JEE Main 2026 January Session Analysis: Day 1 and 2 Difficulty
2 minute read
• Updated on 23 Jan, 2026, 3:49 PM, by Amrita Das
JEE Main 2026 January session Day 1 and Day 2 exams recorded varied difficulty levels across shifts. Mathematics and Chemistry were reported as time-consuming in several shifts. Experts suggest shift-wise difficulty may influence percentile normalisation and cutoff trends.
JEE Main 2026 January Session Analysis for Day 1 and Day 2 highlights noticeable differences in difficulty levels across shifts. The Joint Entrance Examination Main Session 1 is being conducted by the National Testing Agency from 21 January 2026 to 29 January 2026 in two shifts each day.
Shift-wise variation in question difficulty, subject balance, and time management demands may play a key role in determining percentile distribution and final cutoff trends for JEE Main 2026.
JEE Main 2026 January 21 Day 1 Difficulty Level
On 21 January 2026, candidates reported mixed difficulty levels across both shifts. Shift 1 was described as moderate to difficult, particularly in Physics and Chemistry, where several questions required strong conceptual clarity.
Mathematics in Shift 1 was considered moderate but lengthy. In Shift 2, the overall paper was slightly tougher than Shift 1. Mathematics and Chemistry involved time-consuming calculations, which made it challenging for many candidates to attempt all questions comfortably within the given time.
JEE Main 2026 January 22 Day 2 Difficulty Level
The 22 January 2026 Day 2 Shift 1 paper was rated easy to moderate by most candidates. Physics and Chemistry were comparatively more straightforward, while Mathematics was tricky but manageable for well-prepared students.
Day 2 Shift 2, however, was assessed as moderate to tough. Mathematics and Physics emerged as the most challenging sections. Experts noted that this shift was among the more demanding papers of the session so far, with lengthy calculations in Mathematics increasing time pressure.
JEE Main 2026 Difficulty Level Impact on Cutoff
Variation in shift-wise difficulty is expected to influence JEE Main 2026 cutoffs. Generally, tougher papers lead to lower raw score requirements for a given percentile, while easier shifts may result in higher raw marks for the same percentile.
The National Testing Agency follows a normalisation process to ensure fairness across shifts. Candidates appearing in tougher shifts may receive higher normalised scores compared to those in relatively easier shifts, balancing overall performance outcomes.
JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Expectations
Based on Day 1 and Day 2 trends, experts predict minor fluctuations in qualifying cutoffs. The expected category-wise qualifying percentiles are given below, based on previous trends and early session analysis.
Category | Expected Cutoff Percentile |
Unreserved (UR) | 93.3045326 |
Gen-EWS | 81.4387917 |
OBC-NCL | 80.7456432 |
SC | 61.3526948 |
ST | 48.2456783 |
UR-PwD | 0.0082349 |
Experts indicate that candidates in tougher shifts may need fewer raw marks to achieve higher percentiles, while overall cutoffs will depend on complete session performance and normalisation outcomes.
Entrance Exam News
NEET PG 2026 Answer Key: Supreme Court Hearing on October 15, Check Key Details
AP ECET Pharmacy Counselling 2026: Phase 1 Allotment Released, Report by October 15
Karnataka NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Registration Begins for MBBS Seats
Tripura NEET PG Counselling 2026: Candidate List Released, Check PDF, Eligibility and Registration
Karnataka AYUSH UG 2026: Mock Allotment Result Out; Edit Options by October 14
MHT CET 2027 Exam: Centre Allotment May Be Linked to Class 12 College PIN Code
Assam NEET PG 2026: Check Additional Weightage Application Deadline, Eligibility and Documents
XAT 2027 Form Correction Window: Check Editable Details, Registration Deadline Here
MP NEET PG Counselling 2026 Registration Underway: Check Schedule, Last Date and Documents Required
MET 2027 Registration Last Date Revised: Check New Schedule Here
JEE Main News
LIVENTA JEE Mains 2027 Registration Date Live: Application Form Update, Eligibility, Session 1 Details
JEE Main 2027 Registration Live Updates: Check Dates, Session 1 Details, Direct Link Here
JEE Main 2027 Registration Soon: Session 1 Application Form Date
JEE Main 2027: Registration Date Live, Session 1 Form, Exam Date and Latest Updates
JEE Main 2027 Registration Date LIVE: Session 1 Form Expected in October, Check Latest Updates
JEE Main 2027 Exam Date Out: Check Registration, NTA Calendar and Latest Updates Here
JEE Main 2027: Check Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Application Process Here
NEET, JEE Admissions May Include 50% Board Exam Weightage Proposal
DU BTech First Round Seat Allotment 2026 Released, Check Eligibility, Fees
LIVEJEE Main 2026 Day 2 LIVE Updates: Jan 22 Coverage, Shift-wise Analysis
