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JEE Main 2026 Paper Analysis Jan 21 (Live): Shift 1 and 2 Difficulty Level, Review & Important Topics

By rohit.pandey1

|

Updated on 21 Jan 2026, 17:24 IST

The JEE Main 2026 exam kicks off with Session 1 on January 21, 2026, and students across India are eagerly searching for reliable insights. If you're looking for JEE 2026 paper analysis 21st January, JEE Main 2026, 21 Jan shift wise analysis, or JEE Main 2026 difficulty level January 21, you've come to the right place.

This comprehensive guide provides shift-wise JEE Main 2026 analysis for 21 January, including difficulty levels, chapter-wise weightage, most asked topics, good attempts, student feedback, and expert preparation tips. Based on trends from previous years like JEE Main 2025, we predict patterns while preparing for live post-exam updates on exam day.

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Stay tuned as we update this JEE Main 2026 21 Jan paper review in real-time after each shift ends. Use our free tools like the JEE Main 2026 rank predictor to estimate your percentile based on marks.

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JEE Main 2026 21 January Shift Wise Paper Analysis

For January 21st Session 1 of JEE Main 2026, we will update exam analysis for both Shift 1 and Shift 2. This detailed breakdown of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics will help students understand question difficulty, topic weightage, and trends. The JEE Main 2026 paper analysis will be compiled from real-time student reactions and expert reviews after the examination.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule for 21 January (Session 1)

Check Shift Wise Analysis and Difficulty Level JEE Main 2026, 21st January Shift-Wise Session 1: The JEE Main Exam 2026 January 21st Session 1 will be conducted in two shifts on January 21, 2026. Shift 1 is scheduled from 9 am to 12 noon, while Shift 2 will be from 3 pm to 6 pm. The exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), serves as the gateway for admissions to top engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and other premier institutions in India.

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ParticularsFirst ShiftSecond Shift
JEE Main 2026 January 21st Exam Time9:00 am to 12 noon3:00 pm to 6 pm
Entry Time into the examination centre7:30 am to 8:30 am2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
JEE Main 2026 instructions by invigilator8:30 am to 8:50 am2:30 pm to 2:50 pm
Candidate login to read instructions8:50 am2:50 pm
Commencement of JEE Main 2026 January 21st exam9:00 am3:00 pm

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Paper Analysis

JEE Main Shift 1 Analysis (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Overall Difficulty:Moderate

The first shift of JEE Main 2026 is now complete. Initial student reactions suggest a balanced paper, very similar to the difficulty level of JEE Main 2025.

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  • Physics (Easy to Moderate): The paper is largely formula-based. Questions are evenly distributed across Mechanics, Current Electricity, and Modern Physics. Many students report that direct application of NCERT formulas is enough to solve most questions.
  • Chemistry (Easy): This is the most student-friendly section. It is heavily NCERT-centric, especially for Inorganic Chemistry. Reaction mechanisms in Organic Chemistry follow standard patterns.
  • Mathematics (Moderate to Difficult): True to tradition, the Math section is lengthy and calculation-intensive. Topics like Calculus, Vectors, and 3D Geometry are dominant and require significant time management.

JEE Main 2026 Subject-wise Difficulty Level

As assessed by student reactions directly from the JEE Main exam centers, here is the real-time subject-wise difficulty level for the Day 1 engineering entrance exam. JEE Main 2026 Analysis - Difficulty Level (Jan 21)

DateShiftSubjectDifficulty LevelGood Attempts
Jan 21First ShiftMathsModerate to Difficult (Lengthy and calculation-heavy)12–15 Questions
  PhysicsEasy to Moderate (Formula-based with focus on Mechanics)18–21 Questions
  ChemistryEasy (Highly NCERT-centric; Inorganic was direct)22–24 Questions
Jan 21Second ShiftMathsUpdating Live (Stay tuned for post-6 PM updates)After 6:00 PM
  PhysicsUpdating Live (Stay tuned for post-6 PM updates)After 6:00 PM
  ChemistryUpdating Live (Stay tuned for post-6 PM updates)After 6:00 PM

JEE Main 2026 Paper Solution January 21st (Session 1)

Here is the detailed JEE Main 2026 January 21st paper analysis for both shifts, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. (This section will be updated live/post-exam with expert insights and student feedback.)

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Topic-Wise Weightage Analysis (Jan 21, Shift 1 – Memory-Based)

This data is compiled from real-time student feedback and reflects the preliminary trends for Day 1.

SubjectHigh Weightage (Must-Solve)Medium WeightageLow WeightageDifficulty Trend
PhysicsModern Physics (4–5 Qs), Current Electricity (3–4 Qs), Electrostatics (3 Qs)Mechanics (3–4 Qs), Ray Optics (2–3 Qs), Heat & ThermoUnits & Dimensions (1–2 Qs), SemiconductorScoring & Formula-Based: Most questions are direct applications.
ChemistryCoordination Compounds (3–4 Qs), GOC/Organic (3–4 Qs), Mole Concept (3 Qs)Chemical Bonding, Equilibrium, Alcohol/PhenolsBiomolecules (1 Q), Environmental ChemNCERT-Direct: Highly predictable; inorganic was almost entirely from NCERT text.
MathematicsCalculus (6–8 Qs), Vectors & 3D (4–5 Qs)Matrices & Determinants (3 Qs), Coordinate Geometry (3 Qs)Probability/Statistics (1–2 Qs), Sets & RelationsCalculus-Heavy: Solvable but requires intense calculation and speed.

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 Paper Analysis (LIVE) Students Reaction

Shift 2 Analysis (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)Overall Difficulty:Moderate to Tough Unlike the morning session, Shift 2 has presented a more challenging environment for aspirants. According to initial student feedback, while the overall paper remains Moderate, certain sections—particularly Chemistry—felt significantly more demanding than previous years.

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  • Physics (Easy to Moderate): Physics continues to be the most "balanced" section. Most questions are manageable with a strong grasp of basics, though some conceptual depth was required in Electromagnetism.
  • Chemistry (Tough): In a surprise twist for Day 1, students reported that Chemistry was tough in Shift 2. While NCERT remains the base, the questions involved more complex application and deeper theory compared to the morning shift.
  • Mathematics (Moderate): Interestingly, many students noted repeated questions or familiar patterns in the Maths section. While still calculation-heavy, those who practiced previous years' papers (PYQs) found it more approachable than expected. Vectors and 3D Geometry emerged as the highest weightage topics.

JEE Main 2026 Subject-wise Difficulty Level (Jan 21 - Shift 1)

Updated as of 12:15 PM based on student reactions from exam centers.

DateShiftSubjectDifficulty LevelGood Attempts
Jan 21Second ShiftMathsModerate (Repeated patterns observed)14–16 Questions
  PhysicsEasy to Moderate (Standard formulas)18–20 Questions
  ChemistryTough (More analytical than Shift 1)16–18 Questions

Topic-Wise Weightage Analysis (Jan 21, Shift 2 – Memory-Based)

SubjectHigh Weightage TopicsNotable Trends
PhysicsElectrostatics, Modern Physics, MechanicsFormula-driven; high scoring if concepts are clear.
ChemistryOrganic Conversions, p-Block, ThermodynamicsHarder than usual; required deep NCERT understanding.
MathematicsVectors & 3D Geometry (Highest), CalculusFamiliar question types; PYQs played a major role today.

Shift 2 Verdict: How it Compares to Last Year

The general consensus among students is that compared to last year, the JEE Main 2026 January 21 exam was tough. While Physics remains consistent, the increased difficulty in Chemistry and the lengthy nature of Math (despite familiar patterns) has pushed the overall difficulty bar higher.

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Expert Tips for January 22nd Aspirants:

  1. Don't Underestimate Chemistry: After today's Shift 2, it's clear that NTA can increase the difficulty in Chemistry anytime. Review your NCERT exemplar and detailed notes.
  2. Master Vectors & 3D: These were the "hero" topics in both shifts today. Ensure you have these chapters perfected.
  3. Solve PYQs: The presence of "repeated questions" in Math suggests that practicing the last 3-5 years of JEE Main papers is the best use of your remaining time.

Watch for Live/Recorded Session for JEE Main 2026 Question Paper Analysis – Shift 1 (21st January)

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 Paper Analysis

JEE Main Shift 2 Analysis (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)Overall Difficulty:Updating in Real-Time... The second shift of the Day 1 exam is currently underway. We are closely monitoring student exits and will provide a comprehensive breakdown immediately after the exam concludes at 6:00 PM. Stay tuned as we update this section with subject-wise trends and student feedback.

  • Physics: Monitoring for weightage in Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics. Initial expectations suggest a continued focus on formula-based questions.
  • Chemistry: Tracking whether the NCERT-centric trend from Shift 1 continues. We are looking for the distribution between Numerical and Theory-based questions.
  • Mathematics: Analyzing the complexity of Coordinate Geometry and Calculus. We will report on whether the paper remains "lengthy" compared to the morning session.

JEE Main 2026 Subject-wise Difficulty Level (Day 1)

This table is updated in a timely manner as feedback arrives directly from the JEE Main exam centers.

DateShiftSubjectDifficulty LevelGood Attempts
Jan 21First ShiftMathsModerate to Difficult (Lengthy)12–15 Questions
  PhysicsEasy to Moderate (Formula-based)18–21 Questions
  ChemistryEasy (NCERT-centric)22–24 Questions
Jan 21Second ShiftMathsUpdating Live (Post-6 PM)Refreshing Soon...
  PhysicsUpdating Live (Post-6 PM)Refreshing Soon...
  ChemistryUpdating Live (Post-6 PM)Refreshing Soon...

Watch for Live/Recorded Session for JEE Main 2026 Question Paper Analysis – Shift 2 (21st January)

In both shifts of JEE Main 2026 January 21st, candidates will be tested on knowledge, problem-solving speed, and time management. Staying calm and attempting questions strategically is vital for optimal performance.

The JEE Main 2026 Paper Analysis for January 21st will offer key insights into difficulty trends, topic distribution, and preparation gaps. Use this to refine your strategy for upcoming shifts or Session 2. Consistent practice and conceptual clarity remain the foundation for success in this competitive exam.

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FAQs: JEE Main 2026 Paper Analysis (21st Jan)

What is the overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2026 January 21st exam?

The difficulty level for JEE Main 2026 shifts will be updated post-exam based on student feedback and expert reviews. Typically, the exam is moderate overall, with Mathematics often being the lengthiest and most challenging section.

Which shift was easier/tougher in JEE Main 2026 January 21st – Shift 1 or Shift 2?

Shift-wise comparisons will be available after both shifts conclude on January 21, 2026. In previous years, shifts varied slightly due to normalization by NTA, ensuring fairness.

What are the high-weightage topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for JEE Main 2026?

Based on trends, high-weightage topics include:

  • Physics: Mechanics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics.
  • Chemistry: Organic Reactions, Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium), Inorganic (Coordination Compounds).
  • Mathematics: Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors.

How many good attempts are considered safe for JEE Main 2026 shifts?

Good attempts vary by shift difficulty, but generally: 60-70+ out of 90 questions for a 95+ percentile. This will be refined based on real-time January 21st feedback.

What is the cutoff for JEE Main 2026 Session 1?

The JEE Mains qualifying cutoffs (percentile):

  • General: 93-95
  • EWS: 78-80
  • OBC-NCL: 74-76
  • SC: 54-56
  • ST: 44-46

Actual cutoffs depend on overall performance and will be released by NTA after results.

When will the JEE Main 2026 January 21st shift-wise paper analysis be updated?

Live updates, student reactions, and detailed analysis (including memory-based questions) will be posted shortly after each shift ends on January 21, 2026.

How does shift-wise analysis help in JEE Main preparation?

It provides insights into question distribution, difficulty trends, and topic weightage, helping students prioritize revision for remaining shifts or Session 2 (April 2026).

Will there be normalization for different shifts in JEE Main 2026?

NTA applies normalization across shifts to account for any variations in difficulty, ensuring equitable percentiles.

Where can I download JEE Main 2026 January 21st question paper and solutions PDF?

Memory-based question papers and solutions PDFs will be available for download on this page post-exam. Official papers are released by NTA later.

What was the student reaction to JEE Main 2026 January 21st paper?

Student reviews and reactions will be compiled and updated live after the shifts, covering aspects like time management and surprising topics.

How can I use this paper analysis for Session 2 preparation?

Focus on high-weightage topics identified, practice similar questions, and work on weak areas highlighted in the shift-wise breakdown.

Is JEE Main 2026 to be tougher than previous years?

Based on trends, the difficulty is likely moderate, similar to recent sessions, with emphasis on conceptual and application-based questions.