry | Easy to moderate | P-Block, D-Block, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Co-ordinatation Compounds |
| Mathematics | Lengthy | Permutation & Combination, Integration, Geometry |
JEE Main 2026 January 21st Shift 1 Subject -Wise Analysis
| Subjects | Topics | Difficulty Level |
| Physics | Units & Measurement, Motion in a Straight Line, Motion in a plane, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, and Power, Gravitation, Mechanical Properties of Solis and Fluids, Thermal Properties of Matter, Electrostatic potential and capacitance, Electric charges and fields, Moving charges and magnetism, Magnetism and matter, Ray optics and optical instruments, Semiconductor electronics: Materials; devices and simple circuits | Easy |
| Mathematics | Sets and Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorems, Sequence and Series, Straight Lines, Conic Sections, Circles, Matrices, Continuity and Differentiability, Indefinite Integration, Applications of Integrals | Moderate |
| Chemistry | Moderate |
JEE Mains 2026 21 Jan Shift 2 Paper Analysis
JEE mains 2026, 21 jan shift 2 paper was held from 3 pm to 6 pm. Check difficulty level of jee mains 2026 Today 21st Jan, Shift 2nd –
JEE Mains 2026 January 21 Shift 2 Paper has concluded, and students are eager to understand the difficulty level of JEE Mains 2026 and the key takeaways from the exam. In this analysis, we will break down the JEE Main Shift 2 Paper 2026, examine the shift-wise difficulty level, and explore important insights into the expected cutoff of JEE Mains 2026.
JEE Mains 2026 21 Jan Shift 2 paper was a mix of moderate and slightly challenging questions. Compared to previous sessions, the difficulty level of JEE Mains 2026 was relatively balanced, with some sections being slightly tougher than others. Students found the Physics section to be more challenging, while Chemistry was considered moderately easy. The Mathematics section had a good balance, with some tricky questions.
JEE Main 2026 Question Paper for January, 21st – Shift 2 – Download PDF
Shift 2 – Physics:
- Physics in the second shift was somewhat challenging.
- Questions were well-distributed among various topics, including optics, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
- A strong conceptual understanding was required for some questions.
Shift 2 – Chemistry:
- Chemistry in shift 2 was generally considered manageable.
- Questions encompassed organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
- A balance of factual and application-based questions was observed.
Shift 2 – Mathematics:
- The mathematics section in shift 2 was perceived as moderately difficult.
- Questions covered a wide spectrum of topics, including calculus, algebra, and trigonometry.
- A strategic approach and time management were essential.
Also Read – JEE Mathematics Revision: How to Revise Chapters Efficiently
JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 Subject -Wise Analysis
| Subjects | Paper Analysis | Difficulty Level |
| Physics | The physics part was of moderate to difficult level as some good assertion-reasoning questions were there. Questions from Modern Physics, Work Power and Energy, Fluids and Thermodynamics were there in the paper. Most of the questions were asked from the 12th class syllabus. If somebody has gone through the PYQs of the previous year’s papers, he/she will have an upper hand in the paper. | Moderate to Difficult |
| Chemistry | The paper was by and large based on NCERT books. Very few questions in this shift were asked from Organic chemistry. Most of the questions were from the Physical Chemistry part. 2-3 questions were asked from d-block elements. Questions from prominent chapters like Thermodynamics, Bonding Alkyl and Aryl halides were asked. Overall coverage of the chapters was uniform. | Easy |
| Mathematics | Mathematics paper was moderate to difficult just like the Shift-1 paper. Questions from Algebra were dominant in the paper. A good number of questions were asked from Vectors, 3D and Limits, Continuity and Differentiability. Questions from Integration and Matrix and Determinants were there in the paper. Almost all the topics were covered. | Moderate to Difficult |
In both shifts of JEE Main 2026 January, 21st Session 1, candidates were tested not only on their knowledge but also on their problem-solving abilities and time management skills. It’s crucial to maintain composure during the exam and attempt questions wisely.
JEE Main 2026 Paper Analysis for Session 1 provides valuable insights into the exam’s difficulty level and question distribution. Aspiring engineers should use this information to fine-tune their preparation strategies and focus on areas that need improvement. Remember, practice, and a thorough understanding of concepts are the keys to success in this challenging examination.
Why You Should Refer to JEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis?
- Track Your Progress: After taking the exam, refer to the JEE Mains 2026 exam analysis to evaluate your performance. Understanding the difficulty level of each section and subject can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Learn from Shift-wise Feedback: With our detailed JEE Main 2026 session 1 analysis for both shift 1st and 2nd shift, you can compare how each shift differed and adjust your preparation strategies accordingly.
- Detailed Insights from Shiksha Nation: Shiksha Nation experts will provide a detailed evaluation of the paper, including subject-wise difficulty and key trends that emerged from the JEE Main 2026 January, 21st session 1 paper.
Must Read – JEE Main 2026 Registration
JEE Main 2026 January 21st Session 1 Live Paper Analysis
Once the exam is over, stay tuned for the JEE Main 2026 January, 21st live paper analysis conducted by Shiksha Nation. This will be an in-depth discussion based on the shift 1 and shift 2 analysis. Our team of experts will highlight key takeaways, including:
- Topic Distribution: What chapters were covered the most, and what was the weightage of each topic?
- Question Patterns: A breakdown of the types of questions asked in shift 1 and shift 2 of JEE Main 2026 January, 21st session 1.
- Difficulty Level Comparison: We will compare the difficulty level of shift 1st and 2nd shift to help you assess how challenging the exam was.
Understanding JEE Main 2026 Exam Trends
As per previous years’ trends, JEE Main 2026 is expected to have a moderate difficulty level overall. In Session 1 of JEE Main 2026, most of the questions came from Class 12 chapters, while Session 2 focused more on Class 11 chapters. Students can expect a similar distribution of topics in JEE Main 2026, so it is crucial to have a well-balanced study plan covering both Class 11 and Class 12 topics.
How to Use the JEE Main 2026 January, 21st Paper Analysis
- Review the Shift-wise Breakdown: After the exam, use the JEE Main 2026 session 1 paper analysis to assess how the difficulty level varied between shift 1st and 2nd shift. This will help you prepare better for future sessions.
- Focus on Key Chapters: Based on the chapter-wise weightage and subject-specific insights, you can revise important chapters that were frequently tested in JEE Main 2026.
- Evaluate Performance Using Difficulty Level: Use the difficulty level analysis to understand where you can improve. Did you find any subject or topic particularly difficult? Now is the time to revisit those areas.
JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Analysis and Student Feedback (OUT Soon)
Here is the analysis and student reactions for JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1:
The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 exam featured strict frisking at several exam centers, with no handkerchiefs or jewelry allowed inside.
Most students found the overall paper to be easy, and there were no technical issues during the Computer-Based Test (CBT). In Physics, questions covered topics such as thermal physics, projectile motion, circuits, diodes, electromagnetic waves, and modern physics. Mathematics was easy but lengthy, while Chemistry was also considered easy. Many students are hopeful of scoring above 200.
Topics covered in Shift 1:
- Mathematics: Statistics, Probability, Vectors and 3D Geometry, Matrices and Determinants
- Physics: De Broglie wavelength, SMR, Potentiometer, Ray Optics, Heat, Semiconductor
- Chemistry: Mole concept, Catalysts, Biomolecules. Organic and Physical Chemistry had more weightage.
Initial feedback from students indicated that Mathematics was lengthy, while Physics and Chemistry were rated as easy to moderate. The exam was similar to the JEE Main January 27 exam from the previous year.
JEE Mains 2026 Topics Covered in Question Paper (Out Soon)
JEE Main 2026 Question Paper Shift 1st – Chemistry Topics Covered
January 21, 2026, 12:29 IST
The JEE Main 2026 Physics section included questions on the following topics:
- A heavier focus on Class 12 material
- Thermal Physics
- Newton’s Laws of Motion (NLM) and Projectile Motion
- Circuits
- Diodes
- Electromagnetic Waves (EM Waves)
- Modern Physics, including approximately 2 questions on De Broglie’s theory
For the Chemistry section, the following topics were covered:
- Energy-related topics
- Radioactive decay
- Chemical Kinetics, with a specific question on Catalysis.
Expert Insights on JEE Main 2026 Exam
Experts pointed out the importance of using peer-reviewed study materials and online platforms for practice during preparation. They advised focusing on key chapters, analyzing current trends in engineering exams, and utilizing memory-based question analysis to target and improve weaker areas.
JEE Main Cutoff Trends and Admissions
The expected JEE Main cutoff trends for admissions are in line with previous years, influenced by the NTA’s exam difficulty level and student performance. A thorough review of past sessions and performance data helps in setting realistic expectations and goals.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Updated)
The UGC has introduced updates to the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B. Aspirants planning to take the exam can review the revised exam pattern in the table provided below.
| JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| Paper | Sections | Number of Questions | Marks | Exam Duration |
| Paper 1 | Physics | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs | 100 | 3 hours |
| – | Chemistry | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs | 100 | – |
| – | Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs | 100 | – |
| – | Total | 75 Questions | 300 | – |
| Paper 2A | Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs | 100 | 3 hours |
| – | Aptitude | 50 Questions | 200 | – |
| – | Drawing | 2 Questions | 100 | – |
| – | Total | 77 Questions | 400- | – |
| Paper 2B | Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs | 100 | 3 hours |
| – | Aptitude | 50 Questions | 200 | – |
| – | Planning Based Questions | 25 Questions | 100 | – |
| – | Total | 95 Questions | 400 | – |
JEE Main 2025 Exam Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2025 Exam Paper Analysis provides valuable insights into the exam’s difficulty level, subject-wise weightage, and the types of questions asked. Students can check JEE Main 2025 Exam Paper Analysis for key dates such as January 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2025 to evaluate the performance trends across shifts. Detailed analysis covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, highlighting challenging topics and the weightage distribution. By understanding the JEE Mains 2025 Paper Analysis of 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, students can effectively prepare for upcoming sessions and refine their strategies for achieving better results.
JEE Main 2026 Paper Analysis (21st January) FAQs
1. What is the difficulty level of JEE Mains 2026?
Ans: As per the JEE Main 2026 paper analysis, the overall difficulty level of JEE Mains 2026 is expected to be moderate, similar to previous years. Based on student feedback and expert analysis, Physics was reported as moderate to difficult, Chemistry was easy to moderate and largely NCERT-based, while Mathematics was considered lengthy and moderate to difficult. The difficulty level may vary slightly across different shifts and sessions.
2. Who got 99.97 percentile in JEE Mains?
Ans: As of now, the official JEE Main 2026 results and toppers list have not been released by NTA. Therefore, the name of the candidate who scored 99.97 percentile in JEE Mains 2026 is not officially available. Percentile-wise toppers are declared only after the result announcement on the official NTA JEE Main website. Students are advised to rely only on verified and official sources.
3. What is the 80/20 rule in JEE Mains?
Ans: The 80/20 rule in JEE Mains preparation is a popular strategy based on the Pareto Principle. It suggests that around 80% of questions in the exam come from 20% of important chapters. By identifying and mastering high-weightage topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, students can maximize their scores efficiently. However, for JEE Main 2026, a balanced preparation covering both Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus is still essential.
4. Where can I download JEE Main 2026 Jan 21st Shift 1 and 2 question paper PDF with solutions?
Ans: Students can download the JEE Main 2026 January 21st Shift 1 and Shift 2 question paper PDFs with solutions from:
- The official NTA JEE Main website (after release)
- Reputed educational platforms and coaching institutes
- Trusted exam analysis portals providing memory-based solutions
Always ensure that the PDFs are from reliable and updated sources to avoid incorrect answers.
5. How to download JEE Main 2026 question papers for all shifts?
Ans: To download JEE Main 2026 question papers for all shifts, follow these steps:
- Visit the official NTA JEE Main website
- Click on the “JEE Main 2026 Question Papers” link
- Select the session, date, and shift
- Download the PDF question paper and answer key
Alternatively, Shiksha Nation educational website also provide shift-wise JEE Main 2026 question papers with solutions for practice and analysis.
6. Is JEE Main 2026 tougher than JEE Main 2025?
Ans: Based on early trends and session-wise analysis, JEE Main 2026 is neither significantly tougher nor easier than JEE Main 2025. The exam follows a balanced difficulty level, with some shifts being slightly more challenging, especially in Mathematics.
7. Which subject is scoring in JEE Main 2026?
Ans: According to student reactions and expert reviews, Chemistry is considered the most scoring subject in JEE Main 2026, as many questions are directly based on NCERT textbooks, especially in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
8. Is JEE Main 2026 fully based on NCERT syllabus?
Ans: Yes, the JEE Main 2026 syllabus is strictly aligned with the NCERT curriculum for Class 11 and Class 12. Most Chemistry questions and a significant portion of Physics and Mathematics questions are derived from NCERT concepts and examples.