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JEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis: January 21 Shift 1 Paper Review, Difficulty Level & Topic-Wise Insights

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Lakshmi Singh β€’ 3 Mins read β€’ 21 Jan 26
JEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis January 21 Shift 1 Paper Review, Difficulty Level & Topic-Wise InsightsJEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis January 21 Shift 1 Paper Review, Difficulty Level & Topic-Wise Insights

JEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis: The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 exam has ended and the feedback of students is all over social media. Students are sharing observations, insights and a raw version of JEE Main 2026 exam analysis. Here we have clubbed and structured the responses of candidates who already took the exam on the first day.


Related Reads: JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Admit Card


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Major observations in JEE Main 2026 exam:

  • JEE Main 2026 first day paper is rated moderate to tough.
  • Chemistry was lengthy.
  • Mathematics emerged as the toughest section.
  • Physics was easy to moderate.


This analysis is not to scare you but to give you a comprehensive idea about JEE Main difficulty level, important topics, and time management challenges.


Candidates from West Bengal should note: JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Jan 23 Exam in West Bengal Postponed Due to Saraswati Puja


JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1: Section-Wise Difficulty Level

Let’s dive deeper into subject-wise analysis of JEE Main 2026:


Mathematics: Lengthy and Moderate to Difficult

  • Maths section was lengthy and time-consuming. 
  • Students are saying that it might be the toughest one. 
  • Questions were conceptual and calculation-heavy.
  • JEE Main Maths section tested the pressure.

Maths topics asked:

  • Calculus
  • Algebra
  • Vectors
  • 3D Geometry
  • Probability


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Physics: Easy to Moderate, Formula-Based

  • Physics section was manageable. 
  • A majority of questions were formula-based
  • Students with strong basics cracked the code.

Physics chapters covered in JEE Main 2026:

  • Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Current Electricity
  • Optics
  • Modern Physics


Chemistry: Easy but Lengthy

  • Chemistry was considered the easiest subject.
  • Tough, the section was lengthier.
  • NCERT preparation was evident.
  • Checked the overall time management skills of candidates.

Major Chemistry topics:

  • Coordination Compounds
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Organic Reaction Mechanism
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Redox Reactions

Students are advised to keep a track of JEE Main January 2026 exam schedule revised by NTA.


JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Change: No Optional Numerical Questions

Students said that JEE Main 2026 numerical questions no longer had optional choices. Candidates had to attempt all numerical questions.


JEE Main 2026 Shift-Wise Difficulty Comparison

Here is the snapshot of the difficulty level:

Subject

Shift 1 / Session 1

Shift 2 / Session 2

Mathematics

Moderate to Difficult

Difficult

Physics

Moderate

Moderate to Difficult

Chemistry

Easy to Moderate

Easy to Moderate

Overall

Moderate

Moderate to Difficult


Expert Insight: Session 2 was tougher than Session 1. It had tricky Maths and Physics questions, while Chemistry was stable.


JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1: Topic-Wise Analysis

Take a look at this brief topic-wise analysis:

Subject

Difficulty

Topics Covered

Maths

Moderate to Difficult

Sets & Relations, Vectors & 3D, Matrices

Physics

Moderate to Difficult

Gravitation, Semiconductor, EMF

Chemistry

Easy

Isomerism, Coordination Chemistry, p-Block, GOC, Thermodynamics


What’s Next for Candidates?

Students appearing in the upcoming shifts of JEE Main should:

  • Focus on time management.
  • Revise NCERT Chemistry.
  • Track Maths problem-solving speed.
  • Practice formula-based Physics questions.


Why JEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis Matters

The JEE Main 2026 paper analysis helps you to understand:

  • Expected difficulty level (ultimately affects JEE Main cutoff).
  • Subject-wise weightage.
  • Important chapters.
  • Strategy for upcoming shifts.


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Frequently Asked Questions


Ques:  Was the JEE Main paper difficult?

Ans: The students commented that the paper was moderate to difficult. Maths and Physics were the toughest, while Chemistry was a bit relaxed. 


Ques:  Any major change seen in JEE Main exam 2026?

Ans: Yes. Many candidates said that the maths section does not have optional numerical questions. So students had to solve all of them. Due to which the time pressure became harsh. 


Ques:  Was Chemistry tough in JEE Main 2026 exam?

Ans: No. As candidates are saying, Chemistry was the most scoring one. And most importantly, if you have NCERT in your mind, Chemistry becomes a lot easier. 


Ques:  Any last minute tip for appearing candidates?

Ans: As the students are suggesting:

  • Work on your time-management skills.
  • Revise Physics formulas.
  • Revise NCERT, a big-game changer.