JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 1 Ends: Paper Moderate but Lengthy, Maths Toughest

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully concluded the JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1 examination for BE/BTech aspirants. The exam was conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon across centres nationwide under strict security arrangements, including biometric verification, frisking, and Aadhaar authentication. Based on initial student reactions, the overall difficulty level of the paper was reported as moderate, but candidates found the exam lengthy, especially the Mathematics section.

JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1: Overall Difficulty Level

According to students exiting the exam centres:

• The paper was easier than January 23 but still time-consuming
• Mathematics was the toughest and lengthiest section
• Physics was moderate but calculation-heavy
• Chemistry was comparatively easier and scoring

Many candidates mentioned that time management played a crucial role in today’s shift.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 1: Subject-Wise Analysis

Mathematics

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough
• Nature: Lengthy and calculation-intensive
• Topics reported: Vectors & 3D Geometry, Matrices, Calculus-related questions
• Students struggled to attempt all questions due to time constraints

Physics

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Nature: Conceptual and time-consuming
• Topics reported: Ray Optics, Microscope, Modern Physics
• A few questions were perceived to be closer to JEE Advanced level

Chemistry

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Nature: NCERT-based and scoring
• Topics reported: Physical Chemistry had higher weightage, along with Coordination Compounds and Salt Analysis
• Included 3–4 statement-based questions

JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1: Student Reactions

Key feedback from candidates:

• Overall exam was moderate but lengthy
• Maths was the toughest section
• Physics required careful reading and calculations
• Chemistry was the most scoring section
• Paper was less difficult than Jan 23, but time pressure was high

JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 1 Question Paper Solutions & Answer Keys

Subject experts and coaching institutes are preparing memory-based questions and unofficial answer keys for the January 24 Shift 1 paper. The answer key PDFs and detailed solutions will be available shortly after compilation. These will help candidates:

• Estimate their expected score
• Analyse mistakes
• Understand topic-wise weightage

JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 2 Exam: Expected Topics

Candidates appearing in Shift 2 (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) can expect questions from the following areas based on trend analysis:

JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 2 Reporting Time & Gate Closure

Candidates must strictly adhere to the reporting schedule:

Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates appearing for Shift 2 must ensure:

• Carrying printed admit card, valid photo ID, photo verification sheet, and two passport-size photographs
• Aadhaar biometrics are unlocked
• Compliance with NTA dress code (no thick soles, no large buttons)
• Only a transparent ballpoint pen and water bottle are allowed

What’s Next After January 24 Exam?

After the completion of today’s Shift 2 exam:

• NTA is expected to release the provisional answer key
• Objection window will open thereafter
• JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result will be declared as per schedule
• Scores will be used for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutes

Further live updates on answer keys, cutoff trends, marks vs percentile, and admit cards for Jan 28 & 29 will continue.