JEE Main Exam 2026 Highlights: Jan 22 Shift 1 Exam Analysis (OUT), Unofficial answer key, Expected cut-offs

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam for Day 2 is being conducted on January 22. The CBT exam is being held in two different shifts. Applicants can review here the JEE Main January 22 Exam Analysis 2026, along with the unofficial answer key PDFs.

jee main exam analysis 2026, jee main paper analysis 2026
JEE Main Exam 2026 LIVE Updates (Image: Gemini AI)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully conducted the JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Exam till 12 PM. The exam was conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for all registered candidates. The JEE Main 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 & 29, 2026. The JEE Main Day 2 Analysis 2026 has been shared below after talking to the candidates and subject experts from various coaching institutions. The Day 1 exam was moderate in difficulty level. For shift 1, students reported that chemistry came as a surprising element with sentence-based questions. Shift 2 exam was moderate with mathematics as a time-consuming section, focusing more on calculus & vectors.

Read More: JEE Mains Exam 2026 (Session 1) LIVE Updates

Along with the JEE Main Jan 22 Exam Analysis 2026, we will also provide the JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key 2026 prepared by various coaching institutions. The JEE Main paper analysis 2026 has been prepared in collaboration with subject experts. The exam analysis will cover important details such as students’ reactions, subject-wise & shift-wise difficulty level, unofficial answer key, high-weightage topics, and much more. Applicants must stay tuned for latest updates about JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026.

JEE Main Jan 22 Exam 2026: Shift-wise Exam Analysis

The JEE Main 2026 Exam for the January session will be conducted in online mode. Test-takers can check and review the JEE Main Shift-wise Jan 22 Exam Analysis 2026 in the table below and evaluate their performance.

SubjectsJEE Main Difficulty Level (Shift 1)JEE Main Difficulty Level (Shift 2)
PhysicsEasy to ModerateTo be Updated
ChemistryEasy to ModerateTo be Updated
MathematicsModerateTo be Updated
Overall Difficulty LevelEasy to ModerateTo be Updated

JEE Main Jan 22 Exam Analysis 2026: Unofficial Answer Key PDF

Major coaching institutes release the JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key 2026 soon after the conduction of the exam. The answer key PDF will contain JEE Main memory-based questions, along with their correct responses. By using this, applicants can calculate their scores and predict the chances of getting admission. The JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key 2026 PDF can be checked through the link provided below.

SubjectsJEE Main 2026 Unofficial Answer Key PDF (Shift 1)JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key (Shift 2)
PhysicsDownload PDF (By Aakash)Download Here (By Allen)
ChemistryDownload PDF (By Aakash)Download Here (By Allen)
MathematicsDownload PDF (By Aakash)Download Here (By Allen)

For the latest updates regarding the JEE Main Exam 2026, interested aspirants must stay tuned here.

Live Updates
14:10 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Mathematics Paper Analysis

According to Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, Mathematics was moderate in difficulty but balanced, without excessive length or complexity. The paper was well within manageable limits, allowing students to complete all sections comfortably within the allotted time.

Overall, the shift rewarded clarity of fundamentals, disciplined NCERT-based preparation, and calm execution, making it a fair and scoring paper for most aspirants.

14:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Physics Paper Analysis

As per reports and experts’ analysis, Physics remained easy to moderate, with questions leaning more towards theory and conceptual understanding. The absence of confusing or out-of-syllabus questions helped students maintain confidence and momentum through the paper.

13:51 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main 2026 Day 2, Shift 1 Chemistry Paper Analysis

According to Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, Chemistry carried greater weightage, with many direct questions drawn from NCERT lines, tables, and factual content. Organic Chemistry questions were largely straightforward, focusing on basic reactions and standard mechanisms. There were very few numerical or tricky application-based questions, making the section approachable for well-prepared students.

13:43 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day 2, Shift 1 Analysis

The Day 2, Shift 1 paper of the JEE Main 2026 exam was easy to moderate in overall difficulty, offering a student-friendly experience, particularly in Chemistry. Experts believe that the paper strongly rewarded candidates who had prepared thoroughly from NCERT textbooks, with most questions being theoretical and concept-driven rather than application-heavy.

13:36 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main 2026 Day 2 Shift 1 Signals Concept-Based and NCERT-Driven Preparation?

According to Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn, the Day 2, Shift 1 paper of JEE Main 2026 was a clear validation of concept-focused and NCERT-driven preparation. "Success largely depended on how well students balanced their time across subjects, prioritising easier and moderate questions over time-consuming ones," he added. Singh also remarked that "with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level and a strong emphasis on fundamentals, especially in Chemistry, the paper rewarded students who stayed consistent with the syllabus and avoided shortcuts."

13:30 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main 2026 Day 2 Shift 1 Subject-wise Overview

As per an analysis by Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn:

The Physics paper was easy to moderate. Mostly NCERT-based and theoretical questions; minimal tricky or application-heavy problems; paper was length-wise manageable

The difficulty level of the Chemistry paper was also easy to moderate. There was a strong focus on NCERT. Inorganic Chemistry had a higher weightage with direct concept and fact-based questions; Organic Chemistry questions were standard.

The difficulty level of Mathematics was moderate. The paper was manageable overall; fewer lengthy or complex problems compared to tougher shifts; the paper could be completed on time.

13:18 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main Today Paper Shift Analysis 2026: Exam Analysis OUT

The NTA has successfully conducted the JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 exam at 12 PM. As per reports, the shift 1 exam was moderate to tough in nature. Physics was the toughest section, with more focus on Magnetic field, Moment of Inertia, Ray optics, etc.

12:22 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Exam Concluded: Analysis to be Updated Soon

The JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Exam 2026 has been concluded by the NTA at 12 PM. The JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026 for January 22 shift 1 will be shared here shortly.

12:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main Session 1 Exam 2026: Day 2 Shift 1 Exam Concludes

The first shift of the JEE Mains Session 1 day 2 exam has concluded now. Candidates have now wrapped up for the first shift and are exiting the examination centres.

11:52 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Analysis 2026: How to Calculate Scores?

Applicants can calculate their JEE Main scores by using the simple steps below.

  • Download the unofficial answer key provided on this page
  • Note your correct and incorrect responses
  • Use formula: 4 X (Number of Correct Answers) – 1 X (Number of Wrong Answers) = Scores
  • The result will be your probable score for JEE Mains 2026
  • 11:43 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Today Paper Shift 1 Analysis 2026: Releasing Soon

    The JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 1 Analysis will be shared on this page after the exam is over. The expected difficulty level of JEE Main Jan 22 exam is moderate. The unofficial answer key will be released by the various coaching institutes based on the memory-based questions.

    11:17 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026: Expected Marks vs Percentile

    Experts have provided the expected marks versus percentile based on the JEE Main exam conducted on January 21, Shift 1.

  • 99 Percentile: 180 to 200 Marks
  • 98 Percentile: 152 to 162 Marks
  • 95 Percentile: 120 to 140 Marks
  • 90 Percentile: 100 to 120 Marks
  • 11:10 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Analysis 2026: Exam Concluding Soon

    JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 exam 2026 is soon going to conclude at 12 PM. Applicants can check and review the JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026 for Jan 22 exam here. Stay tuned for more updates!

    11:04 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Day 2 Shift 1 Exam Analysis 2026: Expected Cut-off

    The JEE Main Expected Cutoff 2026 can be checked below by the aspirants.

  • General – 92.5 to 93.87
  • OBC-NCL – 80.4 to 82.8
  • SC – 60.3 to 62.7
  • ST – 48.2 to 50
  • GEN-EWS – 81.2 to 83.7
  • 10:58 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026: 2.6 Lakh Candidates Appeared on Jan 21 exam

    NTA has shared on its X (formerly Twitter) that the JEE Main Jan 21 Exam 2026 was smoothly conducted. Approximately, a total of 2.6 lakh candidates appeared for the exam with around 96% attendance. Here’s a snapshot by the NTA.

    10:51 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Paper 1 BE/BTech Exam Underway

    The exam is being held for Paper 1 BE/BTech. The first shift will be conducted from 9 am to 12 noon, while the second shift will be held from 3 pm to 6 pm.

    10:38 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 22 Exam 2026: Items Not Allowed in Exam Hall

    Electronic gadgets, calculators, smart watches, notes, books, bags, and any unfair means materials are strictly prohibited inside the JEE Mains examination hall.

    10:13 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 22 Exam Analysis 2026: Yesterday’s Exam Review

    JEE Main Jan 21 Exam 2026 was conducted smoothly by the NTA in two shifts. The shift 1 exam was moderate to tough with Chemistry as a surprising element, and mathematics and physics as moderate. In shift 2, the exam was moderate in nature, with mathematics having time-consuming questions from calculus & vectors.

    10:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Exam 2026: Exam Ongoing

    The NTA is in the process of conducting the JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 exam 2026 across various exam centres nationwide. Following the completion of exam, the JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Exam Analysis 2026 will be shared here.

    09:30 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026: Details to Verify in Session 1 Hall Ticket

    Candidates should carefully verify their name, photograph, exam date, exam centre address, shift timing, and paper details to ensure all information is correct.

    09:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026: Day 2 Shift 1 Exam Starts

    JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift 1 on January 22 starts now at 9:00 AM across exam centers nationwide, marking Day 2 of the NTA-conducted Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) for lakhs of engineering aspirants.

    08:30 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Day 2 Shift 1 Exam: List of Important Documents

    Check the important documents and items to carry on the day of the JEE Main 2026 examination:

  • Admit Card downloaded from the NTA website (a clear, preferably colour printout on A4 size paper).
  • Candidates must carry at least two passport-size photographs (same as uploaded on the online application form).
  • A valid Photo ID proof as uploaded in the online application form in original. Photocopies or images stored on mobile phones will not be accepted.
  • Note: No Candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre without identity verification.

    08:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Mains 2026: Important Instructions for Students

    Carry admit card with self‑declaration, valid photo ID, passport‑size photo, and permitted stationery only, as per NTA guidelines. Reach the centre at least 60–90 minutes before the gate closing to complete frisking and verification smoothly. Avoid barred items like electronic gadgets, notes, and metallic ornaments.

    07:30 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026: Mathematics High Weightage Topics

    The JEE Main High-weightage topics for the Mathematics section asked in the January 21 shift 1 exam are as follows:

  • Vector 3D
  • Sequence series
  • Quadratics
  • Binomials
  • Straight line
  • Circle
  • Parabola
  • Hyperbola
  • 07:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026 Exam: Download Admit Card from jeemain.nta.nic.in

    The National Testing Agency has released the JEE Main 2026 admit cards for the exams scheduled on January 21, 22, 23, and 24, 2026. Candidates are advised to visit the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, to download their hall tickets.

    06:30 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026: What to check on admit card?

    Candidates must check the following details as indicated on their JEE Main Admit Card 2026:

    1. Date of Examination

    2. Shift and Timings of Test

    3. Venue of Test

    4. Reporting Time at Centre

    5. Gate Closing Time of the Centre

    06:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026: Guidelines for Attendance Sheet

    The candidate must enter the required details on the attendance sheet in legible handwriting. They should put their signature, left-hand thumb impression, and paste their photograph at the appropriate place during the examination. They should ensure that their left-hand impression is clear and not smudged.

    04:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026: Items Not Allowed in Exam Hall

    Electronic gadgets, calculators, smart watches, notes, books, bags, and any unfair means materials are strictly prohibited inside the JEE Mains examination hall.

    02:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026 Session 1: List of Important Documents

    Check the important documents and items to carry on the day of the JEE Main 2026 examination:

  • Admit Card downloaded from the NTA website (a clear, preferably colourprintout on A4 size paper).
  • Candidates must carry at least two passport-size photographs (same as uploaded on the online application form).
  • A valid Photo ID proof as uploaded in the online application form in original. Photocopies or images stored on mobile phones will not be accepted.
  • Note: No Candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre without identity verification.

    01:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026: Shift Timings for January 22 Exam

    The National Testing Agency is conducting the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 Session 1 at different centres located in various cities throughout the country and 15 cities outside India. Check the shift timings for the exams to be conducted on January 21, 22, 23, and 24, 2026.

  • First Shift – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Second Shift – 3:00 PM to 6:00 РM
  • 00:00 (IST) 22 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026 Chemistry Paper Analysis

    According to Pankaj Sijariya, Chief Content Officer, PhysicsWallah (PW), the exam featured fewer direct and more formula-based questions as compared to last year. The overall difficulty was moderate, requiring students to apply concepts rather than rely on rote learning. In Chemistry, the paper was more calculative, demanding a deeper understanding, which led to time-management challenges for some students.

    23:30 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026: Physics Difficulty Level and Questions Asked

    According to Vinod Kumawat, President, ALLEN Career Institute, Kota, the Physics paper was moderate. Based on the NCERT, 50% questions were asked from the Class 11 syllabus, while the remaining 50% questions were asked from the Class 12 syllabus. Most questions were asked from Electrodynamics, Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Waves, and Wave Optics. Other questions were related to Magnetism, Gravitation, Modern Physics, Geometrical Optics, Fluids, Error, and Semiconductors.

    22:30 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Mains 2026: How was Mathematics Shift 2 Paper on January 21?

    As per reports the Mathematics paper of the Shift 2 exam conducted on January 21, 2026, was hard and lengthy, particularly challenging due to its focus on Calculus and Vectors.

    22:00 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026 Day 1: How was Shift 2 Physics Paper?

    As per reports, the Physics paper of the JEE Main 2026 Shift 2 exam, conducted on January 21, 2026, was moderate and formula-based, focusing on Capacitors, Modern Physics, and Ray Optics.

    21:30 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main 2026 Exam Analysis: Paper Pattern Same as Last Year?

    Vinod Kumawat, President of ALLEN Institute, Kota, remarks that the paper pattern was the same as last year, in which statement-based, matching list, single correct, and numerical value–based questions were asked.

    20:45 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key 2026: How to Calculate Scores?

    Candidates can calculate the probable score they will secure in the exam based on the January 21 answer key. Here is the JEE Main marking scheme.

  • Correct Response: +4 marks
  • Incorrect Response: -1 marks
  • Unattempted: No marks
  • 20:15 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026: Expected Good Attempts

    As per the expert’s opinion, the JEE Main good attempts and safe scores are mentioned below.

  • Good attempts: 45 to 52 questions
  • 19:50 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam 2026: Unofficial Answer Key by Aakash

    The Aakash Institute has released the JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key 2026 for Jan 21 Shift 1 exam. Applicants can review their score by downloading the unofficial answer key through the link provided above.

    19:35 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Today Paper Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Overall Paper Moderate
  • The overall exam was Moderate
  • Maths was Tough
  • Physics was Moderate
  • Chemistry was Easy
  • 19:16 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Which subject was toughest?

    Mathematics was reported as the toughest subject in Shift 2 of JEE Main 2026. Chemistry was considered the easiest, while Physics was moderately difficult, focusing on Thermodynamics and Wave optics.

    19:00 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026: Subject-wise Analysis

    The JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026 includes:

  • Physics was moderate and formula-based, focusing on Capacitors, Modern Physics, and Ray Optics.
  • Chemistry was doable with a significant emphasis on Organic Chemistry.
  • Mathematics was hard and lengthy, particularly challenging due to its focus on Calculus and Vectors.
  • 18:38 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026: Questions Asked in Physics

    The physics questions encompassed topics such as thermodynamics, fluids, energy, electromagnetic waves, friction, gravitation, potential energy, and wave optics in Shift 2 of the JEE Main exam held on January 21.

    18:32 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Today Paper Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Mathematics was toughest

    As per reports coming from exam centre, the JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 exam has been conducted smoothly by the NTA. According to feedback, the mathematics section was the toughest and time-consuming. Major questions were asked from Calculus and Vector.

    18:18 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Check question paper analysis

    The JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 exam 2026 was concluded successfully by the NTA. As per reports, the shift 2 exam was moderate.

    18:05 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Today Paper Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Exam Concluded at 6 PM

    The NTA has concluded the JEE Main January 21 Shift 2 Exam at 6 PM. The JEE Main Exam Analysis for Jan 21 Shift 2 will be shared shortly, along with the memory-based questions and unofficial answer key PDF.

    17:50 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Unofficial Answer Key 2026: Exam Concluding Soon

    The NTA is soon going to conclude the JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 exam at 6 PM. As soon as the exam concludes, the JEE Main Unofficial Answer Key 2026 will be shared here as prepared by the subject experts. JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026, prepared by various coaching institutes, will be shared here.

    17:35 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main January 21 Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Question Paper Analysis Releasing Soon

    The JEE Main January 21 Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026 will be shared here once the exam concludes. The JEE Main Jan 21 shift 2 exam will conclude at 6 PM.

    17:15 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Today Paper Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Expected Difficulty Level

    As per previous years’ trends, the Day 1 Shift 2 exam of JEE Main usually remains Moderate in nature. Last year, the JEE Main Day 1 Shift 2 exam was moderate in difficulty level.

    16:51 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Analysis 2026: Question Paper PDF Shortly

    The JEE Main Jan 21 shift 2 exam is soon going to conclude at 6 PM. Following this, the JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026 will be provided here after talking to candidates and subject experts.

    16:38 (IST) 21 Jan 2026
    JEE Main Jan 21 Exam 2026: Shift 2 Exam Timings

    JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 1 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) up to 12 PM. Following this, the shift 2 exam is being conducted from 3 PM to 6 PM.