Explore JEE Main 2026 January 23 paper analysis, with expert reviews, student reactions, subject-wise difficulty, key topics, cutoff predictions, and tips for top scores.
New Delhi: The third day of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 on January 23 featured two shifts with varying difficulty levels, drawing mixed reactions from students and experts. Shift 1 was rated easy to moderate overall, while Shift 2 emerged as tougher, particularly in Physics, potentially impacting cutoffs. Based on feedback from exam centers and analyses from coaching institutes, the paper emphasized conceptual clarity, calculations, and time management across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
The exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), included 75 questions (25 per subject) worth 300 marks, to be completed in three hours. It covered Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus broadly, with no major surprises.
Shift 1: Easy to Moderate with Lengthy Sections
The morning shift (9 AM to 12 PM) was easy to moderate overall but lengthy. It required strong time management. Physics was easy to moderate and formula-based. Topics included De-Broglie wavelength, ray optics, modern physics, electrostatics, magnetic effects of current, wave optics, capacitors, semiconductors, error analysis (2 questions), Lyman series (1), current electricity (1), moment of inertia (1), and angular momentum (1). Higher emphasis on Magnetism, fewer on Optics, and average on Mechanics, with representation from Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics.
Chemistry was moderate and slightly tougher than the January 21-22 shifts. The section was time-consuming, taking around 50-55 minutes. It had a balanced mix of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical topics. Organic and Inorganic were tougher. Topics included mole concept (1), chemical bonding (1), biomolecules (1), GOC (1), ionisation energy (1), chemical/ionic equilibrium (2-3), electrochemistry (1), chemical kinetics (graph, 1), amines (1), and periodic classification (2). It included statement-based questions, aligned with NCERT but requiring conceptual clarity, with slightly higher Organic weightage.
Mathematics was moderate to difficult and the toughest section. It was lengthy, taking around 70-80 minutes. Topics included relation (1), trigonometry (6), matrices/determinants (adjoint 1, inverse 1), vector/3D geometry (3), integral calculus (4), conic sections (2), differential equation (1), probability (2), and sequence/series (1). There were no questions on limits. The paper focused more on Integral Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra (Binomial Theorem). Algebra was dominant, while Coordinate Geometry was moderate. Students could attempt 30-40 questions in Maths.
Shift 2: Moderate to Tough, Toughest So Far
The afternoon shift (3 PM to 6 PM) was moderate to tough overall. It was tougher than Shift 1 and previous days. Students faced significant challenges in Physics and time management. Physics was the toughest section and moderate to difficult. It was lengthy, near JEE Advanced level, taking around 60 minutes with 10-11 attempts. Topics included laws of motion (momentum, 1), rotational motion (inertia, 1), EM waves (2), ray optics (prism/lens, 2-3), thermodynamics (2-3), fluid mechanics (velocity/viscosity/error, 2), electrostatics (potential, 1), semiconductors (gates, 1), and kinematics (motion, 1). Other areas covered Mechanics (Work/Energy/Circular Motion/Kinematics), Modern Physics, Semiconductors/Logic Gates, Current Electricity/Capacitors, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Elasticity, Sound Waves, and Optics (Microscope). No questions came from wave optics, AC, or modern physics.
Chemistry was easy to moderate and easier than Shift 1. It had higher Organic weightage and physical numerical-based questions. Topics included coordination compounds (2), chemical bonding (1), structure of atom (2), Inorganic (Coordination/Bonding), Organic (GOC/reactions), and Physical (numerical). There were 8 statement-based and 3-4 assertion-reasoning questions. The paper was balanced across all sections and required strong NCERT understanding.
Mathematics was moderate and relatively easier than Physics and Chemistry. The section was lengthy, taking around 90 minutes with 8-12 attempts. Topics included vector/3D geometry (2/1), integral calculus (1-2), differential equation (1), limit/continuity/differentiability (1), probability (1), sequence/series (1), binomial (1), and conic sections (5-6). Other areas were trigonometry (1), Quadratic Equations, Relations/Functions, Limits/Continuity, Differential Calculus, and Sequences/Series. The section was calculation-intensive.
Expert Reviews and Student Views
Experts noted balanced coverage but highlighted conceptual demands in Chemistry and time issues in Maths and Physics. Ajay Sharma from Aakash said, “All three subjects were almost of equal difficulty. However, Mathematics was slightly more challenging, while Physics and Chemistry were comparatively easier to moderate. The paper was well-balanced in terms of chapter coverage.” PW experts emphasized accuracy and speed for Shift 1, and no surprises in Shift 2 for prepared students. Careers360 experts pointed to formula-based Physics in Shift 1 turning tough in Shift 2, tricky Chemistry in Shift 1, and consistent lengthy Maths. Jagran Josh experts stressed conceptual Chemistry and potential cutoff drop.
Students reported Shift 1 as doable with revision, but Chemistry tough and lengthy (mixed concepts, beyond NCERT), Maths needing speed, and Physics formula-based. For Shift 2, reactions were mixed, calling it the toughest shift with time challenges in Physics and Maths; Chemistry required NCERT strength. Overall, variation in time consumption was noted, with strategic approaches aiding attempts.
Cutoff Predictions and Percentile Insights
Experts predict a possible cutoff drop due to Shift 2’s difficulty; 99 percentile may correspond to around 180 marks (not more). Estimated scores for 99th percentile: Chemistry 70 marks, Mathematics 45-50, Physics 75. Actuals may vary based on session difficulty. Higher difficulty in Shift 2 could lead to slightly lower overall cutoffs compared to earlier shifts.
Comparisons, Trends, and Tips
Compared to January 21-22, Shift 1 Chemistry was slightly tougher, with consistent Physics (formula-based) and Maths (lengthy). Shift 2 was notably harder overall. Trends included high trigonometry in Shift 1 (6 questions), conic sections in both, vector/3D geometry, NCERT focus for Chemistry, and statement/assertion questions. Memory-based questions and solutions are available from PW and Careers360.
Tips from experts and students: Revise NCERT thoroughly for Chemistry, practice calculations for Maths and Physics, and prioritize time management. On X, sentiment echoes analyses, with posts noting Shift 1 as ‘easy to moderate’ and Shift 2 as toughest, focusing on patterns and safe scores for 99 percentile.
