JEE Main 2026 January 24 exam has concluded for both Shift 1 and Shift 2 across various centres. As per early student feedback, both shifts were rated moderate in difficulty, but the paper was very lengthy, making time management a major challenge.
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Overall Exam Analysis
According to initial reactions, both shifts followed a similar difficulty trend, though Shift 2 was considered slightly tougher by many candidates. Lengthy numerical questions across sections increased pressure on time management. Overall comparison highlights include:
- Overall difficulty: Moderate in both shifts
- Paper length: Very lengthy in Shift 1 and Shift 2
- Time management: Major challenge across both shifts
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 2 Analysis and Student Reactions
Candidates appearing for Shift 2 found the paper lengthy and calculation-intensive. Chemistry emerged as the most challenging section for many students. A subject-wise analysis of Shift 2 is given below:
- Mathematics: Moderate but extremely lengthy; questions from 3D and Vector, conic sections, integration, statistics, and relations
- Physics: Easy to moderate; topics included electrostatics, magnetism, thermodynamics, current electricity, modern physics, and kinematics
- Chemistry: Moderate and lengthy; higher weightage from physical chemistry including ionic equilibrium, GOC, isomerism, and chemical bonding
Overall, Shift 2 was rated moderate to difficult due to time-consuming calculations.
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1 Analysis and Student Feedback
Shift 1 candidates also reported a lengthy paper with balanced difficulty across subjects. Chemistry was perceived as relatively easier compared to previous exam days. Key observations from Shift 1 include:
- Mathematics: Moderate and lengthy; questions from calculus, matrices, complex numbers, statistics, and conic sections
- Physics: Moderate and lengthy; covered ray optics, rotation, fluids, semiconductors, and magnetic effects
- Chemistry: Moderate with more focus on physical chemistry topics such as thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and atomic structure
Overall, Shift 1 was rated moderate but very lengthy, similar to Shift 2.
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1 vs Shift 2 Comparison
A comparison of both shifts shows minor differences in subject difficulty but a common trend of lengthy papers. Key comparison points:
- Shift 2 felt slightly tougher than Shift 1
- Mathematics was more time-consuming in Shift 2
- Chemistry was tougher in Shift 2, while relatively manageable in Shift 1
- Physics difficulty remained similar across both shifts
Tips for Candidates Appearing in JEE Main 2026 Upcoming Shifts
Based on feedback from January 24 shifts, candidates appearing in upcoming exam dates should focus on speed and accuracy. Important preparation tips include:
- Practising lengthy numerical problems
- Improving time management strategies
- Focusing on physical chemistry and calculus-heavy questions
Experts suggest prioritising section-wise time allocation during the exam.
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Answer Keys and Solutions
Memory-based question paper solutions and answer keys for both Shift 1 and Shift 2 are now available. These solutions can help candidates analyse performance and assist aspirants appearing in later shifts with last-minute revision strategies.