The JEE Main 2026, B.Arch/B. Planning Exam has been concluded now, and those appearing for both exams got 30 minutes extra and were conducted till 12:30 P.M.
As per the analysis, the exam was of a moderate difficulty level, with mathematics being more lengthy and time-consuming in both.
- In the B.Arch Exam, mathematics was moderate but time-consuming, whereas the aptitude section was easy and scoring, but drawing was lengthy and focused on perspective & creativity.
- In the B. Planning Exam, mathematics was moderate, and the planning section was knowledge & conceptual based.
In this Article, you can check the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift-Wise Paper Analysis & Difficulty Level.
Check:
JEE Main Jan 29th B.Arch & B.Planning Analysis
The JEE Main 29th Jan Exam for B.Arch/B. Planning was conducted today in a single shift. As per the candidate’s feedback, the difficulty level was moderate, with mathematics being the most time-consuming section.
| Paper | Section | Difficulty Level | Nature of Questions | Key Candidate Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Arch (2A) | Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult | Numerical-based, lengthy | Time-consuming; accuracy crucial |
| Aptitude Test | Easy to Moderate | Conceptual & visual | Scoring: predictable patterns | |
| Drawing Test | Moderate | Perspective & creativity-based | Lengthy but standard topics | |
| B.Planning (2B) | Mathematics | Moderate | Numerical-based | Manageable with practice |
| Planning Section | Easy to Moderate | Knowledge & awareness-based | Questions from urban planning & sustainability | |
| Aptitude Test | Easy to Moderate | Logical & visual | High attempt potential |
JEE Main Jan 28 Shift 2 Paper Analysis
With the conduct of JEE Main Jan 28 Shift 2, the session 1 exam for B.E./B. Tech has been concluded. As per the initial feedback from candidates, the difficulty level was moderate but lengthy and time-consuming.
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Nature | Key Topics Asked | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Easy | Direct & formula-based |
| Most scoring; higher attempts |
| Chemistry | Difficult & Lengthy | Case-study + numerical-based |
| Toughest & most time-consuming |
| Mathematics | Moderate | Numerical & calculation-heavy |
| Required careful time allocation |
| Overall Paper | Moderate (Lengthy) | Balanced syllabus coverage | Class 11 & 12 topics mixed | Time management was important |
JEE Main Jan 28 Shift 1 Paper Analysis
The JEE Main Jan 28 Shift 1 is of a moderate to tough level. In which physics is comparatively easier, whereas mathematics and chemistry are lengthy and more time-consuming.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 28 Shift 1: Subject-Wise Analysis
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Nature | Key Topics Asked | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Easy to Moderate | Calculative, formula-based | Ray Optics, Modern Physics, Electrostatics | Easier than other sections but time-consuming |
| Chemistry | Moderate & Lengthy | Statement-based + conceptual |
| Lengthy but manageable |
| Mathematics | Difficult & Lengthy | Indirect, numerical-heavy | Vectors & 3D, Relations & Sets, multi-step problems | Toughest section |
| Overall Paper | Moderate to Tough | Balanced syllabus coverage | Class 11 & 12 topics mixed | Time management was decisive |
JEE Main Jan 24 Shift 2 Paper Analysis
The Shift 2 of Jan 24 has been concluded. As per the initial feedback, it was moderate but lengthy and time-consuming. The level of questions were difficult than NCERT, and more numerical-based questions were asked.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 2: Subject-Wise Analysis
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Nature | Key Topics Asked | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate | Direct, formula-based | Ray Optics, Cylinder, standard numericals | Doable and less time-consuming |
| Chemistry | Moderate to Difficult | Numerical + assertion/statement-based | Physical Chemistry (~50%), mixed concepts | Tricky and lengthy |
| Mathematics | Difficult & Lengthy | Highly numerical, calculation-heavy | Vectors & 3D, Circle/Ellipse, Relations & Sets | Toughest and most time-consuming |
| Overall Paper | Moderate (Lengthy) | Balanced syllabus coverage | Class 11 & 12 topics mixed | Time management was decisive |
JEE Main Jan 24 Shift 1 Paper Analysis
As Shift 1 of JEE Main Jan 24 Shift 1 Paper Analysis has been concluded, and according to the initial feedback, the exam was moderate but lengthy and time-consuming. Overall, the shift continued the trend of balanced yet time-intensive examinations seen across Session 1.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 1 Subject-Wise Analysis
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Nature | Key Topics Asked | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult | Calculative & lengthy | Coordinate Geometry, Vectors/3D, multi-step numeric problems | Most time-consuming section; required strong calculation speed |
| Physics | Moderate & Lengthy | Statement + calculation-based | Ray Optics, Microscopes, core concept numericals | Moderate overall; some lengthy problems affecting pacing |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | Mixed & statement-based | Coordination Compounds, Physical Chemistry Fundamentals | Scoring is relatively simpler compared to other sections |
| Overall Paper | Moderate (lengthy) | Balanced from the syllabus | Covered all major topics with a mix of conceptual + numeric | Time management is decisive for good attempts |
JEE Main Jan 23 Shift 2 Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23rd Shift 2 Analysis has been updated on certain educational institutes like Motiononline, esaraljee & Allen. As per the analysis, the difficulty level was moderate but time-consuming & lengthy.
JEE Main 23rd Jan Shift 2 Paper Analysis Current Analysis:
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Nature | Topics with Weightage | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Tough | Conceptual and lengthy calculations | Ray Optics, Current Electricity, conceptual, and numeric problems | Most time-consuming & toughest section |
| Mathematics | Moderate | Calculation-intensive, pattern similar to PYQs | Coordinate Geometry, Vectors & 3D, standard calculation sets | Balanced but time-heavy |
| Chemistry | Moderate | Statement-based + NCERT-aligned questions | Organic ~50%, Physical & Inorganic fundamentals | Moderate and scoring |
| Overall | Moderate (lengthy, balanced) | Balanced across the syllabus with a calculation focus | Mixed topics from Class 11 & 12 | Moderate but time-consuming |
JEE Main Jan 23 Shift 1 Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 is over, and as per the current responses, it was of a moderate level, with the paper being more lengthy as compared to other shifts.
Time Management was important to attempt the questions.
Overall, this shift is considered on the tougher side than other shifts.
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Question Nature | Major Topics Covered | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Easy to Moderate | Direct, NCERT-based | Ray Optics, Modern Physics, Electrostatics, | Easy scoring and conceptual |
| Chemistry | Moderate to Difficult | Twisted/mixed concepts, numerical heavy | Physical (Kinetics, Thermodynamics), Organic & Inorganic mix | Time-consuming; mixed topic questions are typical of an advanced pattern |
| Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult | Lengthy calculations; multi-step | Vectors & 3D, Matrices, Conic Sections, Sequence & Series | Most time-consuming and multi-step problems |
| Overall Paper | Moderate to Difficult | Time-pressure + varied concepts | Balanced across syllabus with multi-concept entries | Tougher than some earlier shifts; time management is crucial |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 2 Paper Analysis
The Jan 22nd Shift 2 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. was comparatively more difficult than other shifts. The questions were NCERT-based, mainly from Class 12th, but were slightly twisted.
As per the initial feedback from the expert and educational institutes like Motion Online & Sri Chaitanya Educational Institute, the Jan 22 Shift 2 paper analysis is as follows:
| Parameter | Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Slightly Difficult | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Question Nature | Conceptual + Analytical | NCERT-based & Scoring | Lengthy & Calculation-Intensive | Balanced but Time-Pressured |
| High-Weight Topics | Mechanics, Electrostatics, Magnetism, Modern Physics | Physical (Equilibrium, Thermodynamics), Inorganic, Organic basics | Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors/3D | Mixed Class 11 & 12 |
| Time Consumption | Moderate | Low to Moderate | High | Moderate to High |
| Scoring Potential | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Key Challenge | Application-oriented problems | Slight numeric focus | Multi-step calculations | Time management |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 1 Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 1 has been concluded, and its analysis has been updated by different coaching institutes and experts.
According to the video by @SriChaitanyaAcademyJEE, the candidate-wise responses after the exam are:
| Candidate | Overall Difficulty | ToughestSubject | Scoring Subject | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate 1 | Moderate | Physics | Chemistry | Physics was comparatively difficult, with easier questions from maths & chemistry. |
| Candidate 2 | Moderate | Physics | Chemistry/Mathematics | Questions were more calculation-based, and chemistry was balanced. |
| Candidate 3 | Lenghty | Maths | Chemistry | Chemistry was easy to solve and score. Mathematics was more numerically-based. |
| Candidate 4 | Moderate | Maths | Chemistry | More application-based questions in Maths and Chemistry included direct questions. |
As per most of the candidates, physics and mathematics were comparatively tougher, whereas chemistry was easier.
JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1, January 21 Shift 2, is also over, and as per the current feedback from the candidates, the exam was of a moderate difficulty level. As per the analysis and expert reviews, in shift 2, mathematics and physics were more challenging than in shift 1.
| Parameter | Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate |
| Question Nature | Numerical & application-based | NCERT-based, mix of theory & numericals | Lengthy, calculation-based | Balanced but time-pressured |
| Dominant Focus | Concept application, numericals | Direct questions from NCERT | Multi-step problems | Accuracy + time management |
| Time Consumption | High | Low to Moderate | High | Moderate to High |
| Scoring Potential | Moderate | High | Low to Moderate | Moderate |
| Key Challenge | Lengthy numericals | Careful reading of options | Speed and calculation accuracy | Section prioritisation |
JEE Main 2026 21st January Shift 1 Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 January Session 1, Shift 1 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. is over. As per the expert updates and the students' feedback, the exam was of moderate difficulty, with chemistry being the highest-scoring section, mathematics being the most time-consuming section, and physics being easy to moderate.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 1: Candidate-Wise Responses
As per the video taken by the collegedunia team from the live exam centre, the candidate-wise responses are as follows:
| Candidate | Overall Difficulty | Toughest | Key Paper Observation | Expected Marks / Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate 1 | Moderate to Tough | Physics is the toughest | Lengthy numericals; paper tougher than expected for the first shift |
|
| Candidate 2 | Tough | Mathematics | More theory in Chemistry; high weightage of Coordinate Geometry | Marks: 100–102 |
| Candidate 3 | Easy to Moderate | Chemistry is the toughest | Paper manageable; no major time issues; more unique questions |
|
| Candidate 4 | Tough | Mathematics (Numericals) | Direct concepts are asked in different formats | Marks: Around 100 |
| Candidate 5 | Moderate to Difficult | Chemistry was unexpected | Numerical-based paper; 70–80% Physics from Class 11 | Cutoff expected slightly lower |
| Candidate 6 | Moderate to Difficult | Chemistry is the toughest | Pattern similar to previous years, Difficulty aligned with PYQs | Marks: 152 |
JEE Main 2026 Expected Exam Analysis
Anup Sir from Mathongo suggests that the JEE Main 2026 follows a stable 300-mark pattern with easy to moderate difficulty. He noted that Maths is becoming more predictable, Physics more conceptual, and Chemistry mostly NCERT-based but time-consuming.
Source - Quora
JEE Main 2026 Subject-wise Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of the JEE Main exam in 2026 is estimated to be moderate with some easy questions, moderate questions, and difficult questions.
- Mathematics: The most difficult part, with the good attempts around 19-22 out of 25, it reflects that it’s better to get the answers correct rather than attempt all questions.
- Physics: Relatively challenging and balanced; attempts between 20 and 22 are possible with strong conceptual understanding and practice with numericals.
- Chemistry: Most scoring subject; maximum good attempts (22-24/25) because of direct and NCERT-based questions, mostly from Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.
| Subject | Expected Difficulty Level | Key Characteristics | Total Questions | Expected Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Moderate to Tough | Lengthy, time-consuming, multi-concept problems with tricky calculations; accuracy is crucial | 25 | 19 – 22 |
| Physics | Moderate | Balanced mix of conceptual questions and numerical problem-solving | 25 | 20 – 22 |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | Mostly NCERT-based and direct questions, especially from Organic & Inorganic Chemistry | 25 | 22 – 24 |
| Overall Paper | Moderate | Balanced paper with a mix of easy, moderate, and a few challenging questions | 75 | 61 – 68+ |
JEE Main Marks vs Percentile 2026 (Good Attempts)
The Newton School of JEE Main score vs percentile 2026 shows that even with a small change in the marks can have a huge impact on the percentile, especially at the higher scores.
- Scoring 240 – 250 marks with around 72-75 correct answers is expected to place you in the 99+ percentile.
- While 220-230 marks will place the candidate in the 99.7-99.8 percentile range, where the competition is the highest.
- A score of 200-210 marks will still provide you 99.3-99.5 percentile, which is suitable for top NITs and IIITs.
| Marks (out of 300) | Expected Percentile | Approx. AIR Rank | Good Attempts (out of 75) | Admission / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 – 250 | 99.9+ | ~1,600 | 72 – 75 | Top 0.1%, Elite rank |
| 220 – 230 | 99.7 – 99.8 | ~3,000 – 4,800 | 68 – 72 | IIT-level performance |
| 200 – 210 | 99.3 – 99.5 | ~8,000 – 11,000 | 65 – 68 | NIT CS (Top NITs) |
| 180 – 190 | ~99.0 | ~16,000 | 62 – 65 | Strong NIT Core / CS |
| 165 – 175 | 98.5 – 98.8 | ~20,000 – 25,000 | 60 – 62 | NIT CS / ECE |
| 150 – 160 | 98.0 – 98.3 | ~30,000 – 32,000 | 58 – 60 | Good NIT branches |
| 140 – 145 | 96.0 – 96.5 | ~58,000 – 64,000 | 55 – 58 | Safe NIT admission |
| 130 – 135 | 94.5 – 95.0 | ~80,000 – 88,000 | 52 – 55 | Borderline NIT |
| 115 – 120 | 93.5 – 94.0 | ~1,40,000 | 48 – 50 | JEE Advanced cutoff (Gen) |
| 100 – 105 | 90 – 91 | ~1,70,000 | 42 – 45 | Below Adv cutoff |
| < 90 | < 88 | >2,00,000 | < 40 | Limited options |
Ques. Is 70 a bad score in JEE Mains?
Ans. A score of 70 in JEE Main is considered below average, which is not good for the top NITs or IIITs, for the candidates in the General category, as it requires much higher cutoff of 90+ percentile. In contrast, candidates from OBC, EWS, SC, or ST categories may still qualify for some state or private engineering colleges.
Ques. Who got 99.97 percentile in JEE Mains?
Ans. Many Students achieved a 99.97th percentile in the JEE Main across different sessions and years.
- JEE Main 2025: Paras Gore (JEE Main 2025), Vansh Goel (Amritsar topper).
- JEE Main 2024: Tanush Bansal (Ludhiana topper).
- JEE Main 2022: Nevish Ashok Pathe, Tanishka Kabra.
- JEE Main 2021: Shreyansh Jain, Tambat (February session).
- JEE Main 2019: Gurbaaz Singh Nandra
JEE Mains Paper Analysis of Last 10 Years
In the last 10 years, JEE Main paper analysis shows that the overall difficulty of the exam has remained moderate to high.
- Maths has consistently been the toughest and most time-consuming subject, along with lengthy and multi-concept questions.
- Physics has become more conceptual and application-based over the years.
- Chemistry has remained the most scoring subject because of its strong NCERT-based questions.
| Year | Overall Difficulty | Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics | Key Trend / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Moderate–High | Moderate | Mostly NCERT & scored | Maths lengthy & tough | Multi‑concept maths & physics numericals |
| 2024 | Moderate–Difficult | Conceptual Physics | Easier but conceptual Chem | Maths complex | Maths and conceptual reasoning rose |
| 2023 | Moderate | Moderate Physics | Chemistry easy, NCERT | Maths lengthy/tricky | Strong NCERT trend in chemistry |
| 2022 | Moderate–Difficult | Tricky Physics | Easy, NCERT | High maths load | Maths and time management biggest challenge |
| 2021 | Moderate | Easier Physics | Scoring Chemistry | Maths toughest | Physics easier, maths remains time‑consuming |
| 2020 | Moderate–High | Concept heavy, tricky | Easy–Moderate | Hard questions | Transition year; Physics toughest among sections |
| 2019 | Moderate–High | Conceptual twist | Mixed difficulty | Moderate | Balanced difficulty with some tough shifts |
| 2018 | Moderate | More application | Organic focus | Geometry heavy | Balanced with more application‑based physics |
| 2017 | Moderate | Balanced syllabus | Mostly NCERT | Mixed Algebra & Calculus | Stable pattern, formula and application mix |
| 2016 | Moderate–High | Conceptual, tricky | NCERT + numerical | Lengthy Calculations | Early NTA transition; longer maths emphasis |
Top 5 Toughest JEE Mains Papers
The data of the 5 toughest JEE Main papers shows that 2025 and 2020 were the toughest years in JEE Main history.
- The 28 January 2025 shift 1 JEE Main paper was one of the most difficult ever, with very low attempt rates and difficulty comparable to JEE Advanced.
- Similarly, 2020 was also the toughest year across all shifts due to the NTA transition, which introduced a new paper pattern with an increased difficulty level.
| Rank | Year / Shift | Subjects Most Difficult | Difficulty Level | Reason for Toughness | Student Feedback / Insights |
| 1 | 2025 Jan 28 Shift‑1 | Maths & Physics | Very High | Lengthy Maths problems, multi‑concept Physics questions, and higher-than-Advanced conceptual level | Students called it one of the toughest mains ever; low attempt rates were observed. |
| 2 | 2020 (All Shifts) | Physics | Very High | Concept-heavy Physics, NTA transition, unfamiliar question types | Widely considered extremely tough due to a sudden shift in exam pattern. |
| 3 | 2019 Specific Shifts (Apr 10 S2, Jan 9 S1, Apr 12 S1) | Physics & Maths | High | Multi-concept Physics, tricky Maths questions not seen before | Shift-wise tough; required deeper understanding beyond memorization. |
| 4 | 2022 Specific Shifts (Jun 27 S2, Jun 28 S1, Jun 29 S2) | Maths | High | Lengthy and calculation-heavy Maths questions | Considered tricky due to multi-step calculations; Physics moderately tough. |
| 5 | 2025 Apr Shifts (Apr 3 S2, Apr 4 S2) | Maths & Physics | High–Very High | Complex Maths logic, application-based Physics | Many students rated these shifts as challenging; above-average difficulty trends observed. |
Ques. What is the 80/20 rule in JEE Mains?
Ans. The 80/20 rule in JEE Main is an efficient preparation strategy; it suggests that 80% of your scores come from only 20% of the syllabus, which means the students should only focus on high-weightage topics.
- Mathematics: Calculus, Coordinate Geometry.
- Physics: Mechanics, Electrostatics, Modern Physics.
- Chemistry: Organic reactions, Physical Chemistry formulas.
Ques. Is 200 out of 300 in JEE Mains good?
Ans. Scoring 200 out of 300 in JEE Main is considered a very good performance, which will place you in the 99-99.7 percentile, providing you with the opportunity to take admission to top NITs and IIITs, especially in CSE and EE branches.
Easiest vs Toughest Shifts Analysis in JEE Main 2025
In JEE Main 2025, there were drastic changes in every shift. In mathematics, there were major changes. As per the students' reaction and expert analysis, some shifts were considered as the most scoring, whereas some were rank droppers for candidates.
Check below, the difficulty level comparison of JEE Main 2025 as per the candidates' opinion for Session 1 and Session 2:
JEE Main 2025: Session 1 Difficulty Level (January 2025)
The Shift 1 of 25th January was considered the easiest shift, whereas Shift 2 of January 2027 was considered the toughest shift.
| Date & Shift | Physics Difficulty | Chemistry Difficulty | Maths Difficulty | Overall | Toppers Insights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 24 (Shift 1) | Easy–Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Scoring | “NCERT-Based Chemistry + formula-based Physics made it smooth.” |
| Jan 24 (Shift 2) | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate–Tough | Balanced | “Maths length reduced attempts slightly.” |
| Jan 25 (Shift 1) | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Easiest of Session 1 | “Highest accuracy shift; straightforward questions.” |
| Jan 25 (Shift 2) | Moderate–Tough | Moderate | Tough | Rank-Dropping | “Maths lengthy; Physics tricky numerical values.” |
| Jan 27 (Shift 1) | Easy–Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Scoring | “Organic + Physical Chem dominated; time-saving shift.” |
| Jan 27 (Shift 2) | Moderate | Moderate | Tough | Toughest of Session 1 | “3D Geometry + Calculus made Math extremely time-consuming.” |
JEE Main 2025: Session 2 Difficulty Level ( April 2025)
- The April 9th Shift 1 was considered the easiest shift, and the shift 2 of April 6th was considered the toughest shift.
- Session 2 is considered more time-consuming than session 1 because of calculation-based mathematics questions.
| Date & Shift | Physics Difficulty | Chemistry Difficulty | Maths Difficulty | Overall Tag | Topper Insights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 6 (Shift 1) | Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Balanced–Easy | “NCERT-based Chemistry, better attempts” |
| Apr 6 (Shift 2) | Tough | Moderate | Tough | Toughest of Session 2 | “Time-consuming Maths + tricky Physics.” |
| Apr 8 (Shift 2) | Easy–Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Scoring | “Smooth paper across subjects.” |
| Apr 8 (Shift 2) | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Balanced | “No surprises, but Maths was slow.” |
| Apr 9 (Shift 1) | Easy | Easy–Moderate | Moderate | Easiest of Session 2 | “Chem + Physics both direct; high attempt rate.” |
| Apr 9 (Shift 2) | Moderate–Tough | Moderate | Tough | High Difficulty | “Maths again toughest; lengthy PYQ-modified problems.” |
Also Read
JEE Main Syllabus: Easy ChaptersQues. How does NTA normalisation adjust scores for difficult shifts?
Ans. In JEE Main, NTA uses a statistical method to compare scores in both, which ensures that tougher shift candidates don’t have any disadvantage.
- The Raw marks will be converted into normalised percentile, with a scale of 0-100.
- It ensures that a student scoring 70 marks in a hard shift may get a higher percentile than someone scoring 80 in an easy shift.
| Difficulty of Shift | Avg Raw Score | Expected 95 Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 140–150 | 165–175 |
| Moderate | 110–120 | 145–155 |
| Tough | 85–95 | 130–140 |
Ques. Are morning shifts generally tougher, or is it just a myth?
Ans. Generally, according to candidates, the morning shifts are tougher, but as per 2025, the shift-wise difficulty level can vary according to different factors.
JEE Mains Morning vs Afternoon Shift Difficulty
| Shift Type | Student Perception | Reality from Paper Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (9 AM) | “More tricky, concept-heavy” | 50% tough, 50% moderate → no fixed pattern |
| Afternoon (3 PM) | “More calculation-based” | 45% tough, 55% moderate → balanced |
Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed about JEE Main Paper Analysis, including the Difficulty Level Analysis & Previous Year Difficulty.
- In JEE Main, Mathematics is most toughest and longest section, with 15 to 18 high-calculation-based questions.
- Whereas chemistry is the easiest section, with 80 to 90% questions directly asked from the NCERT.
- The JEE Main Exam Pattern is expected to be the same as the previous year, with the majority of the questions expected to be from the last 10 years PYQs.
- As there are different shifts, the difficulty level can change for each shift, which makes a difference of 20 to 25 marks in easy and tough shifts.
Table of Contents
- Easiest vs Toughest Shifts Analysis in JEE Main 2025
- JEE Main Paper Analysis: Trends You Should Know Before Making Your 2026 Strategy
- JEE Main Paper Analysis: Chapter-Wise Questions
- Will JEE Mains 2026 be difficult?
- JEE Main 2026: Expected Subject-Wise Paper Analysis
- FAQs for JEE Main Previous Year Paper Analysis
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Trends You Should Know Before Making Your 2026 Strategy
As per JEE Main Previous Year Analysis, the pattern is majorly similar, with chemistry being the most NCERT-Based, Maths includes lengthier questions, and the difficulty of physics will change according to the total number of questions.
In Quora Spaces like IIT JEE Prep Community, it shows that more than 70 to 75% questions are repeated every year, which shows it's important to do preparation as per previous year analysis.
JEE Main 2023 to 2025 Trends Analysis
| Trend Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 3-Year Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maths Calculation Based | High | Very High | Very High | Maths becoming more time-consuming makes the biggest difference in ranks. |
| Chemistry NCERT Questions | 70% | 78% | 82% | More line-by-line NCERT questions every year. |
| Physics Numerical Questions | Low–Moderate | Moderate | High | Direct rise in numerical count = tougher 2025 shifts. |
| Repetition of Question Templates | 60% | 68% | 72% | Increasing pattern consistency across chapters. |
| % of Tough Shifts | 30% | 40% | 45% | 2025 saw more difficult evening shifts. |
| Organic Chemistry Weightage | Stable | High Spike | Stable Again | Organic normalised after 2024 jump. |
| Integer-Type Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | High | 2025 integers were the toughest in 3 years. |
| Good Attempt Range | 60–72 | 60–75 | 55–70 | The 2025 difficulty lowered the safe attempt band. |
Also Read
Ques. How has the overall JEE Main difficulty changed from 2023 to 2025?
As per the candidates' review and expert analysis, the JEE Mains difficulty level has shifted from 2023 to 2025, majorly in physics and maths, because of multi-concept and application-based questions.
JEE Main Year-wise Difficulty Trend
| Year | Overall Difficulty | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Easy–Moderate | High NCERT alignment, more direct formula-based questions |
| 2024 | Moderate | Increase in conceptual application, trickier Maths |
| 2025 | Moderate–High | Multi-concept numericals, fewer direct theory questions |
Ques. Are more NCERT-based questions appearing in recent years?
Ans. Yes, from 2023 to 2025, the JEE Main has started including more NCERT-Weightage, mainly in chemistry.
JEE Mains NCERT Focus
| Year | NCERT-based Question Share | Subjects Mostly Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 55–60% | Chemistry, Physics theory |
| 2024 | 60–70% | Chemistry, Mixed Physics |
| 2025 | 70–75% (Highest) | Chemistry, Organic, Inorganic; some Physics theory |
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Chapter-Wise Questions
In the last 5 years, the JEE Main Subject-wise pattern has been consistent, with Chemistry being NCERT-based, Physics including conceptual depth, and Mathematics including the most variable section, due to repetition of chapters.
JEE Main Mathematics: Last 5 Years Analysis
- In the Mathematics Section, there is the highest repeatability of topics in Geometry, Calculus and Algebra, including 70% of weightage.
- As per a Reddit user, for mathematics, the lectures of Arvind Kalia sir are very helpful, as he builds your concepts and gives solid problem-solving tips in the form of examples.
| Chapter | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Total (5Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Geometry | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 24 |
| Definite Integration | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 20 |
| Differential Equations | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 17 |
| Sequences & Series | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 17 |
| Vector Algebra | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 15 |
| Complex Numbers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
| Straight Lines | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 14 |
| Binomial Theorem | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
| Functions | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
| Area Under Curve | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 12 |
JEE Main Physics: Last 5 Years Analysis
- In JEE Main, Physics is known for conceptual consistency. Mechanics & Electrostatics are the most asked about every year.
- According to the Reddit topper, questions from Modern Physics, along with EMI, are guaranteed.
| Chapter | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Total (5Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Physics | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 22 |
| Electrostatics | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 18 |
| Current Electricity | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 17 |
| Optics | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
| EMI & AC | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| Semiconductors | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| Laws of Motion | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 14 |
| Work, Power & Energy | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
| Thermodynamics | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 12 |
| Magnetism | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 |
JEE Main Chemistry: Last 5 Years Analysis
The Chemistry is mostly the same every year, with the inorganic chemistry questions repeating, and the organic chemistry follows the NCERT pattern.
| Chapter | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Total (5Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Periodic Table & Trends | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 19 |
| Chemical Bonding | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 18 |
| Coordination Compounds | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 15 |
| Thermodynamics | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| Organic GOC | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
| Amines | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
| Alcohol, Phenol & Ether | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 13 |
| Hydrocarbons | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 12 |
| s-block & p-block | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 |
JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper Pdf with Solutions
| Year of Paper | Download Link |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2025 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2024 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2023 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2022 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2021 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2020 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2019 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2018 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
JEE Main 2026: Expected Subject-Wise Paper Analysis
The JEE Mains 2026 Exam will have a balanced and competitive structure, with subject-wise difficulty being different in Paper 1, 2A and 2 B. As per the expert analysis, the exam will be of a moderate difficulty level, in which mathematics and physics will be comparatively tougher than chemistry.
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Physics
- In JEE Main, Physics will be of the moderate to difficult level, including major numerical and formula-based questions.
- The Major Weightage is given to Electrostatics+ Current Electricity + EMI, holding a weightage of 25 to 30% in the exam.
JEE Main Physics Expected Paper Analysis
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage | Difficulty | Topper Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics | 5–7 | High | Mod–Tough | Master rotation + mixed numericals from PYQs. |
| Electrostatics | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Focus on formulas + previous circuit patterns. |
| Current Electricity | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Practice Kirchhoff & resistor combos. |
| EMI & AC | 3–4 | Medium | Mod–Tough | Solve induced EMF + LCR questions daily. |
| Magnetism | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Revise force on charge/conductor concepts. |
| Optics | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Ray diagrams + interference basics. |
| Modern Physics | 3–4 | High | Easy–Mod | Revise semiconductors thoroughly—most scoring. |
| Thermodynamics | 1–2 | Low | Moderate | Read the NCERT summary lines carefully. |
| Waves & SHM | 1–2 | Low | Moderate | Practice Doppler + superposition PYQs. |
Ques. Why do students find JEE Main Physics unpredictable every year?
Ans. In JEE Main, Physics is considered the most difficult section, because there is a difference in concepts, formula-based questions and Numericals every year.
Because of this, candidates usually call physics the most unpredictable section.
- There is variation in difficulty level, as physics difficulty level fluctuated the most among all subjects in 2025, 2024 and 2023.
- The Chapter-wise weightage changes from year to year, as in 2023, major questions were asked from mechanics and in 2024, Optics/Modern Physics included major questions.
Ques. Is JEE Main Physics shifting more towards NCERT-based conceptual questions?
Ans. Yes, from the year 2024, the JEE Main has shifted to NCERT-Based conceptual Questions, but still, the number of numerical questions appears more often.
| Year | Conceptual Qs | Numerical/Formula Qs | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 30–35% | 65–70% | Numerical-heavy year. |
| 2024 | 50–55% | 45–50% | Big shift towards conceptual NCERT. |
| 2025 | 55–60% | 40–45% | Highest conceptual % in 3 years. |
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Chemistry
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In JEE Main, Chemistry is the easiest and scoring section, with more than 50 to 60% questions being directly theory-based and from NCERT.
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The Inorganic and Biomolecules include 10 to 15 direct questions.
-
Organic chemistry holds a total weightage of 25 to 28%, mainly requiring mechanism-based questions.
JEE Main Chemistry Expected Paper Analysis
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage | Difficulty level | Topper Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Bonding | 3–4 | High | Easy–Mod | Questions with the same pattern. |
| Periodic Table | 2–3 | Medium | Easy | Pure NCERT questions |
| Coordination | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Structures + hybridisation. |
| Hydrocarbons | 1–2 | Medium | Moderate | Mechanisms repeat. |
| Aldehydes/Ketones/Acids | 2–3 | High | Moderate | Reaction memory is essential. |
| Amines | 1–2 | Medium | Moderate | Direct NCERT reactions. |
| Equilibrium | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Numerical reasoning. |
| Electrochemistry | 1–2 | Medium | Moderate | Nernst → common question. |
| Solutions | 1–2 | Medium | Moderate | Simple colligative sums. |
| p/d-Block | 2–3 | Medium | Easy | High-scoring direct lines. |
| Biomolecules/Polymers | 1–2 | Low | Easy | Straight from NCERT. |
Ques. Which Chemistry part—Organic, Inorganic, or Physical—was easiest in 2025?
Ans. In JEE Main 2025, inorganic chemistry was the easiest one, and then the organic chemistry was a moderate section.
JEE Main Chemistry Difficulty Level Comparison
| Chemistry Part | Difficulty Level 2025 | Avg. Qs Asked | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inorganic Chemistry | Easiest | 8–10 | NCERT lines + factual direct theory. |
| Organic Chemistry | Moderate | 7–9 | Mostly basics (GOC, Reaction Mechanisms). |
| Physical Chemistry | Most Difficult | 6–8 | Calculation-heavy; 3–4 numerical questions. |
Ques. Did JEE Main Chemistry include more factual or application-based questions?
Ans. The JEE Main Chemistry includes more factual theory-based questions, rather than application-based problem solving, in inorganic and organic chemistry.
| Type of Question | Percentage | Where it Came From |
|---|---|---|
| Factual / Memory-Based | 55–65% | Inorganic + Environmental + Polymers |
| Conceptual (No Calculation) | 20–25% | GOC, Hybridisation, Reaction Types |
| Application-Based (Numerical/Logical) | 15–20% | Physical Chemistry (Thermo, Equilibrium) |
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Mathematics
- In JEE Main Mathematics, around 65 to 70% of the total weightage is from Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry.
- As Mathematics is the longest section, it will impact your accuracy if the speed is week.
JEE Main Mathematics Expected Paper Analysis
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage | Difficulty level | Topper Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | 4–5 | Very High | Mod–Tough | Practice long integrals for speed. |
| Algebra | 3–4 | High | Moderate | Quadratic + series dominate. |
| Complex Numbers | 1–2 | Medium | Moderate | Practice loci-based sums. |
| Probability | 2–3 | Medium–High | Mod–Tough | Solve counting PYQs. |
| Coordinate Geometry | 3–4 | High | Moderate | Conics most predictable. |
| 3D + Vectors | 2–3 | Medium | Moderate | Direct formulas = easy marks. |
| Trigonometry | 1–2 | Low | Moderate | Identity memorisation required. |
| Matrices/Determinants | 1–2 | Medium | Moderate | Common JEE templates. |
| Stats/Reasoning | 1–2 | Low | Easy | Guaranteed scoring. |
Ques. Why is Maths consistently the toughest section in JEE Main?
Ans. In JEE Main, Maths is considered most toughest and lengthiest section every year, because of its high calculation-based, multi-step and different chapter-wise weightage.
- In Mathematics, candidates take around 65 to 70 minutes to complete the section, whereas Chemistry can be completed in 40 to 45 minutes.
- Around 10 to 12 lengthy calculation-based questions, including multiple steps.
According to a Reddit user, r/JEENEETards, the mathematics is not hard, but it's just lengthy and requires most time.
Ques. How many long calculation-based questions appeared in Maths 2025?
Ans. In JEE Mains Maths 2025, there were calculation-based questions in most of the shifts, mainly in Algebra and Calculus.
JEE Main Calculation-Based Questions
| Type of Calculation Questions | Avg. Count | Where They Came From |
|---|---|---|
| Long 4–5 step problems | 6–8 | Definite Integration, Probability, Matrices |
| Medium 2–3 step questions | 7–9 | Quadratic, Co-Geo, AOD |
| Numeric Section B questions | 4–6 | Mostly from Calculus & Algebra |
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Paper 2A (B.Arch)
- In JEE Main B.Arch, the aptitude carries 40 to 45% of the total weightage, which makes it the highest-scoring section.
- The Drawing can decide the top rank of the candidate. If you have good artistic skills, you can have 10 to 20 extra marks.
- The Difficulty level of Maths is the same as Paper 1, but some tricky numerical questions are asked.
| Section | Topic Areas | Weightage | Difficulty level | Topper Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, 3D | High | Mod–Tough | Same level as Paper 1 Maths—practice speed. |
| Aptitude | Visualisation, 3D Mindsets, Patterns | Very High | Easy–Mod | Most scoring—attempt fully. |
| Drawing | Composition, Perspective, Sketching | Medium | Mod | Keep drawings neat + proportionate. |
JEE Main Paper Analysis: Paper 2B (B.Planning)
- The Planning section is the most scoring one, and also includes the most similar and repetitive types of questions.
- The Section of Aptitude+Planning will together carry 60% weightage of the total marks.
| Section | Topic Areas | Weightage | Difficulty level | Topper Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, Probability | High | Mod–Tough | Prioritise speed over perfection. |
| Aptitude | Visual reasoning, logical patterns | High | Easy–Mod | High scoring with accuracy. |
| Planning | Urban planning, governance, maps, and sustainability | Very High | Easy–Mod | Revise Class 9–10 Geo/Civics basics. |
Check:
Will JEE Mains 2026 be difficult?
As per the previous year's analysis of JEE Mains, the 2026 Exam can be difficult compared to the last 2-3 years. As the total number of candidates has been increasing, and they are expected to be more than 16 lakh this year.
- The Cutoff is increasing; in 2021, the cutoff for general category candidates was 87.8, which rose to 93.8 in 2025 and in 2026, it is expected to be around 94 to 95.
- The Conceptual level will be increased in the questions.
In this video by @Best Approach - Manoj Chauhan Sir, you can see a complete analysis of JEE Main 2026 difficulty level, including real data, paper pattern shifts, and competition analysis.
FAQs for JEE Main Previous Year Paper Analysis
Ques. Which Chapters included the maximum number of questions in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics?
Ans. As per the previous year's trends, the highest number of questions is asked from chapters that include high weightage.
.JEE Main Subject-Wise Chapters Contribution
| Subject | Chapters with Maximum Questions |
|---|---|
| Physics | Mechanics, Modern Physics, Optics |
| Chemistry | Organic Chemistry (GOC, Carbonyls), Inorganic NCERT Blocks, Physical Thermodynamics |
| Mathematics | Calculus, Algebra (Quadratics, Matrices), Coordinate Geometry |
Ques. Are the high-weightage chapters consistent every year?
Ans. Yes, high-weightage chapters include more than 80 to 90% similar weightage across years.
- Physics: Mechanics, EM, and Modern Physics remain stable.
- Chemistry: GOC, Chemical Bonding, and Thermodynamics appear every year.
- Maths: Calculus + Algebra always dominate regardless of shift/year.
Ques. Is the JEE Main syllabus reduced for 2026?
Ans. As per JEE Main 2026, there is no syllabus reduction announced yet. The JEE Mains Syllabus is the same as the 2025 and 2024 patterns.
All the major chapters in PCM are similar; candidates should follow the latest NTA PDF for proper revision.
Ques. Will JEE Main 2026 be tough?
Ans. As per the previous year's analysis, the JEE Main 2026 is expected to be similar or higher difficulty level, including analytical questions.
- The Mathematics will be the toughest section.
- The Chemistry will be theory and NCERT-based.
- The Physics difficulty level will depend on the number of numerical questions asked.
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