JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 LIVE: Check Paper Analysis, Difficulty Level
Content Writer | Updated On - Jan 21, 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) concluded Day 1 of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination today, January 21. Shift 1 was conducted from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and Shift 2 was conducted from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Zollege has prepared JEE Main Question Papers with Answer Keys for JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 and Shift 2. You can check papers from the table below.
| JEE Main 21 January 2026 Shift | JEE Main Question Paper With Answer Key |
|---|---|
| Shift 1 | Check Here |
| Shift 2 | Check Here |
Read in detail: JEE MAIN Session 1 Paper Analysis
Also Check: JEE MAIN Shift 1 Question Paper
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2 Exam Analysis
Based on student reactions, the overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate, with Mathematics again emerging as the most challenging section.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2: Overall Difficulty
| Parameter | Observation |
|---|---|
| Overall Paper Level | Moderate |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2: Subject-wise Difficulty Summary
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Key Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate | Formula-based, scoring |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | NCERT-focused, inorganic-heavy |
| Mathematics | Tough | Lengthy, calculation-intensive |
JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 2 Physics Paper Analysis
Students found Physics moderate and scoring in Shift 2. Most questions were formula-based with no surprise elements.
Important Physics Topics Asked (Shift 2)
| Chapter / Topic |
|---|
| Thermodynamics |
| Fluids |
| EM Waves |
| Gravitation |
| Ray Optics |
| Capacitors |
Overall Feedback:
Physics was easier than Maths and could be attempted comfortably by well-prepared students.
JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 2 Chemistry Paper Analysis
Chemistry was considered easy to doable in Shift 2, with strong dependence on NCERT textbooks.
Key Chemistry Observations (Shift 2)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Easy to Moderate |
| Major Focus | Inorganic Chemistry |
| Organic Chemistry | Moderate presence |
| Question Pattern | Mostly direct |
| Student Feedback | Scoring section |
JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 2 Mathematics Paper Analysis
Mathematics remained the toughest and most time-consuming section, though some students felt it was slightly easier than Shift 1.
Important Mathematics Topics (Shift 2)
| Chapter / Topic |
|---|
| Vectors & 3D Geometry |
| Calculus |
| Differential Equations |
| Coordinate Geometry |
| Circles |
| Ellipse |
| Probability |
Overall Feedback:
Questions were lengthy, requiring strong time management.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2: Attempts & Safe Score
| Parameter | Observation |
|---|---|
| Questions Attempted | ~40 (some attempted 50+) |
| Safe Attempt | 40+ questions |
| Safe Score | ~110+ marks |
| Expected Score for 99 Percentile | ~180 marks (trend-based) |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2: Practice & Preparation Insights
| Subject | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | NCERT Inorganic & Organic revision |
| Mathematics | Vectors, 3D Geometry, Calculus |
| Physics | Formula-based practice, Optics & Capacitors |
| Overall | PYQs and speed-based practice |
JEE Main 21 January Shift 1 Paper Analysis: Subject Wise
Here is a brief analysis of JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 analysis for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1 Physics Paper Analysis
Students found Physics on the easier side in JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1. The chapter-wise number of questions is listed below.
| Chapter/Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Modern Physics | 2-3 |
| Fluid | 2 |
| Units and Dimensions | 1 |
| Errors | 1 |
| Logic Gates | 1 |
| Semiconductor | 1 |
| Kinematics | 1 |
| Wave Optics | 1 |
| Calorimetry | 1 |
| MOI | 1 |
| Electrostatics | 1 |
| Electricity | 1 |
| Capacitor | 1 |
| Elasticity | 1 |
| Sound Waves | 1 |
JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1 Chemistry Paper Analysis
Students found Chemistry difficult and lengthy in JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1. You can check number of questions here.
- Coordination Compounds carried 3-4 questions.
- Chemical Bonding carried around 3 questions.
- A few questions included 5-7 options.
JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1 Mathematics Paper Analysis
Candidates saw Mathematics in JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 1 as moderate. Chapter-wise questions are included in the table below.
| Chapter/Topic | Number of Questions |
| Vector 3D | 2 |
| Integration based | 1 |
| Sequence and Series | 1 |
| Quadratic Equations | 1 |
| Binomial Theorm | 2 |
| Sets | 2 |
| Limits and Continuity | 1 |
| Straight Lines | 2 |
| Circles | 1 |
| Hyperbola | 1 |
| Parabola | 1 |
| Eclipse | 1 |
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Schedule (January 2026)
| Exam Date | Paper | Shift 1 Timing | Shift 2 Timing |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Paper 1 (BE/BTech) | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Jan 22, 2026 | |||
| Jan 23, 2026 | |||
| Jan 24, 2026 |
JEE MAIN Exam Day Instructions for Candidates
- Verify all details on the admit card, including exam date, shift, centre address, and reporting time
- Plan travel in advance to avoid last-minute delays
- Carry the JEE Main 2026 admit card and a valid photo ID proof
- Reach the centre strictly as per the reporting time
- Late entry after gate closure is not allowed
- Avoid unfair practices; exam centres are monitored through CCTV and jamming systems
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 1: Overall Difficulty
| Parameter | Observation |
|---|---|
| Overall Paper Level | Moderate to Tough |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 1: Subject-wise Difficulty Summary
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Key Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate | Easier than Maths, theory-based questions |
| Chemistry | Moderate to Tough | Tricky, statement-based questions |
| Mathematics | Tough | Time-consuming, concept-heavy |
Chemistry Analysis – Jan 21 Shift 1
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Tricky / Hard |
| Question Type | Statement-based, confusingly framed |
| Major Focus | Inorganic Chemistry |
| Coordination Compounds | ~3 questions |
| Student Feedback | Required careful reading |
Mathematics Analysis – Jan 21 Shift 1
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Tough & Time-consuming |
| High-weightage Topics | Vectors, 3D Geometry |
| Other Topics Asked | Matrices, Determinants |
| Comparison | Tougher than Physics |
Physics Analysis – Jan 21 Shift 1
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Moderate |
| Question Type | Conceptual, theory-based |
| Notable Topic | Optics (Microscope question after ~4 years) |
| Difficulty Comparison | Easier than Maths |
Important Physics Topics Asked
| Chapter |
|---|
| Movement of Charges |
| Electrostatics |
| Capacitors |
| Current Electricity |
| Magnetism (Basic level) |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 1: Practice & Preparation Insights
| Subject | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | PYQs, statement-based questions, Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry |
| Mathematics | Strengthen Vectors & 3D Geometry |
| Physics | Revise Optics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity |
| Overall | Consistent PYQ practice is essential |
Things to carry to the exam centre
- JEE Main 2026 admit card
- Photo ID card
- Passport sized photograph
Which Paper Will Be Held on January 21?
On January 21, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct Paper 1 of JEE Main, which is the BTech/BE exam. The paper is divided into two sections – Section A and Section B.
-
Section A: Contains 20 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
-
Section B: Includes 5 questions per subject, from which candidates must attempt a specified number.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift 1 Starts
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift 1 exam has started from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM across exam centres today.
What is the expected cutoff?
| Category | Expected Cutoff (2026) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 93.3045326 |
| Gen-EWS | 81.4387917 |
| OBC-NCL | 80.7456432 |
| SC | 61.3526948 |
| ST | 48.2456783 |
| UR-PwD | 0.0082349 |
Shift 2 Reporting Begins
As the JEE Main 2026 Session 1, Shift 1 exam is underway nationwide today, January 21, candidates scheduled for Shift 2 have already begun reporting at their respective examination centres.
Meanwhile, parents and accompanying guardians can be seen waiting outside the exam premises as students complete the entry formalities.
JEE Main 21 January 2026 Shift 1 Difficulty Level
According to student reactions, JEE Main 2026 January Shift 1 was moderate to difficult.
- Students found Chemistry difficult and lengthy this year.
- Physics was easier, as per the student reactions recorded by eSaral.
- Students found Mathematics easy to moderate this year.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.