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By having an analysis of the JEE Main Previous Year Paper, you can know about the question types, expected difficulty, and chapters with high weightage. As per the previous year's trends, the difficulty level has been moderate, but it can change according to the competition level, as more than 12 to 15 lakh candidates appear every year.
- For the past few years, mathematics has been the toughest section, with more than 15 to 18 numerical-based questions, are being asked mainly from calculus and algebra.
- The Difficulty level of physics has been moderate, with major questions being asked from Mechanics and Current Electricity
- Whereas chemistry is the easiest among all, with more than 80 to 90% questions being asked from the NCERT, mainly from Bonding, Coordination Compounds, Organic Reactions, and Equilibrium.
According to Reddit user, r/JEENEETards, for strategically attempting JEE Main, you can attempt the paper in 2 rounds, by first solving all easy and high-weightage questions, then in the second round, review the answers and finish the tougher questions.
As the JEE Main 2026 Exam will be held in 2 Sessions: Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April. On this page, you can check the updated shift-wise analysis of JEE Main 2026.
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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.
- 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
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.” |
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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 |
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 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 |
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.
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
-
In JEE Main, Chemistry is the easiest and scoring section, with more than 50 to 60% questions being directly theory-based and from NCERT.
-
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:
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.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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