The JEE Main 2026 exam for January 28 saw a moderate level of difficulty, according to initial candidate reactions. The Mathematics section, however, was reported to be particularly lengthy, causing time management challenges for many students. Here's a detailed update on how the exam unfolded in Shift 1.
Overall Difficulty Level of JEE Main 2026 Jan 28 Exam
Initial feedback from candidates indicates that the overall difficulty of the exam was moderate. While the Physics and Chemistry sections were reported to be manageable, the Mathematics section posed significant challenges due to its length. Several candidates expressed concerns about the time required to complete the lengthy math questions, especially those involving complex calculations.
Mathematics Section: Lengthy and Time-Consuming
The Mathematics section was by far the most difficult part of the exam. Many students found the questions to be lengthy and required intricate problem-solving techniques. While the questions were not overly difficult in terms of conceptual understanding, the time constraints made it difficult for many candidates to attempt all questions. Students struggled with managing the clock, and several mentioned that they couldn’t complete the entire section due to its lengthy nature. The difficulty level of the questions was deemed moderate, but the length of the section proved to be a challenge for many.
Physics and Chemistry: Moderate
In contrast to Mathematics, both the Physics and Chemistry sections were considered moderate. Physics was more concept-based, while Chemistry had a balanced mix of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical chemistry questions. Candidates found these sections manageable within the time limits.
JEE Main 2026: Candidate Reactions and Feedback
Many candidates took to social media to share their experiences, stating that time management was a major hurdle in the January 28 exam. Although the overall paper was moderate in difficulty, the extended length of the Mathematics section caused frustration among some students, who found it difficult to finish the paper on time.