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What is the Easiest Shift of JEE Mains 2026?- In this article, we have informed you about the JEE Mains 2026 easiest shift. A lot of students are looking for which shift is easier since it affect the cutoff. The challenge level was different for each shift of JEE Main 2026. Some shifts had questions that were more direct and concept-based, and some were not. So far, all the JEE Main shifts was moderate to tough. It is observed that Jan 24 shift 1 and 2 exam was the easiest shift of JEE Main 2026. Candidates can go through the JEE Main 2026 paper analysis to know further about the exam difficulty level. Careers360 has shared the impact of the easiest shift of JEE Mains 2026. Factors like question pattern, numerical level, and time required matter a lot.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the JEE Main 2026 result date on its official website. The JEE Main result will be declared by February 16 at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
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Experts compare shifts as the JEE Main exam is over. Students’ feedback is also very crucial. This helps in understanding which shift felt easier overall.
Below, we have provided the memory-based questions and analysis pdf links for Jan 21, Jan 22, Jan 23, Jan 24 and 28 both shifts.
JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 January 24 shift 2
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 2
JEE Main January 2026 is being held in various shifts, and each shift differs in terms of difficulty. A lot of students are asking which shift might be easier or score higher. It is important to know the easiest JEE Main 2026 session 1 shift. Here, we will give a thorough shift wise analysis with the help of the question patterns, difficulty levels, and subject wise insights to understand the performance of each shift and easiest shift of jee mains 2026. As of now, Jan 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28 both shifts and 29 shift 1 are over.
JEE Mains 2026 Jan 29 paper analysis shift 1 details are provided below here. This section is updated as the exam is over.
JEE Main Maths Analysis:
JEE Main Drawing/Planning Analysis:
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JEE Main Aptitude Analysis:
Here we are sharing the overall as well subject-wise exam analysis for January 28 shift 2 as it is over now:
1. JEE Main Physics Analysis:
The overall difficulty level of the Physics paper was on the tougher side.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 23rd January evening shift Physics section was tougher than the morning shift
The Physics paper was tough with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
The average time taken for physics was approximately 60 minutes
Students were able to attempt around 10-11 questions in physics
No questions were asked about wave optics, alternating current, and modern physics
2. JEE Main Chemistry Analysis:
Overall difficult level of Chemistry was moderate
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section in the JEE Main 28 January evening shift was similar to that of Today's morning shift and shifts conducted between 21 and 24 January.
The Difficulty level of the Chemistry paper was similar to maths and easier than the Physics section.
The paper has almost 8 statement-based and three to four assertion-reasoning questions
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
3. JEE Main Maths Analysis:
The overall difficulty level of the Mathematics section in this shift was moderate to hard.
The Maths paper in this shift had lengthy questions. Several questions needed careful calculation, which made proper time management very important.
The Maths section in this shift was relatively tougher than Physics and Chemistry.
The evening shift's difficulty level was easier than the morning shift.
Most of the students attempted almost 8 to 12 questions from this section.
The average time taken for the Mathematics section was approximately 90 minutes.
Scoring well required a strong grip on concepts, precision, accuracy in calculations, and smart time management while balancing other subjects.
Proper question selection helped save a lot of time, as a few questions were straightforward or moderate, but a few were tricky to tackle.
A few questions were there, along with slight variations from the previous year's JEE questions, and the questions were comparatively lengthier than in previous years.
Most of the questions were based on the prescribed syllabus
Here we are sharing the overall as well subject-wise exam analysis for January 28 shift 1 as it is over now:
1. JEE Main Physics Analysis
The overall difficulty level of the Physics paper was easy to moderate.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 28th January morning shift Physics section was easy compared to the other shifts.
The Physics paper was hard with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
The average time taken by students to solve the Physics paper is around 1 hour.
Students were able to solve around 16-17 questions in the physics paper.
2. JEE Main Maths Analysis
The overall difficulty level of the Mathematics section in this shift was moderate to difficult.
This shift’s Maths section had lengthy questions. Several questions needed careful calculation, which made proper time management very important.
The Maths section in this shift was relatively tougher than physics and chemistry.
The difficulty level was comparatively more difficult than the shifts happened till now, i.e., (21-24 January).
The question paper pattern remained constant with other shifts.
The average time taken for Mathematics was approximately 70-80 minutes.
The mathematics section tested both the conceptual understanding and calculation skills.
To do well, students needed strong basics, quick calculations, accuracy, and good time management while handling other subjects.
Proper question selection helped save a lot of time, as a few questions were straightforward or moderate, but a few were tricky to tackle.
A few questions were there, along with slight variations from the previous year's JEE questions.
Most of the questions were based on the prescribed syllabus.
3. JEE Main Chemistry Analysis:
Overall difficult level of Chemistry was moderate
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section in the JEE Main 28 January morning shift was similar to that of the shifts conducted between 21 and 24 January.
The Chemistry paper was easy wrt maths and difficult wrt physics sections.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
The organic portion had more named reaction questions
The chemistry section required almost 55-60 minutes to solve
The organic portion was more than the inorganic, and the physical section
Organic chemistry was very lengthy
Statement-type questions are asked from Physical Chemistry
Here we are sharing the overall as well subject-wise exam analysis for January 24 shift 2 as it is over now:
JEE Main Physics Analysis
2 questions from Ray optics
2 questions from electrostatics
1 question from sound (Topic -organ pipe)
2 questions from modern physics (Topic- Radioactivity)
2 questions from fluid mechanics (Topic - Buoyancy)
1 question from semiconductor (Topic - Logic gates)
1 question from magnetism
1 question from rotational motion (Topic- moment of inertia)
1 question from units and measurement (Topic- vernier calliper)
JEE Main Chemistry Analysis
2 questions from Electrochemistry
1 question from Thermodynamics (Isochoric)
2 questions from Coordination Compounds
2 questions from chemical bonding
1 question from periodic properties
2 questions from some basic concepts of Chemistry (Mole Concept)
1 question from GOC
1 question from Chemical Kinetics
1 question from Ionic Equilibrium
1 question from Amines
1 question from p-block
JEE Main Maths Analysis
2-3 Questions from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
3-4 Questions from Sets, Relations and Functions (Based on relation and subset)
2 Questions from Integral Calculus
Question from the Differential equation
1 Question from Probability
1 Question from Statistics
1 Question was from Straight lines based on the shortest distance
4 Questions from Conic Sections (Ellipse question mixed with function)
1 Question from Trigonometry
Here we are sharing the overall as well subject-wise exam analysis for January 24 shift 1 as it is over now:
Overall:
The overall difficulty level of the exam was Moderate.
JEE main 2026, 24th Jan morning shift was easy wrt the Jan 23 shifts.
For this Shift Mathematics was lengthy, Physics was moderate and bit lenghty and Chemistry was balanced.
Overall level of JEE Main 24th Jan Morning shift: Maths>Physics>Chemistry
Overall, Statement-based questions are in large numbers
1. Physics:
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 24th January morning shift Physics paper was moderate.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 24th January morning shift Physics section was similar to yesterday.
The Physics paper was lengthy with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
JEE Main 24th January morning shift Physics paper was formula-based.
Students took approximately more than 1 hour to solve the physics section.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
3 questions from ray optics (Topic - 1 from microscope, 1 from prism, 1 from Brewster angle)
1 question from modern physics (Topic - spectral series)
1 question from kinematics (Topic - Projectile)
2 questions from fluid mechanics (Topic - Time period of oscillation, Terminal velocity
2 questions from electrostatics (Topic - meter bridge)
1 question from laws of motion (Topic - Three-block system)
1 question from rotational motion
1 question from Alternating current (Topic - LCR circuit)
1 question from semiconductor (Topic - Zener diode)
1 question from Units and measurement
1 question from Gravitation (Topic - Gravitational Potential Energy)
2. Maths:
The overall difficulty level of the Mathematics paper in this shift was moderate.
This shift’s Maths paper had lengthy questions. Several questions needed careful calculation, which made proper time management very important.
The Maths section in this shift was tougher than Physics and Chemistry.
The Maths section in this shift was relatively tougher and lengthier than the other shifts. (21, 22, & 23 Jan). But easier than 23 January’s evening shift.
The maths section involved multi-step calculations; each question required approximately 8-10 minutes.
The question paper pattern remained constant with other shifts.
Most of the students attempted almost 10-14 questions from this section.
The average time taken for the Mathematics section was approximately 70 to 90 minutes to cover all the questions.
To score well, students needed clear concepts, good calculation speed, and accuracy.
Students should make smart use of their time while handling other subjects.
Questions were from the following important topics:
3 Questions from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
1 Question from Relations and Functions
1 Question from Integral Calculus
1 Question from Coordinate Geometry
1 Question from Statistics
1 Question from Matrices
1 Question from Probability
1 Question from Permutation & Combination
2 Questions from Sequence & Series (1 question had mixed concepts of PnC and sequence and series)
1 Question from the Quadratic equation
1 Question from the Binomial Theorem
4 Questions from Conic Sections and Straight lines (1 from Ellipse and 1 from Circle)
1 Question from Trigonometry
3. Chemistry:
Overall, the difficulty level of Chemistry was easy to moderate
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section in the JEE Main 24 January morning shift was easy compared to the 21, 22, and 23 January shifts.
The Chemistry paper was easy wrt maths and physics sections.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
The questions comprised a balanced mix of concepts from Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. With more weightage in Physical.
The chemistry section required almost 50 minutes to solve
The paper has statement-based questions
Physical Chemistry is tougher than organic and inorganic.
For better scoring in Chemistry, students should study beyond the NCERT as well.
Physical questions are lengthy and mixed.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
1 question from Salt Analysis
1 question from Electrochemistry
4 questions from Coordination Compounds (Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic)
1 question from GOC
2-3 question from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
1 question from Amines
2 question from Chemical Kinetics
1 question from Solutions
1 questions from Biomolecules
1 question from Ionic equilibrium
1 question from Thermodynamics
Here we are sharing the exam analysis for January 23 shift 1 as it is over now:
The overall difficulty level of the Physics paper was easy.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 23rd January morning shift Physics section was difficult compared to the 21st jan evening shift and easy with the morning shift of 21st Jan.
The Physics paper was hard with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
JEE Main 22rd January morning shift Physics paper time taking due to its toughness.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2 questions from Error analysis
1 matching-type question from Electrostatics
1 question from the Lyman series and de Broglie wavelength
2 questions from Optics
1 question from Current Electricity
1 question from MOI
1 question from angular momentum
1 question from AC
1 question from magnetic effect of current
Overall difficult level of Chemistry was moderate
Chemistry questions are tricky and time-consuming.
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section in the JEE Main 23 January morning shift was at a similar level compared to the 21 and 22 January shifts.
The Chemistry paper was tough wrt maths and physics sections.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
The organic include in all questions
The chemistry section required almost 50-55 minutes to solve
Paper has statement-based questions
Organic and inorganic are tougher than physical.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
1 questions from Some basic concepts of chemistry ( Mole Concept)
1 question from Chemical Bonding
1 question from biomolecules
1 question from GOC
1 question from Ionisation Energy
Mix question from chemical and ionic equilibrium
1 question from electrochemistry
1 question from Chemical Kinetics ( Graph type question)
1 question from Amines
The overall difficulty level of the Mathematics paper in this shift was moderate.
The Maths paper had lengthy questions.
The maths section was difficult compared to physics and chemistry.
This shift's difficulty level was moderate, similar to the shifts that have happened so far.
The question paper pattern remained the same as in other shifts.
Mathematics sections had lengthy questions that required time to handle.
The average time taken for the Mathematics section was approximately 70-80 minutes.
To score well, students needed clear concepts, good calculation speed, accuracy, and smart use of time while handling other subjects.
Questions were from the following important topics:
1 Question from Relation
6 Questions from Trigonometry
2 Question from Matrices and Determinants (1 Adjoint, 1 Inverse)
3 Questions from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
Questions from Integral Calculus
2 Questions from conic sections
Here we are sharing the exam analysis for January 22 shift 2 as it is over now:
The overall difficulty level of the Physics paper was moderate.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 22nd January evening shift Physics section was tougher than the morning shift
The Physics paper was easy with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
JEE Main 22nd January evening shift Physics paper was easy compared to last year's JEE Main.
The average time taken for physics was approximately 50 minutes
Students were able to attempt around 18-19 questions in physics
Fewer questions were from the Chapters having more weightage in general
4-5 questions were present of statement based in physics section.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2 questions from Ray optics
2 questions from modern physics
3 questions fluid mechanics combined with error measurement (out of which 1 question from surface tension, 1 question from capillary rise)
1 question from gravitation (statement based on satellite)
1 question from electrostatics (Topic - electric field and potential)
1 question current electricity (Topic - mobility of electrons)
1 question from laws of motion and rotational motion combined
1 question from centre of mass and circular motion combined
1 question from thermodynamics
1 from semiconductor (Topic - logic gates)
1 question from wave optics (statement based on single slit)
1 question from magnetism (statement-based)
Overall difficult level of Chemistry was moderate to tough
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section JEE Main 22st January evening shift was easy with respect to the morning shift and 21 jan shifts
The Chemistry paper was easy wrt maths and difficult wrt physics section.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
Physical chemistry has numerical based questions
Organic Chemistry weightage is more as compared to physical and inorganic
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2-3 questions from Coordination Chemistry
1 question from D-block
2 questions from GOC
2 question from Periodic Classification (Ionisation Energy)
1 questions from salt analysis
1 question from Biomolecules
2 questions from mole concept
1 question from Chemical Bonding
1 question from Atomic structure( Wave Number)
1 question from Ionic Equilibrium
1 question from Amines
1 question from Electrochemistry
1 from Chemical Kinetics
The overall difficulty level of the Mathematics paper in this shift was difficult.
The Maths paper had lengthy questions. Several questions needed careful calculation, which made proper time management very important.
The maths section was tougher than physics and chemistry.
The evening shift's difficulty level was tougher than the morning shift.
The question paper pattern remained constant with other shifts.
Most of the students attempted almost 7 to 12 questions from this section.
The average time taken for the Mathematics section was approximately 90 minutes.
To score well, students needed clear concepts, good calculation speed, accuracy, and smart use of time while handling other subjects.
Questions were from the following important topics:
2-3 Question from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
1 Question from Sets
1 Question from Integral Calculus
1 Question from the Differential equation
1 Question from Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability.
1 Question from Probability
1 Question from Sequence & Series
1 Question from Quadratic equation
1 Question from Binomial equation
3 Questions from Conic Sections (1-1-1 from Parabola, Hyperbola, and Circle)
1 Question from Trigonometry
Here we are sharing the exam analysis for January 22 shift 1 as it is over now:
The overall difficulty level of the Physics paper was Moderate.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 22nd January morning shift Physics section was difficult compared to the 21st jan evening shift and easy with the morning shift of 21st Jan.
The Physics paper was hard with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
JEE Main 22nd January morning shift Physics paper time taking due to its toughness.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2 from gravitation escape velocity
3 questions from ray optics
Statement-based questions from fluid mechanics.
1 question from MOI
2 questions from electrostatics.
1 question from NLM
1 from Logic gate
1 from the magnetic effect of current
Overall difficult level of Chemistry was moderate
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section JEE Main 22nd January morning shift was tough with respect to the 21 january
The Chemistry paper was easy wrt maths and physics sections.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
The organic portion had more named reaction questions
The chemistry section required almost 50 minutes to solve
The organic portion was more than the inorganic, and the physical section
Physical chemistry has integer-type questions
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2 questions from General Organic Chemistry ( Reagent Questions)
1 question from Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry ( Mole Concept)
1 question from Coordination Chemistry (Ion Question)
1 question from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
2 questions from p-bock
1 question from Ionic Equilibrium
2 questions from Chemical Kinetics
1 question from salt analysis
1 question from d block ( 3dseries)
1 question from Biomolecules
1 question from Chemical Thermodynamics
The overall difficulty level of the Mathematics paper was Moderate.
The Maths paper had lengthy questions. Several questions needed careful calculation, which made proper time management very important.
The maths section was easier than physics but tougher than chemistry.
The difficulty level was easier than the two shifts of Day 1 (Jan 21).
The question paper pattern remained constant with other shifts.
The average time taken for mathematics was approximately 90 minutes.
To score well, students needed clear concepts, good calculation speed, accuracy, and smart use of time while handling other subjects.
Questions were from the following important topics:
Question from Functions
1 Question from Matrices
3 Questions from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
3 Questions from Integral Calculus
3-4 Questions from coordinate geometry(1 hyperbola, 1 straight line)
The straight line question was based on the shortest distance.
1 Question from the Differential equation
1 question from Application of derivatives (Area under the curve)
1 Question from Probability
No Questions from Limits
1 Question from Sequence & Series
Here we are sharing the exam analysis for January 21 shift 2 as it is over now:
The overall difficulty level of the Physics paper was easy.
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 21st January evening shift Physics section was easier to moderate than the morning shift
The Physics paper was easy with respect to the maths and chemistry papers.
JEE Main 21st January evening shift Physics paper was easy compared to last year's JEE Main.
The physics paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision, because most of the questions were formula-based.
Some previous year questions were exactly asked in the paper.
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Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2 questions from capacitors
1 question from optics - prism topic
2 questions from modern physics (1 from stopping potential)
2-3 questions from thermodynamics (degrees of freedom and work done)
2 questions from current electricity (1 from equivalent resistance)
1 question from semiconductor
1 question from the river boat problem (kinematics)
1 question from a combination of Newton’s law and rotational motion
1 question from circular motion
1 question from electrostatics - potential topic
1 question from terminal velocity and error measurement
1 question from capilary tube
1 question from significant figure (addition rule)
1 question from magnetism (magnetic field due to current carrying wire)
The overall difficulty level of the Maths section was Moderate to Hard.
Mathematics questions were relatively more lengthy and more calculative compared to Shift 1.
In this shift, Maths questions were comparatively more difficult than Chemistry and Physics questions.
The Maths paper can be best described as “Moderate but lengthy” in nature. A good number of questions were lengthy and tricky, demanding careful calculations and proper time management.
Compared to recent JEE Main trends, the level of Mathematics in this shift was slightly on the tougher side due to the emphasis on long calculations and multi-step problem-solving.
In comparison with Shift 1, Shift 2 was more time-consuming and required higher calculation accuracy and patience from students.
Mathematics was relatively more challenging than Shift 1, but still approachable for students who were comfortable with lengthy numerical questions.
Students needed a strong conceptual understanding, along with speed, accuracy, and effective time management, to attempt a good number of questions.
Questions were from the following important topics:
There were at least 2 Statement-based questions.
2 Questions from Functions
2 Questions from Matrices
2 Questions from Vector algebra
3 Questions from Three-Dimensional Geometry
1 from Integral Calculus
1 question from the Differential equation, which was very easy
1 from Parabola, 1 from Circle
1 From Inverse Trigonometry, which was easy
No questions from Limit, Continuity and differentiability.
1 question from Probability
Overall difficult level of Chemistry was moderate
The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section JEE Main 21st January evening shift was easy with respect to the morning shift.
The Chemistry paper was easy wrt maths and difficult wrt physics section.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
Some questions are statement-based.
Direct reaction-based questions
The organic portion had more named reaction questions
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
2 questions from Chemical Bonding
1 question from Chemical Kinetics
2 questions from p block
1 question from Solutions
2 questions from Periodic properties
1 question from Amines
2 questions from Coordination Chemistry
1 question from Salt Analysis
Here we are sharing the exam analysis for January 21 shift 1 as it is over now:
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 21st January morning shift Physics section was easy to moderate.
The Physics paper was easy wrt maths and more challenging with respect to the chemistry paper.
JEE Main 21st January morning shift Physics paper was easy compared to last year's JEE Main.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision, because most of the questions were formula-based.
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
1 Question from Thermal properties of fluids (Bernoulli’s Theorem )
2 Question from Optics(1-microscope, 1 - Power of lens related)
1 Question from semiconductor(Logic Gate)
2 Questions from unit and dimension( 1- Dimension , 1 - error)
1 Question from Current Electricity
1 Question from Calorimetry
1 Question from Rotational Motion (Moment of Inertia)
1 Question From Kinematics (NLM)
1 Question From Gravitation
1 Question from Electromagnetic Wave
1 Question from EMI (Solenoid)
The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 21st January morning shift Chemistry section was tough.
The Chemistry paper was tough wrt maths and more challenging with respect to the physics paper.
JEE Main 21st January morning shift Chemistry paper was tough compared to last year's JEE Main.
The paper was doable for those who went through the proper revision
Most of the questions were lengthy and statement-based
Students spend approx 60-70 min in Chemistry
Questions were asked about the following Topics:
3 Questions from Coordination Chemistry
2 Questions asked about Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
2-3 Questions asked from p-block
1 Mix question from Chemical and Ionic equilibrium
3-4 questions from the Mole concept
2 questions from General Organic Chemistry
1 question from Biomolecules
1 question from Chemical Thermodynamics
1 question from Electrochemistry and Redox Reaction.
Mathematics questions were relatively less lengthy and calculation-intensive compared to Physics and Chemistry.
The overall difficulty level of the Maths section was Moderate.
Most questions were lengthy and tricky, requiring good time management and strong calculation accuracy.
The Maths paper can be best described as “Moderate” in nature.
Compared to recent JEE Main trends, the level of Mathematics in this shift was less tougher side due to extensive calculations and multi-step solving.
Mathematics was easier than last year.
Students needed a clear conceptual understanding, along with speed and precision, to attempt a good number of questions.
Questions were from the following important topics:
Questions based on Calculus were relatively fewer.
2-3 questions were from Vector Algebra and 3D geometry
1 question from quadratic equations
1 question was from sequence and series
1 question was based on PnC and the probability concept combined.
2 questions were from straight lines, 1 question from a circle
1 question from Matrices, which was a bit lengthy
2 questions were from sets and relations.
Arithmetic and Geometric Progression
3 questions were from Conic Sections (1 related to parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola each)
1 Question was also from the Application of Derivatives
In an easy shift, the competition is defined by accuracy and speed rather than just raw knowledge. Here is how it impacts your results:
High marks don’t guarantee high percentiles: In an easy shift, everyone scores well, so you need much higher marks (like 230+) just to get a 99 percentile.
Small mistakes cost you big time: Since the paper is easy, one silly mistake can push your rank down by thousands because many students will have nearly perfect scores.
The "Easy Paper" trap: You might feel confident scoring 150, but that same score in a hard shift would give you a much better rank than it does in an easy one.
Normalization levels the field: NTA uses a formula to make sure students in easy shifts don't have an unfair advantage over those who got a hard paper.
Maths becomes the decider: When many people get the same high total score, NTA looks at your Maths marks first to decide who gets the better rank.
Higher cutoff marks: To qualify for JEE Advanced, you have to score much higher in an easy session compared to someone in a tough session.
Accuracy is the key: In these shifts, it’s not about how many hard questions you can solve, but about making sure you don't get the easy ones wrong.
The below table shows the previous years and also highlights the expected easiest shift for JEE Main 2026. Check them below:
Year (Session 1) | Date & Shift | Relative Difficulty | Why |
2025 | Easiest | Students and experts reported overall moderate to easy with straightforward questions in Physics & Chemistry and manageable Maths. | |
2025 | Easy to Moderate | Balanced paper; Chemistry was easy, Maths moderate/lengthy. | |
2024 | Jan 29 – Shift 1 | Easier than other shifts | This shift had the lowest difficulty rating among 2024 Session 1 shifts. |
2023 | Jan 31 – Shift 2 | Easiest | Chemistry and Physics were direct, Maths was moderate, making it more scoring. |
2023 | Jan 31 – Shift 1 | Easy to Moderate | Balanced paper; Chemistry NCERT-based, Maths slightly lengthy, Physics moderate. |
2022 | June 25 – Shift 1 | Easiest | Most questions were straightforward and formula-based, easier than other shifts. |
2022 | June 25 – Shift 2 | Moderate | Maths questions were lengthy; Physics and Chemistry were average difficulty. |
2021 | Feb 24 – Shift 1 | Easiest | Simple NCERT-based questions in Chemistry and moderate difficulty in Maths & Physics. |
The JEE Main 2026 rank predictor is helpful to know how much you can score. Careers360’s JEE Main rank predictor 2026 is a very simple and easy to us tool. Just click on the link, enter basic details, provide the expected marks and submit. The resulting page will show the expected rank. Moreover, aspirants can make use of the JEE Main 2026 college predictor to know their admission chances.
Overconfidence: Even if you feel that the shift is easy, don't solve the paper too carelessly. Be focused on every question. Overconfidence can cause silly mistakes.
Avoiding difficult questions: Do not avoid questions just because they look difficult. Examine the questions carefully and solve them wisely. Missing easy marks due to neglecting questions can lower your marks.
Rushing while solving the paper: Do not answer too fast. Even easy questions should be read carefully. Use your time mindfully to avoid mistakes.
Ignoring accuracy and rushing: Don’t try to finish too fast. Getting answers correct is more important than speed. Small careless mistakes can lower your score.
Neglecting revision: Always double-check your answers if time permits. Even easy questions can have silly mistakes. Revision ensures maximum marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Morning shifts (Shift 1) are often a little easier or more balanced than afternoon shifts.
Not totally. Your score is more likely to be dependent upon your preparation, time management and your accuracy,
No. Prepare for the entire syllabus thoroughly. Shift difficulty cannot be predicted exactly before the exam.
As per student review, JEE Main Jan 21 shift 1 was tough due to the increased difficulty level of the Chemistry section.
On Question asked by student community
Arnav Gautam & P.Mohith secured 300 out of 300 in JEE Mains session 1, as per the provisional answer key. The list of toppers to be released with JEE Main results
JEE Main 2026 session 1 result is not declared yet. JEE Main session 1 result will be declared on February 12.
A rank above 50,000 is considered good in JEE Mains. Some of the private colleges accepting JEE Mains are
The 69-77 marks in JEE Main examination are considered to be the average score and does not guarantee best branches in top tier NITs and IIITs. Some of the branches in which students with this much score can get admission are Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and
With a rank between 50,000 and 65,000 in JEE Main, you can get admission in some of the NITs, private and government colleges. Here is the list of some of the colleges.
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