The JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 has started, and the first paper was held on 21 January 2026 in Shift 1. This morning shift was conducted from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in computer-based mode. Students who appeared in this shift shared their initial feedback, which helps understand the paper pattern and difficulty level.
The question paper included Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a total of 75 questions carrying 300 marks. Based on early student reactions, the overall difficulty level of 21 January Shift 1 was moderate.
JEE Main 2026 – 21 January Shift 1 Exam Overview
| Exam Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National-level testing agency |
| Exam Date | 21 January 2026 |
| Shift | Shift 1 (Morning) |
| Exam Timing | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 correct, −1 incorrect |
Overall Difficulty Level – 21 January Shift 1
Students who appeared in the first shift reported that the paper was balanced overall. None of the three subjects was extremely difficult, but some sections required more time.
- Physics was concept-based and manageable
- Chemistry was mostly straightforward and scoring
- Mathematics required time and careful calculation
Overall, the paper can be considered moderate, with Mathematics being slightly more time-consuming for many students.
Physics Paper Analysis – Shift 1
The Physics section focused on basic concepts and formulas. Many questions were direct and could be solved using standard methods if concepts were clear. Numerical questions required accuracy but were not confusing.
Physics Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| Optics | 2 |
| Units and Dimensions | 2 |
| Semiconductor (Logic Gates) | 1 |
| Current Electricity | 1 |
| Calorimetry | 1 |
| Rotational Motion | 1 |
The overall difficulty of Physics was moderate, and students with good concept clarity found this section comfortable.
Chemistry Paper Analysis – Shift 1
Chemistry was reported as the most scoring section in this shift. Many questions were directly based on familiar theory, especially from standard textbooks. Organic Chemistry included reaction-based questions, while Physical Chemistry had formula-based numericals.
Chemistry Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| Units and Dimensions | 2 |
| Semiconductor Concepts | 1 |
| Current Electricity (Electrochemistry-related) | 1 |
| Thermal Concepts | 1 |
| Optics-related Concepts | 2 |
| Calorimetry | 1 |
| Rotational Motion Concepts | 1 |
Students who revised basic theory and reactions found Chemistry easy to attempt.
Mathematics Paper Analysis – Shift 1
Mathematics required more time compared to Physics and Chemistry. The questions were not very tricky but involved longer calculations. Students who managed time well could attempt a good number of questions.
Mathematics Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| Sets and Relations | 2 |
| Matrices | 1 (lengthy) |
| Quadratic Equations | 1 |
| Vector Algebra and 3D Geometry | 2–3 |
| Calculus | Fewer questions |
Mathematics was moderate, but speed and accuracy were important to score well.
Good Attempt – 21 January Shift 1 (Expected)
Based on student feedback and difficulty level, a good attempt for this shift is expected to be:
- Physics: 18–20 questions
- Chemistry: 20–22 questions
- Mathematics: 14–16 questions
These numbers may vary depending on accuracy.
What This Paper Means for Upcoming Shifts
The first shift of the session often sets the tone for the remaining days. From this paper, students appearing in upcoming shifts can expect:
- Balanced papers with focus on basics
- Importance of formula revision
- Time management needed for Mathematics
- Strong advantage for students who revise core chapters
Focusing on commonly asked topics and practicing numericals can help in future shifts.
Conclusion
The JEE Mains 2026 – 21 January Shift 1 paper was of moderate difficulty, with Chemistry being the easiest and Mathematics requiring more time. Physics tested concept clarity rather than tricky calculations. Overall, the paper was well-balanced and fair. Students preparing for upcoming shifts should focus on basics, practice speed, and revise high-weightage chapters to improve their performance.
