The National Testing Agency (NTA) successfully conducted Day 4 of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination on January 24. The Shift 1 exam (9 am to 12 noon) for BE/BTech aspirants has concluded, and initial student reactions and paper analysis are now available. The engineering entrance exam is being held in two shifts today, with Shift 2 scheduled from 3 pm to 6 pm. Candidates appearing in the afternoon shift have been advised to strictly follow reporting and entry instructions mentioned on the admit card.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 1: Overall Difficulty Level
As per feedback from candidates and subject experts, the overall difficulty level of the January 24 morning shift paper was moderate. However, the paper was described as lengthy, especially the Mathematics section.
Quick Overview
- Overall level: Moderate
- Most scoring section: Chemistry
- Most time-consuming section: Mathematics
- Physics: Moderate and concept-based
Subject-Wise JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 1 Analysis
Chemistry
Candidates reported that Chemistry was easy and well-balanced. Questions were spread across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, with a noticeable dominance of numerical questions from Physical Chemistry. A few statement-based conceptual questions were also asked.
Students said that NCERT-based preparation was sufficient to attempt most questions confidently.
Physics
Physics was rated moderate, with a mix of formula-based and conceptual questions. Topics from Modern Physics and Optics were visible. While not very difficult, several questions required careful reading and calculations.
Mathematics
Mathematics emerged as the toughest and lengthiest section. Though questions were mostly standard, lengthy calculations and time pressure made it difficult to attempt all questions. Strong time management was crucial.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 24: Items Barred at Exam Centres
NTA reiterated strict exam-day guidelines. The following items were not allowed inside the examination centre:
- Geometry boxes
- Pencil boxes
- Handbags and purses
- Any paper or stationery material
- Food and water
- Mobile phones, earphones, microphones
- Calculators, log tables, slide rules
- Cameras, tape recorders
- Metallic items and electronic devices
Candidates were permitted to carry only a transparent ballpoint pen and transparent water bottle.
JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 Exam Today
The Shift 2 exam will begin at 3 pm. Candidates must report to the centre by 1 pm, as gates will close at 2:30 pm. No entry is allowed after gate closure under any circumstances.
JEE Main 2026 Admit Card Update
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards for January 28 and January 29 exams have not been released yet. Once issued, candidates will be able to download the hall tickets from:
- jeemain.nta.nic.in
- nta.ac.in