Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026: January Paper Shift-Wise Analysis

Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026: January Paper Shift-Wise Analysis

Shivani PooniaUpdated on 23 Jan 2026, 06:22 PM IST

Toughest Shift of JEE Main January 2026 - Candidates can refer to this article to know which is the toughest shift of JEE Main 2026 January. It is based on the subject-wise difficulty level. As per the JEE Main paper analysis, the Jan 23 shift 2 exam is said to be the toughest shift in the JEE Main 2026 January session. However, the Jan 22 shift 1 and Jan 22 shift 2 were also tough shifts. So far, all the JEE Main 2026 exams have been moderate to tough. They had concept-intensive questions, often time-consuming, making them challenging for the aspirants. According to student feedback and expert analysis, the JEE Mains question paper included lengthy calculations, tricky numerical problems in Maths and Physics and deeper conceptual questions in Chemistry. This paper tested how well you can think under pressure, not just what you memorised. However, it is still too soon to say which is the JEE Mains toughest shift in January 2026, since there are still some more exams to be conducted.

LiveJEE Main 2026 Jan 23 LIVE: NTA day 3 exam over; paper analysis, memory-based question soonJan 23, 2026 | 10:29 PM IST

Among the highly competitive NITs, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, NIT Warangal, NIT Karnataka (Surathkal), and NIT Rourkela recorded the lowest closing ranks, with all remaining under 6,000 in the open category. NIT Tiruchirappalli remained a top choice, with its closing rank tightening to 3,283 in 2025, compared to 15,587 in 2024 and 7,153 in 2023. NIT Warangal followed with a closing rank of 5,057, while NIT Surathkal closed at 4,347. The trends over the last three years indicate stable demand across these institutes, with only marginal variations in closing ranks.

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. JEE Main January 2026 Shift-Wise Analysis
  2. Impact of JEE Main January 2026 Toughest Shift on Result
  3. JEE Main 2026 Rank Predictor
  4. JEE Main Previous Years Hardest Shift
  5. Tips to Handle the Hardest Shift of JEE Main
Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026: January Paper Shift-Wise Analysis
Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026

In this article, we will also provide a detailed review of the JEE Main 2026 January toughest shift, including the overall difficulty level of all three subjects, Physics, Chemistry, and Math, and why this shift was more difficult than other shifts. This summary will give students an idea of trends in future exams and prepare them for their upcoming attempts.

JEE Main January 2026 Shift-Wise Analysis

JEE Mains 2026 analysis is provided below in a shift wise manner from the most recent shift to the earliest shift. As of now, Jan 21,22 both shift with Jan 23 shift 1 is over. You can find the analysis in the mentioned order:

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Analysis

For complete analysis visit JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 Paper PDF Link .

Subject

Difficulty Level

Key Observation

Physics

To be updated

To be updated

Chemistry

To be updated

To be updated

Mathematics

To be updated

To be updated

Overall

To be updated

To be updated

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Analysis

For complete analysis visit JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 1 Paper PDF Link .

Subject

Difficulty Level

Key Observation

Physics

Easy

Formula-based and scoring

Chemistry

Moderate

Conceptual and statement-based

Mathematics

Moderate to Difficult

Lengthy and time-consuming

Overall

Easy to Moderate

Similar to JEE Main 2025 level

JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 2 Analysis

For complete analysis visit JEE Mains 2026 January 22 Shift 2 Question Paper analysis.

Subject

Difficulty Level

Key Observation

Physics

Easy to Moderate

Conceptual and calculation-heavy

Chemistry

Moderate

Balanced across all sections

Mathematics

Difficult

Lengthy but scoring with accuracy

Overall

Moderate

Slightly tougher than morning shift

JEE Main Exam 2026 January 22 Shift 1

You can download the JEE Mains 2026 January 22 shift 1 Question paper and answer key pdf for complete details.

Subject

Difficulty Level

Key Observation

Physics

Moderate to Difficult

Conceptual and time-consuming

Mathematics

Moderate

Lengthy calculations

Chemistry

Easy to Moderate

More scoring; Organic-focused

Overall

Moderate to Tough

Required strong time management

JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 2 Paper Analysis

You can get the details by downloading JEE Main 2026 January 21 Question Paper Shift 2 Answer Key with Solutions PDF.

Subject

Difficulty Level

Key Observation

Physics

Easy to Moderate

Direct, formula-based questions

Chemistry

Easy

Most scoring section

Mathematics

Moderate to Hard

Lengthy and accuracy-dependent

Overall

Easy to Moderate

Comparable to January 2025 sessions

JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 Paper

You can check the JEE Mains Jan 21 Shift 1 Question Paper details. Analysis is given below:

Subject

Difficulty Level

Key Observation

Physics

Moderate

Numerical and concept-based

Chemistry

Tough

High conceptual depth

Mathematics

Moderate

Easier compared to last year

Overall

Moderate to Tough

Concept-heavy paper

Impact of JEE Main January 2026 Toughest Shift on Result

One or two shifts were comparatively tougher than the other shifts so far in January shift JEE Mains 2026. This has been due to lengthy maths or tough chemistry questions. Therefore, shift wise normalization is done. This allows lower marks on tougher shifts to qualify for high percentile. The affect of a tough shift on various parameters are given below:

Parameter

Impact

Raw Marks

Generally lower due to higher difficulty and time-consuming questions

Percentile

Can remain high despite lower marks because fewer candidates score well

Normalisation

Adjusts difficulty variation, ensuring fairness across shifts

Cutoff Trend

Overall cutoffs may slightly decrease if multiple shifts are tough

AIR (Rank)

Closely dependent on relative performance within the same shift

Admission Chances

Remain unaffected if percentile is competitive; April attempt offers scope for improvement

JEE Main 2026 Rank Predictor

This JEE Main 2026 rank predictor can be used to know the probability of the score that you can get. Candidates can use hte tool for free. Here are the steps to access Careers360 JEE Main rank predictor 2026

  • Click on the JEE Main 2026 rank predictor link.

  • Provide scores, session and other basic information.

  • Submit the details.

  • The expected rank will be presented in a new tab.

Amity University-Noida B.Tech Admissions 2026

Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026

UPES B.Tech Admissions 2026

Ranked #43 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements

JEE Main Previous Years Hardest Shift

Analyzing the trends of JEE Main shifts over the years provides crucial insights into how the National Testing Agency (NTA) balances difficulty across multiple sessions. Let us check the hardest shifts of previous years.

Year

Toughest Shift(s)

Key Factors & Reasoning

2025

January 28, Shift 1

Rated the hardest of the season across all subjects. Features high-difficulty, complex, and lengthy items in Physics and Mathematics requiring deep subject understanding.

2024

February 1, Shift 1

Assessed as the most difficult of the season. Notable for a high volume of difficult numerical problems and numerous application-based questions.

2023

January 29, Shift 2 & January 30, Shift 1

Noted as the most tedious shifts of the year. Defined by heavy demands on understanding and solving complex mathematical problems.

JEE Main Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

Tips to Handle the Hardest Shift of JEE Main

  1. Stay calm and don’t panic

JEE Main 2026 Rank Predictor
Use the JEE Main 2026 Rank Predictor to estimate your expected rank based on your scores or percentile and plan your college options smartly.
Try Now

While dealing with the JEE Main January 2026 toughest shift, a difficult paper might look like a source of stress, but don’t panic, as it is like wasting time. Just breathe deeply, focus on your questions, and keep your concentration.

  1. First attempt, easy questions

Amrita University B.Tech 2026

Recognized as Institute of Eminence by Govt. of India | NAAC ‘A++’ Grade | Upto 75% Scholarships | Application Deadline: 15th Jan

Jain University B.Tech Admissions 2026

98% Placement Record | Highest CTC 81.25 LPA | NAAC A++ Accredited | Ranked #62 in India by NIRF Ranking 2025 | JEE & JET Scores Accepted

Find the questions you are sure of and solve them first in JEE Main January 2026 Session 1 toughest shift. This creates the right mood and makes sure you quickly get the marks.

  1. Time management is crucial

Divide the time according to section or question type while going through JEE Mains 2026 toughest shift. Don't get stuck on one difficult question for too long; instead, go on and come back if there's time left.

  1. Shortcuts and formulae are your best friends

In the hardest shift of JEE Mains 2026, when you go for lengthy numerical or calculation-heavy questions, use smart shortcuts, approximations, or formulae tricks to save time.

  1. Accuracy over guessing

Don’t make random guesses, especially if the questions is negatively marked. Instead, concentrate on issues where you can have a reasonable level of confidence.

  1. Strengthen your mind till the end

Do not lose hope even when the paper seems very hard. Many times, if students remain focused, they can win back marks in the later sections.

  1. Trust your preparation

A tough exam assesses concepts rather than tricks. It's pure application, and you should trust your ideas and try to stay confident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Was JEE Main 2026 22 Jan shift 1 tough in 2026?
A:

The JEE Main 22 Jan shift 1 was moderate to difficult, as per student reviews. Chemistry was unepectely tough in comparison to Physics and Maths. 

Q: If the paper looks to be very challenging, what should be done?
A:

Don't get stressed and maintain your calm. Pay attention to the questions that you know, and try the more challenging questions later.

Q: Should I try every question during a challenging shift?
A:

No. Prioritize accuracy and address the questions you are confident in. Your score could be lowered by random guessing due to bad marking.

Q: How can I organize my time for a challenging paper?
A:

Spend as little time as possible on each section and type of inquiry. If a question takes too long, move on and return to it when you have more time.

Articles
|
Upcoming Engineering Exams
Ongoing Dates
HITSEEE Application Date

5 Nov'25 - 22 Apr'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
SMIT Online Test Application Date

15 Nov'25 - 12 Apr'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
SNUSAT Application Date

19 Nov'25 - 31 Mar'26 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
B.Tech Engineering Technology
Via Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Post Graduate Diploma Program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Via Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi
Computer Fundamentals
Via Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
Programming Basics
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
C-Based VLSI Design
Via Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Udemy
 1525 courses
Swayam
 817 courses
NPTEL
 773 courses
Coursera
 697 courses
Edx
 608 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello aspirant,

With a 90 percentile in JEE Mains and belonging to the EWS category, you have a decent chance for some IIITs, especially newer or lower-ranked ones like IIIT Pune, Nagpur, Vadodara, or Lucknow, or non-CSE branches in better IIITs, but getting top IIITs (like IIIT Hyderabad/Delhi) or core

Hello,

Yes, attendance is compulsory in Class XI and XII.

As per school and board rules, students must maintain minimum attendance, usually around 75%. Schools can stop students from appearing in board exams if attendance is short.

Even if a student is preparing for JEE or any other competitive exam