The hardest shift of the JEE Main 2026 January session exam is the Jan 23 shift 2. Scroll down to know why this shift is said to be the toughest shift and find a subject-wise comparison for all other shifts. In this article, we have provided a detailed analysis of the toughest shift of the JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam.
Toughest Shift in JEE Main 2026 January Session: Shift-wise Analysis
Toughest Shift of JEE Mains 2026 January Session Exam - NTA conducted the JEE Mains 2026 exam for session 1 in a total of 10 shifts to accommodate all the students. The toughest shift for JEE Mains 2026 is Jan 23 shift 2 exam. This conclusion is based on the students' reactions and opinions of subject matter experts. The toughest shift for JEE Mains 2026 - Jan 23 shift 2 is followed closely by the Jan 22 shift 2 exam. This year, the trends have shifted; the JEE Mains exam is nothing like the previous years. Chemistry, which is usually considered the easiest subject comparatively, has been rated difficult and lengthy across all shifts. Students barely got time for the maths section after the chemistry and physics section as the questions were extremely lengthy. Students should know about the toughest and easiest shifts for JEE Mains 2026 for a better understanding of the JEE Main 2026 marks vs percentile of that shift.
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✔ Out of the 10 completed shifts, January 23 Shift 2 is considered the toughest.
✔ January 22 Shift 2 ranks as the second toughest shift.
✔ This is based on students’ reactions and expert analysis of memory-based questions.
✔ Tougher shifts usually result in lower marks required for higher percentiles.
- Which Is Toughest Shift in JEE Main 2026 January Session?
- Why is JEE Mains Jan 23 Shift 2 Toughest?
- Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam: Analysis
- Why Knowing the Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Matters?
- Is There Any Fixed Pattern for the Toughest Shift?
- Toughest Shift of JEE Main: Past Year Trends
- What Does Tough Shift Actually Mean?
- JEE Main Rank Predictor
- JEE Main College Predictor by Shiksha
- JEE Main January 2026 Shift-Wise Questions with Answer Key Solutions
Which Is Toughest Shift in JEE Main 2026 January Session?
The JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 exam has been completed. This year, all the shifts of the JEE Main session 1 exam 2026 have been on the tougher side. However, the Jan 23 shift 2 exam is widely regarded as the hardest shift of the JEE Main 2026 exam. This is followed by the JEE Mains Jan 22 shift 2 paper, which is considered the second toughest shift in JEE Main 2026.
Commonly asked questions
Clearing the JEE Main exam in first attempt is not a difficult task. Several students clear JEE Main while in class 12. One thing that makes it easy to clear JEE Main with class 12 is that students are in regular touch of most JEE syllabus. To score good marks in JEE Main in the first attempt, it is advised that you study class 11 and 12 topics thoroughly, clear all the concepts and solve mock test papers. Also, NCERT books which you study in class 11 and 12 are the best books for JEE Main preparation. Students must study NCERT properly and solve all the questions in the book and do not memorize the concepts as some students do rather understand the concepts.
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.
Why is JEE Mains Jan 23 Shift 2 Toughest?
Candidates can check below the reasons why JEE Main Jan 23 shift 2 is the toughest shift for JEE Mains 2026. A common trend for all the shifts is given below.
| Subject |
Difficulty level |
Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Maths |
Moderate and lengthy |
Coordinate Geometry, Straight Lines and Circles, Conic Sections (Ellipse and Parabola), Trigonometry, Calculus, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Matrices and Determinants, Sequences and Series, Probability, Relations, Quadratic Equations |
| Physics |
Tricky and difficult |
Fluid mechanics, errors in measurement, units and dimensions, viscosity |
| Chemistry |
Moderate and lengthy |
Biomolecules, coordination compounds, GOC |
Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam: Analysis
Candidates can check the following space to understand the subject-wise and overall difficulty level of each shift in the exam. Towards the end of the session 1 exam, students will be able to identify the toughest shift of the JEE Mains January session 2026. The table below will be updated as per the students’ reactions and the JEE Mains 2026 paper analysis by subject experts.
| Exam Day | Shift 1 | Shift 2 |
|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Overall - Moderate
|
Overall - Moderate
|
| January 22 | Overall - Easy to Moderate
|
Overall - Moderate to Difficult
|
| January 23 | Overall - Moderate & Lengthy
|
Overall - Moderate to Hard
|
| January 24 | Overall - Moderate & Lengthy
|
Overall - Moderate
|
| January 28 | Overall - Moderate
|
Overall- Easiest Shift (Easy to Moderate)
|
Commonly asked questions
The candidates should master time management and accuracy to be able to score well in the JEE Main exam. Use a strategic approach while solving the questions to be able to score good marks.
A score of 70 marks in JEE Mains is considered average to below-average for General category students. This corresponds to a percentile around 88 to 91.
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.
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Why Knowing the Toughest Shift of JEE Main 2026 Matters?
Knowing which shift was easier or more challenging in JEE Main 2026 can also be helpful in understanding the normalisation process. For an easier shift, candidates require more marks to get a higher percentile. In case of a tougher shift, students can get a better percentile even at lower scores. This is why knowing which is the toughest shift helps students know about not just their performance but the performance of other students.
Is There Any Fixed Pattern for the Toughest Shift?
There is no fixed pattern for any particular shift being the toughest. In some years, students found the initial days to be the easiest shifts in JEE Main, while in others, they were found to be the toughest. Based on previous JEE Main sessions, difficulty has fluctuated across days and shifts without following a consistent pattern. Sometimes the first two days were relatively easier, while in other attempts, a mid-session paper turned out to be the most demanding. Hence, predicting the toughest shift in JEE Main is neither accurate nor useful.
Commonly asked questions
The difficulty level of JEE Main exam is a little high than the class 12 board exams. Students who are studying in class 12 can score good marks in JEE Main by studying a little extra for the JEE. Students who have studied NCERT textbooks of Physics Chemistry and Mathematics thoroughly can get good marks. The joint Entrance Examination, popularly known as JEE Main is for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs for B.Tech and architecture courses in India.
Students who are preparing for JEE Main 2026 must start their preparation by studying NCERT books. It will help in building strong foundation of concepts. Study chapters that have high weightage in JEE Mains and also topics that have been asked in recent years. In the last month before exam, solve mock tests and previous year papers.
Toughest Shift of JEE Main: Past Year Trends
Looking at recent years, a common observation among students has been that the first one or two days of the exam tend to feel easier. In such sessions, high percentiles required comparatively higher raw scores. For instance, in some January sessions, scoring around 180 marks was necessary to touch 99 percentile mark when the paper difficulty was moderate to easy. However, this does not mean that having a later shift is bad. When the paper is tougher, the marks required for the same percentile drop significantly. This is where the percentile system comes into play and ensures fairness despite changing difficulty levels.
What Does Tough Shift Actually Mean?
A tougher shift does not mean that the candidates will have a bad rank or lower chances of selection. A tougher paper makes it easy to get a good percentile for students who are well-prepared.
- In a tough paper, the overall average scores are lower
- Fewer students score very high marks
- The JEE Main cutoffs in terms of raw marks reduce
- Even moderate scores can fetch strong percentiles
JEE Main Rank Predictor
Students can calculate their rank using the rank predictor of JEE Main. The rank predictor of JEE Main 2026 helps candidates in understanding and minimising their anxiety regarding the result of JEE Main 2026. The algorithm used in the rank predictor of JEE Main 2026 is programmed to provide ranks on the basis of the past few years and student details.
Also Read: JEE Main marks vs percentile
JEE Main College Predictor by Shiksha
After having an idea about their probable rank or percentile, students start looking at which colleges will be available for admission. The JEE Main college predictor 2026 tool offered by Shiksha is quite helpful in understanding which NITs, IIITs, and other colleges are likely available for admissions based on previous closing ranks. This is particularly helpful in situations where the student feels that the paper is quite tough, and as such, their percentile is low despite performing quite well.
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JEE Main January 2026 Shift-Wise Questions with Answer Key Solutions
| Date |
Shift 1 |
Shift 2 |
|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2026 |
||
| January 22, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 1 Question Papers with Answer Key Solutions |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 2 Question Papers with Answer Key Solutions |
| January 23, 2026 |
||
| January 24, 2026 |
||
| January 28, 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 28 Shift 1 Question Papers with Answer Key Solutions |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 28 Shift 2 Question Papers with Answer Key Solutions |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Guru Nanak Institute of Technology accepts JEE Main scores for admission in BTech programme. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants with WBJEE or CE-AMPAI scores can also get admission in BTech provided they also meet the eligibility criteria.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 days ago
Students who gave the JEE Main session 2 exam and want to take admission at IITs should start preparing for the JEE Advanced exam. Students with a more than 98th percentile should start to study for the JEE Advanced exam.
Those who have secured a percentile between 95th and 98th should focus more on
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
With a JEE Main percentile of 90.94 and CRL rank ~1.4 Lacs (female, general category), you have realistic chances in mid-tier NITs (later rounds), state government colleges, and strong private universities in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore for ECE/EEE. Top NITs/IIITs are unlikely, but good regional option
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
With a JEE Main 2026 rank of 400,510 (≈ 70 percentile), admission to NITs, IIITs, or top GFTIs through JoSAA counseling is not possible.
Why?
- NITs/IIITs/GFTIs Cutoffs:
- Even for lower-demand branches (Civil, Mechanical, Metallurgy), closing ranks are usually within 2–2.5 Lacs (General category).
- Your r
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
| Branch | General Category Closing Rank | OBC/SC/ST Closing Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (CSE) | ~12,000–15,000 | Up to ~25,000–30,000 | Most competitive branch |
| Information Technology (IT) | ~15,000 | ~28,000–32,000 | Slightly easier than CSE |
| Electronics & Communication (ECE) | ~18,000–20,000 | ~35,000–40,000 | Balanced demand |
| Electrical Engineering | ~20,000–25,000 | ~40,000–50,000 | Moderate demand |
| Mechanical Engineering | ~25,000–30,000 | ~50,000–60,000 | Higher closing ranks |
| Civil Engineering | ~30,000–35,000 | ~60,000–70,000 | Lower demand |
| Other Core (Textile, Metallurgy, Bio-Tech) | ~35,000–40,000 | ~70,000–80,000 | Easier admission |
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
With a JEE Main CRL rank of ~79,364 and an EWS category rank of ~11,884, you have a realistic chance of securing CSE in several mid-tier NITs, newer IIITs, and some GFTIs. Top NITs (Trichy, Surathkal, Warangal, Allahabad) are out of reach, but options like NIT Jalandhar, NIT Hamirpur, IIIT Kota, III
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April attempt) result has already been declared by NTA on April 20, 2026. You can download your scorecard from the official portal using your application number and password/date of birth.
Result Date: April 20, 2026 (Session 2).
Official Websites to Check:
jeemain.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
With 90 percentile in JEE Main (OBC-NCL, Female, Home State MP), your chances for B.Tech CSE are quite realistic in MBM Engineering College, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and other state/NIT options. Let’s break it down:
MBM Engineering College (Jodhpur)
- Admission Route: Rajasthan REAP counseling (based on JEE
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
| NIT | CSE Closing Rank Range | Chance at 98.15 Percentile (~Rank 18,000–22,000) |
|---|---|---|
| NIT Trichy | ~2,000–3,500 | ❌ Not possible |
| NIT Warangal | ~2,500–4,000 | ❌ Not possible |
| NIT Surathkal | ~3,000–5,000 | ❌ Not possible |
| NIT Calicut | ~3,500–5,500 | ❌ Not possible |
| MNIT Jaipur | ~4,000–7,000 | ❌ Not possible (but check Home State quota) |
| VNIT Nagpur | ~5,000–8,000 | ❌ Not possible |
| NIT Rourkela | ~4,500–7,500 | ❌ Not possible |
| MNNIT Allahabad | ~5,500–9,000 | ❌ Not possible |
| NIT Kurukshetra | ~7,000–12,000 | ⚠️ Borderline |
| NIT Jalandhar | ~9,000–15,000 | ✅ Possible |
| NIT Silchar | ~12,000–20,000 | ✅ Strong chance |
| NIT Agartala / Mizoram / Sikkim / Manipur / Srinagar | ~18,000–30,000 | ✅ Very strong chance |
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
LPU JEE Main cutoff for BTech typically sits around 80 percentile for general category, based on recent trends for high-demand branches like CSE. This opens doors to innovative curriculum with strong industry ties, hands-on projects, and solid placement outcomes the highest packages crossing 50 LPA
S
Beginner-Level 1