JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Question paper with solution and Detailed Analysis. Check section-wise difficulty, toughest subject, chapter weightage, and detailed exam analysis.
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam, conducted on 22 January, Shift 1 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon), concluded smoothly across centres. Based on student feedback and expert observations, the paper was moderate in overall difficulty, with a balanced structure and no unexpected deviation from the prescribed syllabus.
The exam focused more on conceptual clarity, NCERT-based understanding, and time management, rather than speed or rote memorisation. Well-prepared students found the paper manageable, while those with average preparation felt pressure mainly due to the length of the Mathematics section.
Overall Difficulty Level: Teacher’s Verdict
- Overall Paper Level: Moderate
- Nature of Paper: Conceptual + Lengthy
- Time Pressure: Moderate to High, mainly due to Mathematics
- Suitable for: Students with clear NCERT concepts and regular problem-solving practice
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (comfortable for well-prepared students, challenging for average preparation)
JEE Main 2026 (22 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 | Moderate to Tough |
| Question Nature | Conceptual, formula-based, numerical | NCERT-focused, conceptual, some statement-based | 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 |
Also, Read
| JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 2 Question Paper with Solutions | JEE Main 2026 21 Jan Shift 2 Question Paper with Solutions |
Subject-Wise Detailed Review
Physics Review – Conceptual and Scoring
Physics was one of the most scoring sections in this shift. Most questions were directly linked to standard formulas and core concepts. Calculation complexity was limited, allowing students to attempt a large portion of the section confidently.
- Strong focus on basic concepts
- Direct numerical and theory-based questions
- Ideal for quick score building
Physics Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Chemistry Review – NCERT-Focused and Balanced
Chemistry maintained a moderate difficulty level, with heavy reliance on NCERT concepts, especially in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
- Some statement-based questions required careful reading
- Organic Chemistry focused on fundamentals rather than tricky reactions
- NCERT familiarity played a key role
Prepared students found Chemistry scoring, while others struggled due to conceptual gaps.
Chemistry Difficulty Level: Moderate
Mathematics Review – Lengthy and Time-Consuming
Mathematics was the most challenging section of this shift. The difficulty came not from tricky concepts alone, but from lengthy, multi-step calculations that tested time management.
- Strong emphasis on problem-solving depth
- Calculus and geometry dominated
- Selective attempts were essential
Attempting all questions in Mathematics was risky. Accuracy was more important than quantity.
Mathematics Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough.
JEE Main 2026 Day-2 Shift-1 Chapter Dominance
Chapter-Wise Weightage Snapshot
| Aspect | Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Topics | Mechanics, Current Electricity, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics | Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds, Physical & Organic Chemistry | Calculus, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry |
| Concept Level | Basic to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Calculation Load | Low | Medium | High |
Which Section Decided the Paper?
- Mathematics largely decided the rank range due to its length and calculation intensity
- Physics helped in boosting overall score
- Chemistry differentiated well-prepared students from average candidates
Note: Students who managed time efficiently in Mathematics and maximised scoring in Physics and Chemistry are likely to gain a clear advantage in their final JEE Main 2026 percentile.
Good Attempt & Score Outlook
Based on early exam trends, a good attempt in this shift involved selective question attempts with high accuracy rather than attempting all 75 questions. Students focusing on correctness and smart selection are expected to perform better due to negative marking.
JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Question Paper with Solutions PDF
- JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Physics Question Paper with Solutions PDF
- JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Chemistry Question Paper with Solutions PDF
- JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1 Mathematics Question Paper with Solutions PDF
(Compiled using memory-based questions recalled by students after the exam.)
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 the National Testing Agency (NTA) a few days after all Session 1 shifts are completed. Once released, official updates will be added to this page.
Final Teacher’s Advice
Do not panic by comparing shifts. Normalization ensures fairness across all sessions. Use this analysis to identify weak areas, focus on accuracy, and plan your next steps wisely.
FAQs
Q1. What was the overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2026, 22 Jan Shift 1?
Ans: The overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate. It was manageable for well-prepared students,s but not easy due to the length of Mathematics.
Q2. Which subject was the most difficult on 22 January Shift 1?
Ans: Mathematics was the most difficult and time-consuming section, mainly due to lengthy, multi-step calculation-based questions.
Q3. Was Physics easy in JEE Main 2026 22 Jan Shift 1?
Ans: Yes, Physics was easy to moderate and considered the most scoring section, with questions based on standard formulas and core concepts.
Q4. Which chapters dominated the 22 Jan Shift 1 paper?
Ans: Major weightage was seen from Calculus and Vectors (Maths), Chemical Bonding and Coordination (Chemistry), and Mechanics and Current Electricity (Physics).
Q5. When will the official answer key for JEE Main 2026 be released?
Ans: The official answer key and response sheet will be released by NTA a few days after the completion of all Session 1 exam shifts.
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