JEE Main 2026 analysis (day two): Shift two ends; check difficulty level

The Physics section was rated easy by most students. Almost all major chapters were represented, though Class XI topics such as Mechanics had relatively fewer questions, with Rotation missing entirely. Chapters like Waves and Thermodynamics were present but carried lesser weightage. In contrast, Class XII chapters were more prominent, with a good number of questions from Optics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics. A few questions also appeared from Waves and EMI.

JEE Main shift two paper was reviewed as moderately difficult. As per the initial reactions from the candidates, the Physics and Chemistry paper were relative scoring, Maths was tough.  

As per Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited, the Chemistry section was of moderate to difficult level. Questions were asked from all three areas—Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Among these, Inorganic Chemistry had a stronger presence, with several questions from the p-block. Organic Chemistry focused on properties and name reactions, while Physical Chemistry included questions from Electrochemistry, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamics. 

The Physics section was rated easy by most students. Almost all major chapters were represented, though Class XI topics such as Mechanics had relatively fewer questions, with Rotation missing entirely. Chapters like Waves and Thermodynamics were present but carried lesser weightage. In contrast, Class XII chapters were more prominent, with a good number of questions from Optics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics. A few questions also appeared from Waves and EMI. 

JEE Main 2026 is currently underway and is scheduled to be held in multiple shifts next on January 23, 24, 28 and 29. However, JEE Main 2026 will not be held tomorrow (January 23) in West Bengal due to Saraswati Puja celebration. 

The candidates who wish to know marks of JEE Main 2026 shift one can do so through answer key available on alternative portals. The JEE Main aspirants can follow these steps to check marks through unofficial answer key. To download JEE Main unofficial answer key, candidates need to click on JEE Main answer key link available on unofficial portals, once opened on screen, download it and take a print out. Now review the answer key to know marks of your JEE Main BE/ BTech paper.   

Amid the ongoing Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, social media posts went viral claiming that the JEE papers got leaked. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued warning against the fake paper leak claims. "Claims of paper leaks on social media are fake and misleading. Avoid sharing personal details or making payments," NTA in a post on X mentioned. 

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 answer key is likely to be released in the first week of February. The candidates can check and download JEE Main answer key on the official website- jeemain.nta.nic.in. To download JEE Main answer key 2026, candidates need to visit the official website- jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on answer key PDF link. JEE Main answer key PDF will appear on the screen for download, save JEE Main answer key 2026 PDF and take a print out

As per the initial reactions from the candidates, the Physics and Maths paper was tough, while Chemistry paper is relatively scoring.   

JEE Main shit one has been concluded.  As per the initial reactions from the candidates, the Physics and Maths paper was tough, while Chemistry paper is relatively scoring. 

Over 2.6 lakh candidates appeared on day one of JEE Main. The JEE Main day one registered an attendance of 96 per cent. 

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 answer key is likely to be released in the first week of February. The candidates can check and download JEE Main answer key on the official website- jeemain.nta.nic.in. To download JEE Main answer key 2026, candidates need to visit the official website- jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on answer key PDF link. JEE Main answer key PDF will appear on the screen for download, save JEE Main answer key 2026 PDF and take a print out. 

Prashant Jain, CEO, Oswaal Books- "Based on feedback from students who appeared in today’s JEE Main paper, the overall difficulty level was moderate, with Mathematics emerging as the most time-consuming section. Physics tested conceptual clarity and application, while Chemistry was largely NCERT-based and relatively easier, making it the most scoring section. The paper focused more on understanding fundamentals rather than rote learning. Students who managed time well and prioritised accuracy over attempts are likely to have an edge. For upcoming shifts, aspirants should focus on core concepts, stay calm, and avoid being influenced by previous shift analysis.” 

Chemistry was considered Easy and relatively scoring. Most questions were memory-based, straightforward, and required less time compared to Physics and Mathematics, as per the expert.  

Mathematics emerged as the most challenging section of the paper. Students found it highly time-consuming, with complex calculations and questions that tested problem-solving skills extensively, as per the expert.  

Physics was rated as tough by most candidates. The section was described as lengthy and conceptually demanding, with questions requiring deeper understanding and careful application of concepts, as per the expert. 

The Maths and Physics paper was tough and the questions were of JEE Advanced level, while Chemistry analysed as moderately difficult, as per the candidates. JEE Main will be held in multiple shifts on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29. 

JEE Main shift one is underway, the exam will be concluded at 12 noon. Following the JEE Main analysis, the candidates will get to know the paper review and can check marks through unofficial answer key available on various portals.