LiveJEE Main 2026 Exam LIVE, 21 January: Shift 1 & 2 Over, Day 1 Paper Analysis

Day 2 of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be held tomorrow, January 22, 2026. The National Testing Agency is conducting the Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) examination in two shifts. The exam is being held at multiple centres across the country. Day 1 of the examination was conducted today, January 21, 2026. Candidates appearing on Day 2 are advised to follow all exam day instructions carefully and reach the centre on time.

Most questions tested conceptual clarity with direct formula application. Students appearing for upcoming shifts can note that Physics questions were asked from:

• Capacitors
• Optics (Prism)
• Modern Physics
• Thermodynamics
• Current Electricity
• Semiconductors
• Kinematics and Circular Motion
• Electrostatics and Error Measurement

Both shifts followed a similar structure, with Mathematics emerging as the most time-intensive subject.

• Mathematics: Tough and lengthy in both shifts
• Physics: Moderate and largely formula-based
• Chemistry: Easy to moderate, mostly NCERT-based

Overall, time management played a crucial role, especially in Mathematics.

The Shift 1 exam, held from 9 AM to 12 noon, was rated moderate overall. Around 40% of questions were easy, 30% were moderate, and the remaining 30% were lengthy or tricky. Many students felt the paper was similar to the January 2025 session, but Mathematics and some Chemistry questions increased the time pressure. A new pattern noticed was a Chemistry question with seven statements, which made the section slightly lengthy.

The Shift 2 exam, conducted from 3 PM to 6 PM, was rated moderate in difficulty. Many students found it slightly easier than the morning shift, though Mathematics again required careful time management.

The paper largely followed the NCERT and NTA syllabus. However, a few students reported questions related to tangent, which is no longer part of the JEE Main syllabus. Well-prepared candidates attempted an average of 40 questions, with some attempting over 50 questions.

Early analysis of the JEE Main 2026 January 21 paper suggests that candidates need an overall score between 170 and 180 marks to reach the 99 percentile range. This estimate is based on difficulty level, student feedback, and comparison with previous sessions. As per expert analysis and student feedback, the expected subject-wise marks for 99 percentile are as follows:

• Chemistry: Around 70 marks
• Physics: Around 75 marks
• Mathematics: Around 45 to 50 marks

The JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 exam of Session 1 closely followed the pattern of the January 2025 session, maintaining a balanced difficulty level. Numerical value questions required careful calculation, making the paper time-intensive. Physics provided relative comfort, Chemistry demanded focused attention, and Mathematics acted as the main differentiator between average and top scorers. Experts highlighted that strategic question selection and disciplined time management were critical for securing higher percentiles.

Based on expert reviews and student feedback from the JEE Main 2026 exam, NCERT textbooks are essential for the Chemistry section. Most questions were found to be directly aligned with NCERT concepts, examples, and theory, especially in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, making NCERT a must-follow resource for aspirants targeting high scores.

In the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam, the Physics section featured questions primarily from Thermodynamics, Fluids, Work–Energy, Electromagnetic Waves, Friction, Gravitation, Potential Energy, and Wave Optics. The paper focused on core concepts and standard applications, with no unexpected or out-of-syllabus areas reported.

Looking at previous year cutoff trends helps candidates estimate expected percentiles and set realistic targets for upcoming sessions. Over the last three years, the General category qualifying cutoff has remained close to the 93 percentile mark, with slight variations based on difficulty level and number of candidates.

These trends indicate that higher competition and increased registrations usually keep the cutoff near the 93 percentile range, making consistent preparation and accuracy crucial.

Based on student feedback from the JEE Main 2026 January 21 exam, a score of 150+ marks is being viewed as a safe score for strong percentile outcomes. Candidates aiming for a 99 percentile may need to target around 180 marks, as per early reactions from those who appeared in Shift 1. Final cut-offs and percentiles will depend on overall performance trends across all shifts, difficulty levels, and normalization by the National Testing Agency.

Initial student feedback confirms that the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 paper contained no out-of-syllabus questions. All questions were strictly based on the prescribed JEE Main syllabus, providing relief to candidates and ensuring a fair testing framework.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 paper analysis will be released shortly. Candidates will be able to check the overall difficulty level, subject-wise weightage, important topics asked, and key exam trends through the JEE Main 2026 paper analysis updates.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam has officially ended, and candidates have begun exiting the examination centres. Initial student reactions, paper difficulty assessment, and shift-wise analysis will be shared shortly based on on-ground feedback and expert inputs.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 examination has officially concluded. Student reactions, shift-wise paper analysis, and memory-based questions with solutions will be released shortly based on candidate feedback and expert review.

The official answer key for JEE Main 2026 January session is expected to be released by the National Testing Agency in the first week of February. Once available, candidates will be able to check correct responses to the question paper and evaluate their performance before the result declaration.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam will conclude in 30 minutes, at 6:00 PM. After the exam ends, memory-based questions, unofficial answers, and shift-wise analysis will be shared to help candidates review the paper and estimate performance.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam is set to conclude at 6:00 PM. Soon after the exam ends, shift-wise question paper PDFs, student reactions, and expert-led exam analysis will be released, offering insights into difficulty level, subject-wise trends, and key topics asked.

Based on previous years’ trends, the JEE Main Day 1 Shift 2 paper is expected to be of moderate difficulty. Historically, the January session Shift 2 exam has maintained a balanced level of difficulty, similar to last year’s Day 1 Shift 2 paper, which was rated moderate overall.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam is currently underway and is scheduled to conclude in one hour, at 6:00 PM. Candidates are in the final phase of the paper, while student reactions, expert analysis, and memory-based questions will be released shortly after the exam ends.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April attempt) registration process is set to begin in the third week of January 2026. Eligible candidates will be able to apply online through the official website of the National Testing Agency at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Sharing his analysis of the JEE Main 2026 January 21 paper, Prashant Jain noted that the overall difficulty level was medium, largely due to the time-consuming Mathematics section. He highlighted that Physics tested true conceptual understanding and application, while Chemistry emerged as the most scoring section, being closely aligned with NCERT content. The expert emphasised that the paper rewarded strong fundamentals, accuracy, and effective time management, rather than blind attempts. Students were advised to focus on conceptual clarity, calm execution, and balanced preparation, using paper analysis as guidance without letting it dominate their study strategy.

The National Testing Agency has issued an official advisory warning candidates against fake “paper leak” claims circulating on Telegram and other social media platforms during the JEE Main 2026 January 21 exam. NTA clarified that question papers are not sold, shared, or leaked through WhatsApp, Telegram, or any social media channels. Students have been cautioned that such claims are fraudulent, often aimed at extracting money or personal details, and may lead to financial loss and misinformation. Candidates are advised to rely only on official NTA websites and notices for verified updates.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results are scheduled to be announced by February 12. Candidates will be able to check their scores and percentiles online on the official website once the results are declared by the National Testing Agency.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam will conclude at 6:00 PM. Post-exam, shift-wise analysis, student reactions, and memory-based question papers with solutions will be released shortly after the exam ends.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 examination is scheduled to end at 6:00 PM. Following the conclusion of the exam, student reactions, paper analysis, and memory-based question papers with solutions will be shared.

Candidates who appeared for the JEE Main 2026 January 21 exam can estimate their scores using the memory-based question paper and answer key PDF. To calculate the expected score, compare your responses with the available solutions, count the number of correct and incorrect answers, and apply the marking scheme:

[ \text{Score} = (4 \times \text{Correct Answers}) - (1 \times \text{Wrong Answers})]

Unattempted questions carry no negative marking. This method helps candidates get an early idea of their performance before the official results are announced.

As the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam is currently underway, experts have shared key insights from the Shift 1 paper:

Overall, Shift 1 was rated moderate, with Mathematics emerging as the main differentiator among candidates.

Students who appeared for the JEE Main 2026 January 21 morning shift reported that the Mathematics section was the most time-consuming part of the paper. While the overall difficulty ranged from moderate to tough, many candidates felt that questions required lengthy calculations and careful selection, making speed and accuracy crucial. Topics from Vectors, 3D Geometry, Calculus, and Algebra dominated, with Maths emerging as the key differentiator in Shift 1.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Physics paper included concept-oriented and diagram-based questions. As per memory-based student recall, the following questions were reported:

• Logic Gates Question:A circuit diagram was given with multiple NOT and OR/NOR combinations. Candidates were asked to identify the equivalent logic gate represented by the circuit. (Answer reported by students: NAND gate)

• Mechanics (Tension in Rod and Strings):A uniform rod of mass $m$$m$ and length $l$$l$ was suspended using two ideal strings. Candidates were asked to find the tension in the left string immediately after the right string is cut, testing understanding of impulse, torque, and rotational dynamics.

Overall, the Physics section focused on concept clarity, diagram interpretation, and real-time application of mechanics and electronics, rather than lengthy numerical calculations.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Chemistry paper showed higher weightage from Organic and Physical Chemistry, with notable focus on Isomerism, Coordination Compounds, Chemical Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Ionic Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, and Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure. NCERT-based questions dominated the section, making conceptual clarity crucial for scoring.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Mathematics paper featured a wide range of concept-driven and calculation-intensive questions. As per memory-based recall, the paper included:

• A 3D Geometry locus problem involving tangents to a sphere with a given centre and radius, where the angle between radii at points of contact was $90^\circ$.

• A binomial expansion question on $(ax^2+bx+c)(1-2x)^{26}$ with conditions on coefficients of $x, x^2,$ and $x^3$.

• A definite integral with modulus and trigonometric terms, asking for the exact value using symmetry.

• A statistics problem based on mean and variance of seven observations involving unknown variables $x$ and $y$.

• A functions question counting strictly increasing functions between two finite sets under given restrictions.

• A coordinate geometry area problem involving an ellipse and regions bounded by absolute-value curves.

• A parabola chord problem, where the locus of a point dividing a focal chord in a given ratio was used to find the equation of a chord bisected at a fixed point.

Overall, the paper tested locus concepts, binomial coefficients, calculus, statistics, set-based functions, and conic sections, reinforcing the importance of strong fundamentals and time management in Shift 1.

Expert feedback on JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 highlights that numerical value questions were more calculation-heavy than MCQs, increasing time pressure across sections. Mathematics emerged as the key time-consuming area, influencing overall performance. According to academic experts from Sri Chaitanya, the paper’s difficulty level and structure were largely in line with the January 2025 session, underscoring the role of strong conceptual clarity and effective time management

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 question paper analysis and student reactions are now available. The paper was rated moderate overall, with Mathematics tougher, Chemistry easy, and Physics of moderate difficulty. Meanwhile, the Shift 2 exam has begun and will conclude at 6:00 PM, after which student feedback, paper analysis, and solutions will be released.

While the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam is currently underway, expert feedback on Shift 1 indicates a section-wise variation in difficulty. According to academic experts from Sri Chaitanya, Mathematics emerged as the most time-consuming and calculation-heavy section, Chemistry was moderate with a few conceptually tricky questions, and Physics was largely conceptual and comparatively manageable for well-prepared candidates.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April attempt) is scheduled to be held from April 2 to April 9, 2026. Registration for the April session is expected to open in the last week of January, allowing candidates to apply for the second attempt.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Session 2 (Shift 2) exam has started at 3:00 PM and will continue until 6:00 PM, as per the scheduled exam timetable.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April attempt) will be conducted from April 2 to April 9, 2026. Registration for the April session is expected to begin in the last week of January, allowing candidates to apply for the second attempt of the exam cycle.

Below is a clean, rewritten, publish-ready table showing the major topics covered in JEE Main 2026 Shift 1, based on student feedback and paper review. Content is freshly worded and fact-consistent.

The National Testing Agency released an official JEE Main 2026 candidate advisory on January 20, outlining exam-day instructions, permitted and prohibited items, and subject-specific guidelines. Candidates are advised to review the advisory carefully on the official JEE Main website before appearing for the exam

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 examination is set to begin shortly. Detailed exam analysis, student reactions, and paper insights for Shift 2 will be shared around 6:00 PM after the exam concludes.

National Testing Agency (NTA) released a helpful advisory for JEE Main candidates on January 20. Candidates can find it on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

This guide explains everything candidates need for exam day in simple terms. It lists:

• Items candidates cannot bring (like electronic gadgets, study materials, or food).
• Items candidates can bring (such as an admit card, a photo ID, and a transparent water bottle).
• Special rules for each subject (like drawing tools for Paper 2 or calculators if allowed).

The entry gate for the shift 2 exam is now closed at 02:30 PM. The shift 2 exam is going to begin at 3 PM. Candidates who failed to report and complete the verification procedure before 02:30 PM are not permitted to enter the examination hall.

The entry gates for JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 are scheduled to close in the next 20 minutes. Candidates must complete reporting, frisking, and biometric verification immediately, as late entry will not be permitted once gates close.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Physics paper showed strong emphasis on core concepts. Key questions were reported from Gravitation, Semiconductors, Electromotive Force and Current Electricity, Heat and Thermodynamics, Atoms and Nuclei, Alternating Current, and Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM). These topics formed a major part of the Physics section in the morning shift.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 question paper has now surfaced, giving candidates a closer look at the nature and complexity of questions asked in the morning session. Early reviews indicate the presence of concept-driven and calculation-intensive problems, particularly in Mathematics, reflecting the paper’s analytical focus.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 question paper featured major weightage in Chemistry from topics including Isomerism, Organic and Physical Chemistry, Coordination Compounds, p-Block Elements, General Organic Chemistry, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Electrochemistry, Redox Reactions, and Ionic Equilibrium. These areas emerged as key contributors in the chemistry section of the paper.

Student reactions and expert reviews for JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 are now available. The paper was described as moderate and balanced overall, with Chemistry being the easiest, Mathematics the toughest, and Physics of moderate difficulty. Experts have also shared insights on important topics, section-wise difficulty, and expected cutoffs.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 question paper shows strong weightage in Mathematics from topics such as Sets and Relations, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Matrices, Limits, Differentiability, and Probability. These areas emerged as key focus points in the morning session paper.

Only one hour remains for the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 exam to conclude. Post-exam, student reactions, section-wise difficulty analysis, and expert insights will be shared, along with early indications on paper trends and cut-off expectations.

This ensures candidates do not face issues at the exam centre or during later admission stages.

As per initial student feedback, the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 paper was assessed as moderate to tough overall. Candidates reported that Physics and Mathematics were challenging, while the Chemistry section was comparatively easier

Early student reactions from JEE Main 2026 Shift 1 indicate that the overall difficulty level was comparable to last year’s paper. In Mathematics, a significant number of questions were reported from Vectors and 3D Geometry, making these topics prominent in the morning session.

Diabetic candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 are permitted to carry essential eatables such as sugar tablets or fruits (bananas, apples, oranges) along with a transparent water bottle into the exam hall. However, packed food items like chocolates, candies, or sandwiches are not allowed.

Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 must not carry the following items inside the exam centre:

• Instrument box / geometry box / pencil box

• Handbag or purse

• Any paper, stationery, or written/printed material

• Eatables and water (loose or packed)

• Mobile phones, earphones, microphones, pagers

• Calculators, DocuPen, slide rules, log tables

• Cameras, tape recorders, or any recording devices

• Any type of watch (digital or analogue)

• Metallic items or electronic gadgets of any kind

Carrying prohibited items may lead to denial of entry or disqualification.

Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 must carry all mandatory documents to the exam centre, including a printed admit card with self-declaration, original valid photo ID, passport-size photographs, and PwD certificate (if applicable). Photocopies or digital IDs will not be accepted, and candidates receiving special verification emails must carry the required documents as instructed.

Dress code guidelines for JEE Main 2026 are being strictly followed at exam centres. Candidates are required to wear simple, light-coloured clothing, avoid thick-soled shoes, heavy accessories, multiple layers, and metallic items, and opt for open footwear. Religious articles for Sikh candidates are permitted as per norms

Candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 on January 21 must strictly adhere to exam-day instructions. Timely reporting as per the admit card is mandatory, and candidates using Aadhaar-based verification should ensure their biometric authentication is unlocked to avoid delays during entry procedures at the exam centre.

Following the conclusion of JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1, detailed paper analysis and expert discussions are underway. Insights on section-wise difficulty, question patterns, and overall paper balance will be shared shortly to help candidates assess performance and exam trends.

As the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 exam concludes, many parents of examinees have shared their views on the preparation and performance of their children. Several expressed that disciplined study routines and last-minute revision efforts helped students manage the exam confidently, while some noted surprise at the balance between conceptual and application-based questions. Feedback reflects a mix of relief and anticipation as families await detailed analysis.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 examination has concluded. Detailed exam analysis, student reactions, and paper insights will be shared shortly as expert reviews are compiled.

At the National Institutes of Technology, branches such as Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering continue to attract the highest number of applicants through JEE Main 2026. These programmes traditionally record elevated admission cutoffs, making competition intense for aspirants targeting top NIT campuses.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards for candidates scheduled on January 28 and 29 are expected to be issued shortly by the National Testing Agency. The hall ticket will contain exam centre details, shift timing, reporting instructions, and must be carried in printed form along with a valid photo ID for entry to the exam centre.

The provisional answer key for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is expected to be released in the first week of February 2026 by the National Testing Agency. Candidates will be given an opportunity to submit objections online within the notified window.

In the meantime, shift-wise memory-based question papers and unofficial solutions for the January 21 exam will be available shortly after each shift concludes.

The JEE Main 2026 January 21 examination is being conducted in two shifts today. The morning shift ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, while the afternoon shift is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, as per the official exam timetable.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 morning shift held on January 21 has successfully concluded at 12:00 PM. Post-exam updates, including paper analysis and student reactions, will follow shortly.

For JEE Main 2026 Session 1, specific guidelines are in effect for candidates appearing in Paper 2, including carrying personal drawing instruments such as geometry sets, pencils, and colour pencils, while watercolours are prohibited. Special provisions allow diabetic candidates to carry essential food items as permitted. Additionally, candidates must deposit their admit cards in the designated drop box after the exam, as instructed by National Testing Agency, failing which responses may not be evaluated.

As per guidelines issued by National Testing Agency, candidates opting for a bio-break during the exam must undergo fresh frisking and biometric verification before re-entering the examination hall. No extra time will be provided for this process.

The morning session of JEE Main 2026 on January 21 was assessed to have an overall difficulty level ranging from moderate to challenging, with variations across sections. Candidates evaluated the balance of questions and topic weightage as they await detailed analysis and trends from subject experts