The JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 shift 1 has been successfully conducted by NTA from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The exam followed a similar pattern to JEE Main 2026 Jan 21.
As per the initial feedback of candidates and experts from Vedantu, the exam was moderately difficult. Many candidates felt the paper was “balanced but not easy”.
“Maths was lengthy and calculation-heavy; Chemistry saved the paper, and Physics was conceptual but time-consuming in numericals.”
A good attempt for this shift is estimated to be around 55–65 questions, with 70–80% accuracy. Also, Check JEE Main 2026 22nd Jan Shift 2 Paper Analysis
The Paper Analysis covers the overall difficulty, subject-wise trends, topic-weightage, good attempts, and cutoff to help candidates check the performance and prepare for the next shifts.
Also Read:
- JEE Main 2026 23rd Jan Shift 2 Question Paper
- JEE Main 2026 22nd Jan Shift 1 Answer Key (Available)
- Use JEE Main Score Calculator to predict your expected marks vs ranks
JEE Main 2026 January 22 Overall Difficulty Level
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 was overall moderately difficult with conceptual questions in Physics, NCERT-heavy Chemistry, and calculation-intensive Math. Time management was challenging due to the lengthy Math. It was balanced across the Class 11 and Class 12 Syllabus.
| Subject | Difficulty | Good Attempts | Key Insight |
| Physics | Moderate | 18–22 | Conceptual clarity required |
| Chemistry | Easy–Moderate | 20–23 | Most scoring, NCERT-based |
| Mathematics | Moderate–Tough | 15–20 | Lengthy and time-consuming |
| Overall | Moderate | 50–60+ | Maths influenced final scores |
Subject-Wise JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Analysis differs as per the different subjects of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics.
JEE Main 2026: 22 January Shift 1 Physics Analysis
Physics in this shift was moderate in difficulty and leaned heavily on conceptual clarity + formula application. Students who had revised standard deviations and formulas found the paper comfortable. Students with good fundamentals attempted 70–75% of Physics
- Balanced mix of theory-based MCQs and numericals
- Questions tested fundamental understanding, not tricks
- High overlap with previous years’ JEE Main patterns
- Mechanics + Modern Physics together formed a strong chunk
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate |
| Nature of Questions | Conceptual + Formula-based |
| Length of Section | Moderate |
| Calculation Intensity | Low to Moderate |
| Expected Good Attempts | 18–22 questions |
| High-Weightage Topics | Modern Physics, Electrostatics, Optics, Mechanics |
| Moderately Asked Topics | Wave Motion, Fluids, Thermal Properties |
| Low Surprise Factor | Very Low |
| Student Feedback | Doable with clear concepts |
| Expert Opinion | NCERT-aligned, predictable |
JEE Main 2026: 22 January Shift 1 Chemistry Analysis
Chemistry was the easiest and most scoring section. The paper was strongly NCERT-based, with several direct recall and line-based questions, especially from Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. Many students attempted 80–90% of Chemistry.
- Inorganic Chemistry questions were straight from the NCERT text
- Organic focused on basic reaction understanding, not lengthy mechanisms
- Physical Chemistry numericals were formula-driven and short
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Nature of Questions | Direct, NCERT-based |
| Length of Section | Short & manageable |
| Calculation Intensity | Low |
| Expected Good Attempts | 20–23 questions |
| High-Weightage Topics | GOC, Hydrocarbons, Coordination Compounds |
| Frequently Asked Areas | Electrochemistry, Kinetics, Biomolecules |
| NCERT Dependency | Very High |
| Student Feedback | “Relief section” |
| Expert Opinion | Most scoring section |
JEE Main 2026: 22 January Shift 1 Mathematics Analysis
Mathematics was clearly the toughest and most time-consuming section of the paper. While the difficulty level was not extreme, lengthy multi-step calculations made time management critical. Many students attempted only 50–65% of Maths.
- Questions involved the integration of multiple concepts
- Calculus and Coordinate Geometry dominated
- Fewer direct formula-based questions
- Speed mattered less than selective accuracy
| Parameter | Details |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Tough |
| Nature of Questions | Lengthy, multi-step |
| Length of Section | Long |
| Calculation Intensity | High |
| Expected Good Attempts | 15–20 questions |
| High-Weightage Topics | Calculus, Vectors & 3D |
| Moderately Asked Topics | Algebra, Probability |
| Time Consumption | Very High |
| Student Feedback | “Maths ate up most time” |
| Expert Opinion | Accuracy > Attempts |
Student Reactions & Feedback on JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1
Students exiting the exam centres shared mixed but positive reactions to the JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift 1.
- Time Management: Many students struggled to balance the 3-hour limit due to the lengthy mathematics.
- Subject-wise: Students note that chemistry was time-saving, while physics was mostly formula-based questions.
- Overall sentiment: Many students were happy with physics and chemistry, but felt mathematics was lengthy and challenging.
| Aspect | Student Feedback | Approx. Percentage of Students |
|---|---|---|
| Overall difficulty | Moderate | 59% |
| Time Management | Challenging | 70% |
| Physics Section | Easy to Moderate | 60% |
| Chemistry Section | Easy to Moderate | 65% |
| Mathematics | Moderate to difficult | 40% |
| NCERT Coverage | Sufficient for 60-70% questions. | 70% |
Expected Good Attempts, Marks & Cutoff After January 22 Analysis
Early estimates based on Day 2 feedback and normalisation trends:
- Good Attempts: 55–65 questions, with 70–80% accuracy.
- Marks vs Percentile (Expected for 99+): 185-200+ marks
- Qualifying Cutoff (General Category): Likely 93-95 percentile (may rise slightly if papers remain moderate across the session).
- Category-Wise Expected Percentile:
- OBC-NCL/EWS: 80-82
- SC: 60-62
- ST: 47-50 These are preliminary projections - final cutoffs depend on overall session performance, number of candidates (~15+ lakh expected), and NTA normalisation.
Key Takeaways & Preparation Tips for Remaining JEE Main 2026 January Shifts
- Master the NCERT thoroughly for easy Chemistry scoring.
- Practice timed mocks to boost Math speed and accuracy.
- Revise high-weightage Physics topics like Mechanics and Modern Physics.
- Solve more calculus problems, focusing on increasing speed along with accuracy.
- Use memory-based questions from Day 1 and Day 2 to spot patterns and change strategy.
- Focus on accuracy to counter normalisation effects.
This JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift-wise analysis indicates a moderate and balanced paper, offering strong scoring potential for prepared candidates. Stay updated with daily analyses for shifts ahead - best of luck to all JEE aspirants!
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