JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026 – Shift Wise Difficulty and Paper Review

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 BE/BTech exams (21–28 January) are complete. On 29 January, Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning), and the combined paper are held in the first shift. The shift-wise difficulty level and detailed analysis of Session 1 are provided here to help students preparing for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (1–10 April 2026).
authorImageSoumya Tiwari29 Jan, 2026
JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 BE/BTech examination has been successfully completed, having been conducted from 21 January to 28 January 2026. On 29 January 2026, candidates appearing for Paper 2A (B.Architecture), Paper 2B (B.Planning), and the combined Paper 2A & 2B (B.Architecture and B.Planning) will take the examination in the first shift.

The shift-wise difficulty level and detailed analysis of JEE Main Session 1 (2026) are provided here to help aspirants understand the exam pattern and question trends. This analysis will be especially useful for students planning to appear in JEE Main 2026 Session 2, which is scheduled to be held from 1 April to 10 April 2026.

Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Question Paper 2026

JEE Main Session 1 2026 – Overall Exam Overview 

Students and teachers often look for a Session 1 analysis to understand the exam structure, subjects, and difficulty level. The session includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, featuring both multiple-choice and numerical-based questions. The first session is designed to ensure smooth conduction across all centers and shifts.

JEE Main Session 1 2026 Overview
Exam Detail Information
Exam duration Conducted over multiple days from 21 January to 29 January 2026
Total exam days Several days within a single session
Total shifts conducted Two shifts per day (Morning and Evening)
Mode of examination Computer Based Test (CBT)
Subjects included Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Question format Objective-type questions as per JEE Main guidelines

Shift-Wise JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026

Below is the shift-wise subject-wise analysis for JEE Main Session 1 2026:

Shift-Wise JEE Main Analysis 2026 (Session 1)
Exam Date Shift Overall Difficulty Physics Chemistry Mathematics
21 Jan 2026 Morning Moderate Conceptual & formula-based, moderate Mostly NCERT-based, scoring Calculation-intensive, moderate to slightly challenging
21 Jan 2026 Evening Moderate Concept-based with numericals NCERT-based, statement-heavy Calculation-heavy and time-consuming
22 Jan 2026 Morning Easy to Moderate Straightforward, concept-based NCERT-based, scoring Calculative but manageable
22 Jan 2026 Evening Moderate Easy to average, less calculation-heavy Most scoring, Organic & Inorganic focused Lengthy and time-consuming
23 Jan 2026 Morning Easy to Moderate Easy to moderate, direct formula-based & basic concepts Moderate, concept-based and syllabus-aligned Lengthy, calculation-heavy, multi-step problems
23 Jan 2026 Evening Moderate Easy to moderate, formula-based and concept-driven Easy to moderate, NCERT-based across all sections Moderate and lengthy, calculation-heavy
24 Jan 2026 Morning Moderate to Difficult Moderate, calculative Easy to Moderate, NCERT-based Moderate, calculation-heavy
24 Jan 2026 Evening Moderate Formula-based, conceptual NCERT-based, scoringLengthy, calculation-heavy Lengthy, calculation-heavy
28 Jan 2026 Morning Moderate Lengthy Easy to Moderate, NCERT Based Moderate and Lengthy
28 Jan 2026 Evening Moderate easy to Moderate Moderate Moderate to Tough

JEE Main Session 1 Student Feedback – Shift 2 (28 January 2026)

According to feedback from students, the JEE Main Session 1 Shift 2 exam conducted on 28 January 2026 had a moderate overall difficulty level. The paper was well-balanced and closely followed the prescribed syllabus and previous exam trends. Physics emerged as a scoring section with mostly formula-based questions, while Chemistry remained NCERT-oriented and easy to moderate across all three branches. Mathematics proved to be the most challenging in terms of time, as it involved lengthy and calculation-intensive questions, making time management crucial for candidates.

Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Question Paper 2026

JEE Main Session 1 Subject-Wise Difficulty Analysis – 28 January 2026 (Shift 2)

The JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 2 subject-wise analysis provides a detailed overview of the difficulty levels of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This analysis helps students understand the exam pattern, question trends, and key focus areas followed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Based on student feedback, the paper was largely concept-based, with the overall and section-wise difficulty level ranging from moderate to easy to moderate.

Physics Review – 28 January 2026 (Shift 2)

The Physics section of the JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 2 paper was assessed as moderate in difficulty. The majority of questions were formula-based and concept-driven, making the section scoring for candidates with strong fundamentals and consistent practice.

Chemistry Review – 28 January 2026 (Shift 2)

The Chemistry section in the January 28 Shift 2 exam was reported to be easy to moderate. Most questions were NCERT-based, allowing students with clear conceptual understanding to attempt the section confidently.

Mathematics Review – 28 January 2026 (Shift 2)

The Mathematics section was considered moderate to tough and lengthy. Many questions involved multi-step problem-solving and extensive calculations, making effective time management crucial for performing well in this section.

Which Shift Was Toughest in JEE Main Session 1 2026?

Based on student feedback and shift-wise analysis so far, the toughest shifts in JEE Main Session 1 2026 were generally the evening shifts, particularly:

  • 21 January Evening

  • 23 January Evening (Shift 2)

These shifts were slightly more challenging mainly due to lengthy, calculation-heavy Mathematics questions. Physics and Chemistry remained mostly easy to moderate across all shifts, with Chemistry being NCERT-based and scoring. Morning shifts, in comparison, were generally easier to moderate.

How This JEE Main Analysis Can Help Students

This analysis provides students with insightful information about the JEE Main Session 1 2026 exam. By reviewing shift-wise trends and teachers observations, students can:

  • Understand the overall paper trend and type of questions being asked

  • Prepare better for upcoming attempts by focusing on important concepts and time management

  • Reduce anxiety by gaining clarity on the exam pattern and expected difficulty

The purpose is to support students practically and factually, helping both current and future aspirants approach the exam with confidence.

JEE Main Session 1 Shift-Wise Analysis Links

The following table provides quick access to the shift-wise analysis pages for JEE Main Session 1 2026. Each link will be updated as soon as the respective shift is completed.

JEE Main Session 1 Shift-Wise Analysis Links 

Exam Date

Shift

Analysis Link

21 Jan 2026

Shift 1

JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1 Analysis

21 Jan 2026

Shift 2

JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 2 Analysis

22 Jan 2026

Shift 1

JEE Main 22 Jan Shift 1 Analysis

22 Jan 2026

Shift 2

JEE Main 22 Jan Shift 2 Analysis

23 Jan 2026

Shift 1

JEE Main 23 Jan Shift 1 Analysis

23 Jan 2026

Shift 2

JEE Main 23 Jan Shift 2 Analysis

24 Jan 2026

Shift 1

JEE Main 24 Jan Shift 1 Analysis

24 Jan 2026

Shift 2

JEE Main 24 Jan Shift 2 Analysis

28 Jan 2026

Shift 1

JEE Main 28 Jan Shift 1 Analysis

28 Jan 2026

Shift 2

JEE Main 28 Jan Shift 2 Analysis

 

JEE Main Session 1 Analysis 2026 FAQs

Q1. Was JEE Main 2026 Session 1 tougher than previous years?

It is not yet possible to determine if JEE Main 2026 Session 1 was tougher than previous years, as only the first shift on 21 January has been conducted.

Q2. Is difficulty level the same for all shifts?

Difficulty is expected to vary across different shifts. Some shifts may involve longer or more calculation-intensive questions, while others may appear comparatively straightforward. Variation generally depends on the balance of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics questions in each shift.

Q3. Which subject was expected to be toughest in JEE Main Session 1?

Mathematics is generally perceived as the most challenging subject due to its length and calculation requirements. Physics and Chemistry may present moderate or high difficulty depending on conceptual depth. The exact subject-wise difficulty will be clarified after analyzing student feedback from all shifts.

Q4. Where can I check shift-wise JEE Main analysis?

Shift-wise analyses for all exam dates and shifts are provided in the Shift-Wise Analysis Links section above. These pages are updated after each shift with detailed insights based on student reactions and teacher review.