The JEE Main session 1 day 1 shift 2 exam concluded at 6 PM. Discover more about JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2 question paper and unofficial answer key PDF with subject-wise analysis, difficulty level, important topics, and preparation tips.
The JEE Main session 1 exam 2026 shift 2 was conducted from 3 PM to 6 PM for admission into BTech and BE courses in NITs, IIITs and GFTIs. The question paper and answer key PDFs for JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 2 are made available here for your reference based on student’s responses, insights from coaching institutions and experts.
You can use the JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2 unofficial answer key and question paper to analyse your performance and estimate your probable scores. In this article, we will provide you with the JEE Main session 1 day 1 shift 2 question paper, answer key, important topics covered, and exam difficulty level.
Must Check: JEE Main Session 1 Day 1 Exam Analysis 2026
JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2 Difficulty Level - Overall
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Day 1 examinations concluded with both shifts reflecting a moderate to tough overall difficulty level and no major surprises in the question format. While shift 1 was rated moderate to tough, Chemistry emerged as the toughest section, followed by Physics and Mathematics. Physics questions were largely formula-based, whereas Mathematics was lengthy and time-consuming, favoring students with strong time-bound practice.
In comparison, JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 2 was considered moderate in difficulty, with the paper maintaining a familiar structure and balanced coverage of the JEE Main syllabus. The exam was rated around 2.8 out of 5 in terms of difficulty, indicating that students with balanced preparation and regular practice could perform well. Physics was perceived as the toughest section in shift 2, followed by Chemistry and Mathematics, while candidates with good speed and accuracy found Mathematics manageable within the given time.
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JEE Main Overall Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
JEE Main Session 1 Exam 2026: Jan 21 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF
The JEE Main session 1 exam on Jan 21, 2026 was conducted in two shifts. The shift 2 JEE Main question paper was considered moderate to difficult, with a major portion covering NCERT topics. The table below will be provided with the memory-based JEE Main day 1 shift 2 question paper and answer key for your reference:
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JEE Main Session 1 Jan 21 Shift 2 Question Paper |
To be Updated |
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JEE Main Session 1 Jan 21 Shift 2 Answer Key |
To be Updated |
Also Read: JEE Main Session 1 Attempt Vs Marks Vs Percentile 2026
JEE Main Jan 21, Shift 2 Subject-Wise Topic Weightage & Trends
The JEE Main Jan 21, Shift 2 subject-wise analysis has been added below:
JEE Main Physics Jan 21 Shift 2 Analysis
The Physics section was largely formula-based and conceptual, testing students’ understanding of key principles across Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics. The JEE Main Jan 21, shift 2 Physics analysis is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Conceptual and application-based with formula-driven questions |
| Question Type | Mix of direct formula-based and concept-application questions |
| Numerical Level | Moderate |
| Syllabus Focus | Mechanics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Ray Optics, Modern Physics |
| Important Topics Asked | Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Ray Optics, Modern Physics |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Good Attempts | 12 to 15 questions |
| Student Experience | Manageable but required strong conceptual clarity |
Also Check: Minimum attempts required for 95 to 99 percentile in JEE Main session 1 shift 1
JEE Main Chemistry Jan 21 Shift 2 Analysis
The Chemistry section was NCERT-focused and scoring, covering Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry topics. Questions were a mix of direct theory-based MCQs and moderate numericals, making the section comparatively easier than Physics and Mathematics. The JEE Main Jan 21, Shift 2 Chemistry analysis is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | NCERT-based and scoring |
| Question Type | Direct MCQs with some numerical-based questions |
| Numerical Level | Moderate (Physical Chemistry focused) |
| Syllabus Focus | Balanced coverage of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry |
| Important Topics Asked | Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium, Coordination Compounds, Periodic Trends, Organic Reactions |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Good Attempts | 14 to 17 questions |
| Student Experience | Considered the easiest and most scoring section |
JEE Main Mathematics Jan 21 Shift 2 Analysis
The JEE Main Jan 21 Shift 2 Mathematics section was lengthy and calculation-intensive, requiring strong time management and problem-solving skills. The questions were largely multi-step and concept-based, with major weightage given to Calculus, Algebra, and Geometry, making it challenging for students with slower calculation speed
The JEE Main Jan 21, shift 2, Mathematics analysis is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Lengthy and calculation-intensive |
| Question Type | Multi-step numerical and concept-based problems |
| Numerical Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Syllabus Focus | Calculus, Matrices & Determinants, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Probability |
| Important Topics Asked | Limits & Differentiation, Integrals, Matrices, 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Good Attempts | 10 to 13 questions |
| Student Experience | Time consuming and required strong calculation speed |
Also Read: How Many Correct Attempt is Required for 90 Percentile in JEE Main Shift 1?
JEE Main Session 1 Jan 21 Shift 2 Important Topics
The JEE Main Session 1 Jan 21 Shift 2 question paper featured a balanced distribution of topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a strong focus on core NCERT concepts and frequently tested chapters.
The JEE Main session 1 shift 2 paper tested both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, covering key areas such as thermodynamics, calculus, organic chemistry, and modern physics. Given below is the section-wise list of important topics that appeared in the Jan 21 Shift 2 paper, which can help you identify high-priority chapters for upcoming shifts:
| Subject | Important Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Physics | Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work–Energy–Power, Current Electricity, Capacitors, Magnetism and Magnetic Effects of Current, Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Dual Nature of Matter, Atoms and Nuclei |
| Chemistry | Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Coordination Compounds, Periodic Trends, Chemical Bonding, Organic Reaction Mechanism, Alcohols Phenols and Ethers, Biomolecules |
| Mathematics | Limits and Continuity, Differentiation and Applications of Derivatives, Indefinite and Definite Integrals, Matrices and Determinants, Vector Algebra, 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Probability |
Strategy Tips for Next JEE Main Shifts
As the shift ends, here are some tips that will help you to prepare well for the future JEE Main Shifts:
- Check previous shift analysis: Analyze memory-based questions from previous shifts to identify repeated concepts and high-weightage chapters likely to reappear.
- Revise high-weightage topics: Prioritize high-probability chapters in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics that have appeared consistently across earlier shifts.
- Avoid starting anything new: Focus on revising already-studied topics rather than starting new chapters to improve accuracy and confidence.
- Analyse memory-based questions: Use previous shift memory-based questions for practice to recognize repeated numerical patterns, graphs, and concept framing.
- Revise NCERT books: Thoroughly read NCERT, especially for Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, as many questions are directly picked from it.
- Manage Time: Improve exam performance by attempting easy, direct questions first and avoiding time-consuming ones initially.
- Have a short formula note: Revise concise formula sheets daily to strengthen recall under exam pressure.
- Make an error log: Attempt at least one previous shift paper or PYQ set daily and analyze mistakes and time management.
Expect a balanced, easy-to-moderate paper and avoid unnecessary stress over difficulty variations. Maintain mental freshness with proper sleep, limited last-day revision, and a calm, confident mindset.
Conclusion
With shift 2 of JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 being moderate in difficulty and following a familiar pattern, you can use the analysis of previous shifts to fine-tune your preparation for upcoming shits. Focus on high-weightage and frequently asked topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, revise NCERT concepts thoroughly, and prioritize time-bound practice to improve speed and accuracy.
