JEE Main 2026 January 24 Exam Review: Shift 1 & Shift 2 PCM Analysis, Chapter-Wise Weightage
Get a detailed JEE Main 2026 January 24 exam review with Shift 1 & Shift 2 PCM analysis, difficulty level, and chapter-wise question distribution based on student feedback and memory-based papers.
Exam Name: JEE Main 2026 (Session 1)
Exam Date: 24 January 2026
Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Shifts Conducted: Shift 1 & Shift
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the JEE Main 2026 examination on 24 January 2026 in two shifts. Based on verified student feedback and memory-based question papers shared after the exam, here is a detailed shift-wise PCM review, including difficulty level, subject analysis, and chapter-wise question distribution.
This analysis is based on memory-based questions recalled by students and experts. It is not an official NTA question paper or answer key.
JEE Main 2026 January 24 – Shift 1 Exam Review (PCM)
Shift 1: Overall Difficulty Level
Overall Paper Level: ModeratePhysics and Mathematics were time-consuming, while Chemistry was comparatively more scoring.
Shift 1: Subject-Wise Difficulty
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Nature of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate | Application-based numericals |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | Conceptual & scoring |
| Mathematics | Moderate to Tough | Lengthy, multi-step |
Shift 1: Physics Analysis
- Balanced mix of theory and numerical problems
- Optics and Mechanics had noticeable weightage
- Questions required careful calculation and unit handling
Physics – Chapter-Wise Questions (Shift 1 | Memory-Based)
| Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Ray Optics | 2–3 |
| Mechanics (Kinematics, NLM, Rotation) | 3 |
| Electromagnetic Induction & AC | 2 |
| Electrostatics | 1 |
| Current Electricity | 1 |
| Magnetism | 1 |
| Modern Physics | 1 |
| Total | 14 - 15 |
Shift 1: Chemistry Analysis
- Most balanced and scoring section
- Strong presence of Inorganic Chemistry
- NCERT understanding was helpful
Chemistry – Chapter-Wise Questions (Shift 1 | Memory-Based)
| Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Coordination Compounds | 4 |
| Chemical Bonding | 2- 3 |
| Thermodynamics | 1 |
| Electrochemistry / Solutions | 2 |
| Chemical Equilibrium | 1 |
| Mole Concept | 1 |
| Total | 12 - 14 |
Shift 1: Mathematics Analysis
- Most time-consuming section of the paper
- Multi-step calculations
- Geometry and Algebra dominated
Mathematics – Chapter-Wise Questions (Shift 1 | Memory-Based)
| Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Conic Sections | 4 |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | 3 |
| Coordinate Geometry | 2 |
| Algebra (Matrices / Complex Numbers) | 2 |
| Integration | 1 |
| Permutation & Combination | 1 |
| Total | 17 - 18 |
JEE Main 2026 January 24 – Shift 2 Exam Review (PCM)
Shift 2: Overall Difficulty Level
Overall Paper Level: ModerateShift 2 was considered slightly more balanced compared to Shift 1, though Mathematics still required time management.
Shift 2: Subject-Wise Difficulty
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Nature of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate | Conceptual + formula-based |
| Chemistry | Moderate | Balanced and manageable |
| Mathematics | Moderate to Tough | Calculation-intensive |
Shift 2: Physics Analysis
- Questions followed standard NTA pattern
- Emphasis on core concepts
- No out-of-syllabus questions reported
Physics – Chapter-Wise Questions (Shift 2 | Memory-Based)
| Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Optics | 2 - 3 |
| Modern Physics | 2 |
| Electrostatics & Current Electricity | 2 |
| Magnetic Effects | 1- 2 |
| Mechanics | 2 |
| Thermodynamics & Heat | 1- 2 |
| Units & Dimensions | 1 |
| Waves | 1 |
| Total | 14 - 16 |
Shift 2: Chemistry Analysis
- Well-distributed across all three branches
- Many direct and conceptual questions
- Considered scoring by most students
Chemistry – Chapter-Wise Questions (Shift 2 | Memory-Based)
| Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Chemical Bonding | 2 - 3 |
| Coordination Compounds | 2 |
| d-Block Elements | 2 |
| GOC / Reaction Mechanism | 2 |
| Chemical Kinetics | 1- 2 |
| Thermodynamics | 1- 2 |
| Electrochemistry / Redox | 1 |
| Environmental / Biomolecules | 1 |
| Total | 14 - 16 |
Shift 2: Mathematics Analysis
- Mix of conceptual and calculation-based problems
- Algebra and Calculus had steady weightage
Mathematics – Chapter-Wise Questions (Shift 2 | Memory-Based)
| Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Calculus (Limits / Differentiation) | 3 |
| Algebra (Quadratic / Complex) | 2 -3 |
| Coordinate Geometry | 2- 3 |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | 2 |
| Probability & Statistics | 2 |
| Sets & Relations | 1 |
| Trigonometry | 1 |
| Total | 15 - 17 |
- Mathematics was lengthy in both shifts
- Chemistry remained comparatively scoring
- Physics tested concept clarity and calculation accuracy
- Shift 2 felt slightly more balanced than Shift 1
The JEE Main 2026 January 24 examination followed a syllabus-aligned and balanced pattern across both shifts. While some sections were time-consuming, the overall difficulty remained within the expected range of the JEE Main exam.
Students are advised to wait for the official NTA answer key and response sheet for accurate score evaluation. Memory-based analysis should be used only for understanding paper trends and identifying important chapters, not for exact score calculation.
This page will be updated with official answer key details and further exam updates as released by NTA.
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