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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.
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.
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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 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:
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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 | 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. |
Stay calm and don’t panic
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.
First attempt, easy questions
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Don't get stressed and maintain your calm. Pay attention to the questions that you know, and try the more challenging questions later.
No. Prioritize accuracy and address the questions you are confident in. Your score could be lowered by random guessing due to bad marking.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hi Lucky,
Please refer to this link and you can download the free pdf.
Hi,
Here are some e-books for your reference
https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-chemistry-important-formulas
https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-important-formulas-for-physics-pdf
https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-maths-important-formulas
https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-important-formulas
Hi, you can refer to this ebook
https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-important-formulas-for-physics-pdf
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
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
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98% Placement Record | Highest CTC 81.25 LPA | NAAC A++ Accredited | Ranked #62 in India by NIRF Ranking 2025 | JEE & JET Scores Accepted