The JEE Main 2026 exam for January 28 concluded its Shift 1 at 12:00 PM today. Candidates across the country completed the first leg of their exam, which consisted of objective-type questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam was widely regarded as moderate-to-tough, with particular difficulty in the Mathematics section, which posed challenges due to its length. Now that Shift 1 has concluded, here’s an in-depth look at the exam’s difficulty level, expected cutoffs, and key Shift 2 details for those taking the afternoon session.
JEE Main 2026 Shift 1: Detailed Subject-wise Difficulty Breakdown
The overall difficulty of the Shift 1 exam was considered moderate, with significant differences in how each subject was perceived by students. Here’s the breakdown:
Physics: Conceptual and Time-Consuming
The Physics section was moderately difficult, with a mix of concept-heavy and numerical questions. Mechanics and Electromagnetism were heavily featured, and while many found the questions conceptual, the time-consuming nature of the numerical questions was a common struggle.
Chemistry: Manageable and Scoring
The Chemistry section was deemed the easiest by many candidates. The section was balanced, with a good mix of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry questions. Many students found it straightforward, and it was seen as an opportunity to score well.
Mathematics: Lengthy and Challenging
The Mathematics section was the most challenging for students. Topics such as Calculus (integration and differentiation), Coordinate Geometry, and Vectors dominated the section. Although the questions were not overly difficult, they were lengthy, causing difficulty in time management. Many students were unable to attempt all questions in the allotted time.
Expected Cutoff for JEE Main 2026 January 28 Exam
Based on Shift 1 performance and the level of difficulty, the expected cutoff for the JEE Main 2026 January 28 exam is expected to be moderate to slightly higher compared to previous years. Here’s a prediction of the cutoff ranges:
- General Category: 85–90 marks
- OBC (NCL): 75–80 marks
- SC/ST: 60–65 marks
- EWS: 75–80 marks
The difficulty level of Mathematics could cause the cutoff to be slightly higher for students who performed well in Physics and Chemistry, which were perceived as more manageable.
JEE Main 2026 Shift 2: Timings and What to Expect
The second shift of the JEE Main 2026 January 28 exam is set to begin at 3:00 PM today and will conclude at 6:00 PM. While the difficulty of this shift is expected to be similar to that of Shift 1, slight variations in difficulty may occur. Based on early feedback from Shift 1, candidates should be prepared for a moderate level of difficulty across all subjects, with particular attention to the length of the Mathematics section. Students appearing for Shift 2 are encouraged to stay focused and manage their time efficiently, particularly in Mathematics. Make sure to carry the admit card, a valid ID proof, and follow all exam day protocols, including COVID-19 guidelines.
JEE Main 2026: Conclusion
The JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 1 exam was a moderate-to-tough challenge, with Mathematics being the most difficult subject for many students. As Shift 2 approaches, candidates can expect a similar pattern in terms of difficulty. The expected cutoffs will likely be moderate due to the overall challenging nature of the exam, but the Chemistry section could serve as an opportunity to boost scores. Once Shift 2 concludes, the official answer keys and cutoffs will provide clarity on individual performances, and students will have a clearer idea of where they stand.