JEE Main 2026 21 January Shift 1 question paper with memory-based questions and solutions. Check subject-wise questions, answer explanations, difficulty level, and detailed paper analysis.
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination officially began on 21 January 2026, with Shift 1 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) being the first paper of the session.
Since the National Testing Agency (NTA) does not release the official question paper immediately after the exam, students appearing in upcoming shifts have the advantage of going through memory-based questions recalled by candidates who have already appeared for the exam. These recalled questions help aspirants understand the real exam pattern and prepare better for their upcoming papers. Be confident and scroll below to check the full and detailed analysis along with subject-wise question PDFs.
This page compiles subject-wise memory-based questions and solutions for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with a detailed section-wise paper analysis prepared after reviewing student feedback and exam trends. The content will help aspirants estimate their expected score, understand strengths and gaps, and prepare better for upcoming shifts and sessions.
Also, Read: JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 2 Question Paper with Solutions (Memory-Based).
JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) – 21 January Shift 1 Paper Review & Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 paper, conducted on January 21, Shift 1, was broadly balanced but clearly not an easy paper. For most students, the exam tested conceptual clarity, time management, and selective attempt strategy rather than speed alone.
Overall, the paper can be classified as Moderate in difficulty, with a noticeable variation across sections. Students who relied only on rote practice found it challenging, while those with strong fundamentals felt the paper was manageable.
Overall Difficulty Level: Teacher’s Verdict
- Overall Paper Level: Moderate
- Nature of Paper: Conceptual + Lengthy
- Time Pressure: High, especially in Analytical & Inorganic Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Suitable for: Well-prepared students with a clear understanding of the basics of NCERT
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (easy for some, tough for others)
JEE Main 2026 (21 January Shift 1) – Section-Wise Paper Review and Analysis.
Section-Wise Difficulty & Nature (Subjects as Columns)
| Parameter | Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics |
| Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate | Moderate (Mixed) | Moderate to Tough |
| Question Nature | Direct, formula-based, conceptual | Conceptual, statement-based, NCERT-oriented | Lengthy, multi-step, logic-driven |
| Time Required | Low to Medium | Medium | High |
| Scoring Potential | High | Medium to High | Medium |
| Student Comfort Level | High | Mixed | Low to Moderate |
| Role in Paper | Score-boosting section | Performance differentiator | Rank-deciding section |
JEE Mains 2026 Day-1 Shift-1 Chapter Dominance
| Aspect | Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics |
| Major Topics | Current Electricity, Thermodynamics, Semiconductors, Modern Physics | Chemical Bonding, Coordination, Electrochemistry, p-Block, GOC | Vectors & 3D, Limits & AOD, Matrices, Probability, Conics |
| Concept Level | Basic to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Calculation Load | Low | Medium | High |
Which Section Decided the Paper?
- Mathematics decided the rank range
- Physics boosted the score
- Chemistry differentiated prepared vs average students
Note: Students who managed the Maths section smartly and maximized Physics scoring will give a clear advantage in the final JEE Main 2026 percentile.
JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1 Question Paper with Solutions PDF Download
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When will the official question paper and answer key be released?
The official JEE Main 2026 question paper, response sheet, and provisional answer key will be released by NTA a few days after the exam. Once available, official links will be added to this page.
FAQs – JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 1
Q1. Is this the official JEE Main 2026 question paper?
Ans: No. This page contains memory-based questions shared by students after the exam. The official paper will be released later by NTA.
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