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Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 LIVE Updates: Shift-wise difficulty level rating and expert reviews

Mahima Gupta

Updated On: January 24, 2026 10:00 AM

Stay updated with real-time information about the most challenging shift of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1. Experts suggest that January 23 Shift 2 was moderate to difficult, while January 22 Shift 2 was the most challenging so far. 
Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 LIVE UpdatesToughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 LIVE Updates

Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 LIVE Updates: If you are appearing or have appeared for JEE Mains January 2026 session can check insights on the difficulty level across each exam shift based on experts opinions and students opinions. Students reviewed January 23 Shift 2 as Moderate to Tough. On Day 3 Shift 2 was harder comparatively to Shift 1. Physics was the most difficult subject for test takers. Some questions were calculation-based and a little trickier than the previous shifts. The paper was more time-consuming than Mathematics. Chemistry paper was moderate. The paper was a little lengthy. 3 Assertion-Reason and 4 statement-based questions were asked. Mathematics paper was surprisngly Easy to Moderate and a little time-consuming, but the questions were straightforward.

Have you appeared for JEE Main January 2026? Click here to submit how challenging your shift felt and which subject you found was the toughest. Your feedback will help our experts to identify the toughest shift of JEE Main 2026 (Session 1).

    Students found January 23 Shift 1 as Moderate to Difficult. 1 question from "Dispersion without Deviation," a deleted syllabus topic, appeared unexpectedly. Physics was Easy to Moderate, mostly it comprised numerical questions and multiple topics such as Errors and Current Electricity, making it manageable for well-prepared students. Exam takers felt Mathematics and Chemistry were the toughest subjects on Day 3, Shift 1. Chemistry felt Moderate to Difficult, and the weightage of Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry was equal. The good attempts in Chemistry were 14-15. Mathematics, as usual, was Tough and Calculative. Students could manage to do only 8-10 questions, while some students took around 1:15 minutes to solve Maths. As per students' responses, January 22, Shift 2 was Moderate to Tough and was considered the most toughest shift till now for January 2026 session. Day 2 Shift 1 was seen as Easy to Moderate, while both shifts were generally more challenging than Day 1 of previous sessions. As JEE Main 2026 Session 1 runs from January 21 to 29, test takers are keen to compare the difficulty levels across shifts. Collegedekho is gathering updates from students regarding their experiences.

    Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: As per Collegedekho Experts

    The tabular format depicts the overall difficulty level, most challenging subject, difficulty rating across each exam day and shifts, with remaining shifts to be updated as the exam progresses.

    Exam Date/ Shift

    Overall Difficulty Level

    Toughest Subject

    Difficulty Rating (on a scale of 5)

    January 21 (Shift 1)

    Moderate to Difficult

    Chemistry

    2.8

    January 21 (Shift 2)

    Moderate to Tough

    Chemistry/Mathematics

    2.7

    January 22 (Shift 1)

    Easy to Moderate

    Mathematics

    2.4

    January 22 (Shift 2)

    Moderate to Difficult

    Mathematics and Physics

    2.9 (Toughest Shift Till Now)

    January 23 (Shift 1)

    Moderate to Difficult

    Chemistry and Mathematics

    2.6

    January 23 (Shift 2)

    Moderate to Difficult

    Physics

    2.8

    Note: We use a 5-point scale to rate difficulty. A score of 1 means the paper is very easy, while 5 means it is hard. Our experts have assigned difficulty ratings based on the students’ reactions, memory-based questions, and reviews shared via Google Form.

    Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: As per Student Responses

    Below are some students’ responses on Toughest JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam days and shifts.

    • Pryianka Jagga from Tiruvallur stated January 23 Shift 1 was average for him. Inorganic chemistry questions were doable but required some time to attempt.
    • Ashok from Agartala said this year's Chemistry has changed the whole game and think that highest marks for this session will not go above 180 marks.
    • Shubham from Kota experienced January 23 Shift 1 as the most troublesome shift. He Said "Chemistry was so difficult to attempt that i could attempt only 11-12 questions. I thought I would score maximum in this subject".
    • Onkar from Ratnagiri is saying January 23 Shift 1 was difficult for him, statement-based questions in Chemistry were tricky to solve, so he will appear for April session.
    • Sunil Kumar from Bengaluru found January 23 Shift 1 found 1-2 questions out of syllabus and felt Chemistry had ruined his paper.
    • Arti Chauhan from Vadodara found January 22 Shift 2 moderate with some questions as direct, and others were complex and time-consuming. This year's paper was surprising compared to earlier shifts.
    • Priyanshi from Kurnool felt Day 2 Shift 2 as difficult and was able attempt only 35 questions. According to her, Physics questions were very tough, especially from Modern Physics.
    • Rajat Lokhande from Port Blair stated that Shift 2 on January 22 was the toughest. Physics questions were very tough to solve. Chemistry was manageable.
    • Mahak Rathore from Bilaspur felt January 22 Shift 1 was very easy; she was able to solve Chemistry and Mathematics, but Physics for her was on the tougher end. Mostly questions were NCERT-based.
    • Kavitha Serlin from Chennai, who appeared in January 22 Shift 1 , said, "Mathematics was actually bahut tough tha.. maybe my preparation low."
    • Ramu N from Vizag - Andhra said January 22 Shift 1 paper was good only, but he did not answer all the questions as all his time was occupied by Mathematics.
    • Anuarg from Ghaziabad stated, "Overall, January 22 Shift 1 was very tough. I was not able to attempt 11-12 questions in Maths and Chemistry".
    • Madhumita from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, stated January 22 Shift 1 paper was not that bad. Just that maths was a little time-consuming."
    • Rajesh from Kanpur stated that Chemistry was the worst for him in Jan 22 Shift 1 paper. He didn't expect Chemistry to be that tough, since it used to be easy in earlier JEE sessions.
    • Sonika Rai from Bilaspur is saying, "The number of questions asked in class 12 was more than in class 11, and there were no out-of-syllabus questions." As per her January 22 Shift 1 was Moderate and was easy compared to Day 1.
    • Yash from Saharapur stated 'Overall, January 22 Shift 1 exam was easy, maths was easy, chemistry was moderate, but physics questions were very tough and tricky".
    • Garima from Guwahati stated ' Physics was good, but Mathematics and Chemistry were very time-consuming and tricky".As per her Day 2 Shift 1 was of Moderate to Difficult level.
    • Shikha Saha from Kolkata said, "For me, overall, it was okayish. Mathematics was lengthy and above moderate. Physics and Chemistry questions were of moderate level, and I could complete these sections within time". According to her, Day 2 Shift 1 was of Moderate difficulty level.
    • Rekha from Tamil Nadu found the January 21 Shift 2 tough and Mathematics and Chemistry as difficult subjects.
    • “The paper felt doable overall, but Chemistry was tricky and required a lot of conceptual clarity, especially in Physical Chemistry,” shared a student from January 21 Shift 1 .
    • “Some Chemistry questions were confusing and time-consuming, which affected my attempt in Maths,” added another candidate for January 21 Shift 1 .
    • “The paper felt balanced, but Maths took too much time and had long calculations,” said a candidate from January 21 Shift 2 .
    • “Physics and Chemistry were manageable, but finishing Maths within time was tough,” a student remarked.

    Stay tuned to this blog for Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 expert opinions, comparisons with previous toughest JEE Main shifts, difficulty-wise marks vs ranks vs percentile and more!

    Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 LIVE Updates

    • 10 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Mathematics Dominated by Trigonometry and Calculus

      In JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2, the Mathematics section heavily focused on Trigonometry and Calculus, with Trigonometry contributing six questions and Integral Calculus four. This created a challenge for time management. Additionally, there were three questions each from Vector Algebra and 3D Geometry, along with queries from Matrices and Determinants, Conic Sections, Probability, Differential Equations, Relations, and Sequences & Series. Notably, there were no questions from Limits, favoring students skilled in core algebra and calculus.

    • 09 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Chemistry Tested Conceptual Depth and Thorough Revision

      The JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 Chemistry paper was manageable for well-prepared students, though it required about 50–55 minutes to complete. It included a balanced mix of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, with several statement-based questions that assessed conceptual understanding. Students found Organic and Inorganic Chemistry more challenging, as many questions extended beyond NCERT content. Experts recommend studying beyond NCERT and focusing on conceptual clarity, particularly in reaction mechanisms and theory, for achieving higher scores.

    • 08 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics Focused on Error Analysis, Optics, and Modern Physics

      In JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2, the Physics section focused on core topics with an emphasis on calculations and conceptual understanding. Key areas included Error Analysis and Optics, each with two questions. Students encountered a matching question in Electrostatics, along with questions on the Lyman series and de Broglie wavelength, reflecting Modern Physics. Additional topics covered included Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects, AC, Moment of Inertia, and Angular Momentum, making the section balanced but calculation-heavy, favoring students with solid fundamentals.

    • 07 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      Percentile Band of 85–87 Likely to Map to Ranks Between 1.96 Lakh and 2.25 Lakh

      PercentileExpected Rank
      86.9 percentile≲ 196,500
      86.8 percentile≲ 198,000
      86.7 percentile≲ 199,500
      86.6 percentile≲ 201,000
      86.5 percentile≲ 202,500
      86.4 percentile≲ 204,000
      86.3 percentile≲ 205,500
      86.2 percentile≲ 207,000
      86.1 percentile≲ 208,500
      86 percentile≲ 210,000
      85.9 percentile≲ 211,500
      85.8 percentile≲ 213,000
      85.7 percentile≲ 214,500
      85.6 percentile≲ 216,000
      85.5 percentile≲ 217,500
      85.4 percentile≲ 219,000
      85.3 percentile≲ 220,500
      85.2 percentile≲ 222,000
      85.1 percentile≲ 223,500
      85 percentile≲ 225,000

    • 06 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      85–87 Percentile Likely Within the 58–62 Marks Range in a Tough JEE Main Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      86.9 percentile62.4+
      86.8 percentile62.2+
      86.7 percentile61.9+
      86.6 percentile61.7+
      86.5 percentile61.4+
      86.4 percentile61.1+
      86.3 percentile60.9+
      86.2 percentile60.6+
      86.1 percentile60.4+
      86 percentile60.1+
      85.9 percentile59.9+
      85.8 percentile59.8+
      85.7 percentile59.6+
      85.6 percentile59.4+
      85.5 percentile59.3+
      85.4 percentile59.1+
      85.3 percentile58.9+
      85.2 percentile58.7+
      85.1 percentile58.6+
      85 percentile58.4+

    • 05 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      85–87 Percentile Likely to Fall Around 72–77 Marks in Medium-Difficulty JEE Main 2026 January Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      86.9 percentile77+
      86.8 percentile76.7+
      86.7 percentile76.3+
      86.6 percentile76+
      86.5 percentile75.7+
      86.4 percentile75.4+
      86.3 percentile75.1+
      86.2 percentile74.7+
      86.1 percentile74.4+
      86 percentile74.1+
      85.9 percentile73.9+
      85.8 percentile73.7+
      85.7 percentile73.5+
      85.6 percentile73.3+
      85.5 percentile73.1+
      85.4 percentile72.8+
      85.3 percentile72.6+
      85.2 percentile72.4+
      85.1 percentile72.2+
      85 percentile72+

    • 04 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      87–89 Percentile Range Likely to Correspond to Ranks Between 1.66 Lakh and 1.95 Lakh

      PercentileExpected Rank
      88.9 percentile≲ 166,500
      88.8 percentile≲ 168,000
      88.7 percentile≲ 169,500
      88.6 percentile≲ 171,000
      88.5 percentile≲ 172,500
      88.4 percentile≲ 174,000
      88.3 percentile≲ 175,500
      88.2 percentile≲ 177,000
      88.1 percentile≲ 178,500
      88 percentile≲ 180,000
      87.9 percentile≲ 181,500
      87.8 percentile≲ 183,000
      87.7 percentile≲ 184,500
      87.6 percentile≲ 186,000
      87.5 percentile≲ 187,500
      87.4 percentile≲ 189,000
      87.3 percentile≲ 190,500
      87.2 percentile≲ 192,000
      87.1 percentile≲ 193,500
      87 percentile≲ 195,000

    • 03 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      87–89 Percentile Achievable Around 63–67 Marks in Tough JEE Main Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      88.9 percentile66.7+
      88.8 percentile66.5+
      88.7 percentile66.2+
      88.6 percentile66+
      88.5 percentile65.7+
      88.4 percentile65.4+
      88.3 percentile65.2+
      88.2 percentile64.9+
      88.1 percentile64.7+
      88 percentile64.4+
      87.9 percentile64.2+
      87.8 percentile64.1+
      87.7 percentile63.9+
      87.6 percentile63.7+
      87.5 percentile63.6+
      87.4 percentile63.4+
      87.3 percentile63.2+
      87.2 percentile63+
      87.1 percentile62.9+
      87 percentile62.7+

    • 02 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      87–89 Percentile Range Likely Around 77–82 Marks in Medium-Difficulty JEE Main 2026 Paper Session 1

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      88.9 percentile82.3+
      88.8 percentile82+
      88.7 percentile81.6+
      88.6 percentile81.3+
      88.5 percentile81+
      88.4 percentile80.7+
      88.3 percentile80.4+
      88.2 percentile80+
      88.1 percentile79.7+
      88 percentile79.4+
      87.9 percentile79.2+
      87.8 percentile79+
      87.7 percentile78.8+
      87.6 percentile78.6+
      87.5 percentile78.4+
      87.4 percentile78.1+
      87.3 percentile77.9+
      87.2 percentile77.7+
      87.1 percentile77.5+
      87 percentile77.3+

    • 01 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      89–91 Percentile Likely Below 77 Marks in Tough JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      90.9 percentile76.6+
      90.8 percentile76.2+
      90.7 percentile75.8+
      90.6 percentile75.4+
      90.5 percentile75+
      90.4 percentile74.6+
      90.3 percentile74.2+
      90.2 percentile73.8+
      90.1 percentile73.4+
      90 percentile73+
      89.9 percentile72.4+
      89.8 percentile71.8+
      89.7 percentile71.2+
      89.6 percentile70.6+
      89.5 percentile70+
      89.4 percentile69.4+
      89.3 percentile68.8+
      89.2 percentile68.2+
      89.1 percentile67.6+
      89 percentile67+

    • 12 00 AM IST - 24 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Session 1: 89–91 Percentile Achievable Around 83–95 Marks in Medium-Difficulty Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      90.9 percentile94.5+
      90.8 percentile94+
      90.7 percentile93.5+
      90.6 percentile93+
      90.5 percentile92.5+
      90.4 percentile92+
      90.3 percentile91.5+
      90.2 percentile91+
      90.1 percentile90.5+
      90 percentile90+
      89.9 percentile89.3+
      89.8 percentile88.5+
      89.7 percentile87.8+
      89.6 percentile87+
      89.5 percentile86.3+
      89.4 percentile85.6+
      89.3 percentile84.8+
      89.2 percentile84.1+
      89.1 percentile83.3+
      89 percentile82.6+

    • 11 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      89–91 Percentile Range Likely to Translate into Ranks Between 1.36 Lakh and 1.65 Lakh

      PercentileExpected Rank
      90.9 percentile≲ 136,500
      90.8 percentile≲ 138,000
      90.7 percentile≲ 139,500
      90.6 percentile≲ 141,000
      90.5 percentile≲ 142,500
      90.4 percentile≲ 144,000
      90.3 percentile≲ 145,500
      90.2 percentile≲ 147,000
      90.1 percentile≲ 148,500
      90 percentile≲ 150,000
      89.9 percentile≲ 151,500
      89.8 percentile≲ 153,000
      89.7 percentile≲ 154,500
      89.6 percentile≲ 156,000
      89.5 percentile≲ 157,500
      89.4 percentile≲ 159,000
      89.3 percentile≲ 160,500
      89.2 percentile≲ 162,000
      89.1 percentile≲ 163,500
      89 percentile≲ 165,000

    • 10 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      92–91 Percentile Possible Below 87 Marks in Tough JEE Main January 2026 Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      92.9 percentile86+
      92.8 percentile85.5+
      92.7 percentile85+
      92.6 percentile84.5+
      92.5 percentile84+
      92.4 percentile83.5+
      92.3 percentile83+
      92.2 percentile82.5+
      92.1 percentile82+
      92 percentile81.5+
      91.9 percentile81.1+
      91.8 percentile80.6+
      91.7 percentile80.2+
      91.6 percentile79.7+
      91.5 percentile79.3+
      91.4 percentile78.8+
      91.3 percentile78.4+
      91.2 percentile77.9+
      91.1 percentile77.5+
      91 percentile77+

    • 10 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      92–91 Percentile Achievable Around 95–106 Marks in Medium-Difficulty JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      92.9 percentile105.6+
      92.8 percentile105.1+
      92.7 percentile104.5+
      92.6 percentile103.9+
      92.5 percentile103.3+
      92.4 percentile102.7+
      92.3 percentile102.1+
      92.2 percentile101.5+
      92.1 percentile100.9+
      92 percentile100.3+
      91.9 percentile99.7+
      91.8 percentile99.2+
      91.7 percentile98.7+
      91.6 percentile98.2+
      91.5 percentile97.6+
      91.4 percentile97.1+
      91.3 percentile96.6+
      91.2 percentile96.1+
      91.1 percentile95.5+
      91 percentile95+

    • 09 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      91–93 Percentile Range Likely to Correspond to Ranks Between 1.06 Lakh and 1.35 Lakh

      PercentileExpected Rank
      92.9 percentile≲ 106,500
      92.8 percentile≲ 108,000
      92.7 percentile≲ 109,500
      92.6 percentile≲ 111,000
      92.5 percentile≲ 112,500
      92.4 percentile≲ 114,000
      92.3 percentile≲ 115,500
      92.2 percentile≲ 117,000
      92.1 percentile≲ 118,500
      92 percentile≲ 120,000
      91.9 percentile≲ 121,500
      91.8 percentile≲ 123,000
      91.7 percentile≲ 124,500
      91.6 percentile≲ 126,000
      91.5 percentile≲ 127,500
      91.4 percentile≲ 129,000
      91.3 percentile≲ 130,500
      91.2 percentile≲ 132,000
      91.1 percentile≲ 133,500
      91 percentile≲ 135,000

    • 08 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Expert Insight Emphasises Depth of Understanding Over Speed in JEE Main January 2026 Session

      Experts noted that this shift highlighted a clear trend in competitive exams, success is increasingly driven by depth of understanding rather than speed. Mathematics tested concept application under pressure, while Physics and Chemistry rewarded strong fundamentals. Consistent revision and conceptual clarity, not last-minute shortcuts, proved decisive for strong performance in this shift.

    • 08 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Physics and Chemistry Remained Manageable for Well-Prepared Students on JEE Mains January 23 Shift 1 Paper

      Physics was Easy to Moderate, dominated by concept- and formula-based questions, making it scoring for students with clear fundamentals. Chemistry was also Easy to Moderate, well-balanced across topics, with mostly straightforward questions and a few tricky ones that tested conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.

    • 07 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      January 23, 2026 Shift 1 Paper Rated Moderate with Mathematics Proving Difficult and Lengthy to Students

      The January 23, 2026 Shift 1 paper was rated Moderate overall, closely aligning with the difficulty level of January 21, 2026 Shift 2. Among all subjects, Mathematics emerged as Moderate to Difficult, with 7–8 lengthy and time-consuming questions that required strong problem-solving skills and effective time management.

    • 07 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Day 3 Shift 1 Mathematics Appeared Easy but Suffered Due to Time Constraints

      Mathematics questions came from Vectors & 3D Geometry, Matrices, Conic Sections, and Sequence & Series. Although the questions were easy to moderate, students attempting Maths at the end could manage only up to 10 questions, as Physics and Chemistry consumed most of the exam time.

    • 06 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Chemistry Reflected JEE Advanced–Like Question Pattern on JEE Mains 2026 January 23 Shift 1 Paper

      As per candidates, the Chemistry section included mixed-concept questions, combining ideas from two different chapters. Such questions are more commonly seen in JEE Advanced, making the section time-consuming and conceptually demanding despite familiar syllabus coverage.

    • 06 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Physics of January 23 Shift 1 Covered Core JEE Main Topics with a Balanced Mix of Concepts

      In January 23 Shift 1, Physics questions were asked from Modern Physics, Electrostatics, de-Broglie, Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Magnetic Effects of Current, Capacitors, and Semiconductors. While the topics were familiar, the section was lengthy and calculation-oriented, which increased the time spent per question.

    • 05 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      93–95 Percentile Range Likely to Correspond to Ranks Between 76,500 and 1.05 Lakh

      PercentileExpected Rank
      94.9 percentile≲ 76,500
      94.8 percentile≲ 78,000
      94.7 percentile≲ 79,500
      94.6 percentile≲ 81,000
      94.5 percentile≲ 82,500
      94.4 percentile≲ 84,000
      94.3 percentile≲ 85,500
      94.2 percentile≲ 87,000
      94.1 percentile≲ 88,500
      94 percentile≲ 90,000
      93.9 percentile≲ 91,500
      93.8 percentile≲ 93,000
      93.7 percentile≲ 94,500
      93.6 percentile≲ 96,000
      93.5 percentile≲ 97,500
      93.4 percentile≲ 99,000
      93.3 percentile≲ 100,500
      93.2 percentile≲ 102,000
      93.1 percentile≲ 103,500
      93 percentile≲ 105,000

    • 04 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      94–93 Percentile Achievable Below 100 Marks in Tough JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      94.9 percentile97.8+
      94.8 percentile97.2+
      94.7 percentile96.5+
      94.6 percentile95.9+
      94.5 percentile95.3+
      94.4 percentile94.6+
      94.3 percentile94+
      94.2 percentile93.3+
      94.1 percentile92.7+
      94 percentile92+
      93.9 percentile91.5+
      93.8 percentile90.9+
      93.7 percentile90.4+
      93.6 percentile89.8+
      93.5 percentile89.3+
      93.4 percentile88.7+
      93.3 percentile88.1+
      93.2 percentile87.6+
      93.1 percentile87.1+
      93 percentile86.5+
      You can also check- JEE Main Predicted Percentile Score January 2026 Session 1

    • 04 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      JEE Mains January 2026 Expected Marks for Medium Paper for 94.9 to 93 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      94.9 percentile119.7+
      94.8 percentile118.9+
      94.7 percentile118.1+
      94.6 percentile117.3+
      94.5 percentile116.5+
      94.4 percentile115.7+
      94.3 percentile114.9+
      94.2 percentile114.1+
      94.1 percentile113.3+
      94 percentile112.5+
      93.9 percentile111.9+
      93.8 percentile111.2+
      93.7 percentile110.6+
      93.6 percentile110+
      93.5 percentile109.4+
      93.4 percentile108.8+
      93.3 percentile108.1+
      93.2 percentile107.5+
      93.1 percentile106.9+
      93 percentile106.3+

    • 03 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 2 Emerges as the Toughest Among All Four Shifts

      The JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 2 has been rated as the toughest shift among all four shifts conducted on January 21 and 22, 2026. Students felt the overall difficulty level was higher, due to Mathematics questions being lengthy and Chemistry questions being tricky. Compared to other shifts, this paper demanded strong problem-solving skills, accuracy, and effective time management. Physics remained relatively manageable, but the combined pressure of Mathematics and Chemistry reduced overall attempt rates. As a result, experts believe this shift may lead to lower average scores and slightly higher normalization benefits for candidates.   

    • 03 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Lengthy Mathematics Section Impacted Attempt Rate on JEE Mains January 23 Shift 1 Exam 2026

      Mathematics was lengthy and time-consuming, requiring strong analytical skills and calculation accuracy. Due to the heavy problem-solving load, most students could attempt only 8–10 questions, clearly marking it as the toughest section of the shift.

    • 02 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Chemistry Tested Conceptual Depth with Fewer Direct Questions on JEE Mains 2026 January 23 Shift 1

      Chemistry ranged from Moderate to Difficult, with several tricky, concept-based questions. The weightage of Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry was evenly distributed, but only 4–5 questions were direct, resulting in most students attempting 14–15 questions.

    • 02 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      January 23 Shift 1 Physics Remained Easy to Moderate and Largely Scoring

      Physics was Easy to Moderate, featuring mostly numerical and calculative questions. The section included two questions from Errors, two matching-type questions from Electrostatics, and one question from Current Electricity, making it relatively manageable for students with clear concepts.

    • 01 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Day 3 Shift 1 Paper Rated Moderate to Difficult with Mathematics as the Toughest Section

      Overall, Day 3 Shift 1 was assessed as Moderate to Difficult, with Mathematics emerging as the most challenging subject, followed by Chemistry. Students also reported one question from “Dispersion without Deviation,” a topic deleted from the syllabus, which added to the surprise element of the paper.

    • 01 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Chemistry Percentile Scores likely to Witness Sharp Decline

      The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Chemistry Percentile Scores likely to Witness Sharp Decline due to the tougher nature of the Chemistry section across most shifts. Student feedback and expert analysis suggest that average good attempts dropped to around 13, compared to 17–18 last year, indicating reduced scoring potential.

      Even candidates with 19–20 correct answers may reach only about 97 percentile, while average attempts could fall near 80 percentile. This trend is expected to impact overall scores and may also influence the JEE Main Cutoff 2026, subject to Session 2 results and NTA normalization.

    • 12 30 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Overall JEE Mains 2026 January 22 Shift 2 Paper Was Moderate with Higher Thinking Requirements

      The overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate and comparable to the January 21 (Shift 2) paper. It was slightly tougher than the January 22 (Shift 1) paper due to increased thinking requirements, particularly in Mathematics and Chemistry. While time management was balanced across sections, strong fundamentals and analytical skills were essential to score well.

    • 12 00 PM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Expert Highlights the Importance of Conceptual Clarity and Regular Revision

      According to CollegeDekho, Mathematics stood out as tougher due to its length, even though it covered familiar topics. He emphasized that regular revision and strong fundamentals helped students confidently approach lengthy questions and manage time effectively. For Chemistry, conceptual clarity—especially in NCERT-based topics and reaction mechanisms—proved crucial. Overall, consistent preparation made a significant difference in performance.

    • 11 30 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Chemistry Turned Moderate to Tough  on JEE Mains January 2026 Day 2 Shift 2 with a Strong Conceptual Focus

      Chemistry was around 10% tougher compared to the January 2025 papers. The section leaned more toward conceptual understanding rather than direct or memory-based questions. NCERT-based topics, reaction mechanisms, and in-depth conceptual clarity were key to performing well.

    • 11 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      JEE Main Cutoff 2026 might Witness a Slight Decline-  Key Reasons Behind the Predicted Drop

      The JEE Main Cutoff 2026 might Witness a Slight Decline, with experts predicting a marginal drop of 0.1–0.2 percentile compared to last year. This is mainly due to the moderate to difficult difficulty level of Session 1, especially in Mathematics and Chemistry. Tougher papers generally lead to lower percentiles as overall scores dip.

      However, strong performers with 40–45 good attempts could still score 180+ marks. The final cutoff will depend on Session 2 results and NTA’s normalization process, which balances difficulty variations across shifts.

    • 10 20 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      On January 22 Shift 2 Mathematics Emerged as the Toughest Section, Demanding Accuracy and Time Management

      Mathematics was noticeably tougher than the earlier three shifts, despite questions being from familiar and standard topics. The section was calculation-heavy, with lengthy problems that tested students’ problem-solving ability, speed, and accuracy. Effective time management played a crucial role, as even well-prepared candidates found the section time-consuming.

    • 10 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 vs January 22 Shift 1: Which was difficult?

      AspectJanuary 21 Shift 1January 22 Shift 1
      Overall DifficultyModerate to DifficultEasy to Moderate
      Chemistry ChallengeTricky & Time-ConsumingNCERT-based & Scoring
      MathematicsLengthy & Calculation HeavyModerate
      PhysicsManageable but not easyEasier & Concept-based
      Student ConsensusTough attempt, needed accuracyRelatively better attemptability

    • 09 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Expected JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Ranks vs Percentile for 96.9 to 95

      PercentileExpected Rank
      96.9 percentile≲ 46,500
      96.8 percentile≲ 48,000
      96.7 percentile≲ 49,500
      96.6 percentile≲ 51,000
      96.5 percentile≲ 52,500
      96.4 percentile≲ 54,000
      96.3 percentile≲ 55,500
      96.2 percentile≲ 57,000
      96.1 percentile≲ 58,500
      96 percentile≲ 60,000
      95.9 percentile≲ 61,500
      95.8 percentile≲ 63,000
      95.7 percentile≲ 64,500
      95.6 percentile≲ 66,000
      95.5 percentile≲ 67,500
      95.4 percentile≲ 69,000
      95.3 percentile≲ 70,500
      95.2 percentile≲ 72,000
      95.1 percentile≲ 73,500
      95 percentile≲ 75,000

    • 08 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      96.9 Percentile Likely at Around 116+ Marks in Difficult JEE Main Shift

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      96.9 percentile116+
      96.8 percentile115+
      96.7 percentile114+
      96.6 percentile113+
      96.5 percentile112+
      96.4 percentile111.1+
      96.3 percentile110.2+
      96.2 percentile109.3+
      96.1 percentile108.4+
      96 percentile107.5+
      95.9 percentile106.5+
      95.8 percentile105.5+
      95.7 percentile104.5+
      95.6 percentile103.5+
      95.5 percentile102.5+
      95.4 percentile101.7+
      95.3 percentile100.9+
      95.2 percentile100.1+
      95.1 percentile99.3+
      95 percentile98.5+

    • 07 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Around 138.7+ Marks May Secure 96.9 Percentile in JEE Main if the Paper is Moderate

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      96.9 percentile138.7+
      96.8 percentile137.5+
      96.7 percentile136.5+
      96.6 percentile135.3+
      96.5 percentile134.3+
      96.4 percentile133.2+
      96.3 percentile132.2+
      96.2 percentile131.1+
      96.1 percentile130.1+
      96 percentile129+
      95.9 percentile128.1+
      95.8 percentile127.1+
      95.7 percentile126.2+
      95.6 percentile125.2+
      95.5 percentile124.3+
      95.4 percentile123.5+
      95.3 percentile122.7+
      95.2 percentile122+
      95.1 percentile121.2+
      95 percentile120.5+

    • 06 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Scoring Around 150 Marks Can Fetch Close to 97 Percentile in an Easy JEE Main Paper

      PercentileExpected Marks for Easy Paper
      96.9 percentile150.6+
      96.8 percentile149.4+
      96.7 percentile148.3+
      96.6 percentile147.1+
      96.5 percentile146+
      96.4 percentile145+
      96.3 percentile144+
      96.2 percentile143+
      96.1 percentile142+
      96 percentile141+
      95.9 percentile140.2+
      95.8 percentile139.3+
      95.7 percentile138.5+
      95.6 percentile137.6+
      95.5 percentile136.8+
      95.4 percentile135.9+
      95.3 percentile135+
      95.2 percentile134.2+
      95.1 percentile133.3+
      95 percentile132.5+

    • 05 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Day 2 Shift 2 Mathematics Rated Moderate to Difficult with Heavy Weightage on Algebra and Calculus

      The Mathematics section in the latest shift was rated moderate to difficult, with questions spread evenly across the syllabus. Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra dominated the paper, while topics such as 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Complex Numbers appeared less frequently. Experts noted a slight tilt towards Algebra, with Coordinate Geometry carrying moderate weightage, making the section challenging yet predictable for well-prepared students.

    • 04 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      What ranks can be expected for 97.9 to 97 Percentile in JEE Main 2026 Session 1?

      PercentileExpected Rank
      97.9 percentile≲ 31,500
      97.8 percentile≲ 33,000
      97.7 percentile≲ 34,500
      97.6 percentile≲ 36,000
      97.5 percentile≲ 37,500
      97.4 percentile≲ 39,000
      97.3 percentile≲ 40,500
      97.2 percentile≲ 42,000
      97.1 percentile≲ 43,500
      97 percentile≲ 45,000

    • 03 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Expected Marks for Tough Paper for 97.9 to 97 Percentile for JEE Main 2026 Session 1

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      97.9 percentile129.4+
      97.8 percentile127.8+
      97.7 percentile126.2+
      97.6 percentile124.6+
      97.5 percentile123+
      97.4 percentile121.8+
      97.3 percentile120.6+
      97.2 percentile119.4+
      97.1 percentile118.2+
      97 percentile117+

    • 02 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      What Marks can be expected for Medium Paper for 97.9 to 97 Percentile?

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      97.9 percentile152+
      97.8 percentile150.4+
      97.7 percentile148.9+
      97.6 percentile147.3+
      97.5 percentile145.8+
      97.4 percentile144.6+
      97.3 percentile143.3+
      97.2 percentile142.2+
      97.1 percentile140.9+
      97 percentile139.8+

    • 01 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Expected Marks for Easy Paper for 97.9 to 97 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Easy Paper
      97.9 percentile163.7+
      97.8 percentile162.1+
      97.7 percentile160.6+
      97.6 percentile159+
      97.5 percentile157.5+
      97.4 percentile156.4+
      97.3 percentile155.2+
      97.2 percentile154.1+
      97.1 percentile152.9+
      97 percentile151.8+

    • 12 00 AM IST - 23 Jan'26

      Expected Rank for 98.9 to 98 Percentile for JEE Main 2026 Session 1

      PercentileExpected Rank
      98.9 percentile≲ 16,500
      98.8 percentile≲ 18,000
      98.7 percentile≲ 19,500
      98.6 percentile≲ 21,000
      98.5 percentile≲ 22,500
      98.4 percentile≲ 24,000
      98.3 percentile≲ 25,500
      98.2 percentile≲ 27,000
      98.1 percentile≲ 28,500
      98 percentile≲ 30,000

    • 11 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Expected Marks for Tough Paper for 98.9 to 98 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      98.9 percentile150.4+
      98.8 percentile147.8+
      98.7 percentile145.2+
      98.6 percentile142.6+
      98.5 percentile140+
      98.4 percentile138.2+
      98.3 percentile136.4+
      98.2 percentile134.6+
      98.1 percentile132.8+
      98 percentile131+

    • 10 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Expected Marks for Medium Paper for 98.9 to 98 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      98.9 percentile173.5+
      98.8 percentile171+
      98.7 percentile168.5+
      98.6 percentile166+
      98.5 percentile163.5+
      98.4 percentile161.5+
      98.3 percentile159.5+
      98.2 percentile157.5+
      98.1 percentile155.5+
      98 percentile153.5+

    • 10 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Expected Marks for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Easy Paper for 98.9 to 98 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Easy Paper
      98.9 percentile184.8+
      98.8 percentile182.2+
      98.7 percentile179.8+
      98.6 percentile177.2+
      98.5 percentile174.8+
      98.4 percentile172.8+
      98.3 percentile170.9+
      98.2 percentile169+
      98.1 percentile167.2+
      98 percentile165.3+

    • 09 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Expected Rank for 99.9 to 99 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Rank
      99.99 percentile≲ 150
      99.98 percentile≲ 300
      99.97 percentile≲ 450
      99.96 percentile≲ 600
      99.95 percentile≲ 750
      99.94 percentile≲ 900
      99.93 percentile≲ 1,050
      99.92 percentile≲ 1,200
      99.91 percentile≲ 1,350
      99.9 percentile≲ 1,500
      99.85 percentile≲ 2,250
      99.8 percentile≲ 3,000
      99.75 percentile≲ 3,750
      99.7 percentile≲ 4,500
      99.65 percentile≲ 5,250
      99.6 percentile≲ 6,000
      99.55 percentile≲ 6,750
      99.5 percentile≲ 7,500
      99.45 percentile≲ 8,250
      99.4 percentile≲ 9,000
      99.35 percentile≲ 9,750
      99.3 percentile≲ 10,500
      99.25 percentile≲ 11,250
      99.2 percentile≲ 12,000
      99.15 percentile≲ 12,750
      99.1 percentile≲ 13,500
      99.05 percentile≲ 14,250
      99 percentile≲ 15,000

    • 09 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Toughest Shift: Expected Marks for Tough Paper for 99.9 to 99 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Tough
      99.99 percentile230+
      99.98 percentile228.8+
      99.97 percentile227.6+
      99.96 percentile226.3+
      99.95 percentile225.1+
      99.94 percentile223.9+
      99.93 percentile222.7+
      99.92 percentile221.4+
      99.91 percentile220.2+
      99.9 percentile219+
      99.85 percentile209.5+
      99.8 percentile200+
      99.75 percentile194.8+
      99.7 percentile189.5+
      99.65 percentile185+
      99.6 percentile180.5+
      99.55 percentile177.5+
      99.5 percentile174.5+
      99.45 percentile172+
      99.4 percentile169.5+
      99.35 percentile167+
      99.3 percentile164.5+
      99.25 percentile162+
      99.2 percentile159.5+
      99.15 percentile157.5+
      99.1 percentile155.5+
      99.05 percentile154.3+
      99 percentile153+

    • 08 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Check Expected JEE Main 2026 January Marks for Moderate Paper from 99.9 to 99 Percentile

      PercentileExpected Marks for Medium
      99.99 percentile240+
      99.98 percentile239.4+
      99.97 percentile238.9+
      99.96 percentile238.3+
      99.95 percentile237.8+
      99.94 percentile237.2+
      99.93 percentile236.7+
      99.92 percentile236.1+
      99.91 percentile235.6+
      99.9 percentile235+
      99.85 percentile227+
      99.8 percentile219+
      99.75 percentile214.3+
      99.7 percentile209.5+
      99.65 percentile205.9+
      99.6 percentile202.3+
      99.55 percentile199.4+
      99.5 percentile196.5+
      99.45 percentile193.8+
      99.4 percentile191+
      99.35 percentile188.9+
      99.3 percentile186.8+
      99.25 percentile184.8+
      99.2 percentile182.8+
      99.15 percentile180.8+
      99.1 percentile178.8+
      99.05 percentile177.4+
      99 percentile176+

    • 08 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Expected Marks for Easy Paper for 99.9 to 99 Percentile for JEE Main 2026 Session 1

      PercentileExpected Marks for Easy Paper
      99.99 percentile250+
      99.98 percentile249.6+
      99.97 percentile249.2+
      99.96 percentile248.8+
      99.95 percentile248.4+
      99.94 percentile248.1+
      99.93 percentile247.7+
      99.92 percentile247.3+
      99.91 percentile246.9+
      99.9 percentile246.5+
      99.85 percentile239+
      99.8 percentile231.5+
      99.75 percentile226.4+
      99.7 percentile221.3+
      99.65 percentile217.4+
      99.6 percentile213.5+
      99.55 percentile210.5+
      99.5 percentile207.5+
      99.45 percentile204.9+
      99.4 percentile202.3+
      99.35 percentile200.1+
      99.3 percentile197.8+
      99.25 percentile195.8+
      99.2 percentile193.8+
      99.15 percentile192.1+
      99.1 percentile190.3+
      99.05 percentile188.8+
      99 percentile187.3+

    • 07 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Get Last Year's Session 1 Three Most Difficult Shift for Test Takers Appearing in JEE Main 2026 Session 1

      Difficulty LevelDate & Shift
      Most Difficult ShiftJanuary 28, 2025 - Shift 1
      2nd Most Difficult ShiftJanuary 28, 2025 - Shift 2
      3rd Most Difficult ShiftJanuary 24, 2025 - Shift 1

    • 07 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Last Year's Day 3 to Day 5 JEE Main Session 1 Difficulty Level Analysis (Shift-wise)

      Date and ShiftDifficulty LevelDifficulty Rating (Out of 10)
      January 24 - Shift 1Easy to Moderate6.4
      January 24 - Shift 2Moderate6.1
      January 28 - Shift 1Tough8.4
      January 28 - Shift 2Moderate7.6
      January 29 - Shift 1Moderate to Tough6.2
      January 29 - Shift 2Moderate6.1

    • 06 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Physics and Maths Remain Balanced, Allow Smooth Time Management in JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Paper

      Physics stayed easy to moderate, leaning towards conceptual and theory-based questions without confusing or out-of-syllabus elements. Mathematics, though moderate, was well-balanced and not overly lengthy, enabling students to manage time effectively and attempt all sections comfortably within the exam duration.

    • 06 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Chemistry Emerges as the Most Scoring Section in JEE Mains January 22 Shift 1 Exam

      Chemistry carried higher weightage, with several questions directly based on NCERT lines, tables, and factual content. Organic Chemistry was straightforward, revolving around basic reactions and standard mechanisms, while tricky numericals and application-heavy questions were minimal, making the section approachable for well-prepared students.

    • 05 30 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Day 2 Shift 1 Rated Easy to Moderate, Student-Friendly Overall

      Expert analysis confirms that the Day 2 Shift 1 paper of JEE Main 2026 was easy to moderate in difficulty, offering a largely student-friendly experience. The paper focused more on theoretical understanding and core concepts rather than complex application-based problems, benefiting candidates who prepared thoroughly from NCERT textbooks.

    • 05 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Easy-to-Moderate Paper Supports Value of Consistent Preparation

      With an overall easy-to-moderate difficulty level, the paper emphasised the importance of clarity of concepts, disciplined exam strategy, and syllabus-aligned preparation. Chemistry emerged as a scoring section for students with a strong NCERT foundation, reaffirming that sticking to fundamentals remains the most reliable route to success in JEE Main.

    • 04 40 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Smart Time Management Proves Crucial for Higher Attempts in JEE Main 2026 Session 1

      Students who prioritised easy and moderate questions over lengthy, time-consuming problems were able to maximise their attempts in JEE Main 2026 Day 2 Shift 1. Experts highlighted that strategic question selection played a key role in maintaining accuracy and overall performance.

    • 04 20 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      NCERT-Focused Preparation Gives Students a Clear Edge in JEE Main 2026 Day 2 Shift 1

      Expert observations indicate that the Day 2 Shift 1 paper strongly rewarded students who relied on NCERT concepts and fundamental understanding. Rather than testing extreme difficulty, the exam focused on how effectively candidates could apply basics and make smart choices under time pressure.

    • 04 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Mathematics Stays Moderate but Manageable in Day 2 Shift 1

      Mathematics was moderately balanced and doable on January 22 Shift 1, featuring fewer lengthy or complex problems compared to tougher shifts. Students reported that the section was well within time limits, making effective time management easier.

    • 03 40 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Chemistry Remains NCERT-Driven and Largely Scoring in JEE Main January 2026 Day 2 Shift 1

      Day 2 Shift 1 Chemistry was Easy to Moderate, maintained a strong NCERT focus, with Inorganic Chemistry carrying higher weightage through direct, fact-based questions. Organic Chemistry was largely standard and predictable, allowing well-prepared students to attempt the section with confidence.

    • 03 20 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Physics Emerges as the Most Scoring Section

      Physics was Easy to Moderate on Day 2 Shift 1, largely following the NCERT syllabus, featuring mostly theoretical and direct questions. Students reported very few tricky or application-heavy problems, making the section length-wise comfortable and scoring for those with clear concept understanding.

    • 03 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Last Year's Day 2 Difficulty Level Analysis Across Shifts

      Date and ShiftDifficulty LevelDifficulty Rating (Out of 10)
      January 23 - Shift 1Moderate6.0
      January 23 - Shift 2Easy to Moderate6.3

    • 02 40 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Last Year's Day 1 Difficulty Level Analysis Across Shifts

      Date and ShiftDifficulty LevelDifficulty Rating (Out of 10)
      January 22, 2025 - Shift 1Easy to Moderate6.1
      January 22, 2025 - Shift 2Easy to Moderate5.3

    • 02 20 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Application-Based Preparation Proves Decisive in Shift 2

      The overall paper highlighted the importance of PYQ-focused practice, depth of understanding, and strong time management, giving an edge to students trained for execution under exam pressure.

    • 02 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Early Trends Suggest Tough Shifts Could Influence Normalisation

      Experts note that noticeable variation in difficulty levels across shifts may play a role in score normalisation, making shift-wise performance analysis crucial for percentile expectations.

    • 01 40 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Student Feedback Continues to Shape Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1

      Live responses are still being collected from candidates across exam centres, and difficulty ratings for upcoming shifts will be updated in real time as JEE Main 2026 Session 1 progresses.

    • 01 20 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Lengthy Maths Questions Challenge Time Management

      Mathematics emerged as time-consuming on January 22 Shift 1, with multiple questions involving lengthy calculations. While difficulty remained conceptually similar to Shift 1, efficient time allocation became critical to maximise attempts.

    • 01 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Physics Tests Concept Application Over Formulas

      In Shift 2, Physics featured nearly 20% more application-based questions, many aligned with PYQs from the last five years. Students with strong conceptual clarity and practice in applying formulas performed better than those relying on direct recall.

    • 12 40 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Toughest Shift: Chemistry Turns More Comprehensive Across All Units

      Experts observed that Chemistry in Shift 2 was tougher than Shift 1, with challenging questions spread across Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, making balanced preparation essential.

    • 12 20 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 Rated Tougher Than Shift 1

      As per various exam takers, January 21 Shift 2 was slightly more challenging than Shift 1, with greater emphasis on application-based questions and calculation-heavy problem-solving across subjects.

    • 12 00 PM IST - 22 Jan'26

      Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Mathematics & Chemistry Flagged as Early Trouble Spots

      On Day 1 of JEE Main 2026 Session 1, many students found Chemistry in Shift 1 and Mathematics in Shift 2 to be particularly tough. Candidates mentioned that some concepts were tricky and required a lot of time for calculations, making it a bit of a struggle. If you’re preparing for these subjects, it might be helpful to focus on these areas!

    /articles/toughest-shift-of-jee-main-2026-session-1-live-updates-shift-wise-difficulty-level-rating-and-expert-reviews/

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