Live JEE Main 2026 (day five) analysis Live Updates: 'Maths was tough'; check shift one paper review

As per the initial reactions from the candidates, Mathematics paper was tough, while Chemistry and Physics were analysed as moderately difficult. 

JEE Main Jan 28 shift two paper was reviewed as moderately difficult. As per the initial reactions from the candidates, Mathematics paper was tough, while Chemistry and Physics were analysed as moderately difficult. 

Analysing the difficulty level of shift one,  the experts have provided an expected cutoff percentile. As per experts, the cutoff percentile for general category will be between 91-94, OBC-NCL- 78-81, EWS- 80-83, SC- 63-65, ST- 44-47.

Mathematics

The Mathematics section was moderate to difficult and the most time-consuming. Questions were well spread across the syllabus, with higher weightage from Integral Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra. Topics like 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Complex Numbers had an average presence. Algebra appeared slightly dominant, while Coordinate Geometry maintained moderate representation. The lengthy calculations and tricky problems made this section the toughest of all. 

Chemistry

The Chemistry section was easy to moderate in difficulty. Questions were evenly distributed among Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, with a slightly greater emphasis on Organic Chemistry. Many questions were statement-based and closely aligned with NCERT concepts. While not very difficult, some required careful reading and conceptual understanding.

Physics

The Physics section was on the easier side. Questions were asked from almost all major chapters, with a higher number from Electromagnetism, while Optics and Waves had relatively fewer. Mechanics had an average representation. A few questions were time-consuming, but overall the section was manageable. Topics such as Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics were also adequately represented.

 Analysing the difficulty level of six shifts held till January 23, the experts have provided an expected cutoff percentile. As per experts, the cutoff percentile for general category will be between 91-94, OBC-NCL- 78-81, EWS- 80-83, SC- 63-65, ST- 44-47.

JEE Main shift one Chemistry paper was reviewed as moderately difficult. The Maths paper was analysed as difficult, while Physics was reviewed as moderately difficult. 

The difficulty level of JEE Main shift one Physics was moderate. The Maths was reviewed as difficulty, while Chemistry reviewed as moderately difficult. JEE Main shift two will be held from 3 pm to 6 pm. 

The Maths paper was analysed as difficult. The overall paper was analysed as moderately difficult. Meanwhile, the Physics and Maths paper was reviewed as moderately difficult. JEE Main shift two will be held from 3 pm. 

JEE Main shift one has been concluded. As per the initial reactions from the candidates, the Mathematics section was reviewed as difficult followed by Physics and Chemistry which were analysed as moderately tough. JEE Main was held in two shifts on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and will be held on January 28 and 29, 2026.