JEE Main 2026 Exam Predictions: What to expect in difficulty level based on past analysis, cutoff, and more
Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2026 ( JEE Main )
Admit Card - 8 Jan '26
JEE Main 2026 exam predictions: Appearing for JEE Mains 2026? By analysing past JEE Main cut-off trends (2023 to 2025) and section-wise paper difficulty, we can predict what the JEE Mains 2026 question paper may look like. Read below to know more about the NTA JEE Main 2026 question paper predictions based on previous year’s JEE Main cutoff trends and paper analysis, will JEE Main 2026 be tougher than JEE Main 2025, and more.
JEE Mains 2026 exam predictions: NTA has released the JEE Mains 2026 exam dates for session 1 and 2. Registrations are ongoing. Using JEE Main cut-off trends (2023–2025) and section-wise paper JEE Mains analysis from students feedback and question paper analysis, here's a detailed analysis, that candidates can follow and implement them in their preparation.
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JEE Main Paper Past Year’s Analysis (2023-2025)
| Scenarios |
JEE Main Paper Analysis |
|---|---|
| Overall difficulty |
Typically, moderately difficult; Mathematics tends to be lengthy/time-consuming, Physics is conceptual but doable, and Chemistry is the most scoring (often NCERT-anchored). This pattern was seen in the 2024 session analyses and continued through the 2025 shifts. |
| Qualifying cut-offs (percentiles) |
The JEE Mains percentile has hovered around ~93 for General (CRL) with category-wise thresholds broadly stable year over year (EWS -80, OBC-NCL - 79, SC - 61, ST- 48, PwD <1) for 2025. Stability in qualifying thresholds generally reflects a “moderate” difficulty distribution. |
| Ranks vs percentile mapping remains consistent, reinforcing that speed + accuracy matter more than extreme toughness; a small accuracy dip can hurt percentile disproportionately at the top |
|
| JEE Main Shift variance |
Some shifts in JEE Main get spikier Maths or heavier numerical Physics; thus, prepare for time management stress tests |
Will JEE Main 2026 be tougher than JEE Main 2025?
This question must be hissing among thousands of JEE Main aspirants. However, will JEE Main 2026 will be tough or easy cannot be resolved in one simple statement, as the difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 question paper relies on several factors, such as -
The time period required to complete the JEE Main preparation depends mainly on the students. Every student has their own pace of study. Ideally, 6-month time is good enough to complete the JEE Main preparation. Students who have started preparing from class 11 or 12 can easily prepare for JEE Main in 6 months considering the topics of JEE syllabus have already been studied in classes 11 and 12.
JEE Main preparation is most effective with classes 11 and 12 as almost 90-95 percent of topics are similar in both exams. This way students can easily complete the entire JEE Main syllabus as well as the syllabus of classes 11 and 12. After the board exams, students get 1-2 months' time where they can focus entirely on JEE Main. Students who have started late for the JEE Main exam can make a 6-month plan where in the first three months they have to focus on revising the syllabus studied in classes 11 and 12. In the next two months focus on solving questions of JEE Main and analyzing the mistakes being made, if any. The last month should be focused on solving mock tests and JEE Main previous year question papers.
- Change in the JEE Main exam pattern or syllabus
- Shift-wise variations in paper difficulty
- Format of the JEE Main questions: conceptual or formula-based.
- Number of applicants registering and attempting the examination.
Looking at the past trends, the JEE Main has always been moderately to difficult, with some papers being more challenging, testing students' analytical and fundamental skills in the chapters and topics. Students who have prepared well might not face such challenges. However, one can expect changes in the question trends, thus making JEE Main 2026 slightly challenging compared to the last year.
What the Cut-off Trend Implies for the Next JEE Main 2026 Paper
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The JEE Main qualifying cut-off (the percentile to appear for JEE Advanced) reflects the aggregate distribution of scores. The JEE Main 2025 qualifying percentiles were General 93.1023, EWS 80.3830, OBC-NCL 79.4313, SC 61.1527, ST 47.9026, and UR-PwD 0.0079. With similar exam size and consistency in test design, JEE Main 2026 cut-offs are likely to stay in a comparable band, unless NTA introduces any new changes.
What candidates can work on: Over-prepare for a “moderate but time-tight” paper rather than a brutally hard one. Building speed on standard JEE Main patterns yields the best percentile.
Section-Wise Predictions (Pattern and Important Topics in JEE Main)
Based on the JEE Main question paper (2023-2025), here is an in-depth analysis and JEE Main 2026 exam predictions for high-scoring topics and chapters in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Read below for more to know JEE Main 2026 section-wise predictions:
Mathematics: Likely the Toughest on Time
Expected: Calculations + multi-step algebraic manipulation (some questions deceptively simple but time-consuming)
JEE Main Important Mathematics Recurring Topics
- 3-D Geometry, Vectors, Circles, Straight Line, Determinants and Matrices, Probability Distribution (Binomial Mean & Variance), Conic sections, etc.
Why these: JEE Main 2024 and 25 shift analyses repeatedly flagged Vectors/3D, Matrices, Conics, Probability, Integration/Differentiation as prominent, with Maths “moderately difficult due to length.” Expect 2 to 4 questions each across these clusters.
Read more about:
Students who are in class 12 and would also be appearing in JEE Mains 2026 exam mostly find it difficult to manage both their class/school and JEE studies. However, all these students have an advantage over others/droppers aspirants as there are many common topics in class 12 and JEE.
To benefit, they must identify all the topics that are common and study those first. Secondly, cover the topics that have more weightage in class 12 and complete them. Before a few days of JEE Mains, study specifically for JEE. This way, they can manage both class 12 and JEE efficiently.
JEE Mains 2026 Exam Prediction for Mathematics
- 8 to 10 questions from Calculus
- 7 to 9 from Algebra (Matrices/Determinants/Complex/Series/Probability),
- 6 to 8 from Coordinate + 3D/Vector.
Time management will be decisive. Practice solving MCQs at 60 to 75 seconds. This year, aspirants can expect more calculative and lengthy questions.
Physics: Conceptual Heavy and Numerical Based
Expected: Balanced to moderately difficult; formula-based + conceptual blend; some data-oriented numericals (units/dimensions/significant figures must be watertight).
JEE Main Physics Important Topics and Chapters
- Heat & Thermodynamics, Ray Optics, Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Current, Kinematics, Electromagnetic waves, etc.
Why these: Across 2024 and 2025 JEE Main analysis, Physics remained “moderate to difficult,” with Electrostatics/Current/Semiconductor/Wave-Optics recurring as scoring zones. Numericals were somehow easy to moderate.
JEE Mains 2026 Exam Prediction for Physics
- Mechanics 5 to 7 questions
- Electrostatics + Current + EMI 7 to 9 questions
- Modern + Semiconductors 4 to 6 questions
- Optics & Waves 3 to 5 questions
Physics can be moderate to tough (in some shifts). However, aspirants can expect more concept-heavy questions.
Chemistry: The Student-Friendly Zone (NCERT-heavy)
Expected: Easiest relative to Physics and Mathematics; NCERT questions, lecture notes, JEE Main PYQs are gold for preparation.
JEE Main Important and Recurring Topics in Physics
- Organic: GOC, Isomerism, Reaction Mechanisms (SN1/SN2/E1/E2), Carbonyls, Alcohols/Phenols/Ethers, Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers, Everyday Chemistry.
- Physical: Mole Concept, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solution & Colligative properties.
- Inorganic: Periodic Trends, Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds, p-Block focus areas (N, P, S halides; oxoacids); d- & f-block facts.
Why these: 2024 session reports repeatedly called Chemistry “easy to moderate” with Organic + NCERT theory dominating the JEE Main chemistry section.
JEE Mains 2026 Exam Prediction for Chemistry
- Organic 8 to 10 (with at least 2 to 3 direct theory from NCERT lines)
- Physical 6 to 8 (straight formula or concept-based application)
- Inorganic 6 to 8 (NCERT fact-checks, Coordination frequently asked)
The chemistry might experience Organic chemistry dominating the section. Pay extra attention to the NCERT problems and theory-related questions.
Instructions to follow for JEE Main Aspirants
- Paper-1 (B.E./B.Tech.) retains the NTA exam format (single correct MCQs + numerical type). Check the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern
- Shift-wise normalisation continues; don’t obsess over “Which JEE Main shift is tough?”, your job is to maximise normalised score via consistent accuracy. Prepare with dedication and work on concepts.
- Time pressure dominates the raw difficulty. Expect Maths to be the bottleneck again. Chemistry remains the safety net. Focus on attempting with accuracy.
JEE Main Past Cutoff Trends
| Year |
General (CRL) Qualifying Percentile |
EWS |
OBC-NCL |
SC |
ST |
UR-PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
93.1023262 |
80.3830119 |
79.4313582 |
61.1526933 |
47.9026465 |
0.0079349 |
| 2024 |
100.0000000 to 93.2362181 |
- |
93.2312696 to 79.6757881 |
93.2312696 to 60.0923182 |
93.2312696 to 46.6975840 |
93.2041331 to 0.0018700 |
JEE Main 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage
Mathematics (30 Q approx.)
- Calculus (Limits, AOD, Integrals, Differential Equations): 8 to 10 questions
- Algebra (Complex, Matrices/Determinants, Series, Probability): 7to 9 questions
- Coordinate + 3D/Vector + Conics: 6 to 8 questions
- Rest - 3 to 5 questions
Why: mirrors 2024–2025 “lengthy maths” trend and recurring topic spread.
Physics (30 Q approx.)
- Mechanics: 5 to 7 questions
- Electricity, Magnetism, EMI: 7 to 9 questions
- Modern Physics + Semiconductor: 4 to 6 questions
- Optics + Waves: 3 to 5 questions
- Thermodynamics/Properties of Matter/Oscillations: 3 to 5 questions
Why: stable weightage, moderate to heavy concept-based numericals.
Chemistry (30 Q approx.)
- Organic (GOC, Carbonyls, Amines, Biomolecules/Polymers): 8 to 10 questions
- Physical (Mole, Equilibrium, Electrochem, Kinetics, Solutions): 6 to 8 questions
- Inorganic (Bonding, Coordination, p-Block): 6 to 8 questions
- NCERT questions across sections: 3 to 5 questions
Why: consistent “scoring” character as per JEE Main 2024–2025 analysis.
JEE Main 2026 Subject-Wise Tough Topics
| Section | Challenging JEE Main 2026 Topics | What to keep in mind while preparing |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Rotational motion, Electromagnetic induction, Modern Physics | Modern physics can be tricky (but can fetch heavy marks) |
| Mathematics | Probability and statistics, Coordination compounds, and thermodynamics | Focus on concepts. |
| Chemistry | Organic chemistry (reaction mechanisms), Coordination compounds, and Thermodynamics | Pay extra attention to the strong analytical skills |
How to tackle Time Management while solving JEE Main Question Paper 2026
- Length inflation in Maths - set per-question time caps. If you can’t see a path or solution in 25 to 30 seconds, mark/skip and protect momentum. 2025 shift reports repeatedly flagged time drains. Do not consume too much time on one question, as it can demotivate you from solving the rest questions.
- Physics numericals with unit traps - Start with the easiest/solvable ones. Work on fundamentals and concepts. It is also expected that one question may be structured, blending 3 to 4 concepts.
- Chemistry NCERT-line items - memorise tabular data, exceptions, series trends. A handful of direct theory questions can lift the percentile. Practice the recurring questions to get a hold of the Chemistry topics.
JEE Mains 2026 Preparation Strategy: Turn Predictions into High Percentile
Build a Speed-First Mock Plan
- 3 PCM mock tests/day (20–25 min each) to build accuracy.
- Use normalised scoring awareness - your target is stable JEE Main 98+ percentile attempts with 85 to 90% accuracy, given a moderate paper.
Analyse Pattern
- In Maths, rehearse standard templates (area under curve, TANGENTS/AOD traps, probability with complementary counting, rank of a matrix).
- In Physics, Lock Electrostatics/Current/EMI derivations and semiconductor theory are frequent and scoring topics and chapters.
- In Chemistry, anchor NCERT - Organic name reactions (highly dominant), GOC concepts, Coordination formulae, and Electrochemistry/Kinetics formulas.
Plan your attempt order
- Start with Chemistry, followed by Physics and Mathematics. (bank early marks, keeps morale high, and leaves time for revision)
Notes and Last-Week Revision
- Formula one-pagers for Calculus, Electro+EMI, Kinetics/Electrochemistry.
- NCERT line-item flashcards: p-block peculiarities, biomolecule facts, polymer classifications.
Learn more about - JEE Main 2026: How to review mock tests like a PRO
Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 days ago
Even though the syllabus of the BCECE Mathematics is same as that of JEE Main, the difficulty level is not the same. JEE Main exam is much tougher than the BCECE exam.
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 6 days ago
Jiwaji University BE cutoff 2025 was released for all rounds for admission to the BE programmes on the basis of the JEE Main cutoff ranks. According to the Jiwaji University JEE Main Cutoff 2025, the cutoff range in the last round was between 158341 and 337310. The hardest and the easiest course for
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Amity University, Lucknow accepts JEE Main scores for admission to BTech programme. However, it is not compuslory. Aspirants can also get admission in BTech based on AMCAT or any other national or state-level Engineering entrance exam scores.
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
DBRAU JEE Main cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the BE courses. Yes, students can get admission to the DBRAU BE courses according to the JEE Main cutoff 2024 with a rank of 30000. The cutoff ranged from 327178 to 1341021 in the first and last round closing ranks. The hardest and the easiest
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The DBRAU JEE Main Cutoff 2024 was published for admission to various BE/BTech course specialisations for different categories under the Home State quota. The cutoff for the General HS category ranged from 520157 to 1341021, wherein B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering was the toughest course fo
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, JEE Mains scores are not compulsory for admissions to the BTech course at Sai University, because the university also takes other entrance exam scores into account to get students. The scores that the university accepts, apart from the JEE Mains scores, are SAIU CAT, SAT, and other national/stat
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
CCSU JEE MAIN Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to BTech course and its various specialisations. According to the CCSU BTech cutoff 2024, the cutoff ranks were in the range of 255179 to 1244485 for the General HS quota. Among all, B.Tech. in Computer Science was the hardest course for admission
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
General applicants with JEE Main rank up to around 1.4 million could get admission to B.Tech at MDU Rohtak in 2025, and for competitive branches like CSE, the closing rank was around 167,000.
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Beginner-Level 2
Answered a week ago
Bundelkhand University considers AKTU Entrance Test or Bundelkhand University Entrance Test scores for admission to BTech. Aspirants do not require passing JEE Main for admission to BTech programme of the university. Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements for admission. Aspirants who
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
JEE Main is a national-level engineering entrance exam. It is held for candidates who pass the class 12 exam for admission to the best colleges of the nation, like the NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Various top private engineering colleges also accept the JEE Main exam score for admission.
JEE Main is also
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Contributor-Level 6