Get a detailed analysis of the JEE Main January 22 Shift 1 question paper, including subject-wise difficulty level, important topics asked, good attempts, and overall exam review.
The JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 exam concluded at 12 PM. The exam was conducted smoothly by NTA. The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main January 22 Shift 1 question paper was moderate. As per the students' reviews, the question paper followed mostly the NCERT-based concepts and numericals, especially from Class 12th.
Mathematics was difficult and lengthy, especially calculus, while Physics was easy and scoring. Chemistry was moderate and NCERT-based, with some tricky numericals. Good attempts were around 40–41. This article will help candidates appearing in upcoming shifts or future attempts to analyse the JEE Main paper and check the difficulty level, topic-wise, and scoring strategies.
JEE Main 2026 Question Paper Analysis (Jan 22 Shift 1)
The question paper consisted of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a total of 90 questions, out of which 75 were to be attempted.
Paper Structure:
- Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Section B: Numerical Value-Based Questions
- Equal distribution of questions across all three subjects
The JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift one question paper was moderate in difficulty level. Mathematics was the toughest section, followed by chemistry and physics. The mathematics questions were lengthy and time-consuming, especially for calculus. There were questions asked on topics like probability and complex numbers. Physics was a little easier, and scoring. And covered topics like modern physics, capacitors, and thermodynamics. The chemistry subject was moderate but tricky. With mixed questions from inorganic, organic and physical chemistry parts.
The JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 question paper memory-based questions are added in the PDF.
| JEE Main Jan 22, Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF |
JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 1 Difficulty Level Comparison with Previous Shifts
When compared to previous JEE Main January shifts (2024–2025 trends), the January 22 Shift 1 paper was:
|
Comparison Bases |
January 22 Shift 1 Analysis |
|
Comparison with Maths-Heavy Shifts |
Easier overall, as only 12 tough maths questions; less formula-intensive than typical maths-heavy shifts. |
|
Comparison with Moderate Shifts |
Similar in overall difficulty, balanced across subjects with moderate maths and chemistry challenges. |
|
Surprise / Tricky Questions |
Some tricky calculus questions in Maths and time-consuming organic numericals in Chemistry. |
|
Out-of-Syllabus Questions |
None; the entire paper was strictly NCERT-based. |
|
Overall Fairness |
Fair and balanced; scoring was possible for students with proper time management. |
The overall subject-wise difficulty was as follows:
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Physics | Easy; questions from modern physics, capacitors, and thermodynamics; NCERT-based and scoring |
| Chemistry | Moderate; tricky numericals, organic chemistry time-consuming, electrochemistry easy; balanced across inorganic, organic, and physical |
| Mathematics | Difficult, lengthy, and time-consuming, especially calculus, questions from probability and complex numbers; -12 good attempts |
| Overall | Moderate; manageable with good time management, overall good attempts -40–41 |
JEE Main Jan 22, Shift 1 Subject-Wise Topic Weightage & Trends
The JEE Main Jan 22, Shift 1, subject-wise analysis has been added below:
JEE Main Physics
The JEE Main Jan 22, Shift 1 physics analysis is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Easy and scoring; straightforward NCERT-based questions |
| Question Type | Mostly numerical and conceptual; formula-based questions with direct substitution |
| Numerical Level | Moderate; simple calculations, no lengthy derivations |
| Syllabus Focus | Modern Physics, Capacitors, Thermodynamics |
| Important Topics Asked | Modern Physics, Capacitors, Thermodynamics |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Good Attempts | 18–19 questions |
| Student Experience | Students found it manageable and scoring; preparation focused on NCERT formulas helped them complete questions quickly |
JEE Main Chemistry
The JEE Main Jan 22, Shift 1 Chemistry analysis is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Moderate; balanced mix of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; NCERT-based |
| Question Type | Mix of numerical and conceptual questions; some tricky and time-consuming organic numericals |
| Numerical Level | Moderate to Difficult; some numericals required careful calculations |
| Syllabus Focus | Inorganic, Organic, Physical Chemistry; Electrochemistry, Mole Concept, Chemical Calculations |
| Important Topics Asked | Electrochemistry (easy), Organic Chemistry (time-consuming), Mole Concept, General Inorganic and Physical Chemistry |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate; organic chemistry was more time-consuming |
| Good Attempts | 13–15 questions |
| Student Experience | Students found chemistry manageable overall, but organic numericals required extra time; NCERT revision helped them attempt most questions |
JEE Main Mathematics
The JEE Main Jan 22, Shift 1 Mathematics analysis is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Nature | Difficult and lengthy; time-consuming, especially calculus-based questions |
| Question Type | Numerical and formula-based; a mix of standard and tricky problems from calculus, probability, and complex numbers |
| Numerical Level | Moderate to Difficult; required multiple steps and careful calculations |
| Syllabus Focus | Calculus, Probability, Complex Numbers, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors |
| Important Topics Asked | Calculus (most time-consuming), Probability, Complex Numbers |
| Difficulty Level | Difficult |
| Good Attempts | 12 questions |
| Student Experience | Students found it lengthy and challenging; proper formula revision and practice helped attempt the scoring questions, but time management was crucial |
Strategy Tips for Next JEE Main Shifts
As the shift ends, these are some tips that will help you to prepare well for the future JEE Main Shifts:
1. Prioritise NCERT
Most of the chemistry syllabus is taken from the NCERT books directly. Make sure to revise and prioritise the NCERT line by line.
2. Maximise Scoring Sections
Attempt the chemistry exam first, followed by physics and then mathematics, as easy subjects solving can lead to securing some marks,s which will reduce pressure.
3. Be Selective in Mathematics
Avoid spending a lot of time on lengthy questions. Attempt familiar and revised topics like vectors and probability first
4. Focus on Accuracy
Avoid making guesses in numerical-based questions, as negative marking can pull down your score.
Conclusion
The JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift 1 paper was of a moderate difficulty level. Maths was the most challenging and time-consuming subject due to topics like calculus, probability, and complex numbers. Physics was easy and scoring, with questions from modern physics, capacitors, and thermodynamics. Chemistry was moderate, with organic numerals requiring extra time. If you're appearing for future shifts, focus on NCERT-based topics and practice time management, especially for maths.
The paper was fair and balanced, with around 40-41 good attempts.
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Overall Difficulty: Moderate -
Toughest Section: Mathematics (lengthy, calculus) -
Easiest Section: Physics (scoring, NCERT-based) -
Good Attempts: Around 40–41 questions
