JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Physics Exam Analysis: Moderate Difficulty Level

The JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Physics paper had a good blend of conceptual and formula-based questions from both Class 11 and 12. Students described the difficulty as moderate, with key topics covering Mechanics, Electrostatics, and Modern Physics.

The JEE Main 2026 exam kicked off with its Physics paper on January 22, 2026, in Shift 1. Students reported a balanced mix of conceptual and formula-based questions, with the overall difficulty level being moderate. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the exam, covering the key topics, difficulty levels, and student feedback.

JEE Main 2026 Physics Exam (22 Jan Shift 1) Overview

The JEE Main Physics exam for January 22, 2026, Shift 1 presented a well-balanced set of questions, drawing from both Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus. The questions were designed to assess the understanding of core concepts, while also testing students' ability to apply formulas effectively.

The general sentiment from students was that the exam was of moderate difficulty, with a fair mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions. The paper was spread across various chapters, and students felt that the questions required both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Must Check: JEE Mains 22 jan paper analysis 2026 | JEE mains 2026 answer key 22 jan

Section-wise Breakdown of the Physics Exam

1. Mechanics

Mechanics was a major focus area in this year’s exam. Questions were primarily based on topics such as Laws of Motion, Work and Energy, Rotational Dynamics, and Kinematics.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Key Topics: Newton's Laws of Motion, Conservation of Energy, Rotational Motion.
• Feedback: While the questions were not overly complicated, they required a solid understanding of concepts and the ability to apply them in different scenarios.

2. Electrostatics

Electrostatics was another area with a moderate level of difficulty. Questions focused on electric fields, potential, capacitors, and Gauss's Law. Students found this section to be a bit challenging but manageable.

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Key Topics: Electric Fields, Capacitors, Gauss’s Law, Potential.
• Feedback: A mix of direct and application-based questions kept students on their toes.

3. Modern Physics

The Modern Physics section included questions on the Photoelectric Effect, Atomic Structure, and Radioactivity. These questions were based on theoretical knowledge and required good conceptual clarity.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Key Topics: Atomic Structure, Photoelectric Effect, Nuclear Physics.
• Feedback: This section was generally easier compared to Mechanics, with a couple of tricky questions.

4. Other Topics

Additional topics like Optics, Thermodynamics, and Waves were also included in the paper. These questions, although less frequent, were based on the application of core principles and equations.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Key Topics: Thermodynamics, Optics, Simple Harmonic Motion.

Also Read: JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Chemistry Exam Analysis

Overall Difficulty Level of the Paper

The JEE Main 2026 Physics exam (Shift 1) was considered to have a moderate difficulty level by the majority of students. The paper had a mix of both conceptual and numerical questions, demanding a clear understanding of fundamental concepts and the ability to solve complex problems. The balance between easy, moderate, and difficult questions was appreciated by most students, and the overall experience was not overwhelming.

• Easy Questions: Focused on basic formulas and direct application.
• Moderate Questions: Required critical thinking and a strong grasp of concepts.
• Difficult Questions: Included complex calculations and application-based problems.

Also check: JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Maths Exam Analysis

Important Topics for Future Aspirants

Based on the exam analysis, future aspirants should focus on strengthening their understanding of the following key topics:

• Mechanics: Laws of Motion, Work-Energy Theorem, Rotational Motion.
• Electrostatics: Capacitors, Electric Fields, and Gauss’s Law.
• Modern Physics: Photoelectric Effect, Atomic Models, and Nuclear Physics.
• Optics and Thermodynamics: Essential for scoring well in application-based questions.

Key Takeaways from JEE Main 2026 Physics Exam

The JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Physics exam provided a good mix of conceptual and formula-based questions, catering to a wide range of topics from the Class 11 and 12 syllabus. The moderate difficulty level allowed well-prepared students to perform with confidence, while also offering opportunities for those who may need to improve certain areas.

For future aspirants, it’s important to focus on mastering the core concepts while practicing regularly to improve problem-solving speed and accuracy. Stay focused, keep practicing, and aim for consistency in your preparation to excel in the upcoming JEE Main exams