The JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 memory‑based question paper along with its solutions and paper analysis has been shared following the conclusion of the morning session of the national engineering entrance exam. These memory‑based resources help candidates gauge the pattern and level of questions as well as estimate their probable performance ahead of the official answer key release.
Memory‑Based Question Paper and Solutions Overview
After the Shift 1 exam on 21 January 2026 ended, student‑reported questions were compiled to form a memory‑based question paper with answers. This resource is useful for candidates to:
- Review actual questions asked in the Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics sections
- Compare responses with provided solutions
- Understand areas of strength and improvement ahead of official results
These memory‑based PDFs are beneficial especially because official question papers are not distributed in computer‑based tests.
Subject‑Wise Difficulty and Analysis
Although detailed official analysis will emerge later, initial indications from memory‑based reports suggest the following trends:
- Mathematics was observed to be moderate to time‑intensive, with several calculation‑heavy questions.
- Physics appeared moderate and formula‑based, focusing on core concepts rather than tricky applications.
- Chemistry was reported to be balanced, drawing on standard topics with a mix of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry questions.
Overall perceptions from candidate feedback indicate the Shift 1 paper was doable to moderate in difficulty.
How to Calculate Probable Scores?
Candidates can estimate their likely scores using the memory‑based answer key and the standard JEE Main marking scheme:
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- −1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
By comparing responses with the memory‑based answer key and applying this scheme, aspirants can derive an approximate score that reflects their likely performance before the official results and answer key are released.
What Happens Next?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will publish the official answer keys and question papers after all session shifts are completed. Candidates will then be able to view their official response sheets and challenge provisional keys if needed. The memory‑based paper and preliminary analysis serve as a practical guide for early self‑evaluation until the official data is accessible.